Sabbath Messages | Sabbath Message: January 10, 2004

Good Sabbath

January 10, 2004

It was like a "lost weekend"; I had been trapped in my hotel for two extra days-besides the three I was scheduled for, this business trip. Victoria, British Columbia is usually one of the most beautiful places I know. I arrived in early northern darkness on Saturday late afternoon, preceding a snow and ice storm. I went to see property on the harbor the next day and was struck by how foreboding the sky looked and which darkness exaggerated. Water is very human; you can't tell its mood or how deep it runs, or how angry it is, or how dangerous it may be to innocent souls.

Anyway, by Monday, the snow and ice paid their visit and field work was out of the question. The weather closed down Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria. I managed some nearby meetings with friendly souls and then went into hibernation. The hotel was a smaller, European-style, with a chef who was a magician. (A magician is a cook who prepares food I never eat so brilliantly that I can't wait to order it at home.)

Thank You, dear God
For the food You provide
For the sense of appreciation I have for those who are bereft of it.

Then the cancellations began to take shape. Each call to the airlines, each TV station now focused on conditions that would take control over my life. I had brought my arctic boots with me, at my dear Wife's suggestion, as well as an overcoat built for winter, so I was in great shape there.

Ah, but my mind is not built for blackness nor Mother Nature's distress; walking became a problem as piled-up snow, on overflowing streets, greeted my feet. (I always think of people who have trouble walking in ordinary conditions, and frequently chide others for criticizing legislated access. Unless you fast, you cannot possibly understand hunger; unless you are handicapped, you cannot comprehend how complicated simple locomotion can prove to be.

So, my hibernation meant that I would buy books and begin writing and reading. "Victoria" was a pictorial book on this gorgeous place, with history and discovery intermingling.It was named after the great British Queen and was acclaimed by its discoverer, James Douglas, as "a perfect Eden". I was witness to its imperfection.

As I pondered how to use certain subject land, I also began reading "My War Gone By, I Miss It So," by Anthony Lloyd". This war photographer and writer described his evolution in his profession and particularly his involuntary maturation as he ventured through the war-savaged, ugly, cruel conflict, known as Bosnia. It will never become "All Quiet on the Western Front", because of the terrible, inhumanity played by all the sides--whether Serb, Croat or Muslim--war gave an "excuse" for humankind to lose their civility, their biblical beliefs, their compassion, their restraint. Survival replaces all other human necessities. Faith is replaced by the intensity of hatred, and human slips several notches down into hell, with many emulating the devil.

"War, that mad game the world so loves to play." (Swift)
"War is the business of barbarians." (Napoleon)

After two days of cancelled flights, I finally was able to leave on Thursday, making friends with several strangers who had ended their hibernation. I shared a row with a young USMarine, whom I watched as he fell fast-asleep, totally exhausted. Ironically, he looked as peaceful as dead. and I loved without knowing him. He reminded me of Bill, my wonderful friend, a Marine officer with magnificent wife and family, about whom I worried as if he were my son.

Loneliness is best ended through shared experiences of relief. And there was my Redhead, my incredible Frances, waiting for me, and I knew that my blessings would continue. "Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss." (Milton)

"The treasures of the deep are not so precious as are the concealed comforts of a man locked up in a woman's love." (Middleton)

I believe that a man knows no greater moment than--when apart--thinking of his love, unknowing about what Madam Fate has planned for the next battle.

In my early days of building my business, I traveled too much and thought lightly of being away for stretches of time. I really hated it but I put up with it. If I had it to do over, I never would! So when a long three-day trip stretched into five, it reminded me of how fortunate I am that I would be home soon-- sooner than our youngsters in Iraq and soldiers any where.

"Man while he loves is never quite depraved." (Lamb)

Having just seen "Cold Mountain", I so sympathized with the Confederate soldier who made his impossible way back to his love. His woman and he shared an exquisite loneliness visualizing the time they would be together again. I am a romantic, obviously, though I have no love for the pragmatist who simply cannot understand the man who turns from a hunter into a poet, or a writer of life's experiences.

No matter how cruelly Madam Fate behaves, the romantic searches for her softness, her loveliness, her compassion within the passion.

"I have enjoyed the happiness of the world; I have lived and loved." (Schiller)

So I was home and recounted my adventure to Frances who listened patiently.

"Thank You, O Lord
For her patience--
and Yours.

Early the next day I was off to LA to speak at a client's retreat. Of course I was up to this as I had reflected on my subject, making notes on a paper napkin and which I shared with a small audience of leaders. At those moments, you need so desperately to make certain that they understand the true passion of your thoughts, sharing life's lessons, and translating them into a business environment. Business is all too often life's battleground, with the casualty being one's moral fiber and ethical spirit.

Too often, business achievement is the love affair and money the mistress no matter to which god you pray.

Make this Sabbath like returning from a long trip.

sandy