April is a Taxing Month...

Pun intended! At least those who, like this blog author, must deal with the Internal Revenue Service here in the Good Ol' USA, would agree with the title of this post.

And this is one of many matters which have gotten between me and Father Time, this month; as well as many other chores, obligations, family and friend issues - fortunately nothing life-threatening or life-changing - and have made it very unlikely the usual reminiscence and bygone memories-filled post will become reality before the end of the month. The subject to be discussed requires thorough research and preparation to do it justice. Since yours truly is a firm believer in "quality before quantity," the planned post could not in good conscience just be slapped together. Therefore it will not be cobbled together carelessly. It should be ready for May publishing. Maybe? No, it will be done, God willing and with Father Time's cooperation. Bear with me this once, dear readers.

Instead, a little unusual post, hopefully short and sweet, out of character with the theme of this blog perhaps, is offered. Events in the past few weeks, and especially in the last few days have gotten your blogger down a bit, and have caused him to do some thinking - too much perhaps - and get a bit philosophical, pondering why bad things happen to good people, whether they are students cut down by a madman in the prime of life and intellect, or decent Habaneros and other Cubanos slowly being strangled and stifled at the hands of human predators who do not wish to allow them a life; or blogger brothers and sisters tearing each other up, rather than making common cause against the common enemy...

This anecdote, courtesy of a dear friend, sums it up perfectly - at least for me, at this time; sums it up because it points the way out of the strife, the turmoil, the violence, the agitation and restlessness of these times. Perhaps too simplistic, but simple lessons often hide deep wisdom by which we can all benefit. Starting with me.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The wise old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Which wolf are you feeding? I know I am having a lot of trouble feeding the Good Wolf within me...let us be careful not to feed the Evil Wolf within - lest it devour us instead.