The Monticello Blues

"Always be thankful for your job." My dad said this earlier today as I was riding with him and my sister to an apple orchard near Monticello. . .you know. . .that building on the nickel. I'm on vacation, visiting my family in Virginia, and though dad was talking to my sister, his words hit me hard. It brought to mind all my ingratitude towards God - the good, true God of the Christians Who is the only lover of mankind. It brought to mind, and chastised me, for the way I have gradually lost control of my tongue since my baptism. Unlike the holy prophet Job, I am quick to complain and accuse God (and His servants). . .I'm afraid I would have likely agreed with Job's wife and died on the dunghill.

Dad had no idea he was speaking to me this morning. Which is good for both of us. If he had said it directly to me, it would have provoked self-justification and a stupid argument, mainly because I find it hard to admit I'm not perfect to my dad. (Uh. . .that could be the subject of a few posts all by itself.) But God even arranged that. Dad was talking to my sister, and being in the back seat I could lament my hard-heartedness in privacy and silence. I just hope dad doesn't read my blog. . .