Something happened in Sunday School today, but it's pertinent here, I believe [View all]

You all know by now that I live in RedNeckLand, though I'd never use the term locally. Most Sundays I walk just a stone's throw over to a 1904 UMC for services, and let's say we've had "discussions" in the past about what was appropriate subject matter on the Lord's Day in what's supposed to be His house of worship.

I'd hoped that devisive politics would never intrude again after my quiet insistence had originally drawn such heated resentment. But today the substitute teacher led the class in a lesson on hubris. He just couldn't resist saying that the two entities he believed most in defiance of God were Satan and Barack Obama.

Considering how I feel about that sort of attitude, I surprised myself by yet another quiet and unexpectedly congenial response. I sighed, shook my head, and said softly, "My dear brother in Christ, you have no idea how deeply mistaken you are, but I forgive you." Turned my brightest smile on him, too. It was either that or rip his throat out.

When he processed the initial shock of being forgiven for what he considered holy thoughts, he laughed and said "Thank you, whether I need forgiving or not. I just wanted to make sure you know how I feel."

I answered, "Mike, nobody here needs to be told how you feel about President Obama. The rest of the class agrees with you, and I'm quite well aware of where I live."

He really laughed then, but had to repeat that he needed to say what he thinks. I just reminded him patiently that this was neither the day nor the venue to air partisan politics at all, and luckily we left it at that because I don't think a few more sentences would've kept us so polite to one another.

If you don't think I literally LIVE for the day that man recants, however, you've been into the 'shrooms again!

BTW, I read where our state WILL participate in the exchanges after all, even though I know the GOP will do everything possible to screw things up. So before the deadline for the next weekly paper edition, I have to get out a letter with that grandfathering info I read in another person's recent OP here. I thank you very much for that, although right now I can't remember exactly who it was because we had a carry-in today and I've overdosed on fried chicken and chocolate cheesecake. I really overate as usual at these events; at least I will resist reciting the recipie for my contribution.

Uhhhh ... where's the pepto?