I went to the Quaker Meeting today, as I've been trying to do lately. In the hope of settling my mind, I took my gorgeously decorated shirt in with me and sewed on it for a few minutes. That usually does a good job of calming me down.
As I sewed, I wondered if what I was doing would be distracting or offensive to anyone else as they entered the Meeting room one by one. Was it appropriate?
I also considered the thought that the bright colors and distinctive appearance of the shirt were severely dissonant to the practice of the earliest Quakers, although I recognized that as a nonsensical objection.
From there, I went on to think about the trivial vs. the essential, the broad issue of what is important and must be kept in mind, as opposed to that which was merely habit or tradition.
For instance, the very amusing Unitarian Jihad has been the target of criticism by Unitarians and others who have no sense of humor. One Quaker commentator primly (and irrelevantly) scolded the Unitarians for their Unitarianism, apparently under the mistaken impression that all Quakers are Trinitarians (so far as I know, it's still a matter of discussion whether all Quakers have to be Christians).
Thoughtfully,
John (aka Brother Log Chain of Patience)
//The Magic 8-Ball says "No."\\
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