Marcus A and Marcus B

As I looked over my past several posts, I noticed a no-so-hard-to-see pattern.

I've spent a lot of time talking about books.

The older I get, the more I appreciate the gift of literature.

I recently entered this writing game myself, so I notice that I now approach reading with greater attention and intention.

And as I practice this new interest in reading and writing, I appreciate those who came before me.

I enjoy seeing how they organize their thoughts and present the great gift of wisdom in their books.

Reading goes slowly for me.

As does my writing.

And I am okay with that.

This pace suits me and this point in my life as a reader and a writer.

This pace allows me to explore and digest the process in greater depth.

I can tap into the wisdom more deeply in hopes that I can participate in this generational practice of gaining and giving wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift revealed to us through experience, conversation, and revelation.

I have found the only appropriate response to receiving this gift is to be grateful for it, then to pass it on.

I recently finished Marcus Borg's book, Convictions: how I learned what matters most.

Probably the most important book I've re-read in some time.

Perfect for where I currently find myself in the "second half of life."

And when I finished his book, I turned to Marcus Aurelius's, Meditations.

The connection between these books is quite clear.

They contain great wisdom useful for these men on their life journeys.

They gained and gave useful life lessons in words and in action.

These lessons are valuable to all of us who wish to live life well or at least better.

As a novice writer, I am grateful for the gift.

This generational gift that I can participate in.

That we all can and should participate in.

Gaining wisdom for our own gain.

Giving wisdom to those around us now and those to come.

There are great truths we learn through experience, conversation, and revelation.

I have found the only appropriate response to receiving this gift is to be grateful for it, then to pass it on.

Thank you, Marcus and Marcus.

Thank you for your stewardship of this wisdom.

May we also be seekers, finders, and stewards as well.