"Our joy and happiness comes from relating with other people. We've probably learned along the way with whom we best relate to, the book or the person." - Alex Burdine Right now, I'm in the midst of a read-a-thon. I've been consuming a lot lately: "The Winter of Our Discontent" - John Steinbeck "The Great Divorce" - C.S. Lewis "Through the Screen Darkly" - Jeffery Overstreet In each of these books, I found myself incredibly drawn to each of the main characters. I think it revealed really how much I seek to identify myself with others. In this case, it's the book I choose to relate to. It doesn't seem to be a comparison game, like "am I as good as....." or anything like that. Instead, what makes this character choose the things he does? Do I do that? and consistently, I have found myself in these books. I do this with people in real life a lot. I play the "what would I do if I were..." game. Do I have all the pieces of the puzzle? Do I have the same experiences, upbringing, family, etc as that person? no, but I think it helps me make decisions in my own life. Anyway, I walk away confirmed in my belief that we are beings of "relation" and our satisfaction comes from when we are at best in relation with those we love: Our family, Our friends, Our God. Here are two really good lines from Steinbeck: “She is the wellest wife in the world until she is sick, which isn’t often, and then she is the sickest wife in the world.” “Everybody knows that coffee outranks tea…and as it turns out, whiskey outranks everybody” My new favorite word that I've heard in two different places (one CD, one book): Sate - To satisfy fully.
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