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Ear fool
Off the
Wall
Oct. 4,
2007
I happened to chance upon a scripture verse recently
that explained in so many words what should be done if our body
parts cause us to sin. In Matthew 18: 6 it reads "If your
hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled than
with two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire."
Now, most of us know that is not to be taken literally,
for if it was, there would be a lot of people walking around
with different parts of their bodies missing, including feet,
knees, arms, lips, eyes and even ears.
I think if I had to eliminate one of those fleshy
necessities, it would have to be my ears.
There surely is a lot of junk out there anymore that is causing
me to cringe every time I hear it. But then, I would have to
learn sign language.
In talking about this sensory organ reminded me
of two different sets of people who have developed bad habits.
I have tolerated their short-comings, but I'm sure many people
don't. I have labeled them "Ear fools." We've all bumped
into these folks maybe at parties, reunions or political functions.
Has anyone come up to you, initiate the conversation,
keep it rolling, and then turn around and walk away leaving you
talking in your midst? He knows you are talking, but he has other
interests which I'm sure are not "nature" related.
I can just surmise the gab session went flat and he decided to
seek a livelier party to whom to talk.
Another type is a man or woman who will come up
to you at a function, proceed to talk, all the time looking around
to see who is at the event in case a substitution needs to be
made promptly. This person will stand there with his or hands
folded on their chest, even raising their chin above you head
hoping there is someone (who knows) more attractive behind you.
They want you to talk to them to occupy their time to fill the
moment. If ever there is an ear fool, this person has obviously
left his mark.
Imagine what would have happened if some of the
great comedians never got a laugh? They probably wouldn't have
strived to continue, and we wouldn't be able to look back on
such greats as Paul Lynde, Carol Burnett or Tim Conroy.
I have learned that I have to limit my humorous
story telling to a select group of people.
At one time, I used to relate anecdotes to anybody, but since
have found that if I tell a clean story, someone will more than
likely follow up with a dirty one. The ear fools will let you
tell your clean one just so they can slam you with the off color
ones.
Quite a number of years ago, a gent told me if I
wanted to ever know how to tell whether or not a train was coming,
put your ear on the railroad track. If you heard the vibration,
more than likely it was on its way. I'd follow that up by saying
that more than likely you just might end up with a smashed head
as well! Not on the top of my list as those things I'd recommend.
I know I have touched on this before, but those
who actually feed off gossip are the biggest ear fools that I
know. Don't encourage it refuse to be a part of it
don't like it.
But never call a true friend an ear fool, for here
is a person who will always be attentive to what is on your heart
(tongue), whether it has to do with a relationship, health or
a work issue. An ear fool will not care. But one who is compassion
will. Treasure him.
-30-
Paul j. volkmann
08/17/08
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