“A pessimist can never be unpleasantly surprised” is a simple truth that reveals an underlying calculus that has infected us all to lesser and greater degrees. “One good turn deserves another” is another operating principle that underlies our decision making and behaviour, both emotional and rational. But I hadn’t put them in the category of sin until I was chatting with Jesus about his math.

Imagine yourself in “anytown” Ukraine where for 348 consecutive days your lot has been air raid signals, explosions, death and destruction, power and heat shortages, family upheaval, your adult children engaged in the army, other family members refugees in other nations – and you are left to do whatever is your occupation with what is left of the economy and social infrastructure. And attend the funerals of loved ones.  

We were confined to quarters last week awaiting negative tests and absence of symptoms so the links of family and friends kept us on a positive trajectory. I am unaccustomed to being designated positive and will be glad to return to my normal state of negativity.

Chatting with Susan on a drive home from Ottawa last week I noodled that living to a ripe old age might leave us bruised. To live long and healthy is a cultural goal but it ignores reality. The assumed stability of our lives may be blown wide open with events outside our control.

Awhile back Susan showed me some letters I sent her when we were teenagers in love. She was at camp, and I was arranging to bring her home along with my brother who is 5 years younger than me. It was embarrassing to read what I wrote – I was a pompous ass and very unkind in some comments about my brother. No wonder he says he’s been in counselling all his life with me as his older brother.