By Rev. Michael Glidden
Jarred and shocked…I scrolled through the news reel…listening…and hearing
…assassination attempt. senseless.
The 70’s were peaceful times in Calais Maine. My father and I would get our haircuts at the small barber shop on Main Street.
The barber pole was a dancing swirl of colors as the old men gathered for a haircut. Aftershave lingers in the air like lilac...the sound of the razor against leather.
Great conversations. Bob Stanley gave up another save. Jimmy Carter keeps raising gas prices. God forbid 88 cents a gallon.
Laughter echoed with a the smell of smoke. The barber shop was “cheers” on Maine street.
Gramps got his haircut at Red’s in Calais. “Red” was a surly crusty soul that talked and talked and talked. WW2…FDR…social security…the 46’ Sox
Gramps sat in the seat for an hour…listening
Politics and conversation mingled like potato salad and bologna on a hot summer day in late August. I can never remember an argument or heated discussions or feelings hurt.
My early years taught me about civility and tolerance and getting along with neighbors and friends and family. I’ve been wondering how the times have changed from 1974 to 2024. In 50 years, we went from civility and discussions to polarization, vitriol, and silence as crickets are often heard when a tough question is asked.
I saw George Washington at a bookstore in Freeport. He had shrunk considerably. He wanted to come and live in my funky room.
He’s the perfect patriot guarding my books and diplomas. I have a very small booklet that George wrote.
It’s on civility. This little booklet was given to me at the Masonic lodge in Kennebunk where I was raised in 2012. The words of Washington are simple.
He was writing during a time of great civil unrest. I find little books like these to be great treasures.
Washington’s wisdom on civility reminds me of the wisdom that you would find in the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament…
If you don’t have Washington near by, maybe one can find some “civility” teaching from King Solomon in the Old Testament.
Comments