THE NEXT CONVERSATION*

(Jefferson Fisher’s book)

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Reminders from my father up above

have come to me the last few days. I hear

what he is saying, teaching me, so love

can be extended from me far & near:

A focus when I'm in a conversa-

-tion, on the person - to relate to them

as neighbour in God’s world, by what I say,

and how I say it, yes, more how and when,

and even more by what & how I DO..

which comes out from the WHY I’m hear at all.

That simple adage*, lived by just a few

and focussed on God’s chosen one, no small

or insignificant, unhelpful thing!

And then explored by those who’ve found what works.

The lack of which I’ve seen in what I bring 

to conversations, when I am a jerk.

So here’s the next few steps in exploring

the way of truly human ones on Earth:

• Note my own body’s cues and what they string

along to folk around me since my birth.

• then take the time to get my head back straight 

to purposes I am committed to

• and let my curiosity relate

as wild beast that is curious - to you.

Be willing to rule systems I am in.

To tell them where they can come, and then can’t.

And take the ride I’m given with a grin,

I may be quite amazed. Don’t be alarmed!

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Footnotes

n* - re-reading; & up to 15 min into Chapter One (Never win an argument)

e* - probably (in my estimation) from Jesus Christ’s next oldest little brother (Mark 6:3) James, from the book by that name, James ch 1:19-27, as summarised in the starting sentence of those three paragraphs: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone of you should be quick to.., slow to .., and slow to.. .”(verse 19)

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