Beech Tree News Network

One description of a forum is where in ancient Roman time’s men of the city got together on occasion for open discussion on current questions and happenings, politics, the economy-but perhaps not local gossip; maybe a little deeper.
In this vein and in a stretch we could maybe be allowed to call our lives a forum to same degree; along with our experience, our precepts, ideas, and ideals of the world around us.  Presidential speech writer, Peggy Noonan, wrote a book called, “What I Saw on the Way to the Forum.”  The message put forth was what she saw on the way to the forum was more important than arriving at the forum itself. 
My old friend Sam Kent, one time County Agricultural Agent of Butler County, was frequently criticized for lateness at meetings. Chances are Sam saw things on the way to the meeting needing more attention than the meeting: somebody’s car needed a battery jump, a sick person, or a person with an injury, or a need of some kind.  People were important to Sam Kent, not meetings. 
If we read the Bible story of what has become known as the Story of the Good Samaritan: A man came down from Jerico and was set-upon by thieves.  He was robbed and beaten, thrown into a ditch and left for dead.  Several people passed him by and made no offer of help.  Ironically a priest, “on his way to the temple to pray”, only glanced at the suffering man, and passed him on the opposite side of the road. 
Finally a Samaritan came and ministered to the injured man, bound up his wounds and took him to safety to an inn.  Another irony was there was no love lost between the Jews and the Samaritans at that time.  The bible tells us: “God sent his son into the world- that the world through Him might be saved.”  God didn’t send a forum or a committee.  I’m glad.
 May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always be at your back
May the warm sun shine upon your face
And the soft rain fall upon your fields
Until then may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
                            Kindest regards….