My grandfathers clock

My grandfather passed away recently, I wrote this eulogy…

To some of us Johan Gerhard Neumann was known as Gramps, to others Dad and to others as 'Joop'. To one very special person He was known as ‘love’. All these expressions of identity by their very implication set the theme of this eulogy.

My grandfather was a man of many coats...

He wore the coat of a friend
This coat was warm, lined with smiles and laughter. Stitched with good humor, its’ buttons bore the mark of mischievous playfulness. A very fine coat indeed!

He wore the coat of a father
The coat of a father is a mysterious thing. At times it is soft like cashmere at others tough like leather. His was one of provision and care.

He wore the coat of a grandfather
Well worn even threadbare in places. This coat was a coat of stories, laughs, ‘spoils’ and fun; definitely a favorite.

He wore the coat of a husband
This is the most elegant of all his coats, definitely the oldest. It is hand woven with commitment. Soft creases and folds speak of its comfort. It’s lining closest to the heart of the one who saw him wear it most often; their love leaves a legacy.

Gently, as he now wears the coat of passing, he leaves us with our coat, his mantle if you will; this is a coat of fond memories.

a jack of all trades

Some would say the master of none. To me this is like the: “Is the glass half full or half empty?” discussion. Each of us has the God given ability to choose. The result is we tend to see things from different perspectives. The dilemma… Who’s right?

Diversity of perspective has by some been regarded as the ‘seeds of rebellion’ and ‘heresy’. Yet many of these so called heresies have resulted in the positive growth of society and life.

In my opinion, finite man in and of himself does not and cannot have absolute perspective. We are forced to rely on the perspectives of others to get a more complete picture of the whole. This then changes the question from “who’s right?’ to “what are you seeing that I'm not?”

Perhaps this is why Solomon said, "arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel."

Fresh air

Several people have asked me why I’ve not tied my blog to a specific theme. The answer is simple really… I like diversity.

God’s universe is diverse why should mine be any different.

Which incidentally brings me to my next thought. Exclusiveness tends to breed selfishness. Unfortunately, I cannot claim it to be original (then again how many thoughts truly are?) I stumbled on this little gem while reading Leadership is an Art. Exclusivity is the enemy of diversity; it is by its very nature defining. It brings bondage and death and sets itself up as the authority.

Diversity on the other hand does not usurp authority, rather it embraces it. In doing so it brings freedom, which like fresh air when breathed encourages people to find new means of expression and life.

"...and so it begins."

In what rates as one of my favourite films Theodin, King of Rohan utters the words "...and so it begins..." before a major battle (which, incidently they win.) The way the characters in the film, (who in this particular fight are hoplessly outnumbered) face their fears and overcome has become an inspiration to me to face my own.

Venturing into 'blogosphere' has been no easy thing for me. The reasons for this I'm at this stage unable to accurately articulate. However, facing the fear was easier than I thought. Hopefully finding meaningful things too say will be just as easy.

And so it begins... good to have you with me.