PERCEPTIONS: Pie?
They say that in heaven, the streets are paved with gold. Down here we pave them with sweets. Sugar is as common as asphalt. There was a time when this was not so. My dad loves to tell the kids about a time when it was a big treat to get an orange in the bottom of his stocking; and about a time when his love for sweets drove him to crime.
With four kids and a tiny income, chocolate pie was a treat in the Robertson household. On one rare occasion, there was a leftover slice that had been put back into the refrigerator for safekeeping. Dad had a greedy eye on this prize and pulled off a heist. He tiptoed into the kitchen, opened the vault, and absconded with the treasure to his bedroom closet.
He underestimated the security system. Grandmother discovered the stash and administered some good old fashion western justice. She removed the leftover pie, went out to the pasture, and scooped up a cow pie. This was put on the plate, adorned with whipped cream, and restored to its secret hiding place. We still marvel at this perfect mixture of parenting and morality.
As a father, I am challenged by my grandmother’s example. My kids learn the most by laughing at themselves, admitting they are ridiculous without despairing over their wretched condition. It is the easiest thing in the world to scold, threaten and punish. None of these tactics is as effective in overcoming the fallen self as laughter.
There is an even deeper lesson here. In the end, everything that comes to us by greed, theft or deceit will turn to manure on us. Ill gotten gain will make us ill. I can’t help but look at all my stuff and wonder: Is it pie or is it cow pie?
