I once knew a man named "One-Side Clyde" --
Knew as an acquaintance. I didn't know him inside.
He was always very busy -- winter, spring, summer, and fall.
From time to time, I would give him a call.
Over the years, our calls became the same.
They repeated a script, which caused me pain.
The call would open with my asking, "How are you?"
Clyde didn't talk with, but would rather talk to you.
I wasn't prepared for monologue, but with no breath at all,
The same scripted response came from his jaw:
"I'm busy, busy. I've been on the go
Since early this morning, but you wouldn't know.
There's no good time to talk, but this will have to do.
It's all about me; it's not about you.
I know what's best - my way or leave.
I've no time to wait on people as slow as they seem.
I'm moving forward, driving onward. I must!
If you're not with me, then I'll leave you in the dust.
I'm busy, busy, but I'll say this, too:
I have privilege. I have power. I'm better than you.
I have this. I have that. I'm popular. You're not.
I have what you have, but better. I'm hot.
I'm late. I can't talk. Gotta go have I."
I hang up the phone as I had in the past.
He never asked how I am. He was first. I was last.
I heard Clyde's side, but he doesn't hear mine.
When others call you, do you give them the time?
Do you ask how they are and lend them an ear?
Or do you steamroll over them and refuse to hear?
Do you realize it's not about you, but God above?
He wants you to put others first and act out of love.
Do you talk to others or do you converse with?
Do you wonder about the quality of your relationships if…?
Do you invest in others as on your journey you go?
Do you let your yes be your yes and your no be your no?
Do you edify, build up or do you cause strife?
Do you allow others to come along and speak into your life?
Where are you seeking your treasured reward?
From men or from Heaven? Whom do you move toward?
A man of many companions may come to fall,
But there is a friend on whom you can call.
The exalted will be humbled; the humbled lifted up.
What kind of quaff do you hold in your cup?
A man confronted me in my time of pride
So I could cease being a "One-Side Clyde."
Find someone to whom you can confess and confide.
Stop leaving others in your wake by the side.
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:16)
"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
"A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
"He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:28-30)
"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:3-5)
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." (Matthew 6:1)
Icthus Library: Personal Works
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