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excluding


I spent the morning at the garage getting some stuff done on my car and had the opportunity to finish the book, Sex God, by Rob Bell. Some really good stuff in there. One of the things he talks about is the power of exclusivity. He points out that the language of much of the Bible when it speaks of someone's relationship with God is the language of marriage. The ten commandments are set up as a marriage agreement, outlining what is expected from the participants to make the union last and be all it should be. Is it any surprise then that the first item is one that precludes taking other lovers or objects of affection? There is a power of exclusivity that I think we miss out on all too often because it is popular to be inclusive and tolerant. Through the media, we get the message that it is normal and healthy to pursue many relationships and to tell intimate details to friends and strangers alike. Reality TV lets us see more than we should about people's lives. The 100% giving of yourself to some special one, of sharing things that no one else sees or knows, is a rare thing these days.

I tend to be an exclusive person more than an inclusive one, and I have often seen that as a fault. But today I realised that it is in fact a longing to be wholehearted, to give myself totally to one, to have my friendships be meaningful and lasting, and to develop things that are deep and faithful and strong. The things in my life are precious due in part to the fact that I do not give them away to everyone. I am not referring to the healthy practise of living a transparent life before others, for we should all be honest and open about our journey, but let some things be sacred, intimate, and special. Let there be a language, an exchange, between lovers, between you and your God, that no one else hears or sees.

This is a snowy tree in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

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