Fahrenheit 451 and Being an Odd Duck

I read it for the first time about 13 years ago and picked up a copy at the Fayetteville Public Library yesterday immediately after reading this post. Finished it today.

The book speaks for itself, really. It is/was eerily prophetic and proclaims uncomfortable truth. In this post, I want to share only one excerpt that stands out to me.

Beatty speaking: . . ."Heredity and environment are funny things. You can't rid yourselves of all the odd ducks in just a few years. The home environment can undo a lot you try to do at school. That's why we've lowered the kindergarten age year after year until now we're almost snatching them from the cradle. . ."

The odd ducks are the world-changers and heroes of this world. I hope and pray that we are raising odd ducks in our home.

If it's been a while, you should definitely read Fahrenheit 451. It could change your life.

Follow Up Visit

I went to the dermatologist today for a skin cancer screening. Skin cancer runs in my family, so I'm pretty used to getting screened every now and then. Today, I went to a different clinic, and I was cheerfully talking with the doc about how my dad once had to have a mole removed from the bottom of his foot and was on crutches for a time. The doctor says to me, "Be careful what you joke about because I am going to have to take this [microscopic] mole off of your toe to biopsy it." Serves me right, I guess.

Now, just to be clear, I am not concerned about this biopsy. First of all, I trust God with the results and know that He's in charge of my health. And secondly, I understood the main reason for the removal of the mole was that it was in a place that I don't/can't see in order to notice it if it does in fact change. And this is my fifth biopsy (not all skin-related). That brings up a question: How many biopsies does a person typically have in her lifetime? I am kind of hoping I have reached my quota. A related question is this: are doctors biopsy-happy, ordering biopsies for every little thing just to be on the safe side? And if so, how does this affect our overall well-being and care?

After my brief and simple procedure, the nurse, doctor and receptionist all "invited" me to come back for a follow up visit in 2 months, 1 month or 1 year for another screening. I became confused since all the recommendations were different. Why do I need a follow up exactly? If this biopsy comes back benign, what do I need to see the doctor about? Oh, he wants to be sure that the wound has healed properly. I'm pretty sure I can check that myself. If I'm having a problem, I'll come back in. No need to charge me $40 and my insurance company another $60 to $100. I certainly don't mind going to the doctor when I need it, but this seems like overkill. It's not as if I had major surgery or even stitches. I came home with a standard-sized band-aid and no medication. I think I've got it under control.

Bittersweet

Participating in the process of hiring a new lead pastor for our church is bittersweet. I didn't expect to feel emotional about it, but I do. I am eagerly anticipating the next season for The Grove. I sense that God is going to do amazing things, and I am not going to be here to experience them. But it's not about me is it? I am truly rejoicing for my friends and partners in ministry.

April 30

The federal homebuyers' incentive deadline has come and gone. But that's okay because I know that God doesn't need that incentive to sell our house. He'll sell it when He's good and ready and when we're good and ready. I'm not going to pretend that I don't wish that someone would make a reasonable offer. I do. But I trust God's timing, and I trust that He is working on me and my family--teaching us to trust Him more, helping us to get over the illusion that we are in control, prompting us to seek healthy closure here in Northwest Arkansas.

Whatever happens with our house, whenever it happens, God has a plan.