Some people say that a clear sky is blue ...

...or is it scattered light??

Okay, there are a few clouds ...a few scattered clouds. 

And likewise, in life, just when we think things are totally clear, there are a few remaining clouded issues. 

But, back to the blue sky ...although the white billowy clouds and the feathery ones do add character to the sky, let's look only to the beautiful blue sky.  Isn't it often easier to just pretend things are clear?

It depends on whether you take the scientific approach. (And scientifically, the clouds described are called cumulus and cirrus ...though I did say we were focusing only on the sky.)

But, what color the sky is ...is not a matter of personal taste. You may prefer a different color sky, but it is what it is.

Okay, my neck was getting sore ...so I stretched out on the grass, looking up.  But, now the ants have found me.  Forget the sky ...I've just picked up the scent of freshly baked pie.  A couple firm brushes with my hand, and I'm rid of the ants.

Now, if your opinion is what matters most to you, then perhaps the conversation should be what your favorite flavor of pie is.

I agree with what some people say, that the best pie is apple ...but my kids would probably vote for chocolate.  There could be a vote, with tallying ...sort of making it a bit scientific, but I still say it is merely called preference.

Now, I'm not willing to forfeit my membership and coveted standing within the high ranks of chocolate consumers. I don't own any stock in chocolate ...its dividends merely make me a bit stocky.

It's just that I have a preference, and favor dark chocolate ... all by itself, preferably 60% cocoa.  And as much as 80%.  And I will likely eat 100% of what I don't have to share.

But, one last note on pies ...before you lose your appetite for this conversation.  My father-in-law says he has two favorites, when it comes to pies ...hot and cold.

Getting back to the sky (though let's not make the sky the limit) ...
    
The sky is the sky ...and we don't have to fear it like Chicken Little did.

And we can all decide each day what pie we like best ...and that can change from day-to-day. (You knew that wasn't my last note on pie.) But, as for today ...I'm having that pie that I know is there.  It smells like blueberry, but whatever it is ...I'm digging in!!  I don't care if the sky is falling, I know my weight isn't going to.

Call me what you may, but don't call me while I'm having pie ...I won't answer.

Okay, now I'm content ...and I am ready to answer.

Yes, there are some things we should think through a bit more thoroughly ...perhaps best on a full stomach.

What are those things??

Yes, what are those things??

Well, there are things that are very important to each of us ...and those things vary from individual to individual. 

Often the things that aren't that important to us ...are, in fact, important.

They may not be that important to us, but they are important because they are necessary either for life ...or for just plain responsible living. There are things we should be accountable for, whether we like to be, or not.

I could go on into a conversation on many varied subjects ...all of which I could argue are very important, but I want to focus on one thing here.

It is in the form of a question, which I believe we should all consider ...and ask ourselves.  Actually, it is not one question, but a short series of questions which build on one another ...from basic to a bit more specific.

What are those questions??

Imagine an old man who has distanced himself from his family, and he feels he has disadvantaged them in so many ways because of the wrong attitudes he's displayed all these years. Knowing that none of them likely want to see him, it is remarkable how ...somehow all of his family is gathered around his bed in the hospital room.  The first thing he says is that he is sorry for all he could have been, but was not for his family. Then he tells them all that he loves them.

He doesn't expect them to say in return that they love him too ...as just hearing this from him must be a shock to all of them. Instead, he considers what else he is going to say, in these last few moments, however brief.

He knows that he has been a real challenge for them throughout life ...and not a good one.  He wants to make an impact upon them, and perhaps give them a good challenge ...something to impact their lives as much as he already has, but in the opposite direction.  

He thinks about it, and decides he must give them something to think about.  He will ask them a few simple questions.

Well, let's begin here with the first one: (Questions we should ask ourselves.)

1. Do you believe in Jesus??

    
    And it is not difficult, though neither is it a simple yes or no.

    It includes the question why.

    Or what is your source of belief??

    What is your source of who Jesus is??

2.  Do you believe in the Bible??

    What other sources do you have about Jesus?

    Do you view Jesus by what you read from the accounts of the apostles who were His followers, or do other writings, or your own imagination contribute much to what you believe??

    Do you believe truth is in what Jesus did, and said ...and do you agree with my capitalizing 'His' in the previous sentence??

***Yes, these two questions are related, and though they are somewhat beginner questions, they are important starting points ...and of the utmost necessity if any of us are to have any further conversation of significant value.  We may be surprised to find out that these simple, starter questions challenge us with what we actually believe.