He accepted a cup of coffee from her, took a small sip of the scalding brew. The heat from the coffee felt good to his hands as he held the cup in both of them.”
–C. Wayne Winkle (Yancey’s Ride)
Mediocrity! I hate that word, always have. When I was in the military one of the slogans was, “Close enough for government work.” But no, close enough doesn’t make it, Pard. Think of those packin’ parachutes–close enough. Or ammunition, the powder is close enough to bein’ a full load, or puttin’ fuel in a vehicle or plane, that’s close enough, it’s almost full.
Sorry for my rantin’ this early, Pard. Let’s get to the important stuff–a cup of hot, steamin’, black coffee. Just right to make the ol’ gizzard light up. Perhaps I was just raised to do a good job, and add to that the words of that ol’ Apostle, “do all as unto the Lord.” Let me back up, soon as I take a deep swaller of this elixir. Ahhh… The missus and I had to drive an hour away to get labs done for our doctor’s appointments next week. When we got into the lab, we were told by the technician that the doctor had not sent in the request. An hour’s drive, an appointment comin’ up, and no request for blood work. It almost jerked my jaws, but to what use?
Maybe, but I doubt it, that those in the doctor’s office responsible for sending in the lab request aren’t considered professionals. But still, they represent the doctor, and what about their responsibility? I know there are good doctors out there, and they do marvelous things, but they depend almost solely on lab reports. They don’t even listen to yur heart to see if it’s still tickin’ or on beat. What happens if yur havin’ local surgery, say like I did a couple of years ago with the removal of cataracts and the doctor says “Oops” or “close enough for medical work.”
I need another cup before goin’ on. Reminds me of the old story, “for want of a nail.” A farrier tried to save on nails and slighted the shoe one, it came off on a very important mission and for want of a nail the kingdom was lost. Mediocrity, half-heartedness, ho-hum attitude–that’s part of what’s plaguin’ our country. Don’t bother me with the details, just give me my paycheck.
One more cup and the pot will be nigh empty. Time for one more spiel b’for yuh have to leave. I’m sure glad the Lord yelled out, “It is finished!” on the cross. He hung on despite the pain and ridicule to take on the sins of mankind. He faced the greatest spiritual battle anyone could face. It wasn’t half-hearted; it wasn’t just “good enough,” but it was finished, done right, complete. Makes me want to clog in the kitchen.
We drank that pot dry in a hurry, I had more to say, but reckon it’ll wait for another time. Yuh best be on yur way. Go ahead an’ waddle to yur hoss, yeah, I noticed it, too many chocolates for Valentines. That bein’ said, yuh gotta make sure yuh check that cinch. That extry weight yur carryin’ might do yuh in.
Vaya con Dios.