Curious

Here’s how I am - I begin reading a book and soon want to talk about it to everyone that I come in contact with. Vasectomy patients, Kari, any of the six kids who happen to be trapped in the kitchen with me, co-workers, sisters…anyone.

Last month I read a biography of Leon Russell. He played on thousands of songs and was the most popular musician of 1971, then basically disappeared three years later. Next I read a book about the problem with boys and men this century. So troubling! Then a memoir about a tourist in Iran and Afghanistan in 1977. Fascinating and sad. Then one about Moroccans attempting to immigrate. I had no idea that people were dying crossing over to Spain. 

Not to mention the podcasts that play during my long drives from a distant Overland Park subdivision to far flung offices. While traveling to places like Chillicothe and Iola and Clinton and even Kansas City, I’ve heard engrossing information from Andrew Huberman, Vivek Murthy, Aaron Dessner and Graham Nash. Plus subscriptions to digital versions of the NY Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post provide even more to share. I sometimes take notes throughout the day so I don’t forget to tell people what I’ve learned. Also I’ve had much to say about Peloton and Love is Blind and my lipid panel results and Costco. I’m sure there’s more.

This was just in April. 

It’s a lot.

And I appreciate those that listen to me as I process it all. 

I’ve always been curious. “Always wondering,” as Sofia would say. Even more than optimism or hopefulness, I believe that curiosity is at the core of what gives life meaning. Curiosity is reading, watching, listening and thinking. And having conversations in real life. With real people. That is how we learn and how we grow.

I love consistency and predictability. Gently removing a kidney stone for the four thousandth time. Getting up at 6am most days. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. Texting with Sofia on my drive to work and Jackson just before I go to bed. Sitting at the dinner table with Kari and whichever kids are home. Routine gives us a base. A floor. Something to build on.

But it is curiosity that propels me out of bed in the morning. What will the day bring? Always something new. And for that I am grateful.

Holy One, you make all things new. Thank you for the beautiful complexity of life- for our uniqueness- and for the social connections that make it all worthwhile. Amen

Brandon is a member of Peace Church. He loves the new National album and never watches TV alone.