A Test of Character at the Grange
We enjoyed another feast of a potluck down at the Grange. It’s not that women out here in the country were born better cooks than city gals. But I think the slower pace of life encourages making dishes from scratch. Fresh cream, butter, and white sugar haven’t been outlawed yet. The result makes some of the best suppers anywhere in the world.
Fire and Fall Back Call
Folks lined up on each side of the serving table and attempted another spoonful on their plates. Lodge Longstreet, clean at the back of the line, all of a sudden roared, “Fire and fall back up there!” My exact sentiments and I almost hollered out, “Amen!” I believe it worked because the line seemed to move a little more briskly after that.
“Fire and fall back!” has been shouted at cow camps for many years. I’m sure in the beginning it had something to do with firing that black powder weapon at the enemy, then allowing someone with a loaded weapon to step up and take your place on the front line. But as long as anyone can remember, it’s been used as a shout of impatience, meaning “Hurry up and get your business done, so someone else can have a turn.”
Waiting Your Turn Challenge
Human nature hasn’t changed much over the years. We’re still impatient when waiting our turn. We hate waiting at the checkout counter of the supermarket, the bank, or the fast-food restaurant. We don’t like waiting at the stadium ticket booth or even to shake hands with the pastor on Sunday morning.
Somehow we’ve bought into the idea that patience is a rather wimpy virtue, not to be tolerated under most circumstances. The Bible tells us just the opposite.
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It’s to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Now, isn’t that something? You can demonstrate your wisdom by your patience. The most positive, memorable thing you can do is to overlook the one who’s holding everything up. That probably means there aren’t many good times to holler out, “Fire and fall back!” But I suppose I won’t know if I’ve learned that lesson until the next supper down at the Grange.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1994
Civil War Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
Hand and Watch Image by Marta Cuesta from Pixabay
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