These days "absolutes" are suspect. However, I propose the following points are my current "absolute certainties." They are, of course, open to debate.

Point A: "Baby anythings are the freshest experiences of God available."
Behold the baby kittens, pups, spiders; baby giraffes, piglets, sheep, calves, whales, chickadees; baby feet, hands, noses, leaves; glasses on little faces, pumpkin costumes. (Sorry, actually those last two would be human contributions, non the less cute and worth mentioning.)

Human babies are the freshest exposure to God. Skillful television commercials are capturing, for the general public, babies at the height of some enjoyment or other. What holds our attention is the irrepressible baby giggles, bubbling sounds of pure joy, silly, responsive and care free, a generous gift to all listening...a God expression; makes a person smile.

Consider rose buds too, newly hatched turtles and chicks. You're missing out if you don't see things such as these, maybe hold them, feel them, before you die.

Point B: "A minimum of one friend is absolutely necessary."
A look in the mirror reveals only part of a friend. No matter how much we love ourselves, unfortunately, the one in the mirror seldom brings out an unsolicited smile of approval. If you get feedback from this mirror image, it is only because you put the words in its mouth, not exactly an unbiased opinion. Our other part, so to speak, a friend, is someone who cares enough to help us reflect our inner being. If we can be accepting of help, it feels good to define thoughts and memories, lessons learned and habits formed, to discuss concerns and examine opinions. A friend is a gift from God.

The dictionary defines friend as "a person" with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection. That definition could be limiting and difficult for some. I'd expanded it. In my Point B, the meaning of "friend" includes such things as a plant, an animal, a bird, which are also living, breathing entities, which may depend on you to care, and take care, that respond with their own gifts.

The giver grows when a positive response is received from the recipient. There are many living things that absolutely await friendly attention. Be sure to identify and be true to yours. Absolutely.

Point C: "The birds have a message for us."
Birds fly routes from North to South, from East to West, looking for the old familiar feelings and places of origin. Of late they have noticed their ponds drying up and lakes are lined with perfectly placed riprap... bolders with no life. Houses are the size of castles. Lawns, side by side, resemble golf courses... blacktopped driveways, cement sidewalks. Where are the natural grasses, old-stand trees, bushes, bugs and worms? Where are the private wild places with twigs and fluff needed to build for their babies? Where are the waters without racing motors, calm places with a little privacy and security?

Tall communication towers for people's cell phones have been erected approximately every 15 miles making radio grids across the skies. These towers have night lighting that confuse the flight of migrating birds causing them to bang into these towers. Below the sturdy network of steel girders can be found, on occasion, piles of song birds and insects, their innocent journeys abruptly ended.

So, if we hear a message in this case, that's a good start.

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Maybe everyone could present their own list of absolutes. It's a debate that could go on forever. Perhaps what is most true is what someone once said: "It's what you learn after you know it all that really matters."

"'Absolute Certainties'" by Anita Swansen, OSM