Best To Keep Your Mouth Shut

Dear Boo and Bubble,

Human nature is a funny thing, especially when it comes to credit and blame. None of us ever wants to accept the blame for foibles gone wrong, but we eternally crave the credit for each and every little accomplishment in our lives. It's much more satisfying to bask in the glow of a compliment than it is to humbly internalize one's own sainthood. However, when others fail to notice our many abilities and contributions, the temptation is always to go ahead and espouse them. Sometimes, thought, it's just better to keep your mouth shut.

I am reminded of a story that Great Granddaddy Schaefer told on himself.

Years ago, one of his closest friends was a man named Dr. L.D. Johnson. Granddaddy got to know L.D. when he came to Greenville as the paster of First Baptist Church. Their relationship blossomed over the years and continued when L.D. joined the faculty of Furman University in the Religion Department. He was a man of outstanding intellect, compassion and wit - all qualities that Granddaddy admired and enjoyed.

Dr. Johnson also wrote editorials for The Greenville News every Sunday. Reading the paper on Sunday mornings became a ritual for Granddaddy. First, he would routinely strip it of all the supplements and inserts, discarding them to the trash. He then organized the rest into an order for reading - first, the front page and headlines - sports next - and finally, the editorial page. It was always with "great anticipation and never a disappointment" that he read L.D.'s column.

On a particular Sunday, L.D. used a fable to make his point about humility when seeking credit.

The turtle had seen the might eagle soar above the earthbound creatures. He yearned to fly.

The turtle figured out a plan which would let him soar with the eagle. One day the turtle revealed his plan to the eagle. He had a sturdy stick which each would grasp in their beaks, and with the great power of the eagle's wings, the two could fly. The eagle was will to try.

The plan worked. The eagle and turtle soared above the creatures below who marveled at the sight of a turtle flying. One of the creatures hollered, "What a clever idea. Who thought it up?"

To be sure he got the credit, the turtle yelled back, "It was all my idea."

Before the turtle could hit the ground, Granddaddy had absorbed the point.

Sometime later in the week, Granddaddy saw Dr. Johnson. He went up to him and said, "L.D., I read your column last Sunday and I don't agree with it. When I do something special, I want to get credit for it."

To which L.D. replied, "Well, Schaefer, if you ever do anything special, we will make sure to give you credit."