| As a tiny girl, I was quite sure that my Daddy was the most
handsome man on Earth. Never mind that he was 60 when I was born, his little
waxed, silver handlebar mustache seemed the epitome of glamour.
Time passed, and I fell for another mustache. This time it was on the television
hero Zorro. This time, it was so entrancing that fencing became my sport of
choice, and I spent much of the succeeding years plying my foil in the gym.
Sometime during that period, mustaches must have lost some of their appeal.
During my early twenties: I put down the sword, took up a spatula, and married a
man who did not wear one.
Young women being what they are, however, yet another idol appeared. Ten months
after the wedding, a smooth-cheeked young charmer arrived on the scene. I've
stayed loyal to the notion of his face being the most pleasing one ever for over
thirty years, even when it was time to purchase his first electric razor.
Of course, his beauty could be supplanted at any time. He is married now, and
someday an even nicer face will smile and call me Grandma.
Did any of my loves mind these changes? Was I accused of doing a flip-flop or
waffling? Of course not. That different thoughts and feelings arose over time
was something everyone considered normal. How in the world could a girl who
admired a swashbuckling hero, know that a baby's visage would someday be more
wonderful than any other?
My changes showed growth, and they were blessed ones. Flexibility in dealing
with new information and experiences is the hallmark of a spirit able to enjoy
all the wonders of G-d's creation.
How strange that this same sort of growth is deplored when it is exhibited by
those who would become our leaders. Rather than appreciating the capacity to
process new data, and reformulate an appropriate stance, commentators often
denigrate those who admit to seeing things differently than they did at some
other time.
Regardless of hirsute adornment or lack thereof, no mouth is attractive if the
opinions which issue from it are rigid, despite any and all evidence that
rethinking may be in order. For me, Torah is absolute, personal or political
stances are not.
An open mind is one capable of dealing with the exigencies of new situations.
That will get my vote of confidence.
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