"Straight as a die"

This is the quality in a person that most of us value most of all.

Naturally it's not one that in reality actually exists.

We're, after all, human.

It takes courage to be "straight".

Since none of us really know who we are - it's impossible.

At best we attempt an approximation.

That's why I enjoy the discussion group I join fortnightly on Thursdays.

It helps me sort out who I am and what, deep down, I believe.

We particularly value the quality of being "true to yourself" in the people we meet.

Most of all in the people who seek to lead us.

This is a hard path to follow as a politician.

President Obama is someone who for me qualifies. He comes across as "genuine" and trustworthy - though no one is completely so.

Tim Farron is another.

Thankfully there are some more - Shirley Williams heads the list, Archbishop Tutu another.

What they have to say helps us sort out what we believe ourselves.

Isn't it great that in Ulverston we have so many people who are 'wise'  - they just get on and live; they don't have to say anything; they just 'are' and we learn a lot by being contact and watching them get on with life.

I realise that this is why I enjoy being with young children. They, for the most part, are themselves and don't give others too much thought which I find refreshing. Of the humans we get to know, they are more understandable than those that are older.

May we encourage them to want to be "straight", "true to themselves", and like themselves.