I continue to struggle with articulating my thoughts on the suicide of Robin Williams and the pursuit of happiness. I sense there is something noteworthy but haven’t been able to overcome the quintessential challenge for any writer (professional or novice) – to say what I want to say, how I want to say it. How something is said does matter. Perhaps this is the meaning of Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” and why Lincoln chose this particular biblical allusion (his most famous) to illustrate the relationship between the principles of the Declaration of Independence (the apple) and the purpose of the Constitution (the picture or silver frame). Getting it right is of great value and particularly so if the subject matter has intrinsic value.

I experienced considerable writer’s block during my first attempt at writing for public consumption. I wanted to note Abraham Lincoln’s significance at the occasions of his birthday and President’s Day in February. But every time I sat down to compose my thoughts, the words would not come. I felt “daunted yet compelled” to pay a fitting tribute to one of the most eloquent prose writers of the 19^th century.   Once it occurred to me to use Lincoln’s own words (who could say it better than he?) to assist me, the words flowed and I captured my sentiments accurately and fairly eloquently for a first attempt.  I was pleased with the final product and thrilled when the local newspaper allowed it to run as a guest column. The editor commented that it was a unique piece, which I attributed to its viewpoint or “the frame.” I have identified the apple of gold (pursuit of happiness) but the picture of silver or best framework to adorn the message still eludes me.