If logic is “a proper or reasonable way of thinking about something”, and illogic is being devoid of logic, then ill-logic is the state of reasoning based on delusions.
The Peel “My shoelaces are too long. I need shorter ones.” He has had the same shoelaces for years. Perhaps he is tying his shoes tighter due to a fear of tripping. As it turns out, shorter shoelaces result in even tighter shoes. “My feet hurt! I need to go to the chiropractor.” The chiropractor helps him and then explains that feet feel pain when they are put into a vise. But, nothing will convince him to put his old shoelaces back in. “I need to submit my payment receipt to our lawyer to get my money back for going to the chiropractor.” Ben is bitter about not being able to move back home. He hopes the elder lawyer can help him get his stuff back. Somehow, this relates to the chiropractor. “Nobody tells me what’s going on around here.” If we aren’t talking about how to cure him of Alzheimer’s or how to move back home, then he isn’t interested anyway. If we tell him that there is no cure, then he thinks we’re being too negative. “Somebody has been in my room and has been messing with my stuff.” He can’t find things because he puts them down and then can’t remember where they are. “You need to tell the mayor to stop shutting down businesses! How am I supposed to go to a doctor?” Good question, Ben. If anyone can convince the mayor to re-open society, it would be you. But, I’m not sure how you can talk to him. “Nobody cares about me. I tell you what I need, and you don’t ever help me.” How do we help someone whose framework for understanding what they need doesn’t fit with reality? Between Ben’s loss of vocabulary and his ill-logic, we are at a loss time and time again. He gets frustrated with us, we get frustrated in return, and we end by staring at each other wondering what to do. The Fruit We are learning to love in ways we never expected.
Lord, my life is a testimony of transformation, but I need you to continue the work you have started. Teach me to respond with your love. I want to let go of the need to be right and the need to be understood. Create in me a clean heart toward Ben and others, and let my words and actions reflect it.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
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