My sister, bless her soul, came up with the acronym SPOTS for our family a few years ago. It stands for Simple People Of The Soil, and is said in reference to myself and my siblings (along with our families). You see, until this generation, most of my relatives were farmers. Oh, there was the occasional preacher, pharmacist, teacher, or other oddball, but most of us farmed.
We still have that soil mentality. Sis has her own blog and talks about Kansas and her love of the soil in a recent writing. She says she’d be happy with an acre of dirt and some bib overalls, and I believe it.
Of course, that may be a stretch now days. During an age when city lots are barely fifty feet wide and 100 feet long, an acre seems like a lot of land. We grew up on a two-acre plot of ground at the edge of a small Kansas town. That acreage provided many places for play, and kept us busy with gardening, mowing, and goathead hoeing.
For those who don’t know, goatheads are a type of spreading burr that can grow to several feet across, with a central root. You find the root and pull it, and you have the whole burr. The trick is to not get stuck, and take as many of the goathead burrs with you, because seeds that fall off of the vine, even if premature, can lie dormant for years, then sprout when the soil is disturbed.
In about 1958, a five gallon bucket full of goatheads fetched five cents from a parent. It seemed to take forever to get even close to a bucket full, and the parent always wanted to mash them down and have us fill the bucket even more for the same nickel.
I’m not sure now, since I think about it, whether I want an acre of dirt or not. Now, no one pays me even a nickel for a bucket of goatheads.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Simpler Times
Have you ever wondered (no, probably not) what it is about the sound of rain dripping off a roof that is so pleasant and enjoyable? That background sound can calm nerves, bring about a peaceful attitude, and make the whole day seem better (if not brighter).
We lived for several years in a place where the rain came only infrequently, and when it came, it usually came quickly and furiously for about 15 minutes, and then departed just as quickly. There wasn’t the opportunity for raindrops to fall off a roof for hours on end as a gentle, misty shower soaked everything in sight.
When we moved to Topeka, one of the first things I recall is laying in bed in the middle of the night, listening to the rain, then dozing off and waking later only to hear it then as well. What a wonderful way to spend the night…waking every couple of hours to the sound of rainwater dripping off the roof.
That sound takes me back to a simpler time in the days of my youth, as I lay in bed at the home place, listening to the same sound just outside my bedroom wall. What a splendid memory that is for me. What about you? Is there a sound, smell, or sight that takes you back to the simpler times?
We lived for several years in a place where the rain came only infrequently, and when it came, it usually came quickly and furiously for about 15 minutes, and then departed just as quickly. There wasn’t the opportunity for raindrops to fall off a roof for hours on end as a gentle, misty shower soaked everything in sight.
When we moved to Topeka, one of the first things I recall is laying in bed in the middle of the night, listening to the rain, then dozing off and waking later only to hear it then as well. What a wonderful way to spend the night…waking every couple of hours to the sound of rainwater dripping off the roof.
That sound takes me back to a simpler time in the days of my youth, as I lay in bed at the home place, listening to the same sound just outside my bedroom wall. What a splendid memory that is for me. What about you? Is there a sound, smell, or sight that takes you back to the simpler times?
Friday, January 27, 2006
Nerdy???
Today is Friday. For many, this will be a day when most of their time is consumed thinking about the weekend and the things they’ve planned to fill the time. For some, this may be the last day they work at their jobs, having received a “pink slip” today or earlier in the week. Others will see today as payday, and are already bemoaning the fact that there are more bills than cash.
Some will find today to be a party day, and with the cash that came into their pockets as a result of cashing their paycheck, will hit the liquor stores, the night clubs, and the casinos. Others will see their checks consumed by interest rates charged by the quick loan outfit they went to a week ago to scrounge up a little cash.
Some will hit the streets in search of a meth or crack fix, or to buy a little female (or male) companionship for an hour or so. Still others will hit the links (play golf), jet to Vegas, or embark a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas.
Many, however, will buy groceries, gas up the car, set aside some money for the offering at church, pay the light bill, and pick up toilet paper and cleaning supplies at Wal Mart. These folks are the ones with which I can most relate. Does that make me old? Out dated? Dull? Nerdy? No, I think that makes me mainstream.
Some will find today to be a party day, and with the cash that came into their pockets as a result of cashing their paycheck, will hit the liquor stores, the night clubs, and the casinos. Others will see their checks consumed by interest rates charged by the quick loan outfit they went to a week ago to scrounge up a little cash.
Some will hit the streets in search of a meth or crack fix, or to buy a little female (or male) companionship for an hour or so. Still others will hit the links (play golf), jet to Vegas, or embark a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas.
Many, however, will buy groceries, gas up the car, set aside some money for the offering at church, pay the light bill, and pick up toilet paper and cleaning supplies at Wal Mart. These folks are the ones with which I can most relate. Does that make me old? Out dated? Dull? Nerdy? No, I think that makes me mainstream.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Transcendent Experience
It’s been a day or two since I’ve written. It’s been longer than that since I’ve read some other blogs I know about. No problem. Just click away, and there they are. In fact, just click away, and many things come or go on the magic screen we call the personal PC.
It isn’t that simple in life, though, is it. We can’t just click away our bills, illnesses, pains, stress, and grief. We think, though, that since we can go around the world by clicking a mouse button, we can surely find a cure for the common maladies of depression, emptiness, loneliness, and fear.
Try as we might, and furiously though we click, they just seem to hang in there afflicting, troubling, worrying, and distressing us all the more. Will it never end? Is this all there is? Will I ever be truly happy and content?
Only you can answer those questions, for only you know deep inside your soul what is lacking. Where you find it is up to you. Will you look for relief in a syringe, a bottle, or a superficial relationship? Or will you admit what you’ve known all along…that the One who created you is longing for a relationship with you that transcends all?
It isn’t that simple in life, though, is it. We can’t just click away our bills, illnesses, pains, stress, and grief. We think, though, that since we can go around the world by clicking a mouse button, we can surely find a cure for the common maladies of depression, emptiness, loneliness, and fear.
Try as we might, and furiously though we click, they just seem to hang in there afflicting, troubling, worrying, and distressing us all the more. Will it never end? Is this all there is? Will I ever be truly happy and content?
Only you can answer those questions, for only you know deep inside your soul what is lacking. Where you find it is up to you. Will you look for relief in a syringe, a bottle, or a superficial relationship? Or will you admit what you’ve known all along…that the One who created you is longing for a relationship with you that transcends all?
Sunday, January 22, 2006
A Hard Saying
It’s time to “gear up” again. It’s Sunday, and we attended services this morning. Each time we do that, I feel like I am “gearing up” for worship. That’s not a bad thing. I don’t want to go there with an attitude or heaviness of heart (or mind). But it does take energy and attention to release the attitudes and shun the loads of the week.
Now I need to do that again. I’ll be teaching the small group that meets at the building instead of attending my own small group meeting. I have no clue 30 minutes before we start, what I will be teaching. It should be something relevant to this morning’s services.
We talked about shedding the weight of suffering. Not that we should long to never suffer, but to rid ourselves of two notions, 1. That we shouldn’t have to suffer if we’re a Christian, and 2. That suffering is bad.
Those thoughts are rather foreign to us coddled and pampered Americans. But the Bible is clear. If we are God’s person, we will, at sometime or another, suffer for the cause. And the Bible is equally clear that suffering, as my dad would say, “builds character.”
The Bible is also clear that God ordains suffering. Amos 3:6 and Isaiah 45:7 pretty much say just that.
These are hard sayings, and there is no easy answer. “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.”
Now I need to do that again. I’ll be teaching the small group that meets at the building instead of attending my own small group meeting. I have no clue 30 minutes before we start, what I will be teaching. It should be something relevant to this morning’s services.
We talked about shedding the weight of suffering. Not that we should long to never suffer, but to rid ourselves of two notions, 1. That we shouldn’t have to suffer if we’re a Christian, and 2. That suffering is bad.
Those thoughts are rather foreign to us coddled and pampered Americans. But the Bible is clear. If we are God’s person, we will, at sometime or another, suffer for the cause. And the Bible is equally clear that suffering, as my dad would say, “builds character.”
The Bible is also clear that God ordains suffering. Amos 3:6 and Isaiah 45:7 pretty much say just that.
These are hard sayings, and there is no easy answer. “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.”
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Civility, Compromise, and Integrity
The wife and I are considering a trip to Lawrence this afternoon. It would be time away from home and not for any particular reason. We’re thinking about stopping by the Dole Institute on the KU campus and maybe going on to Overland Park to see our son. Maybe we’ll go downtown and walk around some. Lawrence has a wonderful downtown district that you need to see if you ever are there.
It seems many people, especially Kansans, have a story to tell about meeting Bob Dole, or interacting with him in some way. I was at the 1976 Presidential campaign kickoff in Russell, and also visited with the man in 1981 out in Goodland. He had stopped at the local television station where I worked. He was waiting to be interviewed, and I found him in a hallway, alone, so I stopped, introduced myself, and asked some dumb question I don’t even remember. I was just trying to make conversation with the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. I guess I thought he looked like he needed a friend. I don’t know for sure, but I believe I also met him in my hometown when I was a youngster and he was running for congress.
It doesn’t matter what your political affiliation may be. People of the caliber of Bob Dole don’t come around often. We as a nation were indeed blessed to have been served by him, both in the war as well as in politics. We as individuals could learn lessons in civility, compromise, and integrity from this man. I am pleased that he came from Kansas roots.
It seems many people, especially Kansans, have a story to tell about meeting Bob Dole, or interacting with him in some way. I was at the 1976 Presidential campaign kickoff in Russell, and also visited with the man in 1981 out in Goodland. He had stopped at the local television station where I worked. He was waiting to be interviewed, and I found him in a hallway, alone, so I stopped, introduced myself, and asked some dumb question I don’t even remember. I was just trying to make conversation with the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. I guess I thought he looked like he needed a friend. I don’t know for sure, but I believe I also met him in my hometown when I was a youngster and he was running for congress.
It doesn’t matter what your political affiliation may be. People of the caliber of Bob Dole don’t come around often. We as a nation were indeed blessed to have been served by him, both in the war as well as in politics. We as individuals could learn lessons in civility, compromise, and integrity from this man. I am pleased that he came from Kansas roots.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Get a Life
I was reading the daily newspaper this morning, as is my custom. As I was reading articles, a general feeling that can best be described as “People need to get a life,” crept over me. I’m not sure why. The articles in today’s paper aren’t any different than those of past issues.
Some legislators are trying to pass laws further limiting Fred Phelps and his anti-gay crew. Someone was upset that he didn’t get a free ticket to see President Bush speak at Manhattan next week. Someone else was tired of everyone dumping on poor David Wittig, the convicted criminal and defrocked CEO of Westar Energy.
I guess all of this is OK, but aren’t there more important issues to contend with? Are we really fiddling while Rome burns? Pick a subject…starvation, torture, violence, illiteracy, pornography, the family…who cares about getting a ticket to see the President?
I also think of those who live for the moment when they can cut someone off in traffic or cause some related kind of public disruption. Fred and David come to mind along with countless others. What kind of lives do these people live outside of their disrupting behavior? Are their lives so worthless and insignificant that they live for the few seconds they can control someone else? What is important here? People need to get a life.
Some legislators are trying to pass laws further limiting Fred Phelps and his anti-gay crew. Someone was upset that he didn’t get a free ticket to see President Bush speak at Manhattan next week. Someone else was tired of everyone dumping on poor David Wittig, the convicted criminal and defrocked CEO of Westar Energy.
I guess all of this is OK, but aren’t there more important issues to contend with? Are we really fiddling while Rome burns? Pick a subject…starvation, torture, violence, illiteracy, pornography, the family…who cares about getting a ticket to see the President?
I also think of those who live for the moment when they can cut someone off in traffic or cause some related kind of public disruption. Fred and David come to mind along with countless others. What kind of lives do these people live outside of their disrupting behavior? Are their lives so worthless and insignificant that they live for the few seconds they can control someone else? What is important here? People need to get a life.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Searching
I did a search in the Hutchinson News today for any articles in their archives with the name of my hometown in them. When I do this, obituaries pop up that have my home town name in them. I then look through the search results and see those who have passed away.
Because my hometown is a small town, I know many of the people whose names are listed. If I don’t know them, I know their families. Each time I see the name of someone I know who has passed on, a little part of me seems to silently and invisibly travel to that person’s family, spouse, or whoever I know who remains.
Sometimes the one who dies is my age, was in my class at school, or was younger than I am. In those cases, it is doubly difficult, as I am reminded that my time here on earth is by the grace of God. And that’s a good thing for all of us to think about, regardless of age, health status, or any other measure. We are here for a reason. We are here for a purpose. I wonder how many of us really know what that reason and purpose is.
Because my hometown is a small town, I know many of the people whose names are listed. If I don’t know them, I know their families. Each time I see the name of someone I know who has passed on, a little part of me seems to silently and invisibly travel to that person’s family, spouse, or whoever I know who remains.
Sometimes the one who dies is my age, was in my class at school, or was younger than I am. In those cases, it is doubly difficult, as I am reminded that my time here on earth is by the grace of God. And that’s a good thing for all of us to think about, regardless of age, health status, or any other measure. We are here for a reason. We are here for a purpose. I wonder how many of us really know what that reason and purpose is.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Old Geezers
My wife and I were in a local restaurant yesterday evening. It was rather quiet, and the tables were about 25% filled. As I sat at our table, I noticed a young man and young woman in a booth in the corner. They had evidently ordered and were waiting for their meals to be delivered.
They were obviously in some state of romantic interest. They were quietly enjoying each other’s company, holding hands across the table, and visiting. Before long, the young man got up, went to her side of the booth, and they sat together, she leaning on his shoulder.
I immediately thought of things that weren’t so complimentary that older people many times think about in situations such as this. They were making too much of a display of their interest in one-another. They were sitting on the same side of the table, for heaven’s sake. They were not demonstrating the “proper” maturity and decorum.
Then the meals were brought to them. They briefly looked over their plates, told the waitress everything was fine, then lowered their heads and she offered a prayer of thanksgiving for their food. It wasn’t a “God is great, God is good” prayer. It seemed, although I couldn’t understand the words, heartfelt and genuine.
Isn’t it amazing how much my attitude toward these young people changed in the blink of an eye. No longer were they immature and improper. They were now an example of what is right and good about our young people.
These youngsters were never loud, boisterous, or doing anything improper; nor were they drawing attention to themselves. Yet I, based on totally biased, stereotypical, and unfounded reasoning, concluded that they were no different than other immature, selfish young people who didn’t have a clue about life and living.
In many ways, these young people may be more mature than I am. After all, I would bet the farm that they didn’t stereotype my wife and me as old geezers (even if we did order off of the Over 55 menu) as we sat a few feet from them. What do you think?
They were obviously in some state of romantic interest. They were quietly enjoying each other’s company, holding hands across the table, and visiting. Before long, the young man got up, went to her side of the booth, and they sat together, she leaning on his shoulder.
I immediately thought of things that weren’t so complimentary that older people many times think about in situations such as this. They were making too much of a display of their interest in one-another. They were sitting on the same side of the table, for heaven’s sake. They were not demonstrating the “proper” maturity and decorum.
Then the meals were brought to them. They briefly looked over their plates, told the waitress everything was fine, then lowered their heads and she offered a prayer of thanksgiving for their food. It wasn’t a “God is great, God is good” prayer. It seemed, although I couldn’t understand the words, heartfelt and genuine.
Isn’t it amazing how much my attitude toward these young people changed in the blink of an eye. No longer were they immature and improper. They were now an example of what is right and good about our young people.
These youngsters were never loud, boisterous, or doing anything improper; nor were they drawing attention to themselves. Yet I, based on totally biased, stereotypical, and unfounded reasoning, concluded that they were no different than other immature, selfish young people who didn’t have a clue about life and living.
In many ways, these young people may be more mature than I am. After all, I would bet the farm that they didn’t stereotype my wife and me as old geezers (even if we did order off of the Over 55 menu) as we sat a few feet from them. What do you think?
Monday, January 16, 2006
The Weekend
It’s been a good weekend. We had a visit from a young woman we’ve known for several years who is going through the Biblical studies program at SIBI (Sunset International Bible Institute) in Lubbock, TX. Our church is helping support her financially in her efforts, and she visited here and stayed with us this weekend.
Nora’s goal and calling is missions. Whenever, wherever, however she can be useful, she is willing, and is working and studying to be able.
I am both lifted and prodded by visits such as this. To hear of one’s total devotion to their calling, even to the point of willingness to go into harm’s way, is awe-inspiring. To know that someone is immersed in something much greater than themselves is a call to me that I need to get out of myself and into something greater.
Further, to know people like this personally, and to see them grow and develop…to know their families and their background is like icing on the cake. Nora is an extraordinary young woman; one who will turn the hearts and minds of many “toward home”. I am humbled, awed, and blessed to know her and be a small part of her life.
Nora’s goal and calling is missions. Whenever, wherever, however she can be useful, she is willing, and is working and studying to be able.
I am both lifted and prodded by visits such as this. To hear of one’s total devotion to their calling, even to the point of willingness to go into harm’s way, is awe-inspiring. To know that someone is immersed in something much greater than themselves is a call to me that I need to get out of myself and into something greater.
Further, to know people like this personally, and to see them grow and develop…to know their families and their background is like icing on the cake. Nora is an extraordinary young woman; one who will turn the hearts and minds of many “toward home”. I am humbled, awed, and blessed to know her and be a small part of her life.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Replay
Do you ever get a song in your head that you just can’t seem to get rid of? Of course you do. Everyone does at one time or another. Sometimes it’s an oldie (although not necessarily a goodie). Other times it’s a religious song. Maybe there’s a classical piece that comes to mind, or it could be a little ditty that has no name.
Today, for whatever reason, I’m replaying “He Is Exalted” by Twila Paris.
“He is exalted, the King is exalted on high, I will praise Him.
He is exalted, forever exalted, and I will praise His name!”
Don’t ask why. It could just as easily have been “Yellow Submarine” or “White Rabbit” that got stuck in the brain neurons. (If you’re younger than about 48, you might have to look those up). It could have been the “Washington Post March” or the Musicbox Dancer theme.
The brain is a marvelous work of engineering. There is room for over 4 quadrillion separate thoughts, they tell me, in the human brain. If one would say that a thought is equal to a computer byte, that’s over a petabyte, folks. A petabyte is 1,000 terabytes, and a terabyte is 1,000 gigabytes. I think I have that right…correct me if my math is wrong.
So, why I would select this song today instead of some other, I have no clue. Maybe Someone is trying to tell me something.
Today, for whatever reason, I’m replaying “He Is Exalted” by Twila Paris.
“He is exalted, the King is exalted on high, I will praise Him.
He is exalted, forever exalted, and I will praise His name!”
Don’t ask why. It could just as easily have been “Yellow Submarine” or “White Rabbit” that got stuck in the brain neurons. (If you’re younger than about 48, you might have to look those up). It could have been the “Washington Post March” or the Musicbox Dancer theme.
The brain is a marvelous work of engineering. There is room for over 4 quadrillion separate thoughts, they tell me, in the human brain. If one would say that a thought is equal to a computer byte, that’s over a petabyte, folks. A petabyte is 1,000 terabytes, and a terabyte is 1,000 gigabytes. I think I have that right…correct me if my math is wrong.
So, why I would select this song today instead of some other, I have no clue. Maybe Someone is trying to tell me something.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Welcome Spring
Today was one of those days in the middle of winter that reminds one of the coming spring and the promise of warm earth and green environment. It’s too early, of course, to be thinking much about those things…there is a lot of cold ahead of us yet. But it’s nice to know that at least the days are indeed getting longer and the bitter cold of winter will soon be past and gone for another season.
I don’t know why we like spring so much. It may have to do with more comfortable temperatures. It may have to do with the growth and renewal of things outdoors. It may have to do with longer days, the end of the school year, or summer vacations. I really suspect it is all of that and more.
We see enough chaos, dirt, and disarray in our lives as it is. Many of us could accurately describe our existence by referring to a blanket of snow that has overstayed its welcome and is polluted, tracked up, and very unappealing. We know that it seems to be harder and harder to maintain some semblance of order and peace in our lives. Spring tells us that things are all right. Spring tells us that there is order. Spring tells us that better days lie ahead. Spring fuels optimism and hope.
Welcome spring!!
I don’t know why we like spring so much. It may have to do with more comfortable temperatures. It may have to do with the growth and renewal of things outdoors. It may have to do with longer days, the end of the school year, or summer vacations. I really suspect it is all of that and more.
We see enough chaos, dirt, and disarray in our lives as it is. Many of us could accurately describe our existence by referring to a blanket of snow that has overstayed its welcome and is polluted, tracked up, and very unappealing. We know that it seems to be harder and harder to maintain some semblance of order and peace in our lives. Spring tells us that things are all right. Spring tells us that there is order. Spring tells us that better days lie ahead. Spring fuels optimism and hope.
Welcome spring!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Simpler Times
We live in an urban area that is at least three miles from any railroad. Nevertheless, sometimes when everything is right, I can lay in bed and hear the whistle of a train somewhere. I don’t know with certainty where it is, because the railroad is about 3 miles from us in two different directions. Once the sound comes into the bedroom after being filtered through trees, pollution, and various reflections off buildings and the like, it just “is there”.
I’m reminded of times long ago when living at home, I’d hear those same sounds as a child. The Santa Fe (now the BNSF) went through our small town at high speeds (and still does). We were on the other side of town from the tracks, but because of the size of the community, we heard each of about 75 trains a day very clearly.
Additionally, we were near a grain elevator, and a siding serviced it with rail cars. Sometimes, especially during summer nights, an engine would lumber up the siding and do its thing. Those tracks were less than 300 feet away from my bedroom window, and I would watch and listen as the brakemen coupled and uncoupled the cars, spotting them as required.
Some things, like the sound of a train whistle, are etched in our minds forever. They bring back certain memories…some pleasant…some not. The train whistle is one of those pleasant memories for me; I’m glad I can hear it even in the middle of urban chaos. It brings back memories of simpler times and a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Sometimes I need that.
I’m reminded of times long ago when living at home, I’d hear those same sounds as a child. The Santa Fe (now the BNSF) went through our small town at high speeds (and still does). We were on the other side of town from the tracks, but because of the size of the community, we heard each of about 75 trains a day very clearly.
Additionally, we were near a grain elevator, and a siding serviced it with rail cars. Sometimes, especially during summer nights, an engine would lumber up the siding and do its thing. Those tracks were less than 300 feet away from my bedroom window, and I would watch and listen as the brakemen coupled and uncoupled the cars, spotting them as required.
Some things, like the sound of a train whistle, are etched in our minds forever. They bring back certain memories…some pleasant…some not. The train whistle is one of those pleasant memories for me; I’m glad I can hear it even in the middle of urban chaos. It brings back memories of simpler times and a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Sometimes I need that.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Dirt-moving
Today, I did some office cleaning. I have an office in the lower level of our townhome, and it was time to straighten and clean. It’s been time for some time now, but only today I had the urge to actually get to it.
It didn’t take long. My office is not large, and it wasn’t a living nightmare like some offices. But it feels better knowing that the job is done, at least until it gets messy again.
Life is a lot like that. (You just knew I would get to some kind of a life application, didn’t you?) We procrastinate cleaning out the closets of our lives, yet when we finally get around to cleaning out the cobwebs, something happens. We feel lighter, more free, and generally are a better person to be around.
There are also those things in our lives that seem to be intractably bound to us. Try as we might, we just cannot seem to get rid of them. Like mold in the bathtub or roaches in the kitchen, they just seem to perpetuate, pupate, and propagate. That’s when we need help. For Christians, that help is the God of the Bible and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Others have other means and ways to clean out the unclean-able. The question is, what works and what doesn’t? What gets it squeaky clean, and what just moves the dirt from one corner to another?
It didn’t take long. My office is not large, and it wasn’t a living nightmare like some offices. But it feels better knowing that the job is done, at least until it gets messy again.
Life is a lot like that. (You just knew I would get to some kind of a life application, didn’t you?) We procrastinate cleaning out the closets of our lives, yet when we finally get around to cleaning out the cobwebs, something happens. We feel lighter, more free, and generally are a better person to be around.
There are also those things in our lives that seem to be intractably bound to us. Try as we might, we just cannot seem to get rid of them. Like mold in the bathtub or roaches in the kitchen, they just seem to perpetuate, pupate, and propagate. That’s when we need help. For Christians, that help is the God of the Bible and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Others have other means and ways to clean out the unclean-able. The question is, what works and what doesn’t? What gets it squeaky clean, and what just moves the dirt from one corner to another?
Monday, January 09, 2006
It's Just a Hassle
Well, it’s over. The dinners, vows, introductions to new people, worry about things going right, clean-up…it’s all finished. Now, my son and daughter-in-law (that sounds so cold…she’s almost like a daughter to me…can I call her that?) have to find their way together, make their life together, and continue to grow together, mature together, and serve together.
I’m kind of bummed out today. It was just an exhausting weekend, and I have to call the hotel and hassle with them over some credit card charges. I hate doing that…it’s one reason I like to deal in cash. The problem is that if you don’t have a credit card, you can’t rent a car, guarantee a room, or do many other things in the modern world.
Whatever happened to people doing what they say and a modicum of trust when doing business? It’s all about protection now, and the protection is, unfortunately, all done by the commercial side of the business relationship. The consumer is left in the cold.
Well, even old dogs learn new tricks. I now know better than I did a week ago how to deal with a hotel and with food caterers. I will straighten out the mess and will let my opinions be known to management, as if that will matter. It’s just a hassle (or have I already said that…)
I’m kind of bummed out today. It was just an exhausting weekend, and I have to call the hotel and hassle with them over some credit card charges. I hate doing that…it’s one reason I like to deal in cash. The problem is that if you don’t have a credit card, you can’t rent a car, guarantee a room, or do many other things in the modern world.
Whatever happened to people doing what they say and a modicum of trust when doing business? It’s all about protection now, and the protection is, unfortunately, all done by the commercial side of the business relationship. The consumer is left in the cold.
Well, even old dogs learn new tricks. I now know better than I did a week ago how to deal with a hotel and with food caterers. I will straighten out the mess and will let my opinions be known to management, as if that will matter. It’s just a hassle (or have I already said that…)
OK, OK
OK, OK. I know the last blog may have been a bit on the unrealistic side for some. The point, however, is valid. Look at Paul’s circumstance, and then look at Paul’s attitude. He also tells us to imitate him as he imitates Christ. That’s the goal. That’s the ideal. Where are you on the journey?
Friday, January 06, 2006
Attitude
I suppose I should take a break from blogging, since I am in process of getting my youngest son married. We are in the community of his residence as I write this, and I am on a Holiday Inn PC in the lobby of the hotel. What a deal.
Pat and I were walking downtown today and met someone I hadn’t seen for over 25 years. This gentleman was the one who hired me into a position almost 30 years ago, and has hung around the area ever since then, except for a short stint in New Mexico.
It was good to make the connection again. I thought, as I left the place where we ran into each other, of all the people I have met and interacted with over the years. Life has been rich and full, and I have been privileged to have been a part of God’s creation thus far. I truly believe I am happy. However, to go through life lonely, angry, and frustrated has to be one of the most difficult things a human being could do, yet so many people are exactly that way. I feel for them in a way, but in many circumstances, life is choices.
Rich, poor, sick, healthy, slave or free many times doesn’t matter as much as attitude, outlook, and mindset. We can’t control everything, but we can control what and how we think.
Pat and I were walking downtown today and met someone I hadn’t seen for over 25 years. This gentleman was the one who hired me into a position almost 30 years ago, and has hung around the area ever since then, except for a short stint in New Mexico.
It was good to make the connection again. I thought, as I left the place where we ran into each other, of all the people I have met and interacted with over the years. Life has been rich and full, and I have been privileged to have been a part of God’s creation thus far. I truly believe I am happy. However, to go through life lonely, angry, and frustrated has to be one of the most difficult things a human being could do, yet so many people are exactly that way. I feel for them in a way, but in many circumstances, life is choices.
Rich, poor, sick, healthy, slave or free many times doesn’t matter as much as attitude, outlook, and mindset. We can’t control everything, but we can control what and how we think.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Gimme God Blues
Today I was watching the news regarding the coal mine accident in West Virginia. The relatives of the victims at first had been told that their loved ones were alive; after three hours, they were told there had been a mistake and most were actually dead.
One man, a friend of the families, was interviewed. He said that during the celebration, people were praising and thanking God. When the truth was told, those same people started cursing and screaming at God. He said that one man had said, “What the **** has God ever done for me?”
I thought long and hard about that, and even changed my Wednesday Bible class today so we could visit about it. I don’t condemn the man who was supposed to have said the above quote, because I might have said the same thing in my pain and sorrow. But I wonder how often we who have not seen tragedy and suffering as these folks have ask the same question in the same tone of voice. Have we become chronic complainers, whiners, and gimme-er’s?
Gimme God Blues
From the musical For Heaven’s Sake
Written by Helen Kromer and Fredrick Silver
Partial Lyrics:
I got the Gimme God blues, I got the Gimme God blues
Cus God won't gimme what I want him to gimme,
I got the Gimme God blues....
Wanna be healthy, wanna be wise
Wanna have all that money buys
The best of schools, the smartest clothes
The kind of breeding the thoroughbred knows.
Wanna have talent, wanna have fame
Marry a man with a very big name.
Wanna take everything worth bein' took
Wanna shake down heaven till the heaven's shook....
When I get what I wanna get,
I want what I haven't got yet
And when that's gotten, you can bet
What I got wasn't what I thought I'd get.
I got the gimme God blues
One man, a friend of the families, was interviewed. He said that during the celebration, people were praising and thanking God. When the truth was told, those same people started cursing and screaming at God. He said that one man had said, “What the **** has God ever done for me?”
I thought long and hard about that, and even changed my Wednesday Bible class today so we could visit about it. I don’t condemn the man who was supposed to have said the above quote, because I might have said the same thing in my pain and sorrow. But I wonder how often we who have not seen tragedy and suffering as these folks have ask the same question in the same tone of voice. Have we become chronic complainers, whiners, and gimme-er’s?
Gimme God Blues
From the musical For Heaven’s Sake
Written by Helen Kromer and Fredrick Silver
Partial Lyrics:
I got the Gimme God blues, I got the Gimme God blues
Cus God won't gimme what I want him to gimme,
I got the Gimme God blues....
Wanna be healthy, wanna be wise
Wanna have all that money buys
The best of schools, the smartest clothes
The kind of breeding the thoroughbred knows.
Wanna have talent, wanna have fame
Marry a man with a very big name.
Wanna take everything worth bein' took
Wanna shake down heaven till the heaven's shook....
When I get what I wanna get,
I want what I haven't got yet
And when that's gotten, you can bet
What I got wasn't what I thought I'd get.
I got the gimme God blues
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
"No Problem!!"
Today I saw a sign, “Good Credit? Poor Credit? No Credit? No Problem!!” Of course, the sign was advertising one of those payday loan places (I have to be careful what I say about those places…I have a nephew who owns one) where you can bring in a post dated check, car title, or whatever, and get a loan for a few days.
If you recall the Cosby Show, one of Theo’s great lines was “Hey, Dad. No problem!!” when faced with poor grades or some other teenage crisis. He always had some kind of plan to convince his dad that poor grades, etc. really wasn’t a problem.
I don’t know about you, but I think there may be too much “No problem” attitude in the world today. I’m not a doomsday person, and I think that in many areas we’ve taken great strides…environmental, social, medical, and so on. But there are issues, I think, with some of the basic “stuff” of society.
Courtesy, morality, duty, selflessness, honor, deference, and consideration are all up for grabs, it seems. We don’t know that we should let people out of an elevator car before trying to barge into that same car. We don’t patiently wait while a grandma slowly writes out a check in the grocery check-out line. We pull in front of another car instead of sliding in behind them when changing lanes, slowing down, and turning, thereby forcing that car to slow also. We don’t walk on the right side of the aisle, sidewalk, or hall. Instead, we barge down the middle or the left side. Ma’am and Sir seem to be anachronisms. Bare midriffs, tank tops, and underwear displays in public are blithely accepted.
My background is human resources. I’ve hired hundreds of people and terminated more than one. I don’t know about anyone else, but the things I’ve just talked about are, to me, much more important in a hiring (or firing) decision than any resume. These qualities, or lack thereof, betray an underlying attitude that fancy resume paper and slick interviews cannot hide. If the shoe fits….
If you recall the Cosby Show, one of Theo’s great lines was “Hey, Dad. No problem!!” when faced with poor grades or some other teenage crisis. He always had some kind of plan to convince his dad that poor grades, etc. really wasn’t a problem.
I don’t know about you, but I think there may be too much “No problem” attitude in the world today. I’m not a doomsday person, and I think that in many areas we’ve taken great strides…environmental, social, medical, and so on. But there are issues, I think, with some of the basic “stuff” of society.
Courtesy, morality, duty, selflessness, honor, deference, and consideration are all up for grabs, it seems. We don’t know that we should let people out of an elevator car before trying to barge into that same car. We don’t patiently wait while a grandma slowly writes out a check in the grocery check-out line. We pull in front of another car instead of sliding in behind them when changing lanes, slowing down, and turning, thereby forcing that car to slow also. We don’t walk on the right side of the aisle, sidewalk, or hall. Instead, we barge down the middle or the left side. Ma’am and Sir seem to be anachronisms. Bare midriffs, tank tops, and underwear displays in public are blithely accepted.
My background is human resources. I’ve hired hundreds of people and terminated more than one. I don’t know about anyone else, but the things I’ve just talked about are, to me, much more important in a hiring (or firing) decision than any resume. These qualities, or lack thereof, betray an underlying attitude that fancy resume paper and slick interviews cannot hide. If the shoe fits….
Monday, January 02, 2006
Today, It Hit
Today, it hit. This indeed is the new year. Yes, I know it was yesterday, but the reality of it didn’t hit me until this afternoon sometime while I was being hypnotized by the boob tube and all of the football bowl games. I’m not sure what prompted the epiphany, but I’m glad it happened while I was in a “safe” place.
Had I been driving, I might have jerked off of the road. Had I been at the store, I might have bought everything on the shelf. Had I been at church, I might have uttered a tongue or prophecy (both taboo in my fellowship).
So, now that it’s official in my mind, I can begin to process the reality of yet another year down the tubes, and another year stretched out in front of me (provided I don’t die or the Second Coming delays). Fifty years ago, it was 1956, and I was in Mrs. Drouhard’s second grade class. Forty years ago, it was 1966 and I was a junior in high school. Thirty years ago, it was 1976 and, married for almost two years, we bought a place in Brewster, Kansas and moved there. Twenty years ago, 1986, we had just finished burying my mother and my dad would pass on within six months. Ten years ago, 1996, I had not yet received my promotion at Harper Hospital, and my best years there were still ahead of me.
And as the years hurtle on down the track of time, I will continue to marvel and wonder at what I see and hear. I will relish the days and enjoy the peace that comes from knowing the God of the Universe. And I will be drawn ever closer to the notion that to get out of the way and no longer run the race is really OK. Really, it is.
Had I been driving, I might have jerked off of the road. Had I been at the store, I might have bought everything on the shelf. Had I been at church, I might have uttered a tongue or prophecy (both taboo in my fellowship).
So, now that it’s official in my mind, I can begin to process the reality of yet another year down the tubes, and another year stretched out in front of me (provided I don’t die or the Second Coming delays). Fifty years ago, it was 1956, and I was in Mrs. Drouhard’s second grade class. Forty years ago, it was 1966 and I was a junior in high school. Thirty years ago, it was 1976 and, married for almost two years, we bought a place in Brewster, Kansas and moved there. Twenty years ago, 1986, we had just finished burying my mother and my dad would pass on within six months. Ten years ago, 1996, I had not yet received my promotion at Harper Hospital, and my best years there were still ahead of me.
And as the years hurtle on down the track of time, I will continue to marvel and wonder at what I see and hear. I will relish the days and enjoy the peace that comes from knowing the God of the Universe. And I will be drawn ever closer to the notion that to get out of the way and no longer run the race is really OK. Really, it is.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Just Because
It’s here. The year 2006 is here. When I went outdoors this morning to pick up the paper and water the dog, it didn’t look or smell any different than all of the other years. But according to the calendar and our way of tracking time, this is indeed a new year and a beginning again of sorts.
I don’t suppose people are really saying anything different about this new year, but I seem to be hearing more of hope and promise for this year than I’ve heard in some of the years past. Maybe it’s the war. Maybe it’s the economy. Maybe it’s the deterioration of morals and etiquette. Maybe, though, just maybe people are ready to be optimistic for awhile.
It’s within us all…that spirit of optimism and hopefulness which causes us to press on and keep going. Whether we “have it all”, as they say, or whether we just barely hang on, the drive to succeed and make a way for ourselves is one of the strongest in the human repertoire.
Much of the world environment is so different from our U.S. culture that it may appear that we’re in another solar system when we encounter the massive problems and issues in places like Indonesia, Somalia, and Haiti. But even there, we see sparks of hope within the human form and the drive to survive, succeed, and grow.
This year, do something that celebrates the human capacity to hope in the midst of hopelessness. Connect with something larger than yourself. Make a difference. Be a friend. Demonstrate compassion. Share the wealth. Cry, laugh, celebrate, mourn, cherish, embrace and love. Just because.
I don’t suppose people are really saying anything different about this new year, but I seem to be hearing more of hope and promise for this year than I’ve heard in some of the years past. Maybe it’s the war. Maybe it’s the economy. Maybe it’s the deterioration of morals and etiquette. Maybe, though, just maybe people are ready to be optimistic for awhile.
It’s within us all…that spirit of optimism and hopefulness which causes us to press on and keep going. Whether we “have it all”, as they say, or whether we just barely hang on, the drive to succeed and make a way for ourselves is one of the strongest in the human repertoire.
Much of the world environment is so different from our U.S. culture that it may appear that we’re in another solar system when we encounter the massive problems and issues in places like Indonesia, Somalia, and Haiti. But even there, we see sparks of hope within the human form and the drive to survive, succeed, and grow.
This year, do something that celebrates the human capacity to hope in the midst of hopelessness. Connect with something larger than yourself. Make a difference. Be a friend. Demonstrate compassion. Share the wealth. Cry, laugh, celebrate, mourn, cherish, embrace and love. Just because.
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