Today started out in a not-so-good way. I have problems, from time to time, with vertigo. I’ve had the condition for years, and once in a while it pops up out of its hiding place and torments me for a few hours.
Today wasn’t a bad case, as I never paid homage to the porcelain god in the bathroom. But my head feels like it’s about twice its normal size, I have ringing in the ears, and I have the feeling that if I move too quickly, my head will fall off (wondering what that would feel like).
I think I’m on the downhill side this time, but had to wonder why I worry about it at all when I checked my email this morning. I had a post from a woman here in Topeka who was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks ago, has already had surgery, and is on a chemo track. She’s forty three years old.
After talking some about her treatment and her life, she says the following: “So here is the plan...I smile every day...especially at the notes I get...I take along a good book or friends and other inspirational encouragement and reading material ... keep up the faith and I continue to have a strong will.”
What do I have to complain about?
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Discombobulation
It’s a little early for me to be sitting in front of the PC. It’s a little after 7am, and I am just not used to doing this at this hour. I know, some of you early-risers have done half of a day’s work by this time, but the rest of us have our ruts, and we sort of like them.
I get up earlier than usual on Wednesdays, because I have a Bible study (yes, a real Bible study) with a church member and the preacher at 6:30am on Wednesdays in the member’s basement. This appears to be a good time for him, and it works out for us, too. However, he called this morning while I was in the shower and said he was ill and wouldn’t be able to do the study.
So now, I’m about an hour or so ahead of schedule. Normally, I reach the PC by about 8am or so, but find myself here today earlier than “normal.” What was that I said about ruts? That we like them?
In reality, I think we are in love with our ruts, and it becomes even more of a love fest as we age. I don’t know what the appeal is of a standardized way of doing things, but the attraction just seems to get stronger the farther we travel down the road of life and living.
So today, I’ll be discombobulated all day long. I’ll want to retire to the comfort of the bed at about 9:30 this evening instead of the usual 10:30 to 11pm. I’ll want to eat lunch at 10am. Things won’t be normal at all. I’ll always be thinking that I’m doing something forbidden somehow, and that the day is just running away with itself into chaos and waste.
I think I might in fact enjoy this day after all.
I get up earlier than usual on Wednesdays, because I have a Bible study (yes, a real Bible study) with a church member and the preacher at 6:30am on Wednesdays in the member’s basement. This appears to be a good time for him, and it works out for us, too. However, he called this morning while I was in the shower and said he was ill and wouldn’t be able to do the study.
So now, I’m about an hour or so ahead of schedule. Normally, I reach the PC by about 8am or so, but find myself here today earlier than “normal.” What was that I said about ruts? That we like them?
In reality, I think we are in love with our ruts, and it becomes even more of a love fest as we age. I don’t know what the appeal is of a standardized way of doing things, but the attraction just seems to get stronger the farther we travel down the road of life and living.
So today, I’ll be discombobulated all day long. I’ll want to retire to the comfort of the bed at about 9:30 this evening instead of the usual 10:30 to 11pm. I’ll want to eat lunch at 10am. Things won’t be normal at all. I’ll always be thinking that I’m doing something forbidden somehow, and that the day is just running away with itself into chaos and waste.
I think I might in fact enjoy this day after all.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Looking For Something?
I seem to write better in the morning than in the afternoon or evening. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the caffeine that’s swimming in the Air Force mug on my desk. Maybe my brain is more rested now (whatever that means). On the other hand, it just could be that I am more of a morning person than I think.
It also helps when people acknowledge what I’ve written. I just received an email from Kathy, who was encouraging regarding my recent post “Taste and See.” I don’t write for the feedback, but appreciate it nevertheless. I know that people read my writing even though they don’t always comment on the blog site.
Today looks like it will be a relatively busy one for me, if I can get myself in gear. Yesterday was kind of a lost cause, as I wasn’t in a perky mood and thought I was doing good just to have something prepared for the church prayer team, which met at our home last night.
The meeting was a good thing, because I think there were some others who were kind of in a downer mood, too, and we all left the meeting in better spirits. There’s something about genuine and heartfelt group prayer that puts things back into perspective and gives new hope.
Group prayer (and God) may not be your thing, but if you’re looking for something and haven’t found it yet, consider carefully. You may just find the answers you’ve been seeking in Someone who has been loving you all this time.
It also helps when people acknowledge what I’ve written. I just received an email from Kathy, who was encouraging regarding my recent post “Taste and See.” I don’t write for the feedback, but appreciate it nevertheless. I know that people read my writing even though they don’t always comment on the blog site.
Today looks like it will be a relatively busy one for me, if I can get myself in gear. Yesterday was kind of a lost cause, as I wasn’t in a perky mood and thought I was doing good just to have something prepared for the church prayer team, which met at our home last night.
The meeting was a good thing, because I think there were some others who were kind of in a downer mood, too, and we all left the meeting in better spirits. There’s something about genuine and heartfelt group prayer that puts things back into perspective and gives new hope.
Group prayer (and God) may not be your thing, but if you’re looking for something and haven’t found it yet, consider carefully. You may just find the answers you’ve been seeking in Someone who has been loving you all this time.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Taste and See
This evening was one of those “almost perfect” evenings that we sometimes have in the spring or fall. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a few degrees warmer temperature. However, the wind was calm, the sky was clear with just a few floaters in it, people were in the park across the creek playing Frisbee golf, walking, cycling, or whatever, and birds, squirrels, ducks, and other animals were scurrying about preparing for the night to come.
I got myself a cup of leftover morning coffee, heated it in the micro, and sat out on our second floor patio taking it all in. A hot air balloon floated lazily overhead just a few hundred feet up, and was making about a mile every 10 minutes. I could hear the voices of the people in the gondola, and of course, the noise of the flame as it cycled on and off.
I had my binoculars and bird book, saw a few birds, and heard a few more. Mostly, the juncos and cardinals had charge of the trees and brush out back, with one or two robins flying across the back yard at times. We aren’t bothered much by sparrows and starlings, although they do stop at times.
I am truly grateful for evenings like this one. They come all too infrequently, and I think few people enjoy them. They are, rather, in the house in front of the boob tube, hurrying to finish this or that chore, or going somewhere in a hurry. I do those things, too, but more and more enjoy taking a few minutes to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
I got myself a cup of leftover morning coffee, heated it in the micro, and sat out on our second floor patio taking it all in. A hot air balloon floated lazily overhead just a few hundred feet up, and was making about a mile every 10 minutes. I could hear the voices of the people in the gondola, and of course, the noise of the flame as it cycled on and off.
I had my binoculars and bird book, saw a few birds, and heard a few more. Mostly, the juncos and cardinals had charge of the trees and brush out back, with one or two robins flying across the back yard at times. We aren’t bothered much by sparrows and starlings, although they do stop at times.
I am truly grateful for evenings like this one. They come all too infrequently, and I think few people enjoy them. They are, rather, in the house in front of the boob tube, hurrying to finish this or that chore, or going somewhere in a hurry. I do those things, too, but more and more enjoy taking a few minutes to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Friday, March 24, 2006
Short Trip
We came home a few hours ago from a short trip to southern Missouri. We headed to the Branson area and spent a couple nights at a resort on Indian Point (on past where you normally turn off to park at Silver Dollar City) with my brother and sister from Wichita and their families. We’ve stayed at the resort before, and we feel comfortable there.
Although it was cold, we had a good time playing cards, eating, talking, shopping, eating, walking, resting, eating, and show-seeing (Shoji Tabuchi). Did I mention eating?
By the way, Shoji is worth seeing. Yes, he’s a country violinist, but only about a fourth of his show was country. There was patriotic, gospel, classical, oldies rock, show tunes, and other genre scattered throughout, with amazing and glittering production numbers. The theater itself is a showpiece…more than just a building. You about have to see it to appreciate it.
In any event, it is always good to go to things like that and see the relatives. It’s also always good to turn in to the drive and park in the garage. I may write about some things that happened in the last 48 hours or so…or I may not. We’ll just see how it goes.
Although it was cold, we had a good time playing cards, eating, talking, shopping, eating, walking, resting, eating, and show-seeing (Shoji Tabuchi). Did I mention eating?
By the way, Shoji is worth seeing. Yes, he’s a country violinist, but only about a fourth of his show was country. There was patriotic, gospel, classical, oldies rock, show tunes, and other genre scattered throughout, with amazing and glittering production numbers. The theater itself is a showpiece…more than just a building. You about have to see it to appreciate it.
In any event, it is always good to go to things like that and see the relatives. It’s also always good to turn in to the drive and park in the garage. I may write about some things that happened in the last 48 hours or so…or I may not. We’ll just see how it goes.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The Small Things
It isn't always easy to remember to write in my blog. I think, although I have yet to look, that it has been several days since I last wrote. Since that time, we've had what seems to be days and days of cloudiness, drizzle, and the threat (although it never materialized) of a foot of snow.
This is the seventh day that it has been cloudy. It's the first day since Saturday that we've not had some kind of drizzle or moisture. And the snow threat that had been talked about since a week ago Sunday resulted in about ¾ inch of moisture, with about an inch of snow rather than the foot of snow everyone was talking about.
Yes, I know that some people got a foot or more. But we didn't. That's more to my liking anyway. Snow just keeps things cold, is a pain to drive in, and makes for a slushy mess for days on end. Besides, our dog is afraid she'll get lost in the snow, and insists I make a bare place for her to do her business outside. I guess that's OK, but it is always a little embarrassing when I have to explain why I started shoveling a place in the yard, only to stop after 10 feet or so.
At least she's not at the stage in life, even though she's almost 15, where we have to let her out every hour. I should be thankful for the small things.
This is the seventh day that it has been cloudy. It's the first day since Saturday that we've not had some kind of drizzle or moisture. And the snow threat that had been talked about since a week ago Sunday resulted in about ¾ inch of moisture, with about an inch of snow rather than the foot of snow everyone was talking about.
Yes, I know that some people got a foot or more. But we didn't. That's more to my liking anyway. Snow just keeps things cold, is a pain to drive in, and makes for a slushy mess for days on end. Besides, our dog is afraid she'll get lost in the snow, and insists I make a bare place for her to do her business outside. I guess that's OK, but it is always a little embarrassing when I have to explain why I started shoveling a place in the yard, only to stop after 10 feet or so.
At least she's not at the stage in life, even though she's almost 15, where we have to let her out every hour. I should be thankful for the small things.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Thanks In Advance
This evening, I am just kind of waiting. We’ve been expecting some kind of rain/snow/sleet/ice event since about last Monday, and it’s been cloudy since yesterday morning. But we have yet to see the rain/snow/sleet/ice, and it seems it gets sort of pushed back every 12 hours or so into the NEXT 12 hour period.
They say (who is “they”, anyway) that 30 or so miles to the north and west of us, the folks can expect a foot of snow by Tuesday morning. But they are rather ambivalent about us here in Topeka.
I do hope we get rain, but I am less enthused about snow/ice/sleet. However, if it is to be, then so be it. It will eventually do good for us, whether it comes as liquid, solid, or flakes.
Sometimes I think we’d be better off if we didn’t have weather forecasts, and just went with the flow. Of course, that would lead to hearing about a tornado when we actually heard one…a little late, don’t you think…and being in the way of hurricanes, etc. So that might not be so good after all.
On the other hand, I can handle TV weather people better if they don’t make every rain or snow event seem like it’s going to be the end of civilization as we know it. The human race has endured bad weather for eons, and can withstand it now without becoming extinct. Give us just a little break from the hype, huh guys? Thanks.
They say (who is “they”, anyway) that 30 or so miles to the north and west of us, the folks can expect a foot of snow by Tuesday morning. But they are rather ambivalent about us here in Topeka.
I do hope we get rain, but I am less enthused about snow/ice/sleet. However, if it is to be, then so be it. It will eventually do good for us, whether it comes as liquid, solid, or flakes.
Sometimes I think we’d be better off if we didn’t have weather forecasts, and just went with the flow. Of course, that would lead to hearing about a tornado when we actually heard one…a little late, don’t you think…and being in the way of hurricanes, etc. So that might not be so good after all.
On the other hand, I can handle TV weather people better if they don’t make every rain or snow event seem like it’s going to be the end of civilization as we know it. The human race has endured bad weather for eons, and can withstand it now without becoming extinct. Give us just a little break from the hype, huh guys? Thanks.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Tax Whining
I need to get busy. With my taxes, that is. We’ve gathered all of the information. Now I need to put it into a spreadsheet and send it off to our tax preparer. I am dreading this tax year, as I believe we will owe a lot of money. No, we didn’t plan it that way…it just worked out that way.
So, with papers in hand, sitting down at the PC, I will trundle my way through the maze of contributions, rental expenses, taxes paid, capital gains, the selling of real estate, and other such things, and figure out what to send to the tax man.
I know, I should appreciate the fact that I live in this great nation, and I do appreciate it. And I wouldn’t mind paying taxes so much if it seemed like a fair system. However, it seems the system is becoming more skewed all the time. The same seems to be true with our system of property taxes and our sales taxes in Kansas. There are so many exemptions, tax rates, etc., that it’s difficult to justify why I should always be the one who ponies up tax payments that have no calculated reductions, credits, or other perks given to other classes of people, for whatever reason.
I know. Someone will tell me that I am whining about nothing. Yes, I admit that I am whining, but this is my blog, and I can whine if I choose to do so. I choose to do so. Whine. Whine. Whine. Whine.
So, with papers in hand, sitting down at the PC, I will trundle my way through the maze of contributions, rental expenses, taxes paid, capital gains, the selling of real estate, and other such things, and figure out what to send to the tax man.
I know, I should appreciate the fact that I live in this great nation, and I do appreciate it. And I wouldn’t mind paying taxes so much if it seemed like a fair system. However, it seems the system is becoming more skewed all the time. The same seems to be true with our system of property taxes and our sales taxes in Kansas. There are so many exemptions, tax rates, etc., that it’s difficult to justify why I should always be the one who ponies up tax payments that have no calculated reductions, credits, or other perks given to other classes of people, for whatever reason.
I know. Someone will tell me that I am whining about nothing. Yes, I admit that I am whining, but this is my blog, and I can whine if I choose to do so. I choose to do so. Whine. Whine. Whine. Whine.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Welcome Wednesday!
I am up early today, at least for me. Normally, I set my alarm for 7am and get to work at about 8:30. Today, Chris and I are meeting with a church member at 6:30am for Bible study. We’ve been doing that for several weeks now, and plan to continue as long as we can.
We meet in the man’s basement in order not to disturb the rest of the family as they prepare for their day. We meet for an hour, and usually are somewhat reluctant to close out the session. We know we must, however, because he has to get to work himself.
There’s something about seeing the day from a perspective that one normally does not get that makes it special. Just like being out at 2am, one’s senses are attuned more keenly to the sights and sounds of the morning. It’s almost like one is transported somehow to a different world…one with many of the same features as the familiar, but a different ambiance, flavor, and aroma.
Of course, sometimes it’s not nearly as poetic as all of that. Sometimes, it’s just a drag to be out at otherworldly hours, because it’s much more comfortable in bed with eyes fixed on the inside of one’s eyelids, gazing at ethereal delights of the mind in dreamland.
Welcome Wednesday!!
We meet in the man’s basement in order not to disturb the rest of the family as they prepare for their day. We meet for an hour, and usually are somewhat reluctant to close out the session. We know we must, however, because he has to get to work himself.
There’s something about seeing the day from a perspective that one normally does not get that makes it special. Just like being out at 2am, one’s senses are attuned more keenly to the sights and sounds of the morning. It’s almost like one is transported somehow to a different world…one with many of the same features as the familiar, but a different ambiance, flavor, and aroma.
Of course, sometimes it’s not nearly as poetic as all of that. Sometimes, it’s just a drag to be out at otherworldly hours, because it’s much more comfortable in bed with eyes fixed on the inside of one’s eyelids, gazing at ethereal delights of the mind in dreamland.
Welcome Wednesday!!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Good People
Today is a kind of a downer for me. We all have days when it seems that things are just going too quickly, and issues continue to rear their heads despite our best efforts to keep them down.
Ministers are many times caught in the trap of working with other people's issues and problems while sometimes neglecting the ones that are closest to home. We really do care and grieve and weep and rejoice with others...sometimes to the point that we have nothing left for ourselves and our families.
I am at the church now, preparing for a prayer session with Chris, my co-worker here in Topeka. We will pray for others and their needs...from marriage issues to cancer to knowing God better. Hopefully, at least one of us will remember to pray for Chris and me as well...for our needs, issues, and relationship with God.
We have a hard time turning off the needs of the flock and spending some time with ourselves and our loved ones. But we have to understand that we are ALL ministers. It's not just my job to weep, mourn, rejoice, and care. That's something we all can and should be doing.
I need to let go and let others fill the void. There are good people in my flock that are ready, willing, and able to provide the shoulder, utter the prayers, and care for the necessities of others. I am thankful for them, and praise my Maker that they are here for me as well as others in the flock.
Ministers are many times caught in the trap of working with other people's issues and problems while sometimes neglecting the ones that are closest to home. We really do care and grieve and weep and rejoice with others...sometimes to the point that we have nothing left for ourselves and our families.
I am at the church now, preparing for a prayer session with Chris, my co-worker here in Topeka. We will pray for others and their needs...from marriage issues to cancer to knowing God better. Hopefully, at least one of us will remember to pray for Chris and me as well...for our needs, issues, and relationship with God.
We have a hard time turning off the needs of the flock and spending some time with ourselves and our loved ones. But we have to understand that we are ALL ministers. It's not just my job to weep, mourn, rejoice, and care. That's something we all can and should be doing.
I need to let go and let others fill the void. There are good people in my flock that are ready, willing, and able to provide the shoulder, utter the prayers, and care for the necessities of others. I am thankful for them, and praise my Maker that they are here for me as well as others in the flock.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Contemplation
I’m listening to the Bible in a year. Max McLean, the well-known artist, reads each chapter. If you’re interested, you can download each day’s reading at http://www.answersingenesis.org/answersmedia/audiobible/ You don’t have to start in January. You can start now if you like.
In any event, I am at the place in the Old Testament book of Joshua where Israel crosses over into the Promised Land and destroys the civilizations that are living there. I was struck again by the utter destruction and extreme bloodshed that occurred at that time. Israel was under orders to kill everything that breathed…man, woman, child, and in many cases, animals. I take those events to be true as written, and believe that the God of the universe ordained the destruction. I leave our sense of outrage, fairness, and “how can a loving God do that?” for another discussion at another time.
I tried to imagine myself as a part of the army that was to “ethnic cleanse” the land of Canaan. I tried to imagine myself with a sword in my hand, ready to strike a helpless woman dead. I wondered what it would have been like to kill children, animals, women, girls, and “all that breathed.” I wondered what it would be like to spend a day doing that, then going back to my tent, to my own wife and children. Then I tried to multiply that by months of the same. I couldn’t go there. It was beyond my comprehension.
I am contemplating what I heard today. I have no answers, only more questions. In all my years of knowing what is in that part of the Bible, I have never been touched by this as I was today. And I’m not sure I want to be touched in this way again.
In any event, I am at the place in the Old Testament book of Joshua where Israel crosses over into the Promised Land and destroys the civilizations that are living there. I was struck again by the utter destruction and extreme bloodshed that occurred at that time. Israel was under orders to kill everything that breathed…man, woman, child, and in many cases, animals. I take those events to be true as written, and believe that the God of the universe ordained the destruction. I leave our sense of outrage, fairness, and “how can a loving God do that?” for another discussion at another time.
I tried to imagine myself as a part of the army that was to “ethnic cleanse” the land of Canaan. I tried to imagine myself with a sword in my hand, ready to strike a helpless woman dead. I wondered what it would have been like to kill children, animals, women, girls, and “all that breathed.” I wondered what it would be like to spend a day doing that, then going back to my tent, to my own wife and children. Then I tried to multiply that by months of the same. I couldn’t go there. It was beyond my comprehension.
I am contemplating what I heard today. I have no answers, only more questions. In all my years of knowing what is in that part of the Bible, I have never been touched by this as I was today. And I’m not sure I want to be touched in this way again.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Moving Day
Why is it that people hold on to stuff that is of no use to anyone, least of all them? I know that’s not a good way to start a writing, but I’m really confused, I guess. Let me back up a little.
I helped a lady pack and load stuff into a U-Haul truck today. The truck was a small one, and she had more stuff than what would fit into a large one. She had stuff everywhere…closets, garage, utility, cabinets, on the floor…everywhere. And most of it wasn’t boxed up or even sorted.
So we sorted/packed and carried to the truck. John stayed in the truck and squeezed every available cubic inch out of the truck box. We got most of the stuff loaded, but there was a lot left when I had to leave.
That is why I am asking the question. I know I do the same thing. We cut down on a lot of our stuff when we moved about 5 years ago, and we cut down again last year when we moved here. We still have more stuff than I care to move the next time, so we’ll probably cut down some more. And I have a 1951 Minneapolis Moline “U” tractor that is still at the home place. I have no clue what I’m going to do with that.
Whatever happened to those college days when we could move with a pickup load or two? What happens as we become adults that prompts us to hoard? I dunno. And if you have a clue, I’m all ears.
I helped a lady pack and load stuff into a U-Haul truck today. The truck was a small one, and she had more stuff than what would fit into a large one. She had stuff everywhere…closets, garage, utility, cabinets, on the floor…everywhere. And most of it wasn’t boxed up or even sorted.
So we sorted/packed and carried to the truck. John stayed in the truck and squeezed every available cubic inch out of the truck box. We got most of the stuff loaded, but there was a lot left when I had to leave.
That is why I am asking the question. I know I do the same thing. We cut down on a lot of our stuff when we moved about 5 years ago, and we cut down again last year when we moved here. We still have more stuff than I care to move the next time, so we’ll probably cut down some more. And I have a 1951 Minneapolis Moline “U” tractor that is still at the home place. I have no clue what I’m going to do with that.
Whatever happened to those college days when we could move with a pickup load or two? What happens as we become adults that prompts us to hoard? I dunno. And if you have a clue, I’m all ears.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Thank You, God
Today has been a slow day so far. I’ve not felt well today, and am not “percolating” as well as I normally do. However, it’s time to get some things done, and my head hurts less than it did a couple of hours ago, so in a few minutes, I’ll be taking care of some business.
I know that I really don’t have bad aches and pains. I know that others have far greater problems than I. Cancer and cancer treatment comes to the top of my mind just now as I think of people that I know and have known who spend weeks and months feeling lousy. Some recover; some don’t. Today I will visit a friend who, I just found out, has breast cancer, has had surgery, and is commencing treatment.
My problems with sinus, headaches, and dizziness pale in comparison with the suffering of others at this minute. I have no right to gripe, complain, or pout.
Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for my daily bread. Thank you for a warm place to stay, clothes on my back, and people who love me. Thank you for the opportunity I have to demonstrate your love in some way this day.
I know that I really don’t have bad aches and pains. I know that others have far greater problems than I. Cancer and cancer treatment comes to the top of my mind just now as I think of people that I know and have known who spend weeks and months feeling lousy. Some recover; some don’t. Today I will visit a friend who, I just found out, has breast cancer, has had surgery, and is commencing treatment.
My problems with sinus, headaches, and dizziness pale in comparison with the suffering of others at this minute. I have no right to gripe, complain, or pout.
Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for my daily bread. Thank you for a warm place to stay, clothes on my back, and people who love me. Thank you for the opportunity I have to demonstrate your love in some way this day.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Taking Stock
The last week or so, the days have been noticeably warmer in the Topeka area. It’s obvious that things are awakening out there. Though it’s a bit early for leaves, flowers, and mosquitoes, it’s not too early for birds.
Letting Susie out in the morning is sometimes a real treat. Across the street in the sycamore tree will be a robin making his presence known. To my left over by the creek, a cardinal, with equal gusto, will be staking his claim to the territory. Out back, high in an elm or oak, a crow will be making noises that let others know he thinks he’s hot stuff.
Sometimes they sing together, making for a sort of natural chorus. And if one goes out early enough in the morning, the noise of the traffic on neighboring through streets isn’t noticeable, and the birds have the stage all to themselves.
Susie, of course, has no compulsion to stop and listen to the birds. She’s much more interested in sniffing out the scent of any dogs that may have roamed the yard during the night, chasing away any squirrels that happen to be ground-based, and relieving her bladder of the night’s accumulation of fluid.
In a way, Susie mirrors a lot of us. We are too busy with the busy work to notice our world. It doesn’t hurt to stop what we’re doing from time to time and take stock of what is around us. And if we do, we often come away from that encounter with a renewed sense of peace and wellness. That, friend, is worthwhile.
Letting Susie out in the morning is sometimes a real treat. Across the street in the sycamore tree will be a robin making his presence known. To my left over by the creek, a cardinal, with equal gusto, will be staking his claim to the territory. Out back, high in an elm or oak, a crow will be making noises that let others know he thinks he’s hot stuff.
Sometimes they sing together, making for a sort of natural chorus. And if one goes out early enough in the morning, the noise of the traffic on neighboring through streets isn’t noticeable, and the birds have the stage all to themselves.
Susie, of course, has no compulsion to stop and listen to the birds. She’s much more interested in sniffing out the scent of any dogs that may have roamed the yard during the night, chasing away any squirrels that happen to be ground-based, and relieving her bladder of the night’s accumulation of fluid.
In a way, Susie mirrors a lot of us. We are too busy with the busy work to notice our world. It doesn’t hurt to stop what we’re doing from time to time and take stock of what is around us. And if we do, we often come away from that encounter with a renewed sense of peace and wellness. That, friend, is worthwhile.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Life's Discomforts
We just came back today from a quick trip to Central Kansas. One of my wife’s aunts passed away, and the funeral was today. I know the drill. It works for most any funeral done in a rural area.
Go to the church (or mortuary, but usually a church) an hour before the funeral and sit for a “reading of the flowers”. That means that the mortician person reads the cards that come with the flower arrangements, and also reads the memorials that were sent. The idea is that the family knows who did what and who sent what, I would suppose. During this time, the casket is left open for a final family viewing.
We then are ushered into an area of the church reserved for family, and we wait until everyone else is seated. That gives us time to potty, visit, smoke (outside) and generally get ready. When everyone else is seated, the casket is closed and moved to the front. The family is then ushered to the front and seated.
We then have the service, about 30 to 45 minutes long. There are songs, usually solos, and remembrances; also an address given by a minister or church official.
We then are ushered out to our vehicles and go to the cemetery behind the hearse. There is about a five minute committal service, then we stand around and visit a few minutes, then go somewhere for a dinner, usually prepared by church people. After the dinner, we are all dismissed to our “separate places of abode”.
It may not be wild and crazy, but it works for a lot of people. They find comfort in the familiar, even in the midst of a life-changing event. And that may be the most comforting of all…that we can indeed find comfort in the midst of life’s discomforts.
Go to the church (or mortuary, but usually a church) an hour before the funeral and sit for a “reading of the flowers”. That means that the mortician person reads the cards that come with the flower arrangements, and also reads the memorials that were sent. The idea is that the family knows who did what and who sent what, I would suppose. During this time, the casket is left open for a final family viewing.
We then are ushered into an area of the church reserved for family, and we wait until everyone else is seated. That gives us time to potty, visit, smoke (outside) and generally get ready. When everyone else is seated, the casket is closed and moved to the front. The family is then ushered to the front and seated.
We then have the service, about 30 to 45 minutes long. There are songs, usually solos, and remembrances; also an address given by a minister or church official.
We then are ushered out to our vehicles and go to the cemetery behind the hearse. There is about a five minute committal service, then we stand around and visit a few minutes, then go somewhere for a dinner, usually prepared by church people. After the dinner, we are all dismissed to our “separate places of abode”.
It may not be wild and crazy, but it works for a lot of people. They find comfort in the familiar, even in the midst of a life-changing event. And that may be the most comforting of all…that we can indeed find comfort in the midst of life’s discomforts.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Bruce Beheimer and the Rain
It was raining this morning in Topeka. Oh, nothing like the toad-stranglers we had in Western Kansas sometimes. No, this rain was more like a drizzle, a dampening of what was out of doors overnight. Evidence of the ongoing drizzle was made plain by the water that I heard fall off the eave during the night.
I like that sound…water dripping off a roof. There’s something soothing and quieting about that, especially while I am in bed, warm and dry. I think that sound takes me back to times when I was growing up. My room was at one corner of the house where rainwater dripped off the eaves and on to a walkway below. It was somehow soothing for me then, too, to hear that sound. Sometimes I’d hear it early in the morning, after Mom and Dad had gotten up and before all the kids aroused. That sound would be combined with the smell of coffee on the stove (she perked it the cowboy way…over a fire on the gas stove), the rustling of the morning paper, the noise of Bruce Beheimer on KFH radio (Wichita) giving the market report (Dad was a farmer/stockman), and the once-in-a-while talking across the table.
I kind of miss hearing Bruce’s nasally monotone, the smell of Mom’s coffee (which poured out of the pot like syrup), and the table talk. I don’t have to miss the rain dripping off of the eave, though. And that’s enough for me.
I like that sound…water dripping off a roof. There’s something soothing and quieting about that, especially while I am in bed, warm and dry. I think that sound takes me back to times when I was growing up. My room was at one corner of the house where rainwater dripped off the eaves and on to a walkway below. It was somehow soothing for me then, too, to hear that sound. Sometimes I’d hear it early in the morning, after Mom and Dad had gotten up and before all the kids aroused. That sound would be combined with the smell of coffee on the stove (she perked it the cowboy way…over a fire on the gas stove), the rustling of the morning paper, the noise of Bruce Beheimer on KFH radio (Wichita) giving the market report (Dad was a farmer/stockman), and the once-in-a-while talking across the table.
I kind of miss hearing Bruce’s nasally monotone, the smell of Mom’s coffee (which poured out of the pot like syrup), and the table talk. I don’t have to miss the rain dripping off of the eave, though. And that’s enough for me.
The Humility
I just returned from a 24 hour trip to Missouri to visit an old friend in El Dorado Springs. I hadn’t seen Steve for several years, and sad to say, time hasn’t made him better-looking. As for wisdom, however, the Lord has made up for His failure to supply the looks and has endowed him with not only a good life partner, a couple of great kids, and true peace and joy, but has also provided him with a wisdom that is both apparent and gracious.
I enjoyed the conversation and time together. I was able to benefit from the grace of wisdom, and trust they too were benefited by my visit. I have but one regret…that I didn’t have the time to introduce his daughter (7 years old) to sharps and flats on the piano.
It’s rather dry in that part of the country, and people are getting a little nervous about the spring crops. That’s an agricultural area, and rain is always the principle topic of conversation in the coffee shops and in chance meetings with others of like mind. Even people like Steve, whose vocation is in no way agricultural, rely on the rain for the continued stirring of the economic engine that keeps him and his family in clothes and under a roof.
Kind of makes one think that perhaps we don’t have the tiger by the tail after all in this great nation of ours. Kind of gets one to understanding that the Good Lord still has the final say about whether we languish or prosper. Kind of brings on the humility.
I enjoyed the conversation and time together. I was able to benefit from the grace of wisdom, and trust they too were benefited by my visit. I have but one regret…that I didn’t have the time to introduce his daughter (7 years old) to sharps and flats on the piano.
It’s rather dry in that part of the country, and people are getting a little nervous about the spring crops. That’s an agricultural area, and rain is always the principle topic of conversation in the coffee shops and in chance meetings with others of like mind. Even people like Steve, whose vocation is in no way agricultural, rely on the rain for the continued stirring of the economic engine that keeps him and his family in clothes and under a roof.
Kind of makes one think that perhaps we don’t have the tiger by the tail after all in this great nation of ours. Kind of gets one to understanding that the Good Lord still has the final say about whether we languish or prosper. Kind of brings on the humility.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Perspectives
Well, in a couple of hours, I hope to be off to see an old friend in Missouri. Steve and his wife Tamy used to live in our home community, and became dear friends to us. I haven’t seen him for many years and look forward to visiting for a day or so.
My purpose in going is two-fold. I look forward to renewing the friendship, and I have need of some pastoral counseling that I believe he can provide. Steve is a minister, and I need to talk to someone like him. I look forward to a fruitful discussion.
I’ve been catching up on some housework today. Clothes are in the laundry; I’ve cleaned the bathroom, done the dishes, and scrubbed the kitchen floor. This time I did the floor by hand with a towel. You know, it’s almost easier just to do it that way than to get out the mop and go through all of the motions associated with it.
One also gets a different perspective on the floor itself. I see spots where I haven’t seen them before. I see dirty corners, chipped baseboard, and “things” adhering to cupboard doors. It makes for a rather “interesting” experience.
It doesn’t hurt to look at things from a different perspective. That’s why I’m visiting with Steve today and tonight. I think he’ll show me something I have not seen before, and am only beginning to understand. I’m ready.
My purpose in going is two-fold. I look forward to renewing the friendship, and I have need of some pastoral counseling that I believe he can provide. Steve is a minister, and I need to talk to someone like him. I look forward to a fruitful discussion.
I’ve been catching up on some housework today. Clothes are in the laundry; I’ve cleaned the bathroom, done the dishes, and scrubbed the kitchen floor. This time I did the floor by hand with a towel. You know, it’s almost easier just to do it that way than to get out the mop and go through all of the motions associated with it.
One also gets a different perspective on the floor itself. I see spots where I haven’t seen them before. I see dirty corners, chipped baseboard, and “things” adhering to cupboard doors. It makes for a rather “interesting” experience.
It doesn’t hurt to look at things from a different perspective. That’s why I’m visiting with Steve today and tonight. I think he’ll show me something I have not seen before, and am only beginning to understand. I’m ready.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sixty Years
Tonight is last time Max Falkenstein of Kansas University athletics announces a game at Allen Fieldhouse. He’s hanging it up after this season of KU men’s basketball. He’s called all of the men’s games ever played at the fieldhouse. He’s been at it for sixty (count ‘em….60) years.
His sidekick, and main play by play man, Bob Davis, is a mere youngster compared to Max. Bob has only been on the air since about 1968, having started out in Western Kansas at the same radio station where I began my career, and at the same time. In comparison, Bob is a mere youngster.
What is it like to spend 60 years doing anything? Max can tell you. I don’t know that many others have had the privilege. We normally don’t work 60 years. We don’t normally do ANYTHING 60 years. Some of us are lucky enough to work 50 years, but 60? No way.
And marriage. What about marriage? What about those who have been married to the same man or woman for 60 years? I’ve been married a little over half of that, and although my marriage is happy, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be with someone for that many years. I hope to find out, though.
Thanks, Max, for 60 great years. And thank you, Bob Davis, for your unique calling of whatever sporting event you happen to be doing at the time…football, basketball, baseball…you’re pretty good. I knew you wouldn’t t stay at that kilowatt daytimer very long.
His sidekick, and main play by play man, Bob Davis, is a mere youngster compared to Max. Bob has only been on the air since about 1968, having started out in Western Kansas at the same radio station where I began my career, and at the same time. In comparison, Bob is a mere youngster.
What is it like to spend 60 years doing anything? Max can tell you. I don’t know that many others have had the privilege. We normally don’t work 60 years. We don’t normally do ANYTHING 60 years. Some of us are lucky enough to work 50 years, but 60? No way.
And marriage. What about marriage? What about those who have been married to the same man or woman for 60 years? I’ve been married a little over half of that, and although my marriage is happy, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be with someone for that many years. I hope to find out, though.
Thanks, Max, for 60 great years. And thank you, Bob Davis, for your unique calling of whatever sporting event you happen to be doing at the time…football, basketball, baseball…you’re pretty good. I knew you wouldn’t t stay at that kilowatt daytimer very long.
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