I have often said that if I could simply spend all my days visiting with people and drop the rest of my responsibilities as pastor, I would be just as content as I am today. Not being able to visit people was probably the most difficult part of the pandemic for me. So it gives me great joy to be back “on the road again” visiting people in their homes.
That morning I wrote my Thursday’s Thirst. In the afternoon I visited a beautiful, assisted living facility close to Lakeside Mall. As I walked from my car to the entrance, I saw that they were all set to complete repairs on the sidewalks and driveway. The forms were all in place. All they had to do yet was pour the concrete.
Frank Sinatra has been dead for over 23 years, so many of you many may not even remember him, but way back in 1966 (I was just 13) he released a song entitled “That’s Life” (More recently, Michael Bublé recorded it in 2007). The opening lyrics have been ringing in my head since Tuesday: “That’s life – that’s what all the people say. You’re riding high in April, shot down in May. But I know I’m gonna change my tune when I’m back on top, back on top in June.”
two games, but they ended up winning the 3-game series against the Twins in a most exciting way. And even the game they lost was fun to watch!
I just finished reading Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing Crazy Horse: the merciless Indian wars in America.” It tells the story of the conflict between the settlers in the USA and the native Americans. And the story is very sad – painful – on both sides of the ledger.
Sometimes, while on vacation, it feels as though life has stopped – like we are frozen in time – and that nothing will have changed when we return. Last night we returned from two weeks of relaxation and rejuvenation. However, throughout the entire two weeks we were surrounded by indicators that, rather than stopping, life goes on.
We were walking back to the cottage from checking out the lake. As we passed by some neighbors we called out, “It is a beautiful day.” He responded, “How hot is it?” We called back, “They don’t come much better than this. It is 90 degrees and sunny.” His comment? “That’s too hot – it is not a beautiful day.”
90 Degrees and Sunny Read Post »
I am not much of a fisherman … in fact I am no fisherman at all. The last time I cast a line into a body of water is likely well over 30 years ago, and that was done simply because of our young sons’ initiative. My picture of “casting”, while I know it may be inaccurate, is mindlessly throwing a line with a lure as far away from me as possible and then slowly reeling it in …
Casting a Few Lines Read Post »
On the farm growing up we had a large swing set. As best as I can recall – after all, it was many years ago – it had two swings and was made of either telephone posts or barn rafters. I remember swinging with my two cousins who lived next door, and my brother, Mike. One of them probably could provide a more accurate picture. These days, our granddaughter Brooklyn loves to swing – this picture, whether in her back yard, at Metro Beach, or elsewhere, is very clear to me.
I wonder who first thought of fish tacos? I certainly never would have. In fact, I was reluctant to taste them, and only did when a friend offered me a bite of his. Now, I love them. The best ones I have ever eaten come from the Spikehorn at Houghton Lake. In fact, I enjoyed two of theirs last night.
