That is the question of the day. Because right now in West Central Illinois where are experiencing "river-effect" winter winds dropping the already low temp of 12 all the way down to single digits and likely negative ones soon. This weekend it is supposed to get colder. And guess where me and my lovely family are trotting merrily off to for a short getaway? That's right - Fargo, North Dakota. That's right the one place in the world where dog crap will likely freeze before ever touching the ground. I feel so bad for those doggies who live in the North.
Don't get me wrong. I am looking forward to the trip. We are going to see some friends that we haven't seen in a while, venture to Minneapolis on the way back and witness the baptism of a niece that is the Goddaughter to my wife. And, if all is well in other parts of Illinois, we will stop and see our good friends April and Dennis, and possibly my Godson. It will certainly be a lovely trip, but a cold one. Thankfully the baptism is indoors.
But what is even going to be colder is the fact that we have a congregational meeting and a board meeting this Sunday that I won't be around for. Though the date was announced long after we had this trip planned, I am sure there is going to be some major belly-aching and possibly even some nice back-stabbing suggestions that are aimed at me from some of my dearest congregants. I call them dearest because I do try to draw near to them. But what a heartaches sometimes - trying to love people with the integrity fo the gospel and not given the opportuinity to do so. I kind of take it personal. It's like someone not liking the handstitched frozen dog poop collector you made them for Christmas. And that is why I have such a love-hate relationship with systems theory. It, like the gospel is always calling you to own your own anxiety, draw near to those who cause you the most anxiety rather than running from them, and responding always with peace and love. And sometimes that loneliness that you feel can be a cold place. Colder than frozen dog crap, even.
I will be travelling. Please pray for us on our journey. Go Colts! Peace to you.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
O Ralph, The Pipes Are Calling You
Okay, okay. I'm back, and I get the point. And thank you to April, Steve, Amy, Jimmy, and others who have reminded me why I wanted to start this adventure in the first place. SO no that I am back from my own long hiatis of a sabbath here goes...
Ralph died on Thursday. Who is Ralph? I have no damn clue even though I buried him today. And even after a two hour phone conversation wiht his 75-year-old daughter, I really have no clue. I know that he was 100 years old and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. I know that he was greatly admired and cherished by his family and friends, at least the 13 that were present for today's festivities. He was a humble person who sold his car to help pay for his wedding. And he never owned another auto until his chidlren were grown, married, and moved away. He walked to work each day, about a mile and a half one way, and he stopped on the way each evening to pick up the block of ice for the icebox. No, I never met the man, and I have no clue who he was. However I am fully aware by the witness of those around his casket today, that he did all that he was called to do in such a way that all the hosts of heaven gave thanks with us this morning.
The conversation with the daughter and the small worshipful moment for rememerbing made me think of how wonderful it is to know that I too can hope. I can hope that one day, even though many will never know who the hell I am, that someone might be able to tell the story of my life in a way that captures the full essence of my calling and my being upon this earth. I too hope it is my children and friends, and possibly my spouse. I too can hope that the fruits of the spirit ripen within my soul so that they might be harvested by my choices and deeds for all humanity's sake. And I can hope that those same fruits ripen abundantly so that the harvest might feed more than just myself.
Thanks Ralph, for a job well done good and faithful servant. And thank you for leaving an impression upon this world that has reminded me what it truly means to be fully and truly known.
Ralph died on Thursday. Who is Ralph? I have no damn clue even though I buried him today. And even after a two hour phone conversation wiht his 75-year-old daughter, I really have no clue. I know that he was 100 years old and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. I know that he was greatly admired and cherished by his family and friends, at least the 13 that were present for today's festivities. He was a humble person who sold his car to help pay for his wedding. And he never owned another auto until his chidlren were grown, married, and moved away. He walked to work each day, about a mile and a half one way, and he stopped on the way each evening to pick up the block of ice for the icebox. No, I never met the man, and I have no clue who he was. However I am fully aware by the witness of those around his casket today, that he did all that he was called to do in such a way that all the hosts of heaven gave thanks with us this morning.
The conversation with the daughter and the small worshipful moment for rememerbing made me think of how wonderful it is to know that I too can hope. I can hope that one day, even though many will never know who the hell I am, that someone might be able to tell the story of my life in a way that captures the full essence of my calling and my being upon this earth. I too hope it is my children and friends, and possibly my spouse. I too can hope that the fruits of the spirit ripen within my soul so that they might be harvested by my choices and deeds for all humanity's sake. And I can hope that those same fruits ripen abundantly so that the harvest might feed more than just myself.
Thanks Ralph, for a job well done good and faithful servant. And thank you for leaving an impression upon this world that has reminded me what it truly means to be fully and truly known.
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