How Cold is Frozen Dog Crap?

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.