Monthly Archives: August 2018

The Good Life

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VACATIONS 545

“The good life-the one that truly satisfies-exists only when we stop wanting a better one.

It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be. The itch for things, the lust for more-so brilliantly injected by those who peddle them-is a virus draining our souls of happy contentment.

Satisfaction comes when we step off the escalator of desire and say, ‘ This is enough. What I have will do’. “

Chuck Swindoll (2012 quote)

Powerful words of insight and wisdom. Of course, this appears to apply more to the middle and upper classes of the world’s population, yet the poor are not immune to the pull of longing. In many cases this pull is justified if the daily needs of existence are not being met…and who defines what those are? But, being human can bring out the best and the worst in all of us.

The Italians have a beautiful saying, La Dolce Vita, which captures the good (sweet) life in a much more romantic way. So, to all of us, consider stepping off the escalator for a moment or two and give contentment a chance !

Bruised Reeds

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Reed Cat Tail (2)

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out”.        Isaiah 42:3

We, the human race, are all broken (bruised) in one way or another. Sure, we can create facades that vault us into super stardom appeal, but in the end we all face issues that we simply cannot overcome in our own power. Try as we may via manifold self-help strategies, the latest diet and fitness plans, seeking advice from others who may or may not be qualified to give it, and on and on it goes.

Rather than spend your time on all of the reasons as to why we are bruised and broken, I want to state a few simple thoughts which compliment rather than deride this human condition. First, we are beautifully and wonderfully made (Palm 139:14). Period. Whether a model or a paraplegic, a millionaire or a homeless junkie, a child with AIDS or an Olympic star, we are all basically the same once we overlook the obvious differences on the outside.

Secondly, we have a hope which transcends this earthly existence. This hope is called Love and came to us in the form of a man. He set the world upside-down with His teaching and is either praised, loathed or ignored…Jesus is His name. Because He loves us so much He has chosen to not condemn us, but to save us from ourselves. Rather than break the reed or snuff out the candle, He strengthens the stalk and fans the flame to burn brighter. It may not always feel like it, but it’s during the tough times that faith grows and hope is renewed.

So, the next time you see the stalk of any plant think about the bruised reed, about yourself and have faith that both will outlast the storms of life and the foibles of the human heart.

Black & White

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Samsung thru 2-13-14 037 (2)

Saw a Westie last night at a local Friday Night uptown event supported by the city,  retailers, restaurants and musicians-all converging together. Cheryl and I petted a West Highland Terrier who was passing by. He was of the same large build and cut as our Carson, except he was wire-haired whereas Carson was a silky haired canine.

Brought back a plethora of memories…all good at the time. It was fun to watch the owner and his beloved dog walk off together after a visit with both!

There are not too many things in this life that are black & white. After birth, death is the only For Sure thing I can think of. Yes, some say taxes, too, but there are far too many tax evaders to qualify this word as a viable “must” in the list of unavoidables (new word!). I could list a plethora of other items which could qualify as For Sure Things in life such as hardship, blessings, mishaps, injustices, joy, diseases, financial crisis’, etc., etc..

This photo represents my black shadow and Carson’s white body. Carson is gone from this earthly existence and I, too, will be gone someday. There seems to be a lot of gray in between and around us…this represents our lives which are a mix of good and bad, happy and sad, regret and contentment.

Regardless of skin color, ethnicity, locale, history, theology, tradition or a bunch of other vital things to consider, the most important thing is our eternal destiny. Recall, we all will die. This is not meant to be morbid. On the contrary, this is meant to be a wake-up call of sorts as to what we accomplish in this life…not a “to do” list, but an “I am” list.

You know my spiritual underpinnings if you read my profile. I am not going to preach. I simply would like for each reader of this post to seriously consider what is next after this life we now live. It seems to me it is rather Black & White.

Blessings to all !

Waiting…

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“Early youth is a baffling time. The present moment is nice but it does not last. Living in it is like waiting in a junction town for the morning limited; the junction may be interesting but some day you will have to leave it and you do not know where the limited will take you. Sooner or later you must move down an unknown road that leads beyond the range of imagination, and the only certainty is that the trip has to be made. In this respect early youth is exactly like old age; it is a time of waiting before a trip to an unknown destination. The chief difference is that youth waits for the morning limited and age waits for the night train”. 

By Bruce Catton, Waiting For The Morning Train.

VACATIONS 216 (3)

Bruce is the acclaimed author of many civil war historical novels, and this quote comes from an autobiography of early childhood, entitled “Waiting for the Morning Train”. It is a book about growing up in a small and forgotten town in the upper Midwest of America during the early Twentieth Century. Bruce’s small town was called Benzonia, Michigan, but having not been there I had to use my best choice photograph which should be of the same era.

When I read Bruce’s first paragraph of chapter Three, I was enthralled with the depth of meaning and experience of his description of youth and aging…the perspective of each, but also the difference. How anyone can capture this much life in a few simple verses astounds me. Perhaps I am odd, but this is what I consider profound writing !

When in Drought

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Iris Rising

We in the Kansas City area have been in a prolonged drought for months. Plus, we have had extremely hot temperatures during this time. By looking at my yard one would think grass is meant to be brown rather than green…assuming there is any grass !

There are all sorts of droughts in life: spiritual (that’s a big one), relationships, health issues, job, work associates, financial, no change of scenery, hopelessness…and the list will become larger given enough thought, but you get the idea.

Some droughts last longer than others and some are more difficult, as well. What we do during a drought tells us a lot about ourselves. Droughts test our strength and resolve and reveal our limitations. I have been through several seasons of prolonged and difficult droughts and have learned a great deal about myself that I didn’t realize prior to those experiences. And, some of what I learned I don’t like.

Sometimes we come through a drought stronger, and sometimes not so much. However, we do come out of them as changed people. I share this iris with dew on it to remind me that droughts don’t last forever and that there will be times of joy and beauty and purpose. If you are currently in a drought think of this flower with wet petals gleaming in the morning sunlight. Hope is what we need and hope is what I seek for all of our lives. Tomorrow is a new day !