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May 31, 2005
Memorial Day
Yesterday was Memorial Day. I celebrated by cooking out on the grill for the family. After we finished eating Delphine and I sat out back and listened to the birds making music and melody and watched a ground hog forage for food and be attacked by a Mockingbird. In a quiet moment I reflected on the fact that Memorial Day is a time to remember those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I could not help but to think about my time during Basic Training. I became friends with some who went on to die in Vietnam. I was blessed and did not draw combat duty but served as a Data Analyst Specialist in Danag. The fact that it was discovered that I had flat feet kept me out of combat. So many people have said to me over the years, "God was with you." I have always recoiled at that because it seems to say God was not with those who died. So I continue to ask, "Why me, Lord?" But, no answer has come over the years. Even as I reflect now the only thing I can do is to realize that for God's own reason I was given the gift of flat feet that kept me out of harm's way. But, as to why I have no answer other than to live my life in gratitude, seek to be humble and live in a fashion that honors God's grace.
Posted by Bishop at 01:22 PM | Comments (3)
May 20, 2005
Aggressive and Rude
On the way to speak in Chattanooga yesterday morning I witnessed something out of the movies. A guy driving a pickup truck was chasing and threatening a driver in an eighteen wheeler. Fortunately, the driver of the eighteen wheeler just ignored the guy. It was as if he was saying, "I realize I have the bigger truck and so I don't have to react to you and your rude attitude." It takes a whole lot of discipline not to defend one's self from a person that is attacking you especially when the person is smaller than you. I wish we could always practice this.
Ciao, people of faith
Posted by Bishop at 01:35 AM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2005
Mistake
The Sacred Grounds Cafe has a new chef who bakes wonderful pies. One day as the staff and I were eating outside he gave us two slices of pie. One was a strawberry pie that he was obviously proud of. And the other was a lemon and almond mix pie. He said, "I made a mistake and put too much almond in it. You may not like it." Well, as it turned out, it was delicious. I reflected on this and realized that there have been many times in my life that I made mistakes and oh was I ever glad that I did. In fact, I now realize that the hand of God was in those mistakes. Have you ever made a mistake that turned out right?
Posted by Bishop at 09:02 AM | Comments (2)