So 2006 is coming to a close. It was a good year, my first full year at CIY and a year of learning, celebrating and a year where Ang and I learned a lot. The manchild is older and wiser, funnier and wittier. In a matter of days he'll be a big brother. Crazy.
I'm currently hanging out in the Lou at Urbana. It's an enormous missions conference down that the Edward Jones Dome. Over 22,00 people are here. Lots of good workshops, some great thoughts and a funny interaction between Rick Warren and his wife. Tonight the good pastor is preaching and he promised to "pull out all the stops" which I find intersting. Being in the midst of this many college students has been exciting, encouraging and its made me feel old. There are some pretty smart people out there and I heard one of my favorite sermons of all time, and it was by a smart, smart lady. Crazy. I've also picked up a couple cool new books. They are over on my what I'm reading section. They've got me thinking.....
Other than that I'm looking forward to returning home to my family tomorrow night to ring in the new year. After that summer is just around the corner so I guess we should start finishing those details.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Mormons in Las Vegas
Yes, the Ducks played horrible. I have recieved numerous emails, calls and even a text message of either "support" or criticism. And I am eliminated from winning the office pool because I chose to live or die with the Ducks. I died. Here's some pictures ( I like the stiff arm--nice work defense and a few of my favorite headlines.
BYU rocks Oregon in Las Vegas bowl
Cleaned Out In Vegas
Oh and I think its time we fire the coach. His assistants made us good, he needs to go.
Treehugger Post #106
Album Currently Playing: No Sir, Nihilism Is Dead by Showbread
Song Currently Playing: Matthias Replaces Judas
If you have $.99 and 5 minutes you should check out this song. It comes on a recommendation from my buddy across the hall JoMo. I could fill 10 CD's with good music he's recommended. The Showbread album is not my usual taste but this song really caught my attention along with the fascinating words.
Segue
Speaking of fascinating words and recommendations from my buddy JoMo, you really need to read an article he brought to my attention by Bart Campolo. It is from the Journal of Student Ministries and it is entitled The Limits of God's Grace .
It led to an interesting discussion in our hallway and some thoughts in my own cavernous skull. BC has taken some serious heat for this article, understandably so. I recommend you sit down with a nice hot mug of Christmas Blend, put on some John Mayer and dive in. Unless you have no pulse I am quite certain you'll end up with some sort of an opinion.
Song Currently Playing: Matthias Replaces Judas
If you have $.99 and 5 minutes you should check out this song. It comes on a recommendation from my buddy across the hall JoMo. I could fill 10 CD's with good music he's recommended. The Showbread album is not my usual taste but this song really caught my attention along with the fascinating words.
Segue
Speaking of fascinating words and recommendations from my buddy JoMo, you really need to read an article he brought to my attention by Bart Campolo. It is from the Journal of Student Ministries and it is entitled The Limits of God's Grace .
It led to an interesting discussion in our hallway and some thoughts in my own cavernous skull. BC has taken some serious heat for this article, understandably so. I recommend you sit down with a nice hot mug of Christmas Blend, put on some John Mayer and dive in. Unless you have no pulse I am quite certain you'll end up with some sort of an opinion.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I Finally Shaved
Yes, I am once again bald. I have a theory that I'm allergic to hair now.
Currently Listening To: As/Is: Cleveland/Cincinnati, OH by John Mayer
First off, Ret, I tried to leave a comment on your blog today but was unable to for some odd reason. I deeply apologize for my failure. I feel horribly. Awful in fact.
Ang and I watched Talledega Nights while Ang wrapped Christmas presents last night. His sons-Walker and Texas Ranger (TR) are worth it.
I guess I don't have much else. I've been working on some stuff but its not ready for public boredom yet. In the meantime I wanted to thank you for coming to this here blog.
One thing I will highlight is my buddy Schaffner. I owe that guy a lot and I'm so excited for what God's called him to do. It's called the Tampa Project. You should check it out. You should support it.
Merry Christmas. I'm sure I'll post again but in case you don't read it or something.
Currently Listening To: As/Is: Cleveland/Cincinnati, OH by John Mayer
First off, Ret, I tried to leave a comment on your blog today but was unable to for some odd reason. I deeply apologize for my failure. I feel horribly. Awful in fact.
Ang and I watched Talledega Nights while Ang wrapped Christmas presents last night. His sons-Walker and Texas Ranger (TR) are worth it.
I guess I don't have much else. I've been working on some stuff but its not ready for public boredom yet. In the meantime I wanted to thank you for coming to this here blog.
One thing I will highlight is my buddy Schaffner. I owe that guy a lot and I'm so excited for what God's called him to do. It's called the Tampa Project. You should check it out. You should support it.
Merry Christmas. I'm sure I'll post again but in case you don't read it or something.
Monday, December 18, 2006
A Picture Is Worth.....
While in Quincy last week we had a good friend of the family take some pictures of us--especially my lovely wife and the soon arriving new baby. Laura has got some mad skills at this stuff and I'm amazed at how it all turned out. If you click on Keane on the side bar over there
<---- you'll be able to see for yourself. I know we have a beautiful family and all :) but she made us look even better. And yes, I have ruined all our Christmas photos by growing my hair and a beard. Ho ho ho.
<---- you'll be able to see for yourself. I know we have a beautiful family and all :) but she made us look even better. And yes, I have ruined all our Christmas photos by growing my hair and a beard. Ho ho ho.
Friday, December 08, 2006
One More Quote
I was at Starbucks this afternoon getting my new favorite drink of the week- A cup of Christmas Blend Coffee- when I ran into a guy I respect and know enough that we speak when we run into each other which seems to be at Starbucks. He asked what I was reading (I had a book in my hand) and we talked. Among the number of insightful and thought provoking things he said to me was this self admission.
"We need more of our pastors to be theologians."
I agree.
Technorati Profile
"We need more of our pastors to be theologians."
I agree.
Technorati Profile
Currently It's 9 Degrees Outside
Thought I'd throw out some things I've been chewing on that don't amount to an actual post but might spark something in you.
1. Words
For the past week or so I've been wrestling with the difference between fearlessness and foolishness when it comes to making decisions. It's been spurred on by 1 Samuel 13 and I keep wondering if the end result really determines the answer.
Numchucks- no real deep thought here, I just laugh everytime I hear or read the word. I've found others do to, especially when I use it in random ways.
2. Quotes
In regards to our ministries:
"The church will allow you to prostitute yourself. We need to run as fast as our character is deepening, not as fast as our talent is expanding." -Erwin McManus
In regards to growth,numerical goals, etc.:
"All living things grow if they are healthy." -Rick Warren
In regards to love and service:
"Love at a distance doesn't work. We can only love when we are in relationship." -Chris Seay
In regards to giving our best:
"Great is the enemy of the best." -Rob Bell
3. Song Lyrics
From: The Sun and The Moon by Mae
"wasted time.
i can not say that i was ready for this.
but when worlds collide,
and all that i have is all that i want.
the words seem to flow and
the thoughts they keep running.
and all that i have is yours.
all that i am is yours."
4. I watched Oprah
I've found it humorous how when I simply say I watched Oprah I get a lot of odd looks from people. However, when I tell them it was because John Mayer was performing live I seem to get back some of my manpride.
So it is Friday. Enjoy your weekend.
1. Words
For the past week or so I've been wrestling with the difference between fearlessness and foolishness when it comes to making decisions. It's been spurred on by 1 Samuel 13 and I keep wondering if the end result really determines the answer.
Numchucks- no real deep thought here, I just laugh everytime I hear or read the word. I've found others do to, especially when I use it in random ways.
2. Quotes
In regards to our ministries:
"The church will allow you to prostitute yourself. We need to run as fast as our character is deepening, not as fast as our talent is expanding." -Erwin McManus
In regards to growth,numerical goals, etc.:
"All living things grow if they are healthy." -Rick Warren
In regards to love and service:
"Love at a distance doesn't work. We can only love when we are in relationship." -Chris Seay
In regards to giving our best:
"Great is the enemy of the best." -Rob Bell
3. Song Lyrics
From: The Sun and The Moon by Mae
"wasted time.
i can not say that i was ready for this.
but when worlds collide,
and all that i have is all that i want.
the words seem to flow and
the thoughts they keep running.
and all that i have is yours.
all that i am is yours."
4. I watched Oprah
I've found it humorous how when I simply say I watched Oprah I get a lot of odd looks from people. However, when I tell them it was because John Mayer was performing live I seem to get back some of my manpride.
So it is Friday. Enjoy your weekend.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Servanthood
I finished up a devo/lesson thingy on servanthood that minus some editing will be used by some of the students preparing to do a mission trip with us. It's written to that audience but I thought I'd share it here. It's a little long so there's your warning.
Pre-Trip Lesson #3 - Servanthood
What are the first few things that come to mind when you think about being a servant? If you are like me you think about some gross tasks, some difficult circumstances and some embarrassing situations. Few people aspire to one day become a servant. For many of us, we think of gaining more prestige, of ascending the ladder of success and ultimately of being in a position of power. To dream of being a servant would be seen by many as foolish. To end up as some ones servant would be humiliating, a failure.
What tasks come to mind when you think of being a servant? My guess is you are thinking of things that you might be willing to do on a mission trip but not necessarily during your normal everyday life. Why is it that you and I are more willing to do new things, eat weird foods and serve in difficult ways on a mission trip and not on a daily basis?
I was reading a few months back about the difference between serving and being a servant. The point was made that when you merely serve you hold back control and maintain your ability to be hurt or offended. However, when you become a servant it means humiliation and a total opening of yourself to the other person.
Jesus gave the ultimate example of being a servant when he came to earth. His servanthood left him exposed and open to hurt, offense and ultimately rejection. But his example was so powerful that even those killing him took notice.
Take a few minutes to read a couple of passages. One is Matthew 20:20-28. Pay attention to the last few verses where Jesus reminds everyone of his true reason for coming to earth. After that flip over to Matthew 27: 27-54 and relive that moment of ultimate servanthood.
Becoming a servant is not about a trip, it is about a lifestyle. It is easy for any of us to hold it all together on a 10 or 16 or even 30 day trip. Just by sheer will we can be a lot of things for a while. The really impressive thing to me is the person who is a servant every day. It is the person who is a missionary where they live, who cares about people in their neighborhood or at their school with the same heart and passion they display for a couple weeks during the summer.
Ultimately, being a servant is a daily thing. It is an attitude that is with you from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. In Luke 9:23 the challenge from Jesus is simple to say, difficult to live out. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Being a servant means that each day we deny ourselves and follow the call of God.
One of the biggest obstacles to a life of servanthood is our own wants and desires. We want objects, respect, and admiration. Each day we spend our waking moments thinking about how to get what we want. Our selfish desires cause us to miss out on the needs of others. When given a choice between satisfying what we want and caring for the other person we look to our own needs first.
Before we go any further, take a few moments to read Philippians 2:1-11.
There are a few truths we can draw from this passage. First, the heart of a servant is to be like Christ. It is to have a heart for unity and for corporate health instead of personal happiness.
Second, a servant thinks of others as better than themselves. It means not doing anything for selfish reasons, or because it personally benefits you. It also means you have a humble attitude. This humility leads us to not just say but really believe that everybody matters, everybody is special. It means our actions are not motivated by our own conceited opinion of ourselves.
Often this “vain conceit” that Paul speaks about becomes a roadblock to our life of service. We begin to think we are too important for a specific task. We see certain tasks as something “they” do while our skills are best suited for this other task which often ends up being something with a bigger stage or brighter lights. It ought to be true that great leaders are also great servants.
I heard a story recently about a friend of mine Tony. He’s the preaching pastor at a local church and they were having a men’s breakfast which required the set up and tear down of chairs and tables. It was noted that though Tony was there to teach and offer spiritual encouragement to the men, he also took the time to set up and tear down. If he had only been there to serve, he would have done his part and left. But because he is a servant, he did whatever was necessary even if it took more time or he ended up hot and sweaty.
Third, we are encouraged to look out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others. When you notice the needs of those around you and are moved to action, you are becoming a servant to others. There is a huge difference between that attitude and simply showing up to do something nice for someone. Knowing the interests of others and caring for them takes time and investment.
At the end of the day the words from a Bob Dylan song are true, you “Gotta serve somebody.” Either our heartbeat is to serve God or ourselves. When our motivation is to serve God, it affects how we think, what we do and say, where we go and every part of our life. It affects whether we care about others or simply ourselves.
Right now you are preparing for a life changing trip. You will see and do things you will never forget. You will have an amazing opportunity to serve people on every step of this journey but please don’t wait until you step off that plane to be a servant. Your mission trip starts now. Servanthood isn’t an attribute you turn on and off, it needs to be who you are, something that is woven into the very fabric of your life.
The challenge is a simple one. Strive to be a servant and not simply to serve. Make it a part of your lifestyle and not just something you do when it is convenient. There will be times on this trip when you are tired, scared or homesick. There might be times when you do not want to eat the food, talk to that person or teach that lesson another time. But in the midst of all those things, you need to choose to deny yourself and be a servant. You need to remember that their eternity is more important than your constant comfort.
So before you answer the following questions, I would like to offer you a blessing from Peter. May these words encourage and challenge us all. May they become the driving force behind you and may your mission trip change the world and ultimately the landscape of eternity. May you be the servant God is calling you to be.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Peter 4:8-11
Pre-Trip Lesson #3 - Servanthood
What are the first few things that come to mind when you think about being a servant? If you are like me you think about some gross tasks, some difficult circumstances and some embarrassing situations. Few people aspire to one day become a servant. For many of us, we think of gaining more prestige, of ascending the ladder of success and ultimately of being in a position of power. To dream of being a servant would be seen by many as foolish. To end up as some ones servant would be humiliating, a failure.
What tasks come to mind when you think of being a servant? My guess is you are thinking of things that you might be willing to do on a mission trip but not necessarily during your normal everyday life. Why is it that you and I are more willing to do new things, eat weird foods and serve in difficult ways on a mission trip and not on a daily basis?
I was reading a few months back about the difference between serving and being a servant. The point was made that when you merely serve you hold back control and maintain your ability to be hurt or offended. However, when you become a servant it means humiliation and a total opening of yourself to the other person.
Jesus gave the ultimate example of being a servant when he came to earth. His servanthood left him exposed and open to hurt, offense and ultimately rejection. But his example was so powerful that even those killing him took notice.
Take a few minutes to read a couple of passages. One is Matthew 20:20-28. Pay attention to the last few verses where Jesus reminds everyone of his true reason for coming to earth. After that flip over to Matthew 27: 27-54 and relive that moment of ultimate servanthood.
Becoming a servant is not about a trip, it is about a lifestyle. It is easy for any of us to hold it all together on a 10 or 16 or even 30 day trip. Just by sheer will we can be a lot of things for a while. The really impressive thing to me is the person who is a servant every day. It is the person who is a missionary where they live, who cares about people in their neighborhood or at their school with the same heart and passion they display for a couple weeks during the summer.
Ultimately, being a servant is a daily thing. It is an attitude that is with you from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. In Luke 9:23 the challenge from Jesus is simple to say, difficult to live out. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Being a servant means that each day we deny ourselves and follow the call of God.
One of the biggest obstacles to a life of servanthood is our own wants and desires. We want objects, respect, and admiration. Each day we spend our waking moments thinking about how to get what we want. Our selfish desires cause us to miss out on the needs of others. When given a choice between satisfying what we want and caring for the other person we look to our own needs first.
Before we go any further, take a few moments to read Philippians 2:1-11.
There are a few truths we can draw from this passage. First, the heart of a servant is to be like Christ. It is to have a heart for unity and for corporate health instead of personal happiness.
Second, a servant thinks of others as better than themselves. It means not doing anything for selfish reasons, or because it personally benefits you. It also means you have a humble attitude. This humility leads us to not just say but really believe that everybody matters, everybody is special. It means our actions are not motivated by our own conceited opinion of ourselves.
Often this “vain conceit” that Paul speaks about becomes a roadblock to our life of service. We begin to think we are too important for a specific task. We see certain tasks as something “they” do while our skills are best suited for this other task which often ends up being something with a bigger stage or brighter lights. It ought to be true that great leaders are also great servants.
I heard a story recently about a friend of mine Tony. He’s the preaching pastor at a local church and they were having a men’s breakfast which required the set up and tear down of chairs and tables. It was noted that though Tony was there to teach and offer spiritual encouragement to the men, he also took the time to set up and tear down. If he had only been there to serve, he would have done his part and left. But because he is a servant, he did whatever was necessary even if it took more time or he ended up hot and sweaty.
Third, we are encouraged to look out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others. When you notice the needs of those around you and are moved to action, you are becoming a servant to others. There is a huge difference between that attitude and simply showing up to do something nice for someone. Knowing the interests of others and caring for them takes time and investment.
At the end of the day the words from a Bob Dylan song are true, you “Gotta serve somebody.” Either our heartbeat is to serve God or ourselves. When our motivation is to serve God, it affects how we think, what we do and say, where we go and every part of our life. It affects whether we care about others or simply ourselves.
Right now you are preparing for a life changing trip. You will see and do things you will never forget. You will have an amazing opportunity to serve people on every step of this journey but please don’t wait until you step off that plane to be a servant. Your mission trip starts now. Servanthood isn’t an attribute you turn on and off, it needs to be who you are, something that is woven into the very fabric of your life.
The challenge is a simple one. Strive to be a servant and not simply to serve. Make it a part of your lifestyle and not just something you do when it is convenient. There will be times on this trip when you are tired, scared or homesick. There might be times when you do not want to eat the food, talk to that person or teach that lesson another time. But in the midst of all those things, you need to choose to deny yourself and be a servant. You need to remember that their eternity is more important than your constant comfort.
So before you answer the following questions, I would like to offer you a blessing from Peter. May these words encourage and challenge us all. May they become the driving force behind you and may your mission trip change the world and ultimately the landscape of eternity. May you be the servant God is calling you to be.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Peter 4:8-11
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Big Chain
Album Currently Playing: The Essential Neil Diamond
Song Currently Filling the Air: I am….I said
Part of the adventure of Tulsa last week was braving the airport parking lot. I’m sure it’s a special challenge to try (operative word) to clean the thing up. With all the snow and ice and cars there for a long time there were a number of cars snowed into the parking lot. Some from the piles of snow and some from poor choices. It was pretty much dangerous in the lot but one experience has stuck with me.
When I first got there I realized a flight or two had come in before Ang and there were a number of people trying to leave. Unfortunately for them they were dressed in their Cole Hans and business suits and so that sweet little BMW just couldn’t get out of the snow. There ended up being a few people who got this novel idea to…help each other. They took turns pushing each other out and on my way into the terminal I participated in a couple of these resurrections. It was quite the joyous event.
Once I’d met up with my family I headed back out with the luggage to actually leave the parking lot and pull around to arrivals so they wouldn’t have to trek across the barren wasteland that was the parking lot.
On my way to the car I saw a girl who was alone and stuck. Here Civic had bottomed out and she was trying to get unstuck. To her credit (she used to live in Colorado) she had come prepared with a shovel, boards for under her tires, and a blanket in the back seat should she get stranded this close to civilization. I offered my assistance which proved the first time to be of no use. As she was finishing her second attempt to dig out some of the snow and I was positioning the boards a second time (this time actually under the front wheels) a nice gentleman pulled up in his huge Dodge truck. The conversation went a little something like this:
Dude: You guys need some help?
Me: Sure, we’re just getting ready to push again.
Dude: Oh, well for a small donation I’ll be happy to pull you out.
Me: What?
Me Inside: Enormous jerk say what?
Dude: I got a huge chain and I’ve been pulling people out all night for a donation.
Me: Well we were going to try and push one last time if you…
Dude: I’m gonna check and see if anybody else needs my help, I’ll circle around and if you are still here I’ll see what I can do.
Me:
Me Inside: WWJD kind of.
Needless to say our second try was successful partially fueled by my righteous anger. Once she was on her way she told me thanks to which I simply replied. No donation necessary.
It always amazes me at the things we'll do for money. Now, there was nothing wrong with what the guy was doing. There was nothing illegal, it was more the approach. When he first pulled up I was really impressed that some guy was driving around helping people, that quickly crumbled when I realized that he'd driven all the way to the airport to make a quick buck.
While I’m grumpy, I was driving through Joplin the other day when I happened upon a minivan with a really obnoxious sticker stragetically placed in the middle of the back window. It simply had a cross on each side and said in the middle clergy.
I am definitely not saying I’ve got this thing figured out but here are a couple ideas I’ve got. Quit feeling entitled and stop thinking what you’re offering is worth money. Maybe the simple kind act is enough. Maybe your actions should speak and not your bumper sticker. And maybe we should all remember that service often requires that we get out of our truck. Maybe I shouldn’t seem so grumpy. Time for some Crunchy Granola Suite—make me happy Neil.
Song Currently Filling the Air: I am….I said
Part of the adventure of Tulsa last week was braving the airport parking lot. I’m sure it’s a special challenge to try (operative word) to clean the thing up. With all the snow and ice and cars there for a long time there were a number of cars snowed into the parking lot. Some from the piles of snow and some from poor choices. It was pretty much dangerous in the lot but one experience has stuck with me.
When I first got there I realized a flight or two had come in before Ang and there were a number of people trying to leave. Unfortunately for them they were dressed in their Cole Hans and business suits and so that sweet little BMW just couldn’t get out of the snow. There ended up being a few people who got this novel idea to…help each other. They took turns pushing each other out and on my way into the terminal I participated in a couple of these resurrections. It was quite the joyous event.
Once I’d met up with my family I headed back out with the luggage to actually leave the parking lot and pull around to arrivals so they wouldn’t have to trek across the barren wasteland that was the parking lot.
On my way to the car I saw a girl who was alone and stuck. Here Civic had bottomed out and she was trying to get unstuck. To her credit (she used to live in Colorado) she had come prepared with a shovel, boards for under her tires, and a blanket in the back seat should she get stranded this close to civilization. I offered my assistance which proved the first time to be of no use. As she was finishing her second attempt to dig out some of the snow and I was positioning the boards a second time (this time actually under the front wheels) a nice gentleman pulled up in his huge Dodge truck. The conversation went a little something like this:
Dude: You guys need some help?
Me: Sure, we’re just getting ready to push again.
Dude: Oh, well for a small donation I’ll be happy to pull you out.
Me: What?
Me Inside: Enormous jerk say what?
Dude: I got a huge chain and I’ve been pulling people out all night for a donation.
Me: Well we were going to try and push one last time if you…
Dude: I’m gonna check and see if anybody else needs my help, I’ll circle around and if you are still here I’ll see what I can do.
Me:
Me Inside: WWJD kind of.
Needless to say our second try was successful partially fueled by my righteous anger. Once she was on her way she told me thanks to which I simply replied. No donation necessary.
It always amazes me at the things we'll do for money. Now, there was nothing wrong with what the guy was doing. There was nothing illegal, it was more the approach. When he first pulled up I was really impressed that some guy was driving around helping people, that quickly crumbled when I realized that he'd driven all the way to the airport to make a quick buck.
While I’m grumpy, I was driving through Joplin the other day when I happened upon a minivan with a really obnoxious sticker stragetically placed in the middle of the back window. It simply had a cross on each side and said in the middle clergy.
I am definitely not saying I’ve got this thing figured out but here are a couple ideas I’ve got. Quit feeling entitled and stop thinking what you’re offering is worth money. Maybe the simple kind act is enough. Maybe your actions should speak and not your bumper sticker. And maybe we should all remember that service often requires that we get out of our truck. Maybe I shouldn’t seem so grumpy. Time for some Crunchy Granola Suite—make me happy Neil.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
More Than A Cup of Coffee
Album Currently Playing: Eyes Open by Snow Patrol (it seemed appropriate)
Song: It’s Beginning to Get To Me
Last week I drove a lot. Between a retreat (remind me to tell you how good I am with a shot gun) and multiple trips to Tulsa to attempt to pick up Ang and Carter it was amazing. Each trip leaving Joplin consisted of the same routine—a swing by Starbucks to grab a venti gingerbread latte which is possibly my favorite drink right now.
Finally on Friday night their plane arrived and since the roads were primarily ice and certain destruction we decided to stay in a hotel. That was fun as we stayed in a really posh place so we could bring Luke in with us. We survived the night though and headed home on Saturday. Just as we crossed the Oklahoma-Missouri border, Carter informed us he was in need of a rest area. The first available option was a rest stop.
Now I don’t stop at rest stops often, most stops these days also allow us to get food, drink and fuel. So the rest stop is a lost stop on the American landscape for me. Something that helps me pass the miles (next rest stop 53 miles, etc). However growing up it was a favorite of my grandpa. I don’t know that I did a ton of trips with them but I remember enough to know that there wasn’t a long distance trip with the Hutchin’s that didn’t include a rest stop stop. So as I waited for Ang and Carter I walked the quiet oasis and remembered my past. Rest stops with Grandpa weren’t a place for relief, they were a part of the adventure. And the one thing that each of them had in common was him filling his thermos with coffee and buying me a hot chocolate. You know the hot cocoa that’s so hot you have to wait roughly 3 hours for it to be drinkable. My grandpa had a line for hot beverages which were his favorite “That was so hot it perked a second time on the way down.” Funny how things you’ve “forgotten” come back when you are in that element again. So I went inside and talked with the nice gentleman. I came out with a piping hot cup of coffee and a new map of Missouri. And a refreshed memory. I miss my grandpa. He was one of my first best friends and a guy who’s memories and personality sticks with me to this day. If you were to walk into my office you’d find his Bible right next to my desk. Never far and an anchor of my past and a stepping stone to my future. He’d have loved to ride with me in the summer. Little fix-its and repairs were his life after retirement.
So the rest stop provided me with a lot more that relief. It was like a mini-retreat. A pit stop on the interstate of life. And as we drove the rest of the way home I let the coffee remind me of something I’ll never forget again.
Song: It’s Beginning to Get To Me
Last week I drove a lot. Between a retreat (remind me to tell you how good I am with a shot gun) and multiple trips to Tulsa to attempt to pick up Ang and Carter it was amazing. Each trip leaving Joplin consisted of the same routine—a swing by Starbucks to grab a venti gingerbread latte which is possibly my favorite drink right now.
Finally on Friday night their plane arrived and since the roads were primarily ice and certain destruction we decided to stay in a hotel. That was fun as we stayed in a really posh place so we could bring Luke in with us. We survived the night though and headed home on Saturday. Just as we crossed the Oklahoma-Missouri border, Carter informed us he was in need of a rest area. The first available option was a rest stop.
Now I don’t stop at rest stops often, most stops these days also allow us to get food, drink and fuel. So the rest stop is a lost stop on the American landscape for me. Something that helps me pass the miles (next rest stop 53 miles, etc). However growing up it was a favorite of my grandpa. I don’t know that I did a ton of trips with them but I remember enough to know that there wasn’t a long distance trip with the Hutchin’s that didn’t include a rest stop stop. So as I waited for Ang and Carter I walked the quiet oasis and remembered my past. Rest stops with Grandpa weren’t a place for relief, they were a part of the adventure. And the one thing that each of them had in common was him filling his thermos with coffee and buying me a hot chocolate. You know the hot cocoa that’s so hot you have to wait roughly 3 hours for it to be drinkable. My grandpa had a line for hot beverages which were his favorite “That was so hot it perked a second time on the way down.” Funny how things you’ve “forgotten” come back when you are in that element again. So I went inside and talked with the nice gentleman. I came out with a piping hot cup of coffee and a new map of Missouri. And a refreshed memory. I miss my grandpa. He was one of my first best friends and a guy who’s memories and personality sticks with me to this day. If you were to walk into my office you’d find his Bible right next to my desk. Never far and an anchor of my past and a stepping stone to my future. He’d have loved to ride with me in the summer. Little fix-its and repairs were his life after retirement.
So the rest stop provided me with a lot more that relief. It was like a mini-retreat. A pit stop on the interstate of life. And as we drove the rest of the way home I let the coffee remind me of something I’ll never forget again.
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