Important Stuff

I had this great conversation some time ago with a person who came to a church service for the first time in their Adult life. She told me that she faintly remembered going as a very young child but could not remember any details except that there was a large cross up front in the church sanctuary. She said she could not take her eyes off of the cross the entire time.

So after all those years had passed and she attended a church service again as an Adult I was curious - I asked, "So how was it?" Her response really caught me off guard. "It was kind of scary" she said. So I kept asking, "What do you mean?" She looked at me with very intense eyes and said, "It all seemed so important. I don't attend anything these days that seems very important. Church seemed very important."

I get all kinds of reactions to church services these days - "It was too long." "It was too loud." "It was too boring." "Your story was so funny." This is the first time anyone has ever said, "It all seemed so important."

She is on to something. I need the reminder that spiritual concerns are very important. I never want what I do as a vocation to just become a "job". There are a few things in life that rise to the level of being very important - my relationship with my dear wife, Linda, my relationship with my Grandchildren and my daughter and son-in-law, my close friends, and my co-workers - but none of these relationships will flourish if my relationship with God is not healthy and growing. That is important.

I am thankful for the reminder.

Just thinking, Steve

Rude is Not Cool

I am so tired of rude behavior in people. Rude seems to be ruling the day. Celebrities are rude, politicians are rude, drivers are rude, athletes are rude, parents are rude, children are rude, preachers are rude - rude is everywhere.

I'm starting my own personal plan to be polite and courteous. My Mother would be proud. She hated rude behavior and would not tolerate it in her son.

Today I was polite to the dear person who waited on me at the restaurant. I wonder how many people will be rude to her during her shift. My suspicion is that rudeness is something she deals with on a regular basis. When I looked at her I thought of my dear wife who waited tables when we were in College and thought of the times people were rude and demanding toward her. Rude is not cool.

The dear man who slowly counted out his change at the store today was greeted graciously by the fellow behind the counter - it made me feel good to see him treat this man with gentleness and respect. The guy behind who was grumbling finally put his items down and walked out in a huff. We all just laughed at him. Jerks are a dime a dozen - people with class are a treasure.

Just call me "Mr. Polite" - go ahead make my day!

Just thinking, Steve

Skipping School on Campus

My Grandson is in Kindergarten now and still getting adjusted to the idea that you have to go 5 days a week and stay all day! I don't blame him. I remember trying to find any way I could to get out of class.

I loved school assemblies because we got out of class. We had a guy bring all these birds of prey and had them fly out over the audience - he did not know what a risk he was taking with all the rednecks and hunters in my school! One guy came and whistled for a full hour - various popular tunes - he was the fellow who whistled that tune at the opening of the Andy Griffith show. Very famous to all the Opie fans and there were plenty in that crowd. My all time favorite all school assembly was when a choral and musical group from a San Antonio High School came and sang and performed. The girls were the cutest girls I had ever seen and I immediately fell in love with two or three of them. I am sure the feeling was mutual.

School is important. I ended up going a total of 20 years before I finished all my grad school work. For the most part, I really loved school. But I still recall with joy, the days I found a way to skip out on class, even without leaving the campus. Football, basketball, track, one act plays, even FFA field trips - any excuse to get out of class was good enough for me!

My Granddaughter loves school - my Grandson said, "actually I don't love it." He is enjoying it more now. My very first teacher was Mrs. Wimberly - she played the piano and let us take a nap after lunch. I still recall the fragrance of "Jungle Gardenia" when she leaned over my desk to help me with my printing. I need that kind of schedule and kindness now - where is she when I need her!

Bless our schools and all those motley little kids that roam the halls - bless the teachers and bosses and the cafeteria workers and bus drivers - bless them Lord!

Just thinking, Steve