Taking a break ...

Sometimes you've just got to take a break. But for some of us, even when we get a break we can find ourselves having to work.

For instance, I'm taking three days off to spend some time at Ripshin. I've got a few chores to do, but that's not really "work." The work I have to take with me is a 10-page paper on Karl Barth that's due in a little more than a week.

I'm printing out the material, some of which I have been reading, and taking it with me.

Well, at least the class will be over before Memorial Day weekend, which is my next break.

Oh, I forgot to mention ...

Sixth, I got a call saying that a pipe had burst at the back of the church, creating Superman's Fortress of Solitude.

At least it didn't burst inside the church.

Guess there is hope, after all.

Grace and peace ...

It began with hope ...

I was really looking forward to today as a historical day of hope with the inauguration of Barack Obama.

First, I awakened about 2:30 a.m. with the same congestive crud that I have experienced twice before in the past few months.

Second, I paid for about $105 worth of meds to get rid of this crud.

Third, I arrived at the office and spilled part of the meds over the floor.

Fourth, I hitched up my pants only to pop a button.

Fifth, I felt way too bad to enjoy, or even take part in, what should have been an incredible day of online coverage.

So, I packed it up and went home.

Barack, tell me tomorrow's going to be better ...

Grace and (cough) peace.
Buzz

Thanksgivings ...

There's lots to be thankful for on this day.

I'm thankful for being able to share this meal with family. Donna was up early to take the turkey off the smoker. (I stayed up late to put it on.) My son David, daughter Elizabeth, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth gathered with us today for our meal. We had it a bit early to enable David and his wife Elizabeth to share a meal with her mother. Herb also drove in from Greeneville.

I'm thankful for health. It was only a couple of years ago that I was in the midst of Hep C treatment and wondering each day where I would be at the end of that treatment.

I'm thankful that I have a job, particularly during a time when many others are suffering from unemployment. Not only that, but my wife has a job, too.

I'm thankful that God has given me the privilege of serving him through pastoral vocation. I feel so ill-equipped to do so, and yet Green Meadow is so gracious to me.

I'm thankful God rescued me from the mire more than 22 years ago. For if it had not been for God ...

Grace and peace ...