Go ahead, stare at this picture. The truth is, nothing is moving. Things are not always as they appear. 
I went back and looked at the pic in the post below (after clicking on it) to see that aircraft carrier in greater detail again. It's one of those that warrants repeated viewings. This time I noticed the sailors in their dress whites around the circumference of the deck. Impressive, even from above.
I'm one of the ten people in this country who has not seen the movie Titanic. I figure I know how the story ends (spoiler: the ship sinks) and I'm not a big fan of sentimentalism. However, this version is worth watching. Go ahead, it only takes 30 seconds to get the whole flick in:
The Titanic
After setting it aside for more pressing things - like paying gigs - I'm back to the novel, Silas Marner. I've got 4 or 5 chapters to go. This is my third read but it's been a long time since I last read through the book.
The center section of the book moves more slowly than I remembered, and the narrative requires more effort than I recalled. The villagers in the story are poor, uneducated rural residents of early 19th century England. The dialog reflects their distinct speech patterns, and that makes for slower reading.
But now that I'm in the last quarter or so of the book it's moving more quickly and has gotten a lot more engaging. The moral principles of the book also come through more strongly, especially the value of loving relationships (Silas and Eppie) over great wealth (Silas' lost fortune).
Maybe that's why I like this book. Besides the prominent role that Eppie plays - and I'm a sucker for little children - it fits my take on life. Because I've spent my career in the ministry we've never had much money. But we have had far more than our fair share of wonderful relationships with important friends now spread all over the country. Friendships don't pay the rent, but they certainly enrich life in a way money can't begin to match.
I read about 50 pages this afternoon and it got me thinking about our friends. To some I was their pastor. To some their prof. To some a colleague. But they have all brought more to my life than I can describe.
So after writing that I don't like sentimentality, I find myself sitting here thinking through a list of terrific people, some of whom I may never see again, at least on this side of eternity. It's a nice feeling.
Aside from family members, who have been the three most influential people in your life?
I'm one of the ten people in this country who has not seen the movie Titanic. I figure I know how the story ends (spoiler: the ship sinks) and I'm not a big fan of sentimentalism. However, this version is worth watching. Go ahead, it only takes 30 seconds to get the whole flick in:
The Titanic
After setting it aside for more pressing things - like paying gigs - I'm back to the novel, Silas Marner. I've got 4 or 5 chapters to go. This is my third read but it's been a long time since I last read through the book.
The center section of the book moves more slowly than I remembered, and the narrative requires more effort than I recalled. The villagers in the story are poor, uneducated rural residents of early 19th century England. The dialog reflects their distinct speech patterns, and that makes for slower reading.
But now that I'm in the last quarter or so of the book it's moving more quickly and has gotten a lot more engaging. The moral principles of the book also come through more strongly, especially the value of loving relationships (Silas and Eppie) over great wealth (Silas' lost fortune).
Maybe that's why I like this book. Besides the prominent role that Eppie plays - and I'm a sucker for little children - it fits my take on life. Because I've spent my career in the ministry we've never had much money. But we have had far more than our fair share of wonderful relationships with important friends now spread all over the country. Friendships don't pay the rent, but they certainly enrich life in a way money can't begin to match.
I read about 50 pages this afternoon and it got me thinking about our friends. To some I was their pastor. To some their prof. To some a colleague. But they have all brought more to my life than I can describe.
So after writing that I don't like sentimentality, I find myself sitting here thinking through a list of terrific people, some of whom I may never see again, at least on this side of eternity. It's a nice feeling.
Aside from family members, who have been the three most influential people in your life?
1 comment:
Nan Cook, friend of my parents for many years. Of Scottish descent, she pronounced my name, Shar-r-r-ron, rolling the r. She would always ask me direct questions, such as, "What has the Lord done for you lately?" She forced me to think about my faith.
Shirley Walker, neighbor and ongoing friend. She still influences me in positive ways.
Susan Fawver, local friend who walks her talk.
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