"I find nothing more depressing than optimism." - Paul Fussell

My body is still on Phoenix time, which makes it WAY past my bedtime. I've mentioned before that I don't edit these posts, and when I'm this sleepy you should either be very forgiving or go back to reading about today's games, 'cause this could get messy.

I went for a run again this morning, a couple of miles on the hills around the folks' house. There was a fairly large rat sleeping in the middle of the street just beyond their driveway. He looked like he'd been sleeping there for quite a while, but when we left for church he wasn't there.

I could identify with my mom's discomfort this morning. It's difficult to be the focus of attention like she was during the worship service. But when you retire for doing something as visible and as central to their worship as playing the organ, and when you've done it with the skill and dedication she has for 45 years (75 years total over her lifespan), people want and need to express their gratitude.

Pastor Jim preached a sermon about commitment and setting an example for others to follow drawn from Philippians. Mom played an arrangement of three hymns that she put together: "I'd Rather Have Jesus", "Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness." After the service people could come up and express their thoughts and feelings to mom. Long line. And some who have been away from Berean for several years came back for the occasion.

I always enjoy being at Berean. I get the opportunity every couple of years and I like seeing people who were important during my youth - Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, and others who are my concept of Berean. The church is its people. Some are now gone. Wilson Fosse has gone to heaven since I was last here and it didn't seem right not to get one of his bear hugs.

But my favorite thing about this morning was seeing my kids - students I had in class at the college. They're parents now and some have teenagers, but they'll always be my kids. I call them that because I have parental affection for them. I missed seeing some of them; the morning's activities meant our paths didn't cross. But seeing and reconnecting with some of them was the highlight of my day. I'm still replaying a conversation that gave me a special blessing.

A good day.
T'ank You, Fadder.