"You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think." - Milton Berle

Saw this on Facebook this afternoon. Reading and writing about the Byzantine Empire 

the last few days made this seem timely.

I got home about 9:30 last night, but the afternoon went better than I expected. I agreed a few weeks ago to sub for our pastor, Brett, at the men's chapel service up in Albany mostly because I couldn't think of a valid reason not to. I learned it means leaving the house about 3:30 and getting home close to 10:00, and speaking in an environment a long way from my comfort zone. When I called Pam as we were leaving the big house she asked if I'd do it again. Yes.

I met Bob, one of the elders at UFC, at a McDonald's next to I-5 in Springfield and rode up with him. It takes about an hour and a quarter to get there and then you go through a necessary but somewhat tedious check-in procedure that's even more involved if it's your first time. Eventually we walked up four flights of stairs to the chapel (just a rectangular room with barred windows on the outer wall) where about four of the inmates were setting things up. Bob introduced me to these regulars and about 5:45 the others started coming in. They all wear blue jeans and either a blue T-shirt or blue sweatshirt with bright orange letters down one leg and across the front and back of the top saying, "State of Oregon Prisoner." Old and young guys, big and small guys, mean looking guys and businessman looking guys.

One of them had a nice digital SLR and announced he was taking some group photos, so everybody - about 50 guys - should come up front and stand together for a group shot.
One of the guys: "If I'd known there was going to be a picture I'd have dressed up."

Matt, who had led worship in church that morning, led about 4 songs with his guitar, Bob introduced me, and I spoke for about 35-40 minutes. I preached on the healing of the leper in Mark 1. They guys were attentive and responsive, including to some humor, and I quickly warmed to the task. Afterward they were graciously complimentary and I had some easy conversations with several of them.

Guy named Steve: "So if a leper commits a crime is he a leprechaun?"

On the way home Bob and I had a very stimulating conversation. He's 64, a real estate attorney, and thoughtful in a quiet, understated way. We talked about preaching, church, and our changing culture.

These are growing all over down by the creek, which is high and fast, especially after the hard rain we had through the night. I don't know what they are, but they're pretty.

The rhubarb is exploding out of the ground, the Marion berries (wasn't he the druggie mayor of D.C.?)  have lots of new growth, and several of the fruit trees are about to burst with blossoms and/or buds. Now, if it would just stop raining for two days in a row.

This morning I got a call from Jeff at Four Corners Transport. That's the firm I've used for vehicle shipping and recommended to the buyer. After his guy flaked the buyer called Jeff, and now I'm told the trucker will be here Wednesday, probably first thing in the morning, to get the pickup. I'm hoping it's Tuesday night because it's supposed to rain hard all day Wednesday and the truck doesn't have wipers. I have to drive it down the hill because a transport truck will never get down Baker Rd., never mind turn around.

Meanwhile I got emails saying the parts for the Mustang have shipped. I don't know how long it will take them to get here but I'll now have space under cover to do the work when the time comes. Eager to get started!