July 31 – New transformations

New transformations
confront a common focus
creative freedom

Will not the good people respond to a united, and earnest appeal from us?

Can we, can they, by any other means, so certainly, or so speedily, assure these vital objects?

We can succeed only by concert.

It is not “can any of us imagine better?” but, “can we all do better?”

The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present.

The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion.

As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.

We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.

Abraham Lincoln
Annual Message to Congress —
Concluding Remarks
Washington, D.C.
December 1, 1862

July 30 – New day, each day comes

New day, each day comes
chance perfectly marvelous
hopeful, possible

I could start my day taking a yellow pad and drawing line down the center.

At the top of the left side of the pad, I could write BAD.

At the top of the right hand side, I could write GOOD.

I could fill the left hand side as fast as I could write, with my handwriting getting worse and worse as I try to keep with the all the thoughts pouring, like black and red flaming lava, out of my mind.

Then I could stop.

Take a sip of coffee.

Take two sips of coffee.

I could look at the right hand side of the pad.

I would see that, that side of the pad was blank.

See nothing good.

Or.

Nothing but possibities.

Perfectly marvelous.

July 29 – some days, some battles

some days, some battles
they are over, done, I wish
before they start up

Just one of those days.

On top of it all, feel more tired when I woke up than when I laid down last night.

July 28 – Slow Sunday Mornings

Slow Sunday Mornings
Wake up late, wait for coffee
privileged lifestyle

It’s the simple things, right?

Quiet Sunday Morning and I can sleep in late and read while the coffee percolates in the cool of the living room.

A piece of toast with blueberry jam from up north.

Then off to Church.

Perfect way to start the week.

What could be more simple.

Starting the preaching a little early, I hope I never lose the insight that this simple start is so very, very privileged.

Home, shelter, food, leisure, job to experience leisure, love of family, friends and wife, loving and benevolent God and gracious Savior.

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” says Luke (12:48 KJV)

Been given so much.

Better not forget.

It’s simple.

July 27 – old shoes like old friends

old shoes like old friends,
comfortable, as old shoes
new shoes, someday old

If there were things more comfortable than an old pair of shoes, the saying, “As comfortable as an old pair of shoes”, would not have lasted in the list of english language idioms.

Three pairs of low cut, white (at one point in their lives), leather Nike sneakers.

The first pair is at 30 years old with a white swoosh.

I sent a clerk (who was a Wiedeman if I remember) back into the storeroom at MC Sports to find ‘that old fashioned smooth leather look.

The second pair, with the black swoosh stripes, I think are about 10 years old and were a birthday present from my wife, I think the first year we were Georgia.

The last pair, my FRESH sneakers, were a birthday present this year.

They are free of the past snow and rains and mentioned in the book, Dandelion Wine, by Ray Bradbury.

” with this new pair of shoes, he could do anything, anything at all,” writes Bradbury.

And they have the potential to, one day, like friends who stick around, become old shoes.

Comfortable beyond belief.

As comfortable as an old pair of shoes.

Based on the time to takes to break these in, are they the last pair of sneakers I will need to buy?