Winter Campfire
My son and I discovered some old buckets on the driveway containing water that had frozen. We took the blocks of ice out, then took them back to the brick fireplace that the kids have in the back yard (one that they built out of surplus bricks and cinder blocks), then started a fire in the fireplace. We put each block in a leaky old cooking pot and watched it melt (great opportunity for a science discussion!). Simple pleasures on a cold winter day. . .
Old Neighbors Passing On
Well, the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 have had their share of deaths, and in my case, several neighbors who served as mentors and friends have passed on:
Carol C. (the lady across the street). Enjoyed playing with her kids, and passed along condolences to her guys (at least one of them).
Mr. and Mrs. Owens (across the street and two doors down). Both had been living in a retirement center until their deaths. He went first (to everyone's surprise) back in November/December; she went a week or so back. Same set of priests officiated, but her service was uniquely different. Both times good to see family.
It all underscores that though we'd like life to keep going on, it doesn't and it won't (at least on earth).
I've got a bunch of friends who have passed on whom I am looking forward to seeing again when that time comes.
Thoughts on Thanksgiving!
Oftentimes people think in terms of what they have and what God has blessed them with during Thanksgiving. There's also reason to thank God for things you don't have too. And there's reason to thank Him for things you have but wish you didn't have (thank Him anyway).
I'm reminded of the song Simple Gifts, and while the lyrics fade out of it quickly in my mind (after the first stanza), the simplicity of the tune reminds me of how simple the gifts of Thanksgiving can be.
I'm thankful for the family I came from and the family I have now. I'm thankful for the opportunity each day brings for accomplishing something new. Thanks for the simple things.
