Reading the newspaper is dangerous business. There is no telling how a particular article may impact your life. Last week I played in a golf tournament with a marine. He is not an active duty marine, but years ago it was pointed out me that there is no such thing as a “former marine.” During our golf round he shared a story that continues to impact me. He got up one morning and read the newspaper. That’s not an unusual…
It was an annual tradition at Wind Point Elementary School. A photographer would set up in the school hallway to take individual pictures of each student. They even provided combs for Dennis the Menace types such as myself. As part of their services, they assembled a class picture featuring every student in that particular teacher’s room. Last night at the 35 year Horlick High School Reunion some of those class pictures from at least two elementary campuses were floating…
Not many people are fortunate enough to attend two high school reunions. In fact, I am aware that many consciously choose not show up at any kind of reunion. I attended school in Racine, Wisconsin through the 7th grade. I will reconnect with friends from that era of my life at the second reunion next month. Two weeks ago I attended my 35 year high school reunion. It wasn’t at all what I expected. There were a few things I…
I am about to decide that choosing be inclusive is like swimming upstream. The choice to exclude is made with relative ease. But it takes a conscious choice to be inclusive. I have been reminded of this reality in the past few weeks, as the coordinators of my 35 year high school reunions continue to work diligently finding and communicating with ALL classmates. I should explain… I went to school through the 7th grade in Racine, Wisconsin. My classmates that…
I have a friend that lives over 900 miles away. Consequently, we don’t see each other much. But when we do converse, the dialogue always ends with the following phrase. “I hope we can connect soon.” I have always liked that. But I never gave much thought to the meaning behind what was being said. I read an excellent article today regarding the correlation between healthy relationships and addictive behavior. The writer made two significant points. The first one is…
I have always had a fondness for mom and pop hole in the wall eating establishments. When I travel, I am not drawn to the chain restaurants. The local café with an old fashioned soda fountain might be nice instead. Or I am even inclined to patronize a unique place that draws the hipster crowd. I love the places that draw a diverse group. Harold’s Barbeque in Abilene is closed now. (Harold retired.) Its building was not exactly pristine. And…
In 1987, I was a young, inexperienced minister who was in way above his head. I assumed my first real professional role at age 25. To say I was “green” is understatement. In addition to serving university students at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX, I also served as an adjunct instructor of Biblical History and Literature in the English Dept. I was in survival mode. I taught three days a week, so lecture preparation was a daily challenge…
When I was about 30 years old, an extended family member asked me when I was going to grow up. I replied “never.” That was not the answer she was searching for. I failed the test. But the truth is I have grown up. I am not as impulsive as I was at one time. I am far more cautious than I was in my younger years. Perhaps the word “tame” is fitting. I am not convinced that is entirely…
I am very particular about who cuts my hair, so I am grateful for my friend Anna. She is a great barber and a better friend. When I walked in the barber shop over the noon hour today, the first thing I noticed was a couple sitting very close to each other on the long bench that lines one of the walls. They were totally engrossed in reading or watching something on her i-phone. And…they were obviously engrossed in each…
I most certainly did not listen to the popular group Peaches and Herb in the ‘70’s. But the girls I ran around with did. My friend Elizabeth frequently rode to school with me in the mornings. As she put her makeup on the car while I drove, she would say: “Turn it up! I love that song!” The song “Reunited” from Peaches and Herb was one of those turn it up songs. It was sweet and syrupy. The chorus rang…