Celebrating the Journey

Human decency is still alive and well. In fact, the human decency bug is downright contagious.  We frequently hear news stories of heinous events where humans do things to each other that are beyond comprehension.  And we wonder:  Does human decency still exist?  I was reminded this past Monday that there are still caring, courteous, and respectful people everywhere. I drove over to The Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Monday morning to pick up a notebook computer for a friend who…

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I was privileged this afternoon to watch Jeff Jeffries receive special recognition from the Hood County Child Welfare Board for his work with abused and neglected children.   Jeffries has been a driving force behind the Granbury Royal Family Kids Camp.  RFKC camps around the world exist exclusively for the purpose of providing a Christian camping experience for abused children that have been removed from their homes by state agencies such as Child Protective Services in Texas.  This year we are…

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One day last week I had a morning chalked full of hospital visits in Ft. Worth.  By the time I started heading back to Granbury, it was already 2:00 in the afternoon.  I decided to stop at the Sonic Drive-In Cresson to get a low calorie chick wrap.  I could not help but tease the girl waiting on me about the roller blades she was wearing to work in as a car hop.  After a few moments she emerged from…

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I have always liked the Doobie Brothers.  I am a child of the ‘70’s what can I say?  Their hit Real Love hit the charts when I was a freshman at Texas Tech in 1980.   I recall liking the tune when the song was released, but I never really paid close attention to the lyrics.  I was a little surprised today when I listened closely to them probably for the first time. The singer is addressing a woman in his…

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As I navigated my way through the typical Saturday afternoon Walmart mayhem, I went straight to the cooler with the low-fat milk.  I passed by the oreos as if they did not even exist.  I could hear them faintly calling my name as I made way to the next aisle, but I was determined not to respond.  I don’t like to hurt feelings, and I know the oreos were feeling the rejection. As I stocked my cart with a variety…

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Phil Mickelson’s final putt to win the Master’s last year in Augusta as his wife was looking on in the gallery moved even the most hardened golf fans to tears. Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Last year’s Master’s was the first tournament she had attended since her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It was a great moment whether you are a golf fan or not. I will never forget the look on her face as the ball…

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Stress is a part of life. There is no escaping it. Several months ago I told someone that my life would soon be back to normal, and they laughed. The laughter was followed by the question: what is normal? I stumbled over myself and ultimately failed to provide a plausible answer. Yesterday a close friend and colleague in ministry called. As a result of events going on in the church he serves that are totally beyond his control, he is…

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As I pointed out in a recent entry, I still like family practice. The fact of the matter is after 23 years of ministry I still like people. (Not all of my colleagues would say that!) Doing the kind of work I do can easily be compared to the role of a physician in family practice. Unfortunately I am aware of physicians who specialize in family practice that are choosing to do something else. Family practice doctors end up taking…

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