My Daughter & Her Merit Award

Tree Hunting

This was a moment of triumph. We were successful in our search and despite its attempt to flee, we were able to track down, cut down, and carry home the pine of our choice. We have it mounted in our living room.

The Rumor Mill

I'm in the church at 8:30 on a Wednesday night, waiting for the kids to finish their youth program. It is not uncommon for the wait to turn into an inconvenience but this night it turned into a blessing. I just spent the last hour talking to a friend who wandered past my table, tucked back in a corner. He found me quite by accident but quickly took a seat and shared in open, heart-warming conversation.

I had intended to set up shop, listen to the Christmas music piped over the Town Hall sound system and type the first chapter of my new book, "Drinking Yesterday's Coffee: 101 Ways To Save Your Budget and the World". While I did not get any of the chapter written, I did learn a little about my friend and myself.

The conversation was lively and spirited. We talked about life. We talked about love. Our discussion covered finances, employment, church, ministry (not to be confused with church), marriage, television, computers, and so many other topics. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've spent in quite a while.

As the conversation floated from topic to topic, one theme prevailed: Rumor.

For instance, I asked about his job (rumor has it he was fired after embezzling $1,000,000 from petty cash at the Children's Zoo). Apparently, this is not true but he did offer to buy me coffee...Coincidence? I think not.

I told him I'd heard his girlfriend was pregnant, again. Again, not true.

I heard through the grapevine that he is now a staff member at the church working in the coffee shop cleaning used grounds. He recently joined the dance ministry. He flipped-off one of the pastors after an unfortunate baptism fiasco. And decided to become gay after watching a Will and Grace marathon on TBS. He denied three of the four rumors.

Rumor. It can change a perception. It can twist the truth. It can destroy a life. Just a word, a nod, a wink.

My friend's girlfriend isn't pregnant. He isn't gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). He didn't flip off the preacher. But if I tell you these things or hint at them, doesn't it make you wonder? You want to know his name, don't you? You want to get a good look at him the next time he passes by. You want to see the circus that is his life...and then you'll tell your friends in whispered tones. After all, we're only human.

Psalm 35:19-22: Let not my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; or let them wink with the eye that hates me without cause. For they do not speak peace; Instead, they devise deceitful words against those that are quiet in the land. Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me; They said, Aha, aha, our eye has seen it. But, in truth, YOU have seen it, O God and you know the truth; do not keep silent: O Lord, and be close to me.

I don't really remember being this young. I don't remember the wagon. I don't remember the street. I certainly don't remember the suspenders.

Some times life happens when we are present and it makes an impact but its memory leaves us.

With my son attending his freshman year at IU, I've thought a lot more about my own college experience. I have asked my mother about my choices, my actions, my decisions. Some things that happened in college are very vivid in my mind. But there are other things, like, did I call home when I stayed on campus or did mom and dad just wonder where I might be that night? I really don't remember. I couldn't tell you.

What about the way I treated people in my classes? Was I a jerk? Was I aloof?

What about the girls I dated? Was I insensitive? Was I hurtful?

What about the jobs I worked? Was I consistent and hard working?

It is all gone. I remember Eric Wendorf and Roger Bess but I do not remember the words we spoke.

I remember Kathy and Chris but I don't remember exactly how it ended between us.

I remember Taco Grande' but honestly cannot rememer giving my two week's notice.

These people, these places, these moments shapped me. They made me who I am to day. My interactions brought me to this place and this time and they are shadows in my mind. Like a checkered shirt on a warm summer's day, they are a part of my life that are faded by time and space.

A Change in My Future

The election is over and I've started packing my personal effects in my office. Pictures, plants, books...they all get put into boxes as I wait for the phone to ring. I am surprised that it is taking so long to get the call, though.

I thought the call would come yesterday but I was disappointed.

What call? Why would you even ask that question...I've been drinking from an Obama coffee cup for nearly two years. I've had a bumper sticker on my car for the same length of time. I gave him a few bucks. I have TWO yard signs. So, to be honest, I'm surprised I haven't gotten the call to be on the new President Elect's Cabinet or White House Staff.

I am perfectly prepared to serve at my President's side. I've been watching old episodes of West Wing. If you've ever watched the show, you know that I am the Indiana equivalent of Josh or Toby. Okay, not Toby. He's too moody. But I always liked Sam Seaborn. He was witty and handsome and slightly flawed which made him interesting.

Yes, the call is coming. I can just feel it. They need me there. Now if you will excuse me, I have more West Wing to watch.

A Walk in the Woods

Safe At Last

Walking Out

Fall Colors