A week of holidays where sickness alternated. That is one way to describe this past week.
The other is to say that positives abounded. Good times of discussion with my wife. Purchases of various items on sale – the timing was right. Visits with enjoyable relatives.
In a day and age where criticism is easy and thankfulness is secondary, the choice of gratitude is my starting point for this day!
Our hope is that we can get away for holiday days today. Sickness has kept us from venturing too far – but today rings with hope anew.
As I look over the years, riding can have many different affects!
As a young child, I tended to get a bit sick on my rides in the car. I liked to sit at the front of a bus. I also found long rides were times to sleep – a thing I did quite often as a young adult with a musical touring group, for a year’s time. Missed a lot of the beautiful countryside of Canada and United States but was able to sing each night.
As a young adult, I enjoyed riding with friends and with my spouse. These were times of banter and deep discussion. There was a true sense of camaraderie and bonds that have lasted for decades. I remember one trip where I was in a persuasive mood. The fellow I was travelling with was wondering if he should marry a young lady he had met. They have been married for over three decades!
I wonder what other findings you have had as you have travelled the roads over the years?
I have a friend in hospital.
Today was picture day – dropping off some photos.
As I approached the front door of the hospital, the hospital administrator approached me with a question regarding our spiritual care committee. Quick thoughts were exchanged and I headed in the door.
Said “hi” to nursing staff – took a quick look into some rooms to see who had been discharged. Dropped off the photos. Headed back down past the reception desk and said “hi” to the receptionist. Then back to my car.
All on a holiday afternoon.
Life is comprised of those times when life is . . . regardless of how things are linked to work or volunteer activities or friends or the world around us. Sometimes to compartmentalize life helps to decide work hours or achievement but in the end, is life about power, wealth or people? I choose the side of people.
I think the toughest part of life is that we all want to have a reason to move into a new day. This past week, I met a friend who has mental health struggles. Arising from bed in the morning is no easy task. Having friends who care and expectations from a job give at least some incentive. Even then, the struggle is great.
As I reflected on his life, I am reminded that each day is a gift. Opening the day means that we are shown what is ours, and we are reminded that our task is to grab the gift – not just look at it.
I suppose for some the hesitation comes from disappointment or even violence when they have sought out a gift. For others of us, we are so distracted with the ruts we have created in life we miss the better path. For my friend, the imbalance of chemicals may create a fog as he seeks the gift of a new day.
May we all enter this new day trusting that God, who is good, will give to us a great gift of a new day. This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.