Meaningless?

A few days ago I started reading Ecclesiastes and have been challenged by the messages that the Holy Spirit directed to be assembled.  It appears that many of the thoughts run parallel with Solomon’s in Proverbs, but I am aware that there is some debate about who really penned the book.  My feeling is; who cares!  I know that God generated it, and I am not that concerned about who actually drafted it.

I needed the reminder that everything can be meaningless.  How often I find as I reflect upon my day that it seems to have been meaningless.  I didn’t accomplish what I planned or things come up that have to be handled that were major challenges and possibly detracted me from what I had scheduled.  Later I look back and see them part of an over-all plan that I was not even aware of at the time.  As we are reminded, our plans may turn into a day of only “chasing the wind”.  (1:17) Reading on we are reminded; “For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?”  (2:25)  Then we are clearly told; “God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please him”.  (2:26)  As I read the chapters, I am reminded that I not only need to be more intentional in what I say and do, but I also need to be praising the God that through his Holy Spirit within me is working out HIS plan for HIS glory as I yield every aspect of my life to him!  Now, if I can just remember that in every situation!

Yesterday I attended a delightful memorial service for a dear lady that was over 100 years old.  At her birthday celebration some time back, even though her body was pretty well “spent,” her mind was sharp and she was looking forward to her future with an infectious joy.  What a blessing it is to know so many dear ones that faithfully travel life’s journey, finishing well!  That is a continual prayer for myself.

Seeing that my family will not be together for Thanksgiving, I plan to drive to North Carolina to spend the holiday with a dear family whom I have not been able to see for some time.  I am looking forward to the delightful food that they always prepare and a special time of catching up with each other.  I trust that ‘you all’ (I have adapted to the south) will have a blessed Thanksgiving also.  Let’s not forget to be praying for each other as we are together with family and friends…and for journey mercies for those travelling.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Delightful Trip

I had a wonderful weekend with Lisa in DC.  We were able to cover far more than I could have anticipated.  Lisa worked out a fantastic schedule so that we did not have to rush but managed to keep a full and extremely interesting schedule.  The Washington Monument has been closed for some time after being damaged by their earthquake so I was interested in again going to the top and seeing what repairs were done.  Tickets for the day were gone by 9:00 AM but we were able to schedule a tour early afternoon.  In the morning we visited the Smithsonian and were able to acquire tickets for the program “To Space and Back”.  We completed the afternoon at the Holocaust Museum which is most sobering.  Numerous videos have been added since I last toured the museum.  It brought back vivid memories of our touring concentration camps in Europe some years ago.  How can humans ever do such things to other humans?

Sunday we focused on Abraham Lincoln attending New York Presbyterian Church, where he worshiped, which is located a couple of blocks from the White House.  For lunch we ate at a small café that Lincoln frequented and we were told that was his preference over the fateful play, but Mrs. Lincoln preferred the theatre.  We toured the museum at Ford’s Theatre and went to the balcony to view the box where Lincoln was shot.  From there we went to the home across the street where he was taken and then died.  In the evening we went to The Kennedy Center to attend a fun Brazilian Jazz Concert with a friend following which we enjoyed a late evening tea time at the center.  It was a full day!

I left DC mid-morning after the traffic had improved a bit, spending the night with friend Keith as I had on the trip North.  I returned late last evening after an uneventful two-day drive to find the Longs had dinner awaiting me.  It was a very special time of reviewing much history and spending precious time with Lisa, Keith and other friends.  I am thankful to God for strength and health allowing me another blessed trip.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Grateful!

It was fantastic having Keith ride home with me from Indiana and spend a few days here before flying back.  A dear friend had dinner waiting for us upon our return to the village and we had fun playing Sluff with a group of friends the following evening.  We enjoyed some tourist things and Keith also attended a monthly hospital meeting with me when I meet with medical people to learn more about the hospital and their approaches to pulmonology problems.  The time went so fast that it was hard to believe it was time for him to leave.  Since then I have been keeping a fairly rapid pace helping some of our residents with technical problems and assisting a bit at our village office.

Tomorrow I will be heading for Washington, DC to spend the weekend with daughter Lisa.  I will spend a night with friend Keith in Raleigh/Durham on the way, being that it is now a two day trip for me.  DC is always an exciting place to visit.  There are so many activities available along with a multitude of museums where much time can be spent.  It is always a thrill for me to spend time in the city with Lisa.  She always finds interesting places to visit and programs to attend.

I am sure that we are all relieved that election day has passed and with it the multitude of political advertisements, many of them quite offensive slamming the opponent while failing to honestly disclose the plans and qualifications of the advertiser.  I just “happened” to read Proverbs 28:2 yesterday which I thought was perfect:  “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.  But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.”  With our newly elected leaders, let us be faithful to fervently pray for them.  Not only for their decisions but more importantly that their hearts will be open to God.

Your prayers are precious!

Chuck