Announcement

I apologize for the lack of posts over the last week or so. The busyness of the Christmas season has engulfed me and I am having some difficulty finding time for everything.  Writing about joy during this joyous season is something that I desire to do, but the posts will probably be sporadic during the next couple of weeks. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Day 40

At 6:38 I finished a book. At 6:39 I sat down at the computer, and at 6:40 I started writing this post.

I greatly enjoy reading.  I enjoy a wide variety of genres and authors, from the unexpected twists of John Grisham to the delightful mysteries of Agatha Christie to the intellectual arguments of Malcolm Gladwell, who was the author of the book I just finished reading at 6:38.  The book was "Outliers: The Story of Success" and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys light yet fascinating educational literature. Gladwell has an inquisitive mind and a fresh perspective that I find highly enjoyable.  I hope to read some of his other books soon.

Also on my coffee table are two other treasures: "El Dorado" which is a sequel to the "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis.  I'm wrestling with my age-old dilemma: Re-read some of my favorites or spend my time reading new books.  I know those books are excellent, but there are so many other books out there that are excellent as well. I don't know if I'll ever find the perfect balance, or even if it exists. At least I get to read while I figure it out.

There are several reasons why I enjoy reading so much.  If I am reading fiction it gives me a break from real life and I get to go on a mini-vacation whenever I flip through the pages.  I enjoy non-fiction because I am interested in learning about things and events and people that I didn't know before and by doing so I broaden my world.  Books have so much to offer, and it saddens me that less and less people seem to enjoy reading and instead prefer the fast-paced world of movies, television, and the internet. Those things have much to offer as well, but not in the same way.  Reading disciplines the mind in a way that a movie never will.

I encourage you to read a book over the Christmas season. I know that I will be and enjoying every minute of it.  If you have a favorite book, please let me know about it.  That's how I heard about "Outliers" and many other books that I read.  I always love suggestions, and many times they become my favorites as well. I believe a good book should be shared, and I am happy to share my favorites with you as well.

Read, share, enjoy. That's the good life.

Day 39

The house was full of people: junior highers and high school students, college kids, young adults, parents, and even a few grandparents.  Conversation was everywhere, and the noise from the kitchen only added to the volume.  The snow had started again and drifted down around this house full of warmth and friendship.  We all waited expectantly for the guest of honor to arrive. It was his birthday party, and it was a surprise. When he did arrive we all shouted out a "Happy Birthday!" to him and then made him go first through the food line.  If it was his choice, he would have waited to be the last one like he does at every group meal.  After dinner we had a time of sharing what this man meant to us, and although I know he would have preferred the background to the spotlight, he didn't make a fuss and thanked people for their comments.

There are many ways to describe this modest man who thrives behind-the-scenes, but the best one is servant-hearted.  He is on the leadership team for three major ministries at our church, and he is highly involved with all three.  He gives of his time and money the way not many people do who are not paid ministers. On top of all his serving, he invests in people's lives and is always looking to deepen his walk with God. This is a godly man, and I have the honor to call him my friend.

If he knew I was writing this about him he probably wouldn't like it because he doesn't like attention called on himself, even though he deserves it.  But I wanted to honor him, although anonymously, because he is a person that we all should look to as an example.  He is not perfect and he is only human, but he an imperfect human who understands where his priorities should lie and invests in things that last. I wish I was more like that.  But I get my hope from knowing that if he can do it, then I can do it, too.  And that brings me joy.

Happy birthday and thank you for being my friend.

Day 38

Yesterday I had a good day at work. Most days at work are so-so; nothing really exciting happens, except maybe getting all of the new accessory freight processed and put away.  But yesterday was a good day because I was able to help people who needed help.  I helped three customers right in a row, and although it did not require much effort on my part, all three were exceedingly grateful.  It was a good reminder for me: It does not always require a lot of effort to help someone, and it requires even less effort to let someone know that you are grateful for their help. Because of those three people telling me thank you, and some words from a manager that let me know he appreciated my hard work, I had a good day at work.  It was as simple as that.

I could go on, but I have to leave in ten minutes and it's amazing I got as far as I did. Thank you for reading my blog.  I greatly appreciate it.