I wrote stories, poems, historical issues. I cried, I prayed, I laughed. And I met some wonderful people, who I introduced to Dave during our next visit up there, the next summer, and they are still involved with us. Dear ones.
On Wednesday evening, October 3, I attended a Baptist Church a few
miles from the park. In the church basement, about twenty people sat
around tables, singing, praying, sharing needs. I felt comfortable and
accepted -- they must often have “drop-ins” from the nearby
campgrounds. A lady across the table invited me to come to lunch on
Thursday. Since I intended to leave on Friday morning and had a free
day ahead of me, I accepted.
Well, when I woke up Thursday morning, I knew I was released to go home, and, since it’s that 600-mile trip, I would reasonably have left early in the day. I put the trip home off until after lunch. That morning I bought a muffin and hot
chocolate and carried it to a rocky outcropping and sat in the
sun and reveled in the kindness and closeness of God. The photo shows my foot -- a visual reminder
that whatever the circumstances there are constant events in life that can "hit" us, and can be rocks, water, or breaking waves. And no matter what is happening, we can worship and trust the Lord.
During lunch, I had a very sweet time of fellowship with Prue, who I had met at the church. This was a gift, a neat cap to my personal retreat. (And her chocolate chip cookies are about the best I’ve ever had. Do you think those who give a cookie to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward? Sure gave MY spirits a boost and made the trip home sweeter.)
This is one of my funniest poems. Hope you enjoy it. I sent it to her some weeks later, and she laughed and laughed. THAT was a blessing.
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SHIRLEY
 |
| Not really Shirley, but similar and good example. |
During lunch
with a new-found friend,
Her pet swirling around our feet,
She kept commanding,
"Shirley, stay down!" or
"Shirley, off the chair!"
And I wondered, and pondered,
and thought --
but didn't ask --
"Why would anyone name a dog 'Shirley' ?"
[I wasn't even sure whether
And I wondered, and pondered,
and thought --
but didn't ask --
"Why would anyone name a dog 'Shirley' ?"
[I wasn't even sure whether
it was male or female --
must I confess such ignorance?]
But still -- Shirley?!
As I was leaving,
settling into my car,
She suddenly said,
"I bet you've been wondering
why I call my dog Shirley.
It reminds me that
must I confess such ignorance?]
But still -- Shirley?!
As I was leaving,
settling into my car,
She suddenly said,
"I bet you've been wondering
why I call my dog Shirley.
It reminds me that
'Surely goodness and mercy
will follow me'."
And she trailed into a laugh ..
And she trailed into a laugh ..
which I joined.
[a most pleasant way to say goodbye].
Now forever,
with the image of a middle-sized,
black and white, shaggy dog
Superimposed --
Psalm 23, Verse 6 will never be the same.
[a most pleasant way to say goodbye].
Now forever,
with the image of a middle-sized,
black and white, shaggy dog
Superimposed --
Psalm 23, Verse 6 will never be the same.
