This booster shot idea was born on 10/17/2007. It happened in a very unusual way but when you learn that things don't happen by accident then you start to understand that it is part of a bigger plan. God brought me and an uncle of mine who I never really talked to together in a way that was surely meant to be. I didn't really know how cool he was until one day I wrote to him not even knowing I wrote to him. My mother was going through a stressful time (can't we all relate) and she had sent me an email with a forwarded hug. All the people she sent the hug to I copied their emails and sent them a letter and asked for them to pray for my Mom. I really had no idea who all these email addresses were, I just knew if my mother was sending them a hug then surely they wouldn't mind saying a prayer for her! Low and behold this started a chain reaction of letters from some pretty incredible people! One of those incredible people was my second uncle (my grandmother's brother). I had seen him at family reunions and was kind to him but honestly I never really took the time to get to know him. I knew of him but not like I do now. Isn't it wonderful how we meet people or in our case connect after 40 years and when we can recognize that it is God at work it makes it even cooler!
Our letters back and forth have been so wonderful that I wanted a place to save them. Remember when you found someone's diary and was so curious to read it? Well these letters were originally meant for him and I but tonight this page of booster shots became a reality. It is something that can be shared and meant to uplift and inspire you. Hopefully something in them will speak to your soul and boost it like they have for both of us. Is it a crazy idea? ...yeah, probably so, but they mean so much to me and to him that someone else will find them fascinating. Enjoy!
Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:35:08 -0500
Debra
Thank your for your message.
Each day, prayers are said for family members. Some days, some names are
mentioned such as your mother or your grandparents. By all means, today and
for a long time, special prayers will be said for your mother.
I responded to her hugs message. I appreciated here message and hope the
response is meaningful for her.
I had lunch today with a long time friend who recently had colon cancer
surgery. His wife is depressed; one of his sons is unable to hold down a
job, has a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and on his story goes. Seems all of
us in some way have something heavy, some heavier than others and yet,
regardless of how heavy, we all have something to bear, to endure, to
battle, to call from us deep strength and faith to face what is ahead.
My position has always been to be aware of what others are experiencing and
not..... not ever to just say we all have rough times. We do and each one of
us have our own individual situations. Though there is similarity, there are
always individual differences in many ways. Along with the fact, a very
basic fact, that "some people are better able to roll with life's punches
than others," and that being because of the difference between us in
individual ego or psychic strength, we do bear our struggles, we have our
own heavy times. Your mother indeed has hers and indeed bears hers with
hope, strength, faith even with heaviness....and she does because of a
daughter like you and many others, family and friends, not alone.
And yes, with all of the wonderful help, we also continue to be aware of the
needs for continuation on the journey, on the pilgrimage. Yes, and there are
many needs, many issues with which to deal and to contend.
I hope this little bit is interesting: I remember vividly the day your
mother was born. That was an exciting occasion for us all. And we continue
in our joy at knowing her and who she is, who she has become, and what she
has done. She is a joy for us all. It is definitely my hope and desire to be
responsive, as I am sure it is for all family.
There is a personal story to the following. I will not share that here
because I doubt its value. I just write: one of my favorite Biblical verses,
one of my favorite thoughts, found in the Psalms is: "Weeping may endure the
night but joy comes in the morning." I trust your mother, as we all do at
times, is experiencing the weeping; I also trust, with her faith, her
strength, her family pulling for her, and her friends pulling for her, she
will be experiencing the joy, joy that comes in the morning. Yes, they are
not strictly dichotomous for there are always cyclings in life. I trust
there will more joys in the morning, less weeping in the night for her
because of your message, your love, the prayers and responses of many
people.
I am glad you wrote because I have wondered many times how the situation is
there.
Bless you and my best to you.
Love from your uncle in Cresson, Texas
Jack
-------------------------
There is a letter that I sent him that goes here.....we are trying to find it :(
-------------------------------------
Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:52:48 -0500
Debra
Thank you for your message and your web site address.
Many years ago I read some books written by the Baillie brothers. The books
were different books written by each brother. D.M. Baillie wrote perhaps the
most powerful book of my life, definitely at that time, a book with ideas
that stimulated a fermentation that over the next several decades resulted
in a more defined and understood theory which is mine. That theory in one
sentence is: life and living are characterized by paradox. The theory
proceeds to discuss the differences in how people approach their lives and
the reasons for the mastery or lack thereof in their living and relating
with the issues that occur in the vast paradox. Baillie's book was entitled
God Was In Christ and his basic point was that the essence of Christ is
indeed a paradox and one that is also real and true and genuine. I found
much meaning in what he wrote and over the years my own theory for working
with people as well as living a full life was developed and in reality is
developing.
The other brother, John, among his writings had one entitled Invitation to a
Pilgrimage. From his book, and from what you have written and are writing
and
most importantly are living, you have accepted the invitation and are
living the pilgrimage of which he wrote.
Another man wrote a very powerful book for me entitled The Struggle of the
Soul. His name was Lewis J. Sherrill. He wrote on how people live their
lives and put the idea in three different contexts: people live their
lives as (1) a treadmill, (2) a saga or (3) a pilgrimage. He presented
examples of the saga living, the treadmill living and our living as a
pilgrimage. Of course, from my perspective, the treadmill and saga ways are
more an existence instead of a living.
We all have choices. Though difficult at times to make the choices that are
most helpful and appropriate for ourselves as well as others, we do have
choices and fortunately there come for some people the making or choosing of
the choice or choices that are most meaningful. Perhaps the choices produce
the most difficult road to travel, perhaps the way is the most arduous,
perhaps the way presents us with the longest route and definitely, with the
productive and constructive route chosen, the one that leads to what is
experienced and defined as victory, meaning, one with God, and other ways as
well. The essence is as is written: Ye shall know the truth and the truth
shall make ye free. That piece of scripture, as also chiselled on the front
of the University of Texas main library building, the structure referred to
as the Tower, has always been a guide for me, always that is since 1943 or
so when I traveled to Austin with your great grandfather to see my mother as
she was working to complete her Bachelor's degree.
I remember vividly many parts of that trip. We, for example, were driving
into Austin on Congress Avenue and saw a restaurant with a sign that read
"Best Steaks in Texas." We were hungry and found that ad to be inviting.
However, we also were aware that funds for such a steak, even if we only
purchased one, were not available. We drove on with mouths watering and
hopes expressed.
Later in the day, we walked around the campus and forever and for always, I
recall standing in front of the Tower, looking up, seeing, and reading those
words.
I did not know for several years that those words are in the New Testament.
However, it was on that around 1943 day, that the words became a guide for
me. Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth Shall Make You Free.
Being free of course is a process. We do not just, by my understanding, and
I grant you, many people do not agree with me, become free and that is it!
Being free is a process occurring each day as we grow, as we develop, as we
seek to become more full, more complete, more loving, more like the
individual who truly is our guide, our road, our vision, our truth.
Yes, there have been many books of value over the years. I will not even
attempt to list any or all. In addition, I am not suggesting or recommending
any to you. I just share what has been helpful for me. I am confident you
have found, and truly are finding (i.e., the essence of being free) many
pieces to inspire you to your writings. In the event, and I write this as a
help, you are looking for certain books, such as the ones I have mentioned,
I encourage the web site Alibris.com as well as Amazon.com. I am amazed at
the condition and prices of books at both sites. I found a wonderful book,
for me, not long ago by a man named Roy Bedichek, The Adventures of a Texas
Naturalist. Reading it was in many ways like being in the Texas Hill Country
with my father, your great-grandfather. Interesting, Roy died in the same
year as did he, 1959.
I share the Alibris web site only because it has been of valuable help and
interest/
Best to you and thank you for sharing. I hope for you the very best in
living and am confident that is occurring and will continue.
Love from your uncle,
Jack
--------------------------
There's a letter that goes here I wrote to him, we are trying to find it
---------------------------
Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:40:46 -0500
Warmth Beyond
On an early fall like day in September, 1963, at a small two year college, an institution with a very interesting history, a young lady entered the office of the college chaplain. She was diminutive, in physical size, about five feet and one inch tall, and not in intellect, personality, and an enthusiasm unsurpassed. She had a beaming smile with bright blue eyes that glistened with joy, eclipsed by a beautiful head of red hair. She could win over anyone in a few minutes. Her face was peppered with many freckles which only gave a more distinctive look. She was special!
When she walked in for her academic advisement for the beginning semester she met the chaplain for the first time with immediate questioning of why she had been assigned to him. She was a drama major and had specifically requested to be the advisee of the head of the drama department. She had many questions about this matter. She feared she would not be able to accomplish what she wished toward the development of her goals.
The chaplain was a bit surprised and unsure of how to proceed initially. This kind of meeting had not occurred over the previous five years. However, without much hesitation, he recommended that she check with the Dean of Faculty, the person responsible for the assignments.
The now fiery but lovable red head left the office of the chaplain. She marched from the second floor of the academic building to another adjacent hall to see the DOF.
Within an hour she returned to the college chaplain's office. She was not happy for her request had been denied. However, she had been assured that her chosen major would not suffer. The chaplain would do all he could as her advisor to help her make the correct choices in course study and other activities during her two year stay at the more than 100 year old institution.
In the next two years, the young lady, still and always with the beautiful and glowing smile, the bright eyes that welcomed any comers, the spark and enthusiasm, became an integral and major part of the life of the college known then as Christian College in Columbia, Missouri. She was involved in many activities of the school, far too many to list or even remember. Of course, it is important to note that she was president of her Senior Class. Yes, she appeared in many dramatic productions of the school during her two years of study.
After graduation, she continued her academic studies at the University of Kansas. She majored in the German language by the way. From Kansas she went to Europe for a year's study as a Rhodes Scholar, a major accomplishment and one among many.
In 1969, after a long engagement, she was married in a small church in Pittsburg, Kansas, the home of her parents. The man she married was very different from her, at least on the outside.
The wedding ceremony was conducted by the college chaplain who served as her advisor during her two years at Christian College. They became close and over the years the relationship grew into a very meaningful and enriching relationship.
The college chaplain returned to his native state for work at another institution of higher education in 1972. The young lady and her husband settled in Rolla, Missouri where he worked at the University of Missouri at Rolla.
On several occasions, the former college chaplain visited in the home of the couple. At first, they lived in a beautiful home in the country, a magnificent two story residence with a wonderful view of the surrounding country side. Being there for a few days was always a place of renewal and recharging for the former chaplain. The residence contributed of course. The major reason was the sharing with two very wonderful people.
Over the years, the young lady and husband shared pictures of the house they constructed, a place closer to the campus. They also shared pictures of their two young sons, growing and developing akin to the characters of a Mark Twain novel but not quiet with as much spice perhaps.
In 2005, the class, with its still enthusiastic, warm, lovable and adorable president, celebrated their fortieth reunion. They gathered on the old campus and had many hours of good fun. Of course the organizer of the event was their president. The former chaplain wrote his now dear friend a letter for her and for the class, a letter based on a passage from the writings of C.S. Lewis with special attention to his famous statements on the vulnerability of loving and the consequences otherwise.
Through the many years after formal education, she continued in drama. She was very active and involved in her community and indeed founded and served as executive director of the community theater in Rolla. She also was actively involved in the university there. She made many significant contributions to the community and was recognized recently on the front page of the local newspaper. In the article, the mayor was quoted with comments about her contributions and wonderful work.
Her name is Kittie Williams Robertson. Yes, the name Kittie is her actual name. On many occasions she had to explain that.
On the early morning of August 3, 2007 her former college chaplain was notified by some of her classmates of her death late on August 2. She died from pancreatic cancer. She was 62.
The former college chaplain, still college chaplain to her many friends of the class of 1965 and other classes as well, gives thanks for the beautiful person he knew and in many ways, knows. He give thanks that the Dean of Faculty turned down the request for an advisor change. He give thanks for the gift of an inexpressible love in the person of Kittie Williams Robertson. He gives thanks for the gift of many people with the character, the commitment, the personhood of his dear friend of more than forty years.
I request that you remember Kittie, her family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
From
Jack
The former college chaplain
----------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 22, 2007 8:09 PM
Wow, what
a great story....the suspense was getting to me, and I knew
there was something coming but didn't know what until the last line :)
What a beautiful story...see you do have a gift for writing! I am sorry
for your loss of a dear friend but no doubt she is in a much more
beautiful and peaceful place and will welcome you at the doorsteps of
heaven!
So when are you publishing your first book? Hmmm, maybe we need to have a family
book published...my Mom has been writing a book for the last 35 years I think
hehe :) she has soooooo much good stuff that I have no doubt it could be a best
seller! She is the best editor I know! I honestly have NO idea how I got
through high school and college writing all those papers...I didn't without her
help! My head was not in the game, just going through the motions at that time
:) What a concept...a book written by a family of people who describe their
pilgrimages.....perhaps we have something here? I bet Granddaddy would love his
own chapter! We have so much talent as a family we should do it! A dream
waiting to be made a reality!
P.S....you were the 3rd person I got the 7 wonders from today...that has got to
be a sign LOL It was wonderful!!!
I love your definition of love...it inspires me to add something to my site!
And I agree, I got the warm and fuzzy's today when reading your
letters. It is that spirit connecting to spirit which feeds one another
and nourishes the soul. For me it has been a rare thing to find. So many people seem to be surface types and there is
just so much more. I now know where I
get my seeking nature from...I come by it honestly! So glad to have found a fellow soul seeker, although I
have to admit...it seems a bit hmmm
"strange" is that the right word? Perhaps surprising? I guess I just never knew what I was missing out on and
had no idea I had such a GREAT great
uncle :) hehe I know you are smiling....so I smile too! I am cc this letter to my Mom... :)
Spirit Seekers Succeed!
Hugs,
Debra
----------------------------------------------
Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:50:55 -0500
Debra
No doot aboot ("doubt about" with the other being the way distinguished
English teachers pronounce the two words) your granddaddy would love his
chapter. You have a great idea and as I think on the subject, I do not
recall any other family writing such a book. We will be a first!
My only publication other than two papers is a pamphlet of about fifty pages
on managing stress.
I am confident your mother has a great book in her head and perhaps some on
paper. She is a very gifted and talented individual. I bet she got that from
her daddy and her mother. How about that? I also imagine her grandmothers
had some influence too.
The understanding of love I wrote was heard in the spring of 1967. An ethics
professor from Harvard was speaking in Columbia, Missouri. Deviating from
his prepared paper, he offered this as his favorite definition. I have
remembered that with much meaning added to my life and my understanding as
to what love is. I have also always concluded that knowing what love is
presents no actual problem, although indeed we look for some meaningful
words to express our understanding. The issue is knowing how to love, to
know, to relate to life and to each other in ways that are loving.Sometimes
we
may love in ways that at the moment and the time are not very comfortable
and indeed may bring on some pain. It is sort of like your great grandfather
when he told your Uncle Brantley and I that spanking us was very difficult
for him but he thought it a necessary means of expressing to us love. Of
course, both of us when alone within a few minutes after our spanking
would always wonder to each other just exactly how this was such a loving
action. And yes, years later we understood. That is not to suggest that all
spankings in families or outside of families is the most helpful action. I
am one who believes in what is termed an ideographic approach, or by
understanding, an individual approach to relating, etc.
May you continue with much moving experiences on your journey.
And yes, Kittie was special to me in many ways. Kittie is now special in
another way and is at peace from the pain of cancer and the weariness of the
battle. Her being stimulates and challenges those who knew her and loved
her. Her closest friend lives outside the Boston area. She and Kittie were
roommates in undergraduate school and they talked almost weekly via phone
and on many occasions in person with their many visits. She misses her and
she too is comforted by the understanding that Kittie is now home.
Take good care of yourself and bless you dear niece.
Love from your uncle,
Jack
A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"
The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."
(I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. Now pass it on to all of yours!)
-------------------------------------Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:10:27 -0600
Today I was inspired by God to do something special! I created a web page to share with special people and you are one of them! It can be viewed at http://www.yourfullpotential.org/Love
Below is my love note written especially for you:
10/17/2007
Dear Uncle Jack:
What can I say to someone I've known all my life but just fell in love with. Your letters to me of late have meant so much! I never knew how incredible you were. Amazing you can know of someone for 40 years but not really know them! God has blessed you with such a beautiful gift and I know you have touched many people's lives by showing them love.
I am so grateful for your words of wisdom and kindness that you have shown me. I so appreciate the prayers that are faithfully said for our family! I thank you for the special e-mails you send my way that show you care. I look forward to writing that book we talked about :) and I look forward to knowing you better.
Your incredible and I am blessed to have you in my life! God smiled the day you were born and knew what great things he was going to do through you. Keep on keeping on, he is so proud of you and so am I!
Love your niece,
Debra
--------------------------
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:37:37 -0500
We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!
1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)
4. Enjoy the simple things
7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares? But do share this with someone.
Hugs,
Debra
--------------------------
Wow, I think there was indeed a nourishing boost in my e mail to you. Well,
for that I am glad for that was the intent and continues to be forever the
same. I also share that your response below was/is a boost for my day. For
that, I thank you and express my sense of joy, peace, and love.
I do not know all you intend to share but note that the 11 points are of
course part of the message sent to me. As for my letter or message to you,
by all means use it if you want. I also like very much your idea of "booster
shot." I did not think of it in that way and believe your comment to be on
the mark.
As my high school English teacher would have said, "No doot aboot it" and
the words are spelled correctly and as pronounced (dear Mrs. Brewer of
Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio during my high school days
there), you are a boost for my day this day and for many days.
I firmly believe in what I wrote by the way. The words, the thoughts are
part of what is necessary and needed for our living. We talk about God's
love and I fear, forget at times, that love is expressed, it comes forth, it
blossoms as a beautiful plant or flower, via those "boosts" or if I may use
your idea, "booster shots" each day, each way in so many of our actions, our
happenings, our events, our activities.
Thanks again and peace, joy, and love.
Your uncle,
Jack
---------------------
In my message just sent, I forgot to include a thought that is very
meaningful to me.
During World War II, the war in which your grandfather fought, the Nazi's
imprisoned man who was an outstanding and brave clergyman. His writings have
become very important to us all to this day.
I recall, and this is the wonderful thought that speaks to me in relation to
family and many others, this sentence to his sister while he was in prison.
"May our only separation be by miles." What a powerful and moving thought.
It is one I believe of value to us all. It fits with the "boosts" of which I
wrote earlier, of the people who are not just next to us but in distant
cities, counties, states. Our relation to each other is a bond that does not
depend or call for eye to eye contact. Yea, rather it calls for a spirit to
spirit contact and that contact, the real contact to me, is one which
transcends a direct physical touch daily or even occasionally. That contact
is one which is the spiritual one, the meeting of souls in quest for a sense
of meaning, a sense of depth, a sense of understanding, a true awareness of
being.
Love from your uncle,
Jack
---------------
Oh you are so goooooooood :) I just said what you said before I read this..hahah :) oh but the way you say it is so eloquent! No doubt about it...your my most favorite uncle! More smiles and laughs on this side of the computer screen.
Debra
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:10:47 -0600
Let's
make a pact today....anything I send to you or share you are more than
welcome to share with anyone who can benefit. (unless I put
PRIVATE...hehe) Something about our letters goes to the depths of my
soul and we connect in a spiritual way...that is the beauty that I want
to share with the world...perhaps our letters are just the booster
shots we are supposed to give others??? Hmmm, God can use us in so many
ways, even the letters between us :) Show us the way...make it clear is
my prayer for today! Clarity in what we are supposed to do to share our
love and his love with others...... until next time, know you bring joy
into my life and each letter I receive refreshes my soul. I am grateful
for you and the love you give away each time you write.....are we
getting tooooooo mushy haha :) ahhh, what the heck, it feels good, so
say it!......laughing and loving it!!!!
Debra
------------------
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:10:24 -0600
I
hope you have not yet deleted our emails..I made a big booboo and was
going to save them and they got deleted...well mainly the ones I wrote
you :( I was again inspired and created a page which you must approve
first but I needed the letters I wrote you...here's hoping you have
them :)
Please look at the page and let me know if it is O.K. If it is not,
then, no problem, let me know! If anything is on it that you would
rather not be on there, then please let me know...maybe the story of
your friend you shared with me? Something spoke to me tonight...that
small voice and gave me the idea...........
http://www.yourfullpotential.org/Booster_Shots
it is hidden in my site (no visible link) until you say it is ok!!! I
am also editing it and making it look prettier, so it is a work in
progress...
Debra
----------------
Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:14:12 -0500
Debra
Logged on to your web and your hidden writing on Booster Shots. I read the
correspondence and was wonderfully amazed and surprised at all that we have
shared. Use what you want. My always care is that people get credit when I
quote something. A few years ago I wrote a 60 page booklet on managing
stress. I presented a program on the subject at a national meeting. Not
being motivated in certain ways, I presented to each attendee a copy of my
booklet. It was not copyrighted and a year and more later, I read my booklet
passages as written by someone else. I was not very happy and use the
experience to always be aware of when using someone else's thoughts
expressed in a complete written form. People took the ideas and wrote them
as their own or at least without citing the author. We are a loser these
days I think in view of the many e mails. I continue nevertheless to attempt
to give credit for someone's creative output.
My knowledge of computer use is not much. Your letters are somewhere, I
think and hope, but thus far, the one below is all I have found other than
those of this day, or is it yesterday now. How many have there been?. I was
very surprised when I viewed what had been written to
you, in terms of the number that is.
You have a gift and what is beautiful and loving is: you are using your
gift. Existentially, you are "being" your gift. To be is to live; to live is
to love; to love is to live; to love is to be when in the true sense of what
living is and who we genuinely are.
Now, about this mush stuff of yours, or at least of what you wrote, I put it
to you this way: mush makes the world go around! Okay? A friend of mine
named Jim Suggs, his brother was Dean of Brite Divinity School for several
years and Jim was outstanding in the publishing of Christian literature, at
least I think that is correct, preached at a Brite chapel service in 1957 or
so. His theme and central message was: Love makes the world go around.
By gosh, I have decided he was talking about your use of the word "mush."
Got it? Use it and enjoy for as written some weeks ago, love gives
nourishment and your mush is my nourishment or if you will, another one of
my boosts for the day. Hmmmm, goooood, love your mush!
Bless you. Pact now agreed, sealed, and ongoing forever.
Love from your uncle,
Jack
-------------------------------
Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:30:01 -0500
Debra
Today, the weather is more like that of fall. Have you ever been in the
eastern or Midwest parts of our country during the month of October? Over
the years I have had the wonderful fortune and blessing of being in places
such as Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, West Virginia, Maine (ah, beautiful
Maine twice), Massachusetts, Rhode Island. Nothing for me can compare to the
beauty of the landscape. The trees are filled with leaves of various colors
such as bright red, yellow, orange, green, brown, grey. In some places light
snow was falling with a chilling wind that penetrates the heaviest and
sturdiest Texas coat. The beauty of the surroundings, with the frigid winds
and the blistering temperatures were beautiful and brought much warmth to
the spirit. Imagine warmth to the spirit with very cold extremities. Ah,
that is one of the great experiences to enjoy.
What helped was not only the beauty of the nature but also the wonder of
being with very dear friends of many years as well as very new ones too.
Whereas much could be written about the friends, I focus here only on the
magnificence of the trees, some next to the ocean and most much further
inland.
Everyone would benefit from a fall visit to Maine or Wisconsin or Rhode
Island or of one of many other states. Yes, we have our beauty here in Texas
and with that I also write and think, we all would be blessed by the beauty
of the wonderful creation that many do not experience in their lifetime. Of
course, not all agree and even I think personal needs and desires need be
recognized and understood.
Many years ago I was at a church in a small town in Missouri, located about
75 miles from St.Louis. In this church were many fine people, one of whom
invited me to her home for dinner. She had a wonderful table setting, a
beautiful but plain home, a cared for yard that took a prize from my book of
bests, and a very pleasant atmosphere in the totality of the area. We
talked and I learned that this gracious lady, a lady of 85 years of age, had
not been, in her lifetime, out of the county in which her home rested. She
had not been to St.Louis naturally. She had not seen the Mississippi or the
Missouri rivers naturally. She had not been back east naturally. She had
been in that town, that small town of a little more than a thousand people
for her total of 85 years. I felt for her in one sense and also recognized
and experienced joy in her sense of appreciation of her life and her
surroundings.
Thus, we, I think and that is very important, do not have to see those
magnificent tree leaves, feel that cool weather, see the water blow in off
of the Atlantic to enjoy and appreciate the creation, to feel the movement
of being a child in this vast and wonderful world. Perhaps, there are some
individual variables that determine our wants and needs. That is to say, not
all of us want to climb the highest peaks or plunge to the deepest depths.
Not all of us want to travel to parts far and unknown. Each of us, perhaps,
has our wants, our needs for being nourished by life's choices and
activities.
I agree on those thoughts. I had best for I wrote them. And yet, whereas I
am happy for that lady and some others like her, those who have never
wandered more than a few miles or even a mile from their birth place, I long
for the fall seasons of the east and Midwest. I encourage anyone who has
opportunity and a desire, to experience part of what is stirring and
encouraging, the beauty of the fall colors, the falling of the leaves, the
reds, oranges, yellows and the companionship and friendship which deepens
the meaning and dignity of the leaves of many colors. I recall riding on a
bus and looking out at stacks of pumpkins higher than a one story house and
in an area to fill the square footage of a medium size home. Wow! I recall
so much more of a kin to nature that moves me to the depths of my being.
What joy and what peace has been experienced in the wonder of God's nature
in these places as well as in my two acre backyard and seventeen acre front
yard in Cresson, Texas, indeed part of God's creation too.
Perhaps, as one rambles through these words, the essence is for us to be
aware of the wonder and awe of expanding, exploring, and experiencing our
environment, to do so in ways we choose, at times in ways we need, for many
different reasons, and in ways that are recommended to us and thus back to
the ways we choose. There is always something to learn, to find, to
stimulate our being, even in our own very small environment.
If you have not been to one of the above mentioned states in the month of
October, I recommend to you the enlivening experience of being "into" more
of the great beauty of this creation, this magnificent planet.
Yes, just a bit of cool to the day, a few leaves falling from stringy
Mesquite trees, a push by the sight to recall the memories stored, of past
days and the expectancy of the coming November with Thanksgiving, the
December days of excitement with the fun of the holidays, all bring forth
much joy as they are connected to each other by my choosing of memories, of
past days, and of the wonderful days to come. I am amazed and grateful for
what I experience in the now with capacity to recall much experienced in
years past.
Bless you and enjoy this day, this month, the coming months as far as is
ahead and as is possible.
Love from your uncle,
Jack
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