Well, it's Tuesday, and that can only mean one thing: an update from yours truly. Come join me for a review.
After my time in the word this morning, I spent an hour at the gym working on my upper body strength.
It was a fun workout and got me warmed up for the next leg of my day -- getting in my steps.
Since I was on my feet for much of the day, I wasn't too surprised at my final step count.
Then it was time to meet the family at the local Chinese buffet for lunch. In case you didn't know, food and I are friends.
Really good friends. Food is great, especially when it's an excuse to spend time with people you love.
I have a family that just envelopes and embraces you. AND that enjoys a good meal together.
I'm not going to pretend that MSG-laden Chinese cuisine is the healthiest food choice. But when you're feeding 7 boys, you think quantity as much as quality.
I've met some people who have developed strict and rigid eating patterns to avoid gaining a single ounce. They may not have a full-blown eating disorder, but their excessive tendencies about food are taking them in an unhealthy direction. Often they avoid food-related social situations such as family gatherings because of their self-imposed "food rules." Not me. Food isn't the enemy. Food is to be enjoyed as much as it is something to nourish and fuel the body. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that food tastes better when you're enjoying it with others.
The afternoon and evening was spent in getting up more hay. Again, the weather could not have been more spectacular. Here we are wrapping up another day of work.
As I sit here typing, it occurs to me that loneliness can be a prison. But we have the keys. Online life is no substitute for physical presence and genuine community. We can gather at a gym or in a restaurant or at our place of work, but relationships are important. According to Jesus, loving God and loving others is the essence of life. And a shared table is the supreme symbol of community and hospitality in every society on earth. Never underestimate the power of the table.
I am so grateful to be a widower who lives alone but whose cup is nevertheless overflowing. May the world see in these pages a commited, thankful family that loves God, adores Jesus, and can't get enough of one another.
