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Wednesday Wanderings

A little journey through this topsy-turvy journey of joys and sorrows and hopes and dreams with plenty of grace from God along the way.

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Last week, I had to take a detour from a road that seemed to never get any attention since we moved here several years ago. Nevertheless, the bold “Road Closed” sign forced me to alter from this version of “we’ve always done it this way.” We weren’t exactly running behind schedule, but it was still a nuisance, nonetheless. And then this car in front of us, on this particular “road less traveled,” had a bumper sticker that seemed to be as outlandish as the detour: “I hope something good happens to you today.” The alteration ended up being worth it, in the end.

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Sparky seems to be our de-facto neighborhood dog. A couple times each day, he’ll do his obligatory stroll up-and-down our block with one of his “parents.” Our children thoroughly look forward to the possibility of even seeing him through our front windows, let alone the thrill if he’s walking towards them on the sidewalk. All he needs to do is place his front paws up on the stroller with his own canine-version smile and a joyous tail-wag while allowing them to pet his fluffy goodness (and maybe even one of the “parents” will hand off a treat to be shared with him) and their day is made, leading to smiles and giggles whenever his name is mentioned the rest of the day. Granted, perhaps they’re easily amused, but sometimes the animals have a way of uplifting the soul that we cannot overlook.

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Word has it that people seemed to appreciate the worship song selections even more so this past Sunday: from “Here I Am, Lord” and “Shine, Jesus, Shine” at 9am, to “Oceans” and “Graves into Gardens” at 11am. And perhaps there was deeper appreciation because of worldly happenings that were weighing on people’s hearts and minds and to the depths of the soul.

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It was evidently on this date in 1846, that a man named Elias Howe Jr. was granted the patent for the sewing machine that would impact homes and factories ever since. I will be the first to admit that I have no earthly idea how to use one myself, but I admire those who do. It seems to require patience, precision, the keenest eye, and a flare of creativity…none of which are in my personal wheelhouse even with all the Holy Spirit assistance. Nevertheless, for those who are not only capable, but thrive off such a craft, they very much help the rest of us ensure that our daily living can go on as normal. Now, of the few I have seen over the years, there is one sewing machine I remember the most.

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In recent weeks, many of our Divinity family received an email from someone who insisted they were a certain pastor and needed prompt assistance with gift cards to improve…whatever sob story was given. Granted, this isn’t the first time for us. And such a scam is making its rounds amongst nearby ELCA congregations and other communities of faith and well…pretty much anywhere is fair game. Of course, on the church office front, we do our best to reinforce the reality that we would never request financial or any other similar form of assistance through electronic means; or to always contact us directly if you’re ever unsure. Then again, that won’t stop others from still doing their best to improving the tale to hopefully reel in some of the more compassionate and always-willing-to-help-out-at-all-possible-costs people around.