Visiting the Body

   Yesterday, we visited the Lord’s body in Lakeland, Florida. I love visiting other churches. You get fresh ideas from seeing how they do things. I also love the feel of the fresh perspective of being able to worship with others, hear them sing and pray. But, I think my favorite part is experiencing being part of the active body of Christ, a different part than I usually see.

   It is easy to forget amidst the routine of the weekly worship that there are others throughout the world engaged in something similar. It might look a little different. The music styles, languages, or location may be different. We may all dress differently and have a different style for a service. But even while there are those differences, there are so many similarities that we must not forget to recognize.
   I had the opportunity to worship with fellow brothers and sisters in the Church yesterday and was so warmly welcomed. So many smiles, handshakes, and conversations occurred that it was a wonderful reminder of how wonderful heaven will be. You see, we share a common purpose. And with that we are already part of something much bigger than we as individuals are part of. It reminded me of how sweet it will be to see these people again someday. Probably, it won’t be in Lakeland, Florida. But in heaven, we could finally have a chance to sit down and talk. We can sing together, worship together, and pray together again.

Child Like Lessons

   It has been a pleasure the last few days to keep a friends children. Three beautiful girls moved in with clothes, clarinet, and toothpaste. For someone who does not have children in the house very often, it was a blast. I could already see how parenting is a full time job. But, after helping with three little ones for a few days, I had to say I have laughed more and learned some interesting lessons along the way.
   For instance, lullabies and bedtime prayers are sweet quiet times in a busy day. Chalk drawings on the porch are a fun and colorful place to make art. Reading books requires cuddly blankets and snuggly chairs. Strawberries are the perfect topping for a cinnamon vanilla cake. Chalky handprints on a door are really a beautiful thing. A little girls skip through a house just makes you smile. Backpacks, planners, and teachers notes are really for the adult not the child. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to share them for a few days.

Vets Visit

    Megan, my chocolate lab, has a head cold. It started out about a week ago with a little sneezing and a stuffy nose. It progressed to a night where I finally just moved her mouth so it was open. I wasn’t worried about my own lack of sleep at that moment, and was more concerned about her breathing. So, it was a trip to the vet.

    I have a great vet! He’s a farm vet and really loves the animals. Megan was very excited to go for a RIDE when I got home and started pulling out the leash and collar. She did her happy puppy dance all the way to the car, twirling and spinning. She parked herself in the backseat in front of the air vent. We have years of car rides with the two of us and Megan learned a long time ago that her balance is best when she sits or lies down in the car. So, she sat down and we started off.
     Arriving at the vet, Megan went in and I was relieved that there were no other dogs in the lobby. For a people friendly dog, she isn’t terribly dog friendly. It can make for some tense moments. And that happened just a few minutes later. Out of an exam room came three collies. One slipped its leash and came over to say hi. Needless to say, Megan got moved over and I tightened my grip on her collar as the collies’ person came over to reclaim her.
     Then, one of the ladies working there came by and offered Megan a treat. She was all wiggly once again and accepted the treat happily. We sat there a little longer. And if I would be in a hurry it would have been hard to sit. However, a vet trip is kind of a nerve wracking thing for Megan, so it’s good if she can wait for a little while before heading into the exam room. Then, a graying Great Dane made its way inside. The poor baby got so nervous that he pottied all over the rug. The people looked embarrassed, and the staff handled it with considerable aplomb. The poor dog though, he was taken outside and sat down on the side walk. If a dane could look embarrassed, this one did.
     Anyway, Megan made it through her exam, got lots of treats and was proud of herself. I’m glad to have a good vet!