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I spent this past Saturday in a meeting learning about malaria in Africa. I was taken back by the fact that every 45 seconds a child dies from malaria. (It used to be every 30 seconds but The United Methodist Church has helped make an impact in stopping this illness) Sitting there at that meeting I thought of John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” Could it be possible that malaria could be an illness of the past in Africa? Do I dare imagine such a happening?
To see malaria an illness of the past will take many prayers and much money. It seems like there are many needs in our world that desperately need our help. To see more about this program go to ImagineNoMalria.org. I ask you to join with me and see if lives can be saved because of people like us.
Years ago there was a song that hit the charts about how that rainy days and Mondays always get me down. For my perspective there is some truth in that song. I find Mondays to be a difficult day in many ways. To one to fully understand that, one must comprehend that Sundays are an extremely emotional day for me. Preaching in itself is emotional. For me it is a time of birth an idea that feels extremely personal. But there is more than just preaching on Sunday that is draining. I get to interact with a great many people. I hear all kinds of stories and concerns. There are even some issues raised that may need my attention. Usually I come home from the worship services mentally drained. So, Mondays are a day to let my mind and body catch- up with all that happened on Sunday.
Learning the many cycles of life is important to good spiritual and emotional health. To be honest I am still learning the many rhythms that seem to occur to me in daily living. So, if you see me on a Monday you may think I am looking a bit tired and you would right but you would not know that I am regrouping my body, mind, and soul. I guess in many ways I am thankful for Monday. Maybe they don’t get me down.
One of the great joy of living in O’Fallon is the beautiful parks. Our community is blessed with many wonderful places that one can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park I use the most is called Rock Springs but some would refer to it as the dog park. It is very dog friendly. Early each morning I take my loyal companion, Pablo, out there for a good morning walk. It may be just my imagination but I think Pablo loves it, too.
Rock Springs has a path to walk your dog and even a play area where dogs can run off leash and play with other dogs. As I was walking my dog this morning I noticed that some vandalism had taken place. Bird houses were not only knocked down but demolished. The ‘doggy bag’ dispenser was smashed. And the lovely ‘Cabin’ on the property had windows broken. My heart was a bit broken. How could anyone do such things?
Reflecting on all of this I wonder if God’s heart is a bit broken by the way we treat the earth and all its resources? I need to keep pondering more about this as I stroll through the park with my faithful friend, Pablo.
Technology is amazing. This morning my grandson from Belgium emailed me and wanted to Skype. If you are not familiar with skyping it is a form of video phone calling on the computer. This means that I not only talk to my grandson but I can see him too and he can also see me. From my background this seems like something out of the future.
I learned and saw that my grandson was not feeling well. He has some strain of flu and is moving a bit slower. He listened as my spouse read some books to him. I am blessed to be living in such a time as this. I certainly do not understand all the technology around me but I do reap the benefits of it.
When I reflect on all of this I find myself being thankful for so much of life that is given to me. I have attended public schools and gain much knowledge. I have lived in cities where water, electricity, natural gas, streets, and much more were available to me. I have had many who throughout my life have taken my under their ‘wings’ and help me through difficult times.
I guess in many ways I am a beggar who has been given many hand outs. What bothers me most is that I am at many times an ungrateful beggar. I write these words on the eve of my spouse’s birthday and am reminded that so many times in life I have forgotten to tell her that she has given me a wonderful life. I have run up a large debt others in life. I no I cannot repay the debt but I can at least be thankful for those who have given out of hearts of love.