Day 32: Quick Saturday Thoughts

I don't have a lot of time today, but just a few miscellaneous observations:

• It's a beautiful day.  Although 85 degrees is a bit unseasonably warm, I won't complain.  There was a family reunion in Lincoln today for the Miller side of my wife's family and it was a lovely day to be in the park, listen to the birds sing, feel the gentle breeze and watch the kids play on the playground.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon, except . . . 

• Family Reunions and fasting don't mix.  The only thing there is more of at a family reunion than family is food.  And lots of it. Fried chicken, bbq sandwiches, deviled eggs, about 15 different salads and a table of desserts nearly as long as the serving line itself.  It all looked delicious, and I'm sure it was, but I had no choice but to excuse myself.  It is one thing sitting and watching other people eat at the dinner table at home, but it is quite another thing to have to both look at and smell the cornucopia of food at a party. Since the weather was so nice, it was perfect for a short walk. Immediately behind the pavilion was a garden to honor all those from Lincoln who have died serving in the military.  It provided a quiet, shady and reflective space for prayer.  It also provided me with a focus as I prayed for peace and for all the families in our world who mourn the loss of their sons and daughters due to the violence caused by war.  

• A worthy re-post.   On Facebook earlier this week a college friend posted a link to a blog whose topic was both timely and thought-provoking.  The post uses the recent Qur'an burning from Terry Jones as a springboard for some thoughts on the great responsibility that both Christians and Muslims have to deepen their relationship with one another based on our worship of the same God.  It offers much good food for thought (darned food metaphors!) on some of the causes of the basic misunderstandings that exist on both sides.  Well worth your time.

• It's almost Sunday . . . ahhhhh.  It will be a delicious ushering in of a fast-free Sunday at 7:57pm tonight as we are having some friends over for dinner.  Croque-Monsieur's are on the menu and I cannot wait.  The world's best grilled cheese sandwich and a little taste of Paris right here in Omaha. I wish you all could come over to enjoy one.  In lieu of that, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.