Trumped at 3:15 Fridays

Several months ago I mentioned to Von a need to laugh, de-stress and play in my office. He replied, "that's a easy problem to solve! A little euchre, a little music and "no" to serious stuff for a few minutes weekly."

So, Fridays, 3;15, Von, Bob, Michael and I have an "appointment" in my office. Thanks to pandora.com, the tunes of CCR, Creedance Clearwater Revival - for those to young to remember - fill the room transforming us: laughter, meaningless banter and an occasional "serious" moment move us into a brotherhood. The cards are dealt - only one game to 10 - and competitive spirits create an energy in the room. Outbursts of frustration when one is set, a partner didn't have the card counted on or when a fistful of black cards are meaningless because hearts or diamonds are trump erupt spontaneously. Unbridled glee when one makes it having weighed the risk or when the partner unexpectedly takes two or more of the ricks become macho moments of "chest thumping." Surprisingly a game to 10 takes 20-45 minutes! Bottom line - Fridays 3:15 have become a favorite for each of us.

On a dreary, rainy, Monday morning I am thankful for my friends who set aside time to "minister" to one 10-15 years older. I may grumble when Michael and Bob win or smugly say, "see ya next week" when Von and I win; however, regardless the final outcome, these few moments bring a smile throughout the week and are a blessing to me beyond what these three will ever know. My short-coming, my sin is self-importance. These three friends push me to get beyond myself by dealing the cards and making the best of whatever I'm dealt. While I emjoy "winning" - another of my short-comings / sin is an over-zealous competitive nature - I am learning to enjoy more and more the anticipation of each card played. Simply: fun! Thanks men for being my friends because I know your children are waiting outside my office door for their dads, they deserve you more than I.

So, three cheers to play and laughter on Friday afternoons!

PS: Von and I lead the series 4-2! :-)

Jesus is alive, present and powerful

Here is a link on NPR entitled "An American Passion," I invite you to watch the picture show, reflect and post/email any comments. I'm struck by Vergara's (photographer) comment that God is present in the city and powerful.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2009/04/an_american_passion.html

As a country boy I often default to "seeing" God in nature which may be saying one must leave the city to find God. Instead Vergara challenges me with the images of Christ Jesus passion week discovered in the city. As a country boy I may have a "fear" of the city and urban life. Instead Vergara, discovers God (overcoming fear) in the city.

This morning I read the Luke and John accounts of Jesus' resurrection and appearing to his disciples and friends. Hmm, that happened in and near the city Jerusalem! Jesus is alive, Jesus is present, Jesus is powerful (in a humble, gentle, non-violent sort of way).

May you greet Christ Jesus, the Almighty God this Easter Sunday.

PS: I look at the spring flowers waiting to burst out of their tombs of cold winter proclaiming the resurrection story with their brilliant colors and aromas and celebrate the Creator God who gives life, renews life and brings from the "dead" in surprising unbelievable ways.

A tribute to parenting

A tribute to the parents our children are becoming!

PS: Just so you all know that I don't spend hours surfing for wonderful stuff like this - I heard this on The Fish, 95.5