Here's what's on my mind.
First, I am grateful that anyone would come and read this blog. That so many people seem to follow the youtube stuff is just wonderfully perplexing to me. I often get emails of thanks and encouragement which make it all worth it.
Business, personal life, spiritual life and family life are all intertwined. For me it's tough to put down the plow, so to speak, and tend to other affairs. This morning I was up at 5:30am. It feels like I'm well-rested, but I know it's an early-morning illusion. But I get up and did some reading. And by reading I mean the Monster Manual. Last week I went out to the shed and dug out all my 1985-1999 writings and got those organized. It was a blast from the past.
After a breakfast of Captain Crunch and cantaloupe I went back to sleep. Griffin was down in the TV room passed out on the floor, so we were soon sawing logs in tandem. I got back up around 9:00am. I pushed Griffin on the swing for a while. We were joined by both Cuddles the rabbit and Sqeakers the guinea pig, both nuzzling around in the high grass. Sometimes I get a primal urge to chase that rodent around the yard. But we both know who would win.
When I was in my early twenties and living at home, my mom had a standing $10 bet that no young man could catch our miniature doberman in the back yard. No one collected. That dog was slippery as a greased hog.
Then the weekly trial by combat of getting the kids dressed for church. Actually, it's gotten easier over the years. As the kids grow older they can do more on their own and get a sense of what do to, ie not get all messy once the good clothes are on. Kenna is nine now and takes care of herself quite well, pretty much the whole deal.
Just before church I whipped out the Elders Quorum newsletter, but had to take off during sunday school to go down to the studio and print it out. People seem to like it, so I keep making it.
This evening I went out visiting families with the EQ president (a pediatric dr. and good friend of mine). Nothing heavy duty, just letting some young men know that we are mindful of them and that they are wanted and noticed. I really like that because I get to know families I wouldn't otherwise be acquainted with more than in passing. I like people.
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I spent the balance of the evening preparing the Horned Hold adventure for my upcoming D&D game. Having all my D&D books open and my mind whirring with fantastic creations is one of my great earthly pleasures.
It rained tonight. When the clouds roll over and the rain starts it makes my mind fire up. There are times that I feel completely at peace. All 4,000,000,000,000 electrons in my body are spinning in harmonious orbit. The earth is a marble in the palm of the Almighty.
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For the text of my thought this Sunday, I will take the following from Matthew 17.
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24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
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I think this falls in line with the feeding of the 5000. For the creator of the entire earth there is no issue with limitations of physical resources. I should do what I should be doing, keep the right perspective and other things will fall into place. This is one of two passages in the new testament I can think of that deal with taxes (the other being the famous "render to Ceaser" one). It sort of ties in with the whole concept of turning the other cheek; don't worry about taxes, be obedient, keep the commandments, and these other things will be provided for, even in a miraculous way if need be. Tuning Reality.
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It calls to mind the proverb: Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Or perhaps Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
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I think this passage takes additional meaning when paired with the concept of earthly vs. heavenly kingdom. The "then the children are free" part pretty much eludes me.
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I worry too much. Things that were keeping me up at night a year ago are no longer a problem, and I suspect that current troubles will not mean anything a year from now. I'm losing the joy and the savor of today by fretting and hand-wringing.
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And once I'm dead I doubt anything will bother me very much; when I'm sipping raspberry lemonade on a five billion acre ranch. The only thing that will matter then is if you would like to come over for a visit. Oh, it'll be nice to not be in such a hurry.
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To you, oh noble reader, I encourage you to lay aside your troubles for a day. I mean all of this only as words of encouragement. That maybe you'll be a bit lighter of heart. To clap you on the shoulder and give an enthusiastic smile.
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I feel especially inclined to make special note of my usual disclaimer: I am full of character flaws. I am just muddling through life trying to figure it all out.
