Category: Other Stuff…

Transitions

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., SpringLeave a comment

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about today…

As I walked around today, it has become more and more evident that winter has been pushed aside and spring is nudging its way forward. Spring greenery, flowers all around and welcome warmth provide the evidence. A welcome transition, indeed.

This morning brought another transition of sorts for me. It started with an invitation from my grandson to run an errand with him to the hardware store. He needed a part for something on his bike. “OK. Sounds good.” 

So we piled in the van, him in the driver’s seat and me riding shotgun. At the store we found the part and he paid for it. At the gas station, he pumped and bought the gas and I sat and waited. 

Not so long ago I would have been the driver, gas pumper and purchaser. Things have changed. My young grandson is moving from childhood into adulthood. A welcome transition, for sure.

Today was the funeral for my best high school friend.  After a long illness the Lord took Tom to be with him and he is now with Jesus. His soul and Parkinson’s plagued body are made whole. Through it all, in his life and now in death, he belongs to his faithful Savior, Jesus.

For me, today has been a day to think about transitions. One season changing to the next. A grandson no longer a child but moving on into adulthood. A dear friend passing from a time of struggle and disease to eternal life.  Blessings, indeed.

Today’s gift

John, Alone

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff...Leave a comment

But now, this is what the Lord says—…  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass throught the waters, I will be with you…” Isaiah 43

  

   

The other day
While I was away
I walked alone
Until on the street
Me on one side
Him on the other
I met John
“Hi,” he said
“Good morning,” I said.
Together for just a moment
On we walked
Alone and alone.
But not really
The other day
A different one
While I was away
I walked alone again
Until on the street
Me on one side
Him on the other
I met John
“Good morning,” I said.
“Hi,” said John
Together again, but this time
More than a moment.
John wanted to talk.
We did
We talked about this, that and the other
Comfortable things, easy things
Except this
Why John walks alone
In only a few words
He told the simple sad truth
A year ago, a profound loss
A spouse, a walking partner
gone
And again on we walked
Alone and alone
But not really
The other day
I as walked alone
I thought about John and me walking

Accompanied by the risen Son
It dawned on me...
John and me, and you too
Never alone, never alone 

Finding Spring

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., SpringLeave a comment

I went out looking for spring. Here’s what I found.

Wildlife. 

Well, not so wild, since the chickens were cooped up and the horse stared at me from behind a fence. 

Flowers.

There we go. Spring signs. Very nice.

Foliage.

Actually, I think this is an all-seasons shrub, colorful year round in these parts.

Green.

Green and spring. Spring and green. They just go together.

Rain.

Nothing says spring like a gentle shower.

Spring, wherever you are, may it be…
Today's gift.

Bob

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff...Leave a comment 
Walking on the road…

I met Bob.
Lives just up the road 
Last house on the right

I’m just visiting 
Over there around the corner
First house on the left

He’s from Ohio 
Forty years ago 
… from Ohio 

I’m from Michigan 
All my life ago
… from Michigan

We chatted
About the weather 
About Detroit, Toledo

… and other things

Here’s the sticky part 
Bob wore an Ohio State hat
Buckeyes!

I wore plain clothes 
Hiding my college loyalty 
Go Blue!

Bob smiled
I grinned
We talked some more.

Ohio State fan
U of Michigan fan
Rivals, bitter

And, in spite of the differences 

Bob from just up the road
And me, just visiting 

Shook hands 
Wished each other well
Went on our way

***

Walk as children of Light

“Look What I Did Today”

On By dklinegIn Other Stuff..., Unexpected DelightLeave a comment

Unexpected delight…

When grandkids live half a continent away, it’s a treat to get an unsolicited note.

My middle school age grandson’s simple message was, “Look what I did today.” It was followed by a few dozen photos taken on a day off from school after an overnight ice storm.  

As a proud Grampa, I thought I’d share. Here are a few of his shots.

by AJK
by AJK
by AJK
by AJK
by AJK
by AJK

Today’s gift