05/28/2024
In part, this was an Anna weekend, at least the first half. Anna graduates high school this week and is well into her college education as well. Saturday her school softball team won the regional against a team that went to state last year. It was something to watch as the girls played a great game and won 8 to 4. On to sectionals and who knows; maybe even state. Her parents had a wonderful party planned for her high school graduation and it was all that it was planned to be; SUPERB fellowship time and a great time to encourage her on to the next phase. During the party I was sitting on the back deck savoring the moment. I young man who I have known for years asked me, "What's new!" I gave a standard, "Oh, not much." I have been kicking myself ever since. I have all kinds of things that are new. For a year I have been traveling the state giving three hour evangelism seminars to Gideon leaders. They are starting to take hold. That is new and awesome. We're holding membership steady for the first time in 10 years and about to start growing again. people are getting committed to tell their experiences with Jesus more often and here I failed at a tremendous opportunity. Next he asked, How's retirement? "I'm not really retired." I continue to enjoy helping people through a real estate transaction. I just closed one where I sold the home to a young lady nine years ago who had very little money at the time. Just enough to close. She walked away this time and happens to be in southeast Asia indefinitely with a friend sorting out life and what's next for her, mission or more meaningful work here in the good old USA. I'm glad she could do this and thrilled to have been a small part of her success. It's always fun to help people make their dreams come true. I could say just as much for the other side of the transaction too. Anyway, that's just a little bit of what's new at 73. I love the life God gives me.
