Reluctant Warrior

Dear Friends

We found out today that fellow Episcopalian, General Colin Powell, died. For those of us who have the luxury of watching the news, the day has been filled with moving stories and memories and tributes.

What has not been reported, is that today is the Feast of St. Luke. Given the fact that scholars believe Luke was a physician, it is interesting to hear some verses from today’s appointed first lesson from the 38^th chapter of Sirach (a book of Jewish wisdom from the Apocrypha). It reminds us in this day of “anti-vaxers”, some seeking religious exemptions, that we pray to God for help and healing when sick, and we also listen to and seek help from doctors!

Verse 1: “Give doctors the honor they deserve, for the Lord gave them their work to do.”

Verse 4: “The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible person will not hesitate to use them.”

Verse 9: “My child, when you get sick, don’t ignore it. Pray to the Lord and he will make you well.”

Verse 12, 13: “Then call the doctor---for the Lord created him---and keep him at your side; you need him. There are times when you have to depend on his skill.”  

The second reading for today’s Feast of St. Luke is from 2 Timothy, chapter four, and includes this familiar refrain as Paul came to the end of his life:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Speaking of fighting the good fight, General Powell said just last July in an interview, “I haven’t lost a day of life fighting these two diseases.” (Multiple myeloma and Parkinson's)

One final quote, from my book pictured at the beginning of this blog, provides further inspiration for us all:

“A life is about its events; it’s about challenges met and overcome---it’s about successes and failures. But more than all of these put together, it's about how we touch and are touched by the people we meet. It’s all about the people.”

Thank you, General Powell, for your courage, honor and example, in word and deed. May many people like you find their way to positions of leadership!

John

 

Grief, Anger, Hope, Healing

Dear Friends

Having seen the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC many years ago, I hadn’t planned to take time to see the ¾ size model that is on display in Corona this weekend. But since it was set up at Santana Park where Kathleen and I take our regular walks, it was impossible to avoid. In fact, I stayed around for the opening ceremonies on Thursday night. I am glad I did. (It will be there until 2 pm on Sunday). Some quick numbers: 42 sets of brothers are on the wall, 16 chaplains are on the wall, 8 woman nurses are on the wall, 3 sets of fathers and sons are on the wall and, hardest of all, the average age of the 58,000 plus service members on the wall---22 years and 9 months.

It is hard to imagine anyone taking time to see the wall and the mobile museum and coming away without any emotions. While not as strong as the first time I saw it in DC, I still felt a significant measure of grief and anger. Those emotions were also present while watching the Ken Burns series a couple of years ago, which helped me better understand a most sad and complicated part of our history.

But the two words that I am focusing on right now are hope and healing. We can hope that we have learned something (although two decades in Iraq and Afghanistan would indicate we still have a lot to learn). We can hope we will never again be drawn into a conflict that even more now agree, was a mistake.  

But healing is the word which I find is most helpful to focus on. “The Wall That Heals” is the slogan on the truck that is taking this exhibit around the country. Healing is something we all need and are, with God’s help, responsible for, whether that is between neighbors or nations, whether that is in our families or within our hearts.

I close with the words from the exhibit of a mother who finally went to the wall to help herself heal. It is a powerful reminder that healing is not easy or perfect, and that time does not heal all things, but it is still the work we are called to do.

My Dearest Son

Today I am coming to see your name on the “Wall”. I haven’t been ready until now, but I know that I must see it before I die. I miss you so much. I think of you every day. You had so much of life to live and your life was taken so quickly. With lump in throat and teary eyes I am on my way. I wanted to bring your teddy bear but just couldn’t part with it---instead, I brought your first sweater. You are always in my heart. How I love you. God be with you ‘til we meet again.

Love, Mom

May we be instruments of God’s healing for others….and for ourselves.

John

P.S. Here is a picture of another item (among many) from the exhibit of items left at the wall in Washington DC which helped loved ones heal.

Coupon Crisis, Dinner Dilemma

Dear Friends

I wrestled with my decision all yesterday afternoon. Two coupons for a main dish, side and drink that would expire at midnight. Was there a way to use both of them in spite of those fateful words: “ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER VISIT”. How long would I have to wait between visits? I suppose I could have driven to the other Carl’s Jr. across town, but the Dodger game was about to start.

I decided the only way was to walk in to order one meal, and then drive through to order the other meal---two visits. I would wear my mask and hat indoors and then ditch them for the drive through. Who would notice?

And yet as I walked in, having cooked up this sneaky scheme in my mind, I just couldn’t go through with it! Sensing the manager who was taking my order was a kind soul, I asked if I could use both coupons because they were going to expire at midnight. I explained that my wife was out of town and this would allow me to have one less meal to cook tomorrow. She said yes! Thank God for a kindred soul who knows when the spirit of the law supersedes the letter of the law! 

This was not the first decision I had to make and will not be the last. I cooked a pork chop for breakfast to go with my scrambled eggs, because it had to be used or put in the freezer by midnight. I have a personal salad that expires at midnight so I had that for lunch. And if that weren’t enough, I have a dozen eggs which had to be sold by October 7^th (in how many days do they have to be eaten after that?) and four English muffins which are “best used by October 7^th". Fortunately, the milk is good until October 13^th, the yogurt is good until October 16^th and orange juice is good until November 25^th.

Well, I must go and eat my dessert. I don’t know when the fortune cookie came out of the oven, but the message is a bit concerning: HAVE A GREAT 2010!

John

P.S. Now I have to use the coupon below by midnight tonight! I already have leftover chicken strips and fries from yesterday! Maybe I should just start eating the fruits and vegetables I bought…no dates on those bananas, apples, plums, or the cucumber, onion and tomato.