A Slower Pace

A while ago I wrote a blog post comparing happy vs content. My conclusion was that, while “happy” is in our Declaration of Independence, it is fleeting and superficial compared to the deep, satisfying feeling of “content”. If I remember correctly, I stated that one could be content having a flat tire (looking at the bigger picture) but definitely could not be happy in the same situation.

Well, yesterday during my lunch Scripture reading, I came across some words in my NIV Life Application Study Bible that summarize that far better than I was able to. Below is exerpted from the NIV Life Application Study Bible and all credit goes to it. I am italicizing it to show they are not my words, but theirs.

“The word happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit; spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.

In contrast to happiness stands JOY. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives — that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.

Again, I could not have said it better.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

Luckily, Kentucky was not pummeled by the recent midwest snow like Minnesota was. We only received 3″ here (some areas not even that much), not the 2 feet of snow that collapsed the Viking’s Metrodome. But because our driveway is about 1/4 mile long and winds down and through a treeline, across a creek and back up to the road, even a few inches of snow can make going up and down the driveway treacherous in a two wheel drive. So for the first time this winter/snow season I broke out the redneck snowplow. Some of you seasoned readers might remember the stroke of brilliance I had back in Feb when I combined the chocolate of my 4 wheeler with the peanut butter of a $10 railroad tie. The combination was one of functional thrift and continues to be put into service on days like today.

I’m thinking that “redneck snow plow” needs to be copyrighted.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

This afternoon my daughter K had a piano recital. She has one in late spring and for Christmas every year. Her teacher is a very talented and creative person who is good with kids and mixes it up by having formal recitals at her church, informal “coffee shop” recitals at her studio, and community “give back” recitals at the local Masonic home.

Today the recital was at the Masonic home. It was nice because, not only did the kids get to perform their musical piano pieces, but the elderly residents were able to enjoy the seasonal musical pieces. K played two songs — “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Carol Of The Bells”. And her rendition of “Carol Of The Bells” was one of the best I have ever heard. I love the song and she did a wonderful job and it made my day to hear her.

One of the funny things I whispered to my wife during the 2 hour recital was around the keyboard. You see, they did not have a full size piano, but rather an electronic keyboard. The piano teacher was changing the sound output between each song so it did not always sound like a piano. She was partial to strings, organ and woodwind. And she did this because you can only hear “Jingle Bells” on the piano so many times. Changing the sounds mixes it up and extends the audience’s tolerances to little kids pounding through their piano songs. K used to be there a few years ago but she is at the end of the program now rather than the beginning. And her songs are now more than one stanza. But back to my funny.

I leaned over to my wife and said how cool would it be if the piano teacher selected the electronic dog sound. Think “Jingle Bells” barked out — Arf, arf, arf arf, arf, arf arf, arf, arf, arf, arrrrrf. Or the “moo” of a cow. Or even better, how ’bout the cool helicopter sound. THAT sure would have livened up the recital. Anyway, since that didn’t happen, the highlight was my daughter’s “Carol Of The Bells”.

K, you sure did a wonderful job and I am so proud of you!

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

So this morning was my 2nd Friday to get up at oh-dark-hundred and make my way downtown to the Wayside Christian Mission to serve food for the homeless. A friend from my men’s accountability group has been going for quite a while now and he invited me to join him. More on the actual experience and perspective later. This funny story is from today.

I served the chow line during the first wave from 6am to 7am. At 7am, the recovery group has an AA type meeting so all the volunteers go to the kitchen to prep for 1/2 hour. I took on the mounds of potatoes that needed cutting. My buddy shared with me the sharpest knife in the kitchen to make my work easier. So I tore into bag after bag of donated potatoes, rubbing off the little sprouts before I cleaved each spud multiple times into the cubes they needed to be. I probably did about 300 potatoes all morning and ended my shift uneventfully.

I get to work and am quite hungry seeing as I had a very small breakfast so early in the morning. So I grab an apple on my desk and take it to the kitchen. And here’s the funny part — I cut myself right off the bat as I sliced the apple. I thought to myself, sheesh, 300 potatoes and no problems yet, here at work, this little apple takes me out.

At least it’s Friday!

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

This evening on my way home from work I stopped by Kroger to get some soup, diet 7-Up and a few other things for my sick wife. I was chatting with the checkout clerk and as he handed me my receipt he paused. He was going to go into his departure schpeel where he says “You saved X dollars shopping at Kroger today. Have a good day”. Instead, he paused. When he handed my receipt to me I saw what made him stop. It seems that for that purchase I saved six dollars and sixty six cents — $6.66. The clerk said something about it but I replied that I wasn’t too concerned because I was confident of my Savior.

In the past, I would have let something like that bother me. However, now I’m not too worried about it.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

This is a personal thanks to one of the greatest generations that lived. Thank you for your sacrifice, your selflessness and your duty to God and country. May those who served and those who lost their lives be always remembered for their sacrifice.

Below is the speech FDR gave following that cowardly attack.

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net