Our pastor always garners my attention. Yesterday morning he mentioned that during the week, he flew to New Mexico to attend to a medical emergency involving his dad. His flight on Southwest Airlines took him first to Phoenix, AZ.
Despite his intent to call early enough to get in the A-boarding group on Southwest Airlines, he disappointingly found himself in the C-boarding group. That significantly reduces choices of seating. Yet from the story he shared, I'd say he got lucky.
The precocious 4-year-old sitting in the window seat on the aisle he subsequently found to sit, was seated separate from his family. The four year old broke out in song as soon as the plane broke through the clouds. He made the melody and song up as he went along, but the words were repetitious: "We are on our way to California. I want to go to California."
By the time he changed planes in Phoenix, our pastor was certain that everyone on the plane wanted to go with that little boy to California. The joy in his anticipation was contagious.
I immediately thought of my grandson Jake. At the age of four, he likely would have done the same thing. He was a musical kid and that age, and he sang all the time. Jake has never been at a loss for words either while talking or while singing.
I, too, found myself wanting to go to California. The most scenic stretch of roadway that I've ever driven on is in California. It is the stretch of roadway that goes past the Pebble Beach Golf Course. There is a toll for taking that road, but it is well worth the price of admission. The views of the Pacific Ocean are amazing.
I found myself momentarily lost in thought and my thoughts had to do with California rather the content of the pastor's sermon. I probably shouldn't say that, but it is true. In my momentary day dreaming, I envisioned the General and I were looking through antique stores in Carmel, California. That too is a most wonderful Pacific Coast setting and we have been there several times.
The pastor drew me back in when he asked: "What is the song of your life?" His message carried a post resurrection theme and the peace and joy that is available to us. During his message, he mentioned a book that I intuitively knew I wanted to read.
Pastor Lonny reads good books, and he always has stories to share. Where he finds the time to read, I don't know. At the same time, isn't it true that failure to find the time to read is a waste of one's time?
The book he mentioned is about a kid from a hard place who grows up hearing the message that he is no good. The character in the book goes by the name Nub Taylor. He ex-wife said he was no good. His daughter has the same perception. He is watching a party at his daughter's home. He is parked across the street and looking through binoculars. He isn't welcome.
I gathered from what I subsequently learned about the book, "Kinfolk", written by Sean Dietrich, is that although the book is fictitious, in many respects the story of his life is woven in the pages.
His father committed suicide early in Sean's childhood. His father's death had a profound impact on his son's life. His self-image was that of an underprivileged child. As a kid, he loved music, and he used music to negotiate dealing with getting through the rough spots in his life.
It is said of "Kinfolk", "Beloved Southern writer Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, once again brings people and places to life in this lyrical song-turned-story about found family, second chances, country music, and the poignant power of love and forgiveness."
I'm ordering the book today.
All My Best!
Don
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