A Song in the Night

It's been unseasonably cool for the last few days with a record low for mid-July. I don't recall ever sleeping with the air off and the windows open at this time of the year, with the exception of camping in the mountains as a kid. For the last two nights I've done just that and been serenaded by the music of the night. Whether you refer to them as cicadas or katydids, you know I'm talking about the very loud nighttime chirping that reminds you we are still in deep summer.

There is nothing quite like going to sleep with those chirps. It's as soothing as rainfall and lasts all night. Here we have some of God's smallest creatures that wait until the night to perform one of His songs.

Psalm 42:8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

Just thinking about it now is making me feel relaxed.

The Swing

It was an extraordinarily stressful week as I presided over my first board meeting. I had never used a gavel before or been in charge of meetings for chartered organizations, but I quickly learned. Needless to say I was very relieved when the multi-day meeting was adjourned. I bid farewell to the board members and packed everything in my car, but I didn't leave.  Instead I returned to the resort where we stayed and took a walk. It was on a lake and I wanted to enjoy it before returning to the real world.

As I walked I tried to shed the stresses I had been holding in. I found the trails along the lake and wandered aimlessly until I spotted the ultimate destination. There at a place called Oliver Point was a swing. It was solitary and vacant. I wanted to rush to it yelling, "Mine, mine, mine!"  But instead I calmly walked down the trail and took a seat. I slid into the curve of the swing and let it cradle me.  Ahead was the lake, visible even peripherally. It was quiet, serene, peaceful. I let it wash over me and released the stresses of the previous days.

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from in high has visited us; To give light to those who ait in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

My mind cleared and peace enveloped me. It was the best seat I could have possibly found.

Nashville and my Roomies

I spent 4 days in Nashville at a conference.  I took my 8-year-old and a good friend to watch her while I was in meetings.  (I will henceforth refer to them as my roomies.). The night before the conference began, we drove into town around 4 p.m. and checked in at the Hilton.  On a whim I called for any tickets to the 7 p.m. Grand Old Opry.  Apparently you can be so fortunate as to call at just the right time, for I was able to snag tickets on the 7th row of the center section.  Sweet!  It was so fun and even the youngster enjoyed the show.

On Sunday morning I was sitting in a meeting instead of church. That felt weird. Then I got a text message from my roomies informing me that on the hotel elevator they forgot to press the button for the Lobby and ended up on the 9th floor.  The doors opened and there sat Little Richard in a wheelchair, all decked out in a blue suit and blue boots.  According to the locals, he lives in the Nashville Hilton and my roomies accidentally discovered him!  They said he was very nice and wished them well on their stay in town.

As I continued learning about all things financial aid over the next few days, my roomies hit the town.  The toured museums, took carriage rides, visited markets and parks (one with a replica of the Parthenon), ate ice cream every afternoon and generally behaved like tourists.  I was only slightly envious since I did get to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum with them.

On the last night we met up with an old friend of mine from high school.  It had been 25 years since I had seen him and I had never met his family.  He and his wife have 4 girls ages 7 to 12. We met up at a place called the Old Spaghetti Factory and commandeered a table for nine.  After the initial awkwardness of meeting so many new people, we all relaxed and enjoyed a great visit.

This trip got me thinking about heaven.  I imagine we will get a great view of center stage, meet famous people from the Bible, take a tour of the beauty that surrounds us, eat the most wonderful foods, and visit with friends and family we haven't seen in a quarter century or longer. We'll be just like tourist who never have to leave.  Won't that be fabulous?

Isaiah 65:17a, 18b For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.  For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.