Traveling the Rock Road

Two weeks ago I went in the hospital and had replacement surgery on my left knee.  It wasn’t the most pleasant procedure I’ve ever had, as a matter of fact I still have a good deal of pain. But the fact was my knee was worn out and if I didn’t have the surgery there would be a time I would not be able to use my left leg at all.  So now that the operation is complete my routine consists of rest, lots of ice, physical therapy and with the aid of a cane walking a little further one day than I did the previous. As many of you already know it’s a slow process but I look forward the day I can get back to the regular lifestyle. Of course the doctor has informed me that there will be certain limitations to what I can or cannot do, with the biggest being running.  The pounding that your knee takes when jogging is more than recommended for a replacement joint, so running will be a definite no-no. There’s a slight disappointment that comes knowing I’ll have limitations but it’s not like I’m a world class athlete and besides I can still power walk and bicycle, two of my favorite activities.

One evening I found myself remembering a man who after an accident found the limitations he was saddled with were more than he could live with.  Lyle looked like the All American Joe with his handsome appearance and athletic physique. He was well educated and articulate in his speech, he held a good job and tapped often to lead organizations both civic and political. All in all Lyle was man everyone liked and seemed to have the whole world going his way–at least until the night of the accident.

No one really knows what happened, whether Lyle had fallen asleep while driving or what; the fact remained he drove into the side of a moving train that nearly took his life. He would be in the hospital for months recovering from his wounds, but numerous injuries would plague him the rest of his life. His body was bent and broken to where he needed a wheelchair to get around. He was still coherent enough to know people, but his mental sharpness was gone forever. The worst was he now suffered from constant depression. Seeing the shape he was in convinced him he was worthless no matter what anyone else said or did. As he told a mutual friend, “When I look in the mirror I hear a voice saying that person you remember is gone, so why go on?” Sadly one evening he chose to listen to the voice by taking an overdose of pain pills.

There is one thing that all of us share at some point, and that’s the belief we are not good enough to do something because of something lacking in us. For some like Lyle it’s because of physical limitations; in others the limitations are possibly mental or emotional. But that in no way means we’re worthless–that we have nothing to offer that might be deemed valuable to others.

God’s Word tells us this in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”

And in 1 Corinthians 2:9,   “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

Because we live in the world that puts so much emphasis on talent, looks and so on, we forget that God doesn’t measure us like that. What you see may not look like much, but God sees us as precious and valuable beyond measure, because we are His!

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Maybe I’m not perfect and can’t do many things, but in Christ I’m everything, because of His love. Awesome!

I told you how Lyle, our “Traveler of the Rock Road” decided to end his life. Well God must have had other ideas. He was found, taken to the hospital and recovered. Sometime later he discovered he still had value, especially in Christ; and the last I heard he was working crisis intervention in Lexington.

Personally I prefer to say he now works in “Hope” and loves every minute of it.

See ya next time.

Larry came over to our table to say hello and greet us with the large grin he seemed to wear all the time.  After a few cordial words to each other he stopped and a sober look came over his face, one like I had never seen before.  “I suppose you heard I have liver cancer and there’s nothing they can do for me.”  Of course we were taken back as he continued; “I’m going to be okay, I just worry about leaving my wife; but I’m sure the Lord’s got that worked out without me,” once again the smile returning to his face. As he walked away I thought not only what I heard from Larry, but what I saw.  Moments earlier he had been sitting with friends at their favorite restaurant where they met after Sunday church service, laughing, joking and having a good time is such a way no one watching could tell anything was wrong.

I then thought about all the years I knew Larry and the kind of man he was. There was never a work crew assembled from the church that he wasn’t a part of. The number of families he had helped move with his truck was probably more than he could count.  Whenever we had folks at the church with hearing and speaking disabilities Larry, who was fluent in sign language, was there to translate and make them feel at home. Then there were all the mission trips, both domestic and to other countries where he tackled tasks like swinging a hammer, using a paint brush, clearing rocks out of a field or whatever else was needed.  Then there were the times we spent together camping and canoeing around Indiana with Larry and others, and the scenario was also the same for this man; active, happy.

It’s was a little more than a month later that we at the funeral home with literally hundreds of others to pay our respects to the family and say one last earthly goodbye to Larry who finally succumbed to this most hated disease called cancer. While there we visited with many folks, some we hadn’t seen in years. The mood was lighthearted with everyone we spoke to in the hour long line advancing toward the front to speak with the family. Even though his Lady and loved ones were saddened at his departure they still met us with smiles and stories that brought light laughter.  A strange thought came to my mind as we left the funeral home; “Death where is your sorrow, where is your sting?”

This man, servant, warrior for the Lord and “Traveler of the Rock Road” in his life and early death epitomized the very core and spirit of what I always say. “It’s not a religion, not a philosophy, not some fantasy dreamed up by an ancient writer; It is complete faith in a living God whose love for us is so immense that He created a way for all who believe to be with Him, in joy and happiness, forever!” Larry lived that faith every day of his life the way God wants us all to with purpose and happiness smiling at knowing what lies ahead. Awesome!

Generally, I have scripture or a quote from an author I admire, but today I’m going to close with the words written on the inside of Larry’s funeral notice.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path Gad laid for me,

I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.

***

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the close of the day

***

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

***

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

***

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.

 Same old Larry, still working for His Lord right up to the last, then smiling all way into Glory!

See ya next time.

I could feel the sweat beginning to gather in the palms of my hands, the knees were weak as I exited the car and I could literally hear the pounding of my heart as I made my way up the long sidewalk and onto the porch attached to the home where my old friend lived. It had been well over 10 years since the last time we saw each other due to a dispute so bad we parted ways determined never to cross paths again. Well there are moments during our youth where self-pride and arrogance can cause us to say and do some pretty stupid things.  When looking back to those days and the attitude I possessed, I realized that the majority of the problems between me and my old chum were mine. I had hurt this person’s feelings and betrayed their trust and never once gave thought to making it right.  So here once again, since giving my life over to Jesus Christ, was an opportunity to make right a wrong. Like many others I knew, I had to go and tell my friend I was sorry and ask his forgiveness. It was the right thing to do, to show I wasn’t the person he once knew.

So here I was walking up to the door, nervously knocking, then waiting for a response. “I don’ know why I’m so worried,” I thought. “I had already gone to others like this, each time with positive results. ,After all everyone accepts an apology; this is going to be okay.”
The door swung open and there stood my old friend, and from the way he stared me straight in the eyes I knew he recognized me. “What do you want here?” “I’ve come to talk to you about us, to say I’m sorry for the way I treated you and hopefully make things right.”  There was a moment of silence but he unloaded both barrels, verbally speaking. “Well I don’t want your apology and I don’t want you around here. Once I lose trust for someone they never get it back from me again. Now get out of here and don’t ever come back.” And with that the door slammed in my face.

Now I had changed, but in that moment the old self in me wanted to take my size 12, kick in the door, knock this guy down and sit on his chest while saying, “Hey you forgive me or I’m going to put a knot on your head!” Sitting in the car I quietly chucked to myself while thinking, “Yeah that would really show him I’ve changed.”

Over the next few days I pondered that encounter and how it was met with a defiant refusal to even give consideration to forgiving me. Up to that point this had never happened and it made me wonder that perhaps he was right; my actions were beyond forgiveness.

C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

He goes on to say; “This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son—how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse God’s mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what He says.”

I would love to tell a story where healing happened between me and my friend, but he chose not to have that. Still by my effort to truly right a wrong, the sin has been forgiven, it’s been made right maybe not by this individual, but by a loving and forgiving God.

1 John 1:9 – ^“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

I’ve met many a soul that walked through life weighed down by past mistakes that weren’t humanly forgiven. To the “unforgiver” all I can say is the person you’re hurting the most is yourself; isn’t it time to set yourself free? And to the one who feels “unforgiven or unforgiveable;” don’t buy into that lie.  You have been forgiven. Maybe it won’t come from an earthly individual, but you have a Heavenly Father who’s more than willing to ease that pain in your life–to forgive, love and forget. Why not take in the happiness He wants you to have?

As for my one time friend and fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road,” who knows if we’ll ever see each other again and make things right. If not that’s alright, where his forgiveness floundered, my Lord’s rose to the occasion, picked me up and made me whole again. I can find delight and healing in that. But just in case my old buddy ever wants to have that talk, I’ll have the coffee pot on and ready.

See ya next time.

Recently I reconnected with two dear friends from back in the days when I worked at a drive-in movie theatre. I had almost forgotten about that moment and all the fun we had there and after our duties were completed at the concession stand. After corresponding with one of these old friends, I went to my studio to lay hands on one of my prized possessions; what you’re looking at in the picture. A smile came to my face as I gripped this old relic and the many wonderful memories of those days flooded my mind.

We all had jobs to do in preparation of the horde of movie goers that would descend on the concession stand during intermission. There was the grill for burgers, the pizza oven, popcorn, soda, candy and even the best hot powdered donuts you could get anywhere. We had to operate like a well-oiled machine that could handle many functions all at once. Most of the customers were good folks, but each night there would be a stinker or two whose main purpose was to see how much grief they could give us. Such is human nature. But through it all we would meet the challenge of taking care of everyone’s orders and finish the night with success and pride at the job we did. After we shut down and cleaned we’d gather in the back room for a few minutes of drinking sodas, talking about how the night went, and then take time to laugh and unwind. There were times we all went out together, maybe for some late night bowling or perhaps to just ride around and be silly; for as time went on we became more than a work crew, we were friends almost like family. The longer I hold this treasure between my fingers the more I remember the good times working at the drive-in and the joy it brought me; well at least up to that one certain point. Now let’s see, what happened in that one dismal moment? Oh yeah, I got canned! So how does one go about losing a job they really enjoy with people they love to be with? Well it’s easier than you may realize, all you have to do is be completely full of yourself.

For those who have been regular readers of this blog you’ll know that as a young man my main goal was to carve out a career in music, nothing else mattered more including a good job and good people. At first things were as I described, enjoyable and fun-loving. But if the choice come down to playing music or going to work, then the job was always going to take a backseat and people were just going to have to understand; this was my career–my destiny, not making popcorn or serving pop. Different ones tried to talk to me about this attitude, but I wasn’t interested in listening; guess I went far enough to show I wasn’t the team player they needed because the manager finally let me go. Anger pulsated through every bone of my body and on the night I was fired, I walked out and never saw many of those people, those friends, again.

One of my heroes John Wooden said, “A player who makes a team great is better than a great player. Lose yourself in the group, for the good of the group, that’s teamwork.”

When I hired in at the drive-in, it was more than a part-time job; it was a promise that I’d do my best to be a help to the entire crew, the team and not make it harder on them. Because of an arrogant attitude, I not only failed them, but myself also. I had a great opportunity to learn what is was like to work as a team and I chose otherwise.

Over the years through the help of my Lord I’ve learned what it means to be dependable, even more to depend and trust others. I’m thankful for folks who have nurtured me in understanding we all need help and to be a help.

Hebrews 10:24 – ^“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”

Like I’ve said in the past, I write exposing the good and bad about this man in hopes it will be helpful to someone else.

As for this object, it’s a car speaker that you’d hang on your window to hear the movie. Well one day I received word they were going to tear down the old drive-in. Hopping in my car I drove the 150 miles over to Ohio just to see the place once more before demolition and perhaps pick up a token as a memory to those days. The rest is history; besides the statute of limitations ran out years ago!

As I stare into this old leftover from an industry my grandchildren will never know, I begin to see the faces of the “Travelers of the Rock Road” from those days and I smile.

“Thanks guys for being such awesome friends.  Sorry I wasn’t one in return, at least until now.

See ya next time!

I remember the threat like it was yesterday; “I’ll get you and I’ll get your family!” These venomous words came in a phone call from a former tenant I evicted out of an apartment complex we owned. This was an individual who lived a rough life and was trying (at least as he told me) to get himself straightened up. In an effort to try and help I let the rent slide a couple of times always with the promise he’d make it right later. Well later never came and so having no choice we served an eviction notice. Immediately he showed his gratitude for all we had done for him by completely trashing the apartment, then calling with the threat before dropping out of sight. When I contacted the police they assured me his past record indicated he was capable of carrying out this evil and for a while we should be very watchful.  It was not even a second thought when I sent Cathy and the children away for a period of time for their own safety.  A friend asked how I planned to protect myself in case he showed in the night. “I guess I’ll keep my softball bat by the bed and hopefully get the first swing in.” “I don’t think that’s good enough,” my friend answered and headed outside to his car. When he returned he had 410 shotgun in one hand and a box of shells in the other. “I know you don’t use guns, John, but it pays to he prepared, so let me give you a quick lesson; then leave it in the corner next to your bed, just in case.”

I’m not sure how much I slept that first night alone, wondering if this individual would carry out his threat, and also staring that the long barrel gun pointing up and leaning against the wall near me. Don’t know when I fell asleep, only when I heard the noise that woke me enough to grab the gun and run out into the living room. Nothing, only darkness and quiet as I stood there for what seemed to be an hour, gun ready to use. The next evening as I was getting ready for bed a loud knock came from the front door. Once again I grabbed up the shotgun and opened the door just enough to peek out. It was the neighbor wondering where the family was and checking to see if I was alright. I kept the gun hid behind the door as I thanked them, then collapsed on the couch considering what might have happened if I had over reacted; I wasn’t liking what my mind told me could have happened. I realized I was afraid of what could happen at the hands of the perpetrator, but also frightened of the life taking machine I now held over my lap. Taking the shells out of the gun I placed them back in the box with the others, then carried everything out to the trunk of my car.  That night with my Louisville Slugger next to me I slept like a baby.

Rick Warren says, “Fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love.”

Now I’m not going to get into the debate on gun control and ownership; I have many friends and family that are veterans and/or skilled hunters that have fired weapons extensively. But even though I consider myself an outdoorsman I’ve never been around or used guns; just something I never got much opportunity to do and frankly at this point in my life have no desire for. So having one in my home after a 2-minute crash course on how to use it really didn’t bring the security my friend with the good intentions meant. As a matter of fact, it brought me greater fear than the one who had threatened me and my family.  The thought that I could accidentally shoot a person out of fear just wasn’t worth the security that was meant in having the weapon in the first place; it just wasn’t me.

I remembered a couple of promises from God’s Word that seem to bring things back into perspective.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

As this “Traveler of the Rock Road” looked back on my life, there was as realization that I had to face bigger obstacles than this treat and not once did God leave my side.

Charles Spurgeon also said this: “The worst evils of life are those which do not exist except in our imagination. If we had no troubles but real troubles, we should not have a tenth part of our present sorrows. We feel a thousand deaths in fearing one, but the Christian is cured of the disease of fearing.”

This guy could possibly harm me, but he wasn’t going to make me fear him. At worse he could take my life, but all he’d be doing is giving me a new and better one. That’s a cool thing to know, huh?!!

The following week I brought the family home and never heard another word from my menace–that is until I spotted him in a store several months later. The moment his eyes saw me walking toward him, he put down what he was looking at, headed out of the store to his car and was gone lickety split! For a moment I wondered what he saw coming toward him to make him that afraid. As one person put it perhaps he could see me approaching with a couple of giant angles on my flanks. But I think it was more about something he and I both forgot about; I was a good head taller and outweighed him by at least 50 pounds. Sometimes it’s the “little” things that bring a smile to your face!
See ya next time.

I once had the good fortune to sit in a couple of times as the drummer for an up and coming young lady that I was sure someday would make the big time. Besides being incredibly beautiful she was a gifted song writer, piano player, guitar player and vocalist.  Performing with Patti (her name) could be quite demanding as she insisted on as near perfection as could be achieved when we hit the stage. If you made a mistake during a set she’d let you know at the break. If you made more during the evening; pack you gear, you were done. At the end of one show she took me aside, explained her objective for performing and the record she planned to record. I was flattered when Patti offered me to be her full time drummer. I told her that would be awesome but it wasn’t what I was looking for in the music; but if she ever needed a stand in let me know. Patti gave one of her beautiful smiles, thanked me, then said I’d never play for her again. Oh well. I never saw her again after that night but figured one day I’d hear her voice on the radio with some chart busting hit. It’s just been recently I learned that wouldn’t be the case for pretty Patti.

Patti hired a bass player she became intimate with and they had a baby. Shortly after the birth of the little girl the father left leaving her and Patti to fend for themselves. She would later state how she didn’t want this child but there was much responsibility that had to be met so music would have to wait. Over time Patti worked numerous jobs to make ends meet with the end goal being to get back to her dream. As we all know time waits for no one; as the little girl grew older there were more needs. Braces, clubs, school and the list just continued on of financial matters to tend to for her daughter. The longer Patti stayed away from the industry the more her talent and beauty faded. One friend described her as becoming hard with everyone, including her little girl. Perhaps as she dwelled on the things that didn’t go as planned, the career that didn’t materialize; was it that when her dream vanished so did all happiness of life?

Nearly 25 years past while Patti was walking home from work she felt the grip around her heart that drove her to the ground where she was found and rushed to the hospital. The heart attack had been so severe she would never be able to work again and she would need someone to care for her. Enter an unwanted child that loved this woman unconditionally. Patti moved in with her daughter and family and I understand, experienced more happiness and love than she had ever found in her life and she wouldn’t have traded a minute of it for the world.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Here’s another “Traveler of the Rock Road” that saw their life journey going in one direction when God had one picked in another. He knew the day was coming when Patti would need someone to care for and love her like no one else could; that’s the gift of a child.

Patti’s music career did have a resurgence; she started attending the church where her daughter went and ended up singing in the choir. As I hear her most crowning point was when her granddaughter released her own music CD recording some of the songs Patti wrote. Awesome! You may even have heard of the girl by now, but I only recently was given this story and I don’t have permission to use names. I think a certain Grandma would put knots on my head if I did anyway. Patti no longer seeks fans and fame; she’s got all she desires from her family and loves every minute of it.

As others have put and I believe Patti would also, “My entire life can be summed up in one sentence; it didn’t go as planned, and that’s okay.”  Thanks for sharing Patti.

See ya next time.

I’m taking the holiday off but I wanted to post this fascinating video on Francis Scott Key and our National Anthem. Like the modern day song, this will leave you;                             “Proud to be an American”

From me, my Lady and “Traveling the Rock Road” a Happy and Blessed Fourth of July to all!

This last Saturday I competed in my 8^th triathlon, a competition that combines swimming, biking and running; this year I was allowed to choose kayaking over swimming.  On occasion I’m asked why keep doing these races; being well past my prime there’s no chance of winning; so why continue the rigors that come from training for such events? True to a certain point, but I believe there are more benefits than negatives in continuing on. The first would be the physical fitness it takes to compete; the vast majority are younger but there’s a good amount who are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s that are in the mix showing no sign of slowing down. Then there are the inspirational athletes who choose not to compete for themselves; they team up with handicap individuals who can’t walk or don’t have the strength to participate on their own. These heroic volunteers then swim, pedal and push their less fortunate teammate through the course and across the finish line. If that doesn’t inspire you to keep coming back, I don’t what would.  But one of favorite characteristics of the triathlon is how people will encourage each other. Hearing words such as “You doing great!” Don’t quit, you’re almost there!” “You’re awesome, keep up the good work!” Several times when I wasn’t sure I’d make it someone would come along and shout out encouragement that would be just enough to give me energy to push on. One friend put it like this, “For the majority of us we’re not just out there for our own honor, we’re out there for each other.” As I look around at the people, I see that he is right. I could come up with numerous examples but I’ll just give two, one from the past and one from the latest race.

During a tri- up in Michigan I swam well that day, biked hard but when my feet hit the ground to run there was little left. Then Mario, a firefighter came up and ran with me saying, “Come one, we gotta show these young ones what a couple old guys can do.” With his talk and encouragement, the pace became easier, and when we drew within 50 yards from the finish we turned it on, sprinting for all we had, laughing and falling into each others arms as we crossed the line. I never saw Mario again but I turned in my best time ever for the triathlon, because of his help and inspiration.

This weekend I saw that type teamwork again with two dedicated athletes. The first pushed himself hard through the water and on the bike, but he was fading during the run. That is until the other caught up with him and yelled, “Come on, keep up!” That was enough to bring life back into the first runner where he found himself running faster and harder than he ever did before, all the way to the finish line.

The Bible teaches us the same thing, that we should look to be a help to others every chance we get,

Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Without a doubt one of the greatest joy I can experience is when I can be a help or encouragement to someone else. Undoubtedly there is something to gain for the individual in need; but there’s also a fulfillment that comes to the giver. Rick Warren puts it like this, “You cannot live a selfish and significant life—significance comes in serving others.”

I run triathlons for what it gives me–health, fitness, friendship, and joy in helping and being helped by others. If that’s not a good reason to keep coming back I don’t know what is.

As mentioned I never saw my friend Mario again, and as for the other two “Travelers of the Rock Road?” Well, they finished, side by side and hand in hand held high in the air crossing the finish line in victory for what they accomplished as a team. I don’t know a prouder moment I ever had of Jeremy and Justin, my two sons.

See ya next time.

I was privileged to spend a portion of Father’s Day up in Grand Rapids, MI with my oldest son, Jeremy; it was great with just the two of us sharing old times and new. When we parted ways, Jer heading north as I headed back to Indiana my mind returned to the early days of fatherhood having three little people running out to greet me as I got home from work. Then there was playing games, singing songs, acting silly, along with showing new places and things and teaching them as well as I could about life. Then my mind drifted to how insecure I felt in the role of being dad. Yes, it’s great to remember the things you do right, but it’s those nagging thoughts that come to haunt and make you ask did I do more good than harm, are there moments I wish I could do over, and did I do enough to prepare them for the real world when the time came for them to strike out on their own?

Of course I realize what brings on these negative feelings; it was the lack of a father in my own life. As a young child I would question why didn’t I have a dad, and if I did have one where was he? It wasn’t until being nearly grown that I learned the truth; Howard (that was his name) was only interested in having relations with my mom, but not a relationship, and certainly not with a child either. A person would see that as a sad scenario, but by then it really didn’t bother me. Perhaps it’s best described as what an individual would say about not having an arm or other regular parts of the body; it would be nice to have but since you never had an arm it doesn’t bother as much and you learn to make the best without. (That’s a quote by the way from a man born with no arms.) So if the old man didn’t want to be there for me that was fine, could get along very well without him.  At least that’s how I felt up until Dec. 31, 1979, the birth date of our daughter followed in later years by her brothers. Not having a male role model to emulate was now pressing on me as I worried about making mistakes in my new character as dad.

It wasn’t until the Lady of my life pointed to the fact that I had a role model, a Father who was with me always and whether I realized it or not was preparing me for the day little ones would look to me for guidance and love. From my Heavenly Father I learned I needed to be a teacher (Proverbs 22”6) plant in them the important things of life (2Cor. 3:2-3) Show compassion (Psalm 103:13) Pray for my children like David did (1 Chronicles 29:19) and never give up on them, just like the father of the prodigal son didn’t (Luke 15:20-24).

Perhaps I didn’t have an earthly father to show me the ropes, but I have to be thankful for him giving me life, that I may learn from my Heavenly Father. “Hey Howie, whether you know it not, ya did good; you ought to see your awesome grand and great grandkids!!”

So did I do things right? Yes. Did I make mistakes? You betcha!! Would I want to do things over? And take a chance of missing the good that came out of the bad; no way!

Without a doubt being a father isn’t easy, but is anything that’s worthwhile having that way? Think about what God has to put up with as Dad to all of us; Whoa! But isn’t it great to know that He loves each of us as if we’re His one and only, and that love doesn’t end; how cool is that?

I’m not perfect and frankly neither are my kids, but at least I’ve had a good example to pass on to them, a Father who leads me as I “Travel the Rock Road.”

“Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us.”
He said, “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.
It’s a love without end, amen, it’s a love without end, amen.”

See ya next time.

You could hear the surprise in people as Mike made his way onto the stage; that sound we all make when we suddenly inhale from something unexpected. Many in our little community knew Mike; he would be what a friend called one of God’s special people. You see, though his body showed him to be in his 40s, Mike was mentally closer to a 10-year-old. And it was through that childlike mindset that Mike saw everyone as a perspective friend, especially if he could be of some help to them.

On this evening Christian recording artist Kathy Troccoli was performing at our local park where several thousand had gathered in lawn chairs to hear her, my Lady and me included. It was a fabulous night as Kathy belted out many of her well-known songs and took the time to share her faith.  Toward the end of the concert Troccoli asked, “Is there anyone in the audience that does sign language who would like to come up and help me with this next song?  Enter Mike.  Before anyone else could react he was on his feet and heading to the stage. It didn’t take much for Kathy to realize someone special had joined her. With a little concern she asked if he was sure about doing this. “Oh yes, my mother taught me,” was Mike’s answer while trying to hide a childlike giggle with his hands. Chairs were brought onto the stage because Mike suffered from a degenerating bone disease making it hard to stand long.  And so they began;

“Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where you are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can’t see
That whatever comes my way
You’ll be with me”

“My life is in your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I’m never without hope
Not when my future is with you”
“My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands”

Friends and family, I’m here to tell you, there might have been two people on that stage but the onlookers were only seeing one; and it wasn’t Kathy. At that moment every eye was fixed not on an individual deemed mentally challenged, they were gazing on a face that appeared ever so angelic in the spotlights of the stage. With hands and arms moving like a maestro that leads an orchestra, Mike took empty space and drew vivid pictures for all of us to see conceptually. His eyes, mouth and whole appearance took on the movement of the music and song showing gladness and sadness, hope and determination, reverence and complete awe. At first when they completed the song, there was silence. As I looked around the audience many were wiping tears from their eyes, (yours truly included) before bursting into the biggest ovation of the night as Kathy hugged a once again boy in a man’s body trying to hide his happiness. When leaving the park at the end of the concert I heard a gentleman remark, “I’ve listened to this song many times, but tonight is the first time I actually heard it.” As I pondered his statement a thought came to me on why that was.

Mark 10:15 “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

In others words God doesn’t love us on the merits of our talents and intellect, He wants us to strip off the pride and come to Him in humility, meekness, complete faith. For Mike that was easy I suppose because the innocence of youth never left him, but for the rest of us I know it’s a struggle as we find ourselves growing up in a cynical world. But I like a quote from Catherine Doherty where she says,

“Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come.”

Perhaps if we could find a way to emulate the faith of this happy hearted “Traveler of the Rock Road” more of us would be inclined to place our lives in His hands. Or as Catherine Doherty would put it,

“Lord give me the heart of a child, and the awesome courage to live it out as an adult.”

Thanks for being my friend, Mike; you taught me more than you’ll ever realize here on earth.

See ya next time.