December 7 – “Old routines”

Happy birthday to my shorter and much older big brother, Jay.  Actually, I have no idea how old he is, but he is older than me.  I always thought it was significant that he was born on the anniversary of the day Pearl Harbor was bombed to draw the U.S. into World War II.  I, on the other hand, was born on the anniversary of the day Japan surrendered unconditionally to end World War II.  War and Peace.  Hmm.  Love ya, Big Bro.

We took our traditional twice-a-month (at least) trip to WalMart to restock our pantry yesterday.  After spending almost a week helping out in Waco, we had to replenish more than just our fruit and milk stock.  We even managed to sneak in a bit of Christmas shopping while we were there.  Not that we are anywhere close to being finished. 

Kel called from work (LifeWay Christian Store) to say the manager had agreed to provide some stuff for Seaside’s silent auction at the Bethlehem Street Market Craft Fair on Saturday.  We asked if he would also pick up a few items Chris had isolated in a sales brochure that came out last week.  Saved us a trip into Texas that we really didn’t have time for.  Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if we still had to go up there this week or next.  There is always something coming up.

Last night Chris and I hung our outside Christmas lights.  I invited Cailyn to come over and help.  She has helped the last few years.  But she and her Mom were right in the middle of making a cake and waiting for Dad to get home from work.  He did some overtime helping out at a physical agility testing day for the fire department.  I wish I had known about it.  I like to go to those days.  Gives me a chance to see the new recruits before they ever get hired.  When he got home, they all came over and brought that cake with them.  Great dessert.  And we got our schedule for the week on when we have Cailyn.  Gotta get back in the swing of things again.  At least until we hear from Kel and Christina that their little one is on his way.  Then the craziness starts again.  Can’t wait …

Ephesians 4:30-32 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Father, thank you for the outcomes that produce that craziness in our lives.  New babies.  Old routines.  Bless them all.  Amen.