August 29 – “Some road trip action”

Gotta love those days spent in the car, driving from one destination to the next, chatting with my wife or grabbing a few winks (she does the lion’s share of the driving).  Yesterday was one of those days.  We were returning home from our baseball date night in Arlington where the Astros came from behind to defeat the Rangers in an exciting game. 

 

Aside from the game itself, there were a few cool things that we witnessed while at the stadium.  Before the game began, the Astros’ left fielder, Michael Brantley walked by himself toward center field where the flag bearers and soloist were beginning to gather for the National Anthem.  He reached a spot in the midst of the vast green grass where he was totally alone, quietly knelt on one knee, and spent a few moments in prayer.  When he finished, he just as quietly turned and walked back to the dugout.  No fanfare.  No wide acclaim.  Just him and his Lord. 

 

Later, just before the game began, I was making my proverbial quick trip to the bathroom, when I saw a man dressed in Arlington Fire Department garb.  I couldn’t pass up a chance to encourage one of the fire department family, so I approached him.   We chatted for five minutes or so about the fire service.  He asked how I came to be a chaplain and expressed his appreciation for the things I do.  I did the same to him.  We shook hands and returned to our respective tasks at hand.  I enjoy doing that. 

 

We spent the night with our Midlothian friends (That’s the name of the town they live near, not their nationality or some exotic disease they had).  Then yesterday morning the drove us by the site where the series on the New Testament called The Chosen is being filmed.  Beautiful rolling hills with lots of trees.  I’ll have to re-watch season one and pick up the DVD of season two so I can see if I recognize anything. 

 

Back to the car ride.  On the way home we accidentally got turned around somehow and ended up cruising down some street in Waxahachie (Again … also the name of a town in Texas).  It’s not that we were lost.  We just kept missing the entrance to get on the freeway.  It took us a while, but we finally made it.  Easy going all the way to Buc-ees for gas and a bathroom/lunch stop.  While inside we ran into an old friend from our college days, Ernest.  He introduced us to his new bride, and we caught up for a few minutes.  Found out she has never been to Galveston.  Well, Ernest … you need to bless your bride’s heart, young man.  Bring her to town.

 

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God a sone approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

 

Father, thanks for the great hospitality of the Huntley’s and the accidental reunion with Ernest.  Bless them all with your greatest hug.  Amen.