Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

I want you to know how much I enjoy going to church.  Really, I don’t go to church.  I am a part of the church.  The church is that group of people who follow Jesus.  I learned that and like it.

I wanted to say thank you for letting me go.  I will probably go a few more years before I stop.  It’s not a thing that older people do.  It can’t be for real or you would go too, but it’s fun for now.

I believe in God and in Jesus and that he died to take away my sins, but that can’t mean too much or you would lead me to worship him.  It can’t be that important.

We make it to most of the ball games and town events and never miss a day of hunting season.  We go to the lake and never miss a game on the big screen.  If this worshiping God was important, we would do that too.  I trust you that it can’t be that important.  I trust you!

I know that your life is tough, and you are tired most of the time.  I guess that is what I will be soon, once I stop this Jesus stuff.  Really, what’s the point.  You have your reasons not to go.  I will just use your reasons in a few years.  I will be just like you.

I really enjoy the Christmas presents and other cool stuff that you get me, but all of that stuff just wears out over time.  They tell me that Jesus wants us to live forever with him.  I wish that were true, but I’m sticking with you and not buying this God loves me stuff.

I will keep going to worship and classes for now so you can have a break, but don’t worry.  One day I will be just like you and skip all of this God is love nonsense.  I know it can’t be true.  You tell me that you love me and these church folks tell me that God loves me.  I want to believe but I won’t betray you.  I will be just like you and start making my list of reasons not to give up my Sunday mornings to worship God.

If you don’t mind, I would like to keep going for a little while longer.  These people who are the church are always kind and loving to me.  The smile when they see me.  Most give me a hug.  They know what God says about just about everything.  They actually believe what God says.  It’s really cool stuff, but don’t worry, I won’t let you down.  I will stay away and be content in my reasons for not going soon enough.

I want to be just like you.

Love…

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I want you to know how much I enjoy going to church.  Really, I don’t go to church.  I am a part of the church.  The church is that group of people who follow Jesus.  I learned that and like it.

I wanted to say thank you for letting me go.  I will probably go a few more years before I stop.  It’s not a thing that older people do.  It can’t be for real or you would go too, but it’s fun for now.

I believe in God and in Jesus and that he died to take away my sins, but that can’t mean too much or you would lead me to worship him.  It can’t be that important.

We make it to most of the ball games and town events and some of the school stuff.  We go to the store and never miss a birthday party.  If this worshiping God was important, we would do that too.  I trust you that it can’t be that important.  I trust you!

I know that your life is tough, and you are tired most of the time.  I guess that is what I will be soon, once I stop this Jesus stuff.  Really, what’s the point.  You have your reasons not to go.  I will just use your reasons in a few years.  I will be just like you.

I really enjoy the Christmas presents and other cool stuff that you get me, but all of that stuff just wears out over time.  They tell me that Jesus wants us to live forever with him.  I wish that were true, but I’m sticking with you and not buying this God loves me stuff.

I will keep going to worship and classes for now so you can have a break, but don’t worry.  One day I will be just like you and skip all of this God is love nonsense.  I know it can’t be true.  You tell me that you love me and these church folks tell me that God loves me.  I want to believe but I won’t betray you.  I will be just like you and start making my list of reasons not to give up my Sunday mornings to worship God.

If you don’t mind, I would like to keep going for a little while longer.  These people who are the church are always kind and loving to me.  The smile when they see me.  Most give me a hug.  They know what God says about just about everything.  They actually believe what God says.  It’s really cool stuff, but don’t worry, I won’t let you down.  I will stay away and be content in my reasons for not going soon enough.

I want to be just like you.

Love…

Ballots not Bullets--Going Forward

Let’s see what the future holds for this Grand Experiment called the USA.  If the main objective of the Democratic majority in the newly elected house is to overturn a legal presidential election by impeachment or to focus all of their efforts on yet more investigations into the most investigated president ever, expect that we will have a fruitless two years.

However, if these newly elected representatives come with attitudes of making America better, addressing issues that the legislatures of decades past have ignored, and a sense of statesmanship over just staying in the office which they have been elected; good things could happen.

A Democratic House, a Republican Senate, and a president more businessman than politician have a chance at synergy.  Does anyone have the backbone to make this work for the good of the nation?

I suggest that now, even more than before the election, we communicate with all of our representatives and tell them to seek the common good.  Tell them to work together and make this nation better.

To move forward, we must put cynicism aside and look forward, preserving that which has sustained us for two- and one-half centuries and embracing that which is needed to solve today’s problems.  It’s tough work for sure and has no room for continued divisiveness.  I would sure like to see my grandchildren have the chance to preserve the blessings of liberty for the next few generations.

We can become entrenched or engaged.  Only the latter will offer anything of value to the American people. Keep this Grand Experiment alive by choosing to work for the people.  To all who have been elected, get to work for us.

I offer this prayer for all who will serve us in the years to come.

Lord,

We thank you for the blessings of liberty that we in this nation know.

We thank you that ballots not bullets change the face of government in this blessed land.

We thank you than many have been called to serve and pray that it was you who called them.

We confess that for too long, we have been complacent as an electorate.

We confess that for too long we have left you out of the affairs of our nation.

We confess that for too long we have chosen discord over cooperation.

We petition you for a season of civility among our elected officials.

We petition you for wisdom in the halls of our Congress and with our Chief Executive.

We petition you that all in this land will seek you and your kingdom and righteousness above all worldly goals.

In the name of our Lord, Christ Jesus,

Amen.

Happy Veterans Day

Memorial Day is for those who have fallen,

Today is for all who have stood in the ranks.

Some may have given the last measure of devotion,

And some came home without any thanks.

Some have ribbons, and medals and badges,

Others just glad to have all of their limbs.

Some have commanded and been commanded,

Of those who have served, most would do it again.

A century ago today came an end to the war to end all wars,

It was a hopeful time short-lived and seen so seldom since.

We stand tall before our flag and pray for peace in a troubled world,

But today is for those who served while we lived at their expense.

Happy Veterans Day!