“I’ve got some memories to look back on and though they help me when you phone, I’m well aware nothing can take the place of being there. Ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby.” ~Marvin Gaye
“…so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.” ~Romans 15:32
I am supposed to appear in court on August 5.
Don’t tell anyone, but I think I’m gonna just skip the country on the 3rd.
Monday we purchased our airline tickets for our departure to Papua New Guinea, and Tuesday I received a Jury Summons. Fortunately, no longer living in Tarrant County is a legal reason to be excused, ‘cause that would have been one heck of a commute. And I’m not thinking they would go for a Skype connection; somehow, that doesn’t compare to actually being there.
Marvin Gaye had it right. There’s nothing like the real thing. I believe this so much that just a couple hours ago I found myself digging through the trash outside by the curb. Yep. I was willing to brave banana peels, watermelon-soaked paper towels, and last night's stew residue to locate that silly summons just so I could take a picture of it. If you can get over the stains on the paper, doesn’t it make your blog-reading experience that much more special to actually see the document than just to be told about it? OK, humor me.
Last fall I set up a profile on one of those online "social utilities.” I had stood in silent protest against them for quite some time, but I finally gave in. And I’m glad I did, for I have been able to reconnect with many people I had not seen in 15, 20 years or more.
But, even Facebook has its drawbacks. Besides being a consummate time-waster (come on … admit it), “seeing” people online is definitely not the same as spending time with them in person. (Insert rampage about our country going down the toilet because the upcoming generations have few social skills that do not involve miniature keyboards and carpal-tunnel syndrome.)
I think one of my greatest experiences this year has been the chance to actually see, in person, and visit with so many people from the distant, and not-so-distant, past. This includes extended family, former teachers, Sunday School teachers, elementary classmates, high school buddies, college friends, college roommates, church friends, and even some people I had never met in person before. What a privilege!
By the way ... I noticed on Facebook some time ago that you can be a “Fan of Jesus.” Oh my. Seriously, people? I mean, I suppose I can see being a fan of a TV show or an athlete, or even being a Fan of (*cough* Brad) Bacon, but a fan of Jesus? But whether you see that as anything close to sacrilege or not, even those who are His “fans” see only a “poor reflection as in a mirror.” (Some very poor, I imagine.) But, someday “we shall see [Him] face to face!” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Yep. I'm thinkin' there won’t be nothin’ like the real thing, baby.
High School friends who now live in Arizona:
Relatives in North Texas:
Relatives in South Texas:
Friends from Fort Worth:
Friends from Arizona who now live in South Carolina:
College friends in Georgia and South Carolina:
Childhood friends:
High School friends:
Relatives in Washington:
Well, we'll just wait four years for the real thing, huh? In the meantime, I'll read and write. Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the Facebook thing, Sharon. Yesterday there was a poll where you could vote about whether you think God exists or not. As if voting could effect reality! I thought of Acts 17:24, 25~"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
ReplyDeletePraying for a smooth transition for all of you!
Stacy
Hey, some people stole our Bubba Gump shirts! Seeing pictures of everyone makes me really excited to see y'all! But I don't need my picture on your blog. Really.
ReplyDelete