I have a change in format today. Rather than sharing my usual long form essay, I have a handful of shorts: a collection of stories from the weekend.
1. POURING GASOLINE AND LIGHTING MATCHES:
I have to admit it, I am seriously concerned regarding the current “gasoline and matches” approach to A) International stability, B) Potential Middle East conflagration and C) The welfare of Americans abroad. This first photograph – from Bahrain – shows the building adjacent to the high rise where our son’s family lived prior to Krakow. It was hit by a drone attack.
The current modus operandi seems to be all about creating uncertainty and fueling chaos – social and financial, both domestic and international.
When I see deliberately engineered instability, centralized authoritarianism is not far behind – along with justifications for more crackdowns, more federal overreach and less freedom.
2. THIS IS HOW WE ROLL AT HMPC:
I grabbed this next image at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church Sunday morning. I love the way the congregation responds when all of our small children are AWOL on the same day.
Several people made their way up to the front where they sat in for the kids. This is how our good folk show support to the children’s ministry director.
After the prayer Grace looked at them and said. “You may now stand up and return to your families!” Classic.
3. Riverfront Park
Photos three through five show the progress on the bluffs down behind the Quigless building. Both the long sloping sidewalk and the steps have been completed. Now it is all about the landscaping. I can’t wait to see how this project finally plays out.
Tarboro has such a treasure in our Riverfront Park. Let’s make sure the job is finished up right!
4. A little sunshine goes a long way
Finally, Sunday afternoon was the first “shirtsleeves” day in a long time. I love the winter and enjoy a little cold weather, but these past three months have been relentless and I am thankful for the prescient hint of springtime.
This is the beauty of the four seasons, and our part of North Carolina does a good job with them all. We just need to extend the spring and the fall and cut back a little on the summer!
In the fresh start that is the beginning of this week and also the new month, let the following scripture from Philippians be our guide:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4
– DEREK
