Weekly Thought – July 18, 2023
Fred took his gifts seriously. He knew discernment, and understanding of human relations was a big part of his giftedness. Consequently, he collected stories like some people collect sports memorabilia. A section of an old binder has a section labeled “stories.” This week will be a few excerpts – enjoy.
Traveling with Fred
In Blowing Rock (North Carolina) last week there were numbers of old people. I don’t mind getting older but I would hate to get old. Most of them were there simply to escape the heat and enjoy the comfort of the cool mountain air. One night while gathered on the gazebo we were trying to get acquainted since none of us had ever met. I asked each of the men if they missed their work. One of them said, “for about thirty minutes.” We laughed. Another said that work, to him, was a dirty word. Then I asked them, “Now without work, how do you keep your minds alive?” My question was like inviting an illegitimate child to the family reunion.
Eating in a country café in Grand Saline (TX), there was a fortyish couple sitting in the next booth. Obviously they were farm people. When he got up to pay the bill he came back to her, stood for a minute, then reached down and lifted her up as she put her arms around his neck. He backed out of the door putting her in the pickup parked out front, and I saw she had a full body cast on and was unable to stand. As we all watched silently, the waitress commented, “He took his vows seriously, didn’t he?”
Shortly after the elder Wallenda fell to his death in 1978 his wife recalled, “All Carl thought about for three straight months prior to it was falling. It was the first time he had ever thought about that and it seemed to me that he put all his energies into not falling rather than walking the tightrope.” When he poured all his energies into not falling rather than walking the tightrope he was virtually destined to fall. I see this in those who dedicate themselves to a legalistic lifestyle…I call it the Wallenda Effect.
Haddon Robinson said his father, who lived on the northern coast of Ireland, would watch the tremendous storms. They would see a ship fighting to make its way to shore. Someone would say, “Will it make it?” Then another would say, “Yes, that ship was made by Tommy Harrison and it will make it in.”
Once a famous father took a day off and took his son fishing. In his journal he wrote, “This day was largely wasted fishing.” His son, who later became a highly successful entrepreneur also kept a journal. In looking back he saw the entry: “This was one of the best days of my life. I spent went fishing with my father.”
This weekly carefully consider: 1) What are stories from my day to day that come to mind? 2) What lessons have I learned? 3) How can I become more aware of the people and the stories of those around me?
Words of Wisdom: “Now without work, how do you keep your minds alive?”
Wisdom from the Word: “Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8 NET Bible)