I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few days. Now don't be surprised, I actually do think sometimes. I mean I have a lot more time to think today than ever before. I remember my sweet Granddaddy, later in his life, would often be sitting in his old recliner, the TV playing but you knew he was deep in thought as his rough old hand would be rubbing the armrest of the chair. I never asked, "Granddaddy, what you thinking about?" I wished I had as I suspect there was a lot of wisdom through his memories he would have shared.
I believe I have become my Granddaddy. Now, don't get me wrong as I could never be the man he was. But I find myself many days, TV playing, sitting here in my recliner, with one of my hands rubbing the armrest and I'm deep in thought. My thoughts vary but most occasions, I'm thinking about the last 50 years or so and where they went. It is almost as if I blinked my eyes and they had passed. I've come to the realization, that my body has aged much faster than my thoughts.
Anyone of you that has read my morning messages, know how much I loved my teenage life. I can not describe with words what those years mean to me. How I loved my youth group, my church and trying to sing in a quartet. I was so blessed to have those opportunities and there's not a day goes by that I don't think about many of those sweet precious friends. What makes it even more remarkable for me now is to see pictures of their grandkids. Where has the time gone? And then I wake up to a song, or hear one, that takes me back to those days. I realize I never could sing but I sure enjoyed trying.
I was fortunate to go to work in a career that brought me great joy. Not all of the days were good but when I think back, there were a lot more good days than bad. I met so many wonderful people, had so many amazing opportunities, but most of all made some amazing and precious friends who I enjoy talking or messaging with from time to time even after all the years. I don't know where else I could have worked over those 40 plus years where I had the opportunities and met the people I met with my limited knowledge and skills. I never was too good at my career but I sure enjoyed trying.
Another one of the times I think about are the days of softball. I didn't play organized sports growing up ... I was to busy trying to sing. But I loved playing softball. I loved my teammates and their families and I've decided that softball was really just an excuse to enjoy each other and our social activities. Don't get me wrong. We loved softball, playing and winning. A couple of my old softball buddies have gone on to be with the Lord, but I'm happy that most of us still have a relationship and hear from one another from time to time. Special times with special people. I never was too good at softball but I sure enjoyed trying.
Well, I could go on and on about how blessed I have been in my life. I've had lots of opportunities and also missed many opportunities along the way. I've made so many mistakes yet He is just and faithful to forgive us. I am blessed beyond measure and far more than I deserve. I haven't been very good at this life I have been given but I sure have enjoyed trying.
While I still think so much about the things I have always enjoyed trying, as I mentioned earlier, I have come to the realization I can not do the things I once thought I could. Just yesterday, a dear friend told me about his log splitter being broke, I told him I would bring my axe and wedges as if I could still split wood the old fashion way. Then later, a friend posted about joining an over 50 softball team. He's older than me, he's been playing for years and did I mention he's older than me. I don't know how he does it but he does and I can only reminisce. Another one of my old friends last week ended our conversation talking about us with the words, all we really have anymore is our memories and a few old friends. But while I may not be good at something, I'm going to keep trying and enjoying as long as I possibly can. Again, my thoughts about what I think I can do has not caught up with what my body allows me to do.
"Long, Long Journey" is a song I have not heard or thought about in a long time. It takes me back to my almost teenage days. I remember The Inspirations recorded it in 1974 on their "When I Wake Up To Sleep No More" album. It has been a long journey yet the days have flown by. It's has been amazing and beautiful. It has been good and bad, happy and sad. I don't know how many more days I will have the pleasure of living and creating more new memories but I'm sure there are less in the future than I have already lived. But that's ok, because I love knowing Heaven awaits me when this life is over.
As I continue, on this "Long, Long Journey" I pray that I can have the opportunity to spend time with more precious souls like Brother Rollins and listen to him share stories of his life and God's blessings on him. I hope to spend time with more little Laineys and see the excitement and joy as she is beginning this journey. I may not be very good on my travels but I will enjoy trying as long as I can.
As I close this long rambling post, first let me say thank you for reading and I pray you will be blessed with the song. Second, I was reminded of another old song as I was writing. While I've had a lot of "regrets" along this journey, "I Don't Regret A Mile, I've Traveled For My Lord".
I pray you will have an amazing day!
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