Monday, February 21, 2005

throwing snowballs

It snowed today!!! It always looks nice when it snows outside. A little like magic. I even made a few snowballs and tossed them in the air-not at anyone but just to toss. I used to do that as a child and was fun to relive that little bit of pleasure while waiting for the city bus.
It is actually hard to go back and relive the times of the past -not wanting to look silly and not fully understanding how to be a kid again. But a few snowballs might help with that process to unlock that secret of being a kid again!!!!

Thursday, February 17, 2005

God's patience

I was reminded of a comment that I mentioned to a friend back during the easter season of 2004. I waited with a friend while she had her car looked at and had to have a new light put in her headlight. It seemed like forever being in a parking lot with lots of car repair activity going on. Then I reminded her that Jesus was very patient when He hung on the cross on Good Friday.

My sufferings as a result of being different are much minor in comparison to the love from Calvary. Yesterday at the mall, I was mocked for looking a little different from others in the way I appear and walk. I am more patient with the mockers than when I was a teen growing up. It is the experience that comes from age. Just as when Jesus ministered to the folks back then, He developed a thick skin. Not an easy thing to do, but it is essential to us growing up as handicapped men and women in society.

Jeremiah the prophet uses the analogy of humans as being clay pots that are being molded and shaped by life's pressures. It is not easy being spun by God as He molds me into the person that He wants me to be. I am not always cooperative in that process. It takes time.

Just as in dying to ourselves and our own ultimate goals, there is no immediate result. Yet through this process, Christ will arise. In the gospel accounts, Jesus states that one must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me! If one recognizes that the cross is a symbol of death, the years in this life may seem like hell to those imprisoned in wheelchairs or crutches, but by following God's will, we will become more like Christ in the end.
May these words bless the reader in life.

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Super Duper Weenie

I opened the heavy white door of the Super Duper Weenie. Into a place out of the 60's. Almost like that of a diner or Norman Rockwell Scene.
I was so excited about this day being able to visit and become a regular at this place.
I was greeted by John with "Hello, Scooter, Glad to see you."
In front of me, 9 red bar stools rested on their silver bases. The red counter had plastic ketchup and mustard bottles along with salt and pepper shakers. Red lights hung from the ceiling on silver cords.
Behind the counter, lots of activity took place. The burgers and hotdogs were heard sizzling on the grill. It was time to make a decision as to what I should order as I glanced at the board for the selection of daily offerings. The board was white and had the choices written in magic marker. I made my selection: the Fairfield Philly Cheese Steak with onions!! And took my number.
I filled my plastic cup with the ice from ice bucket and the iced tea from the container marked sweetened. I made many a trip from my stool throughout the stay.
Beneath the stool, the flolor had white and black tiles in wide squares. A stablilizing and calming environment against the red and white counter and lights.
Gary Zemola, the owner, has a love for motorcycles and he always had some story to tell of his bike and his adventures. He wore a red and white bandana on his head and wore a t-shirt with a superhero figure wearing a cape with the words "super duper weenie"
I had many opportunities to listen to families and friends tell stories about their days and of the developments happening around town.
My sandwich was finally ready with it being wrapped up in the plastic and served gladly.
I dove into my sandwich and it flowed with swiss cheese and onions from the freshly sliced bun. Tasted terrific. As I ate, I used many napkins from the red dispenser with a clear shield.
I looked around the room and saw pictures of american culture-of diners and posters of the history of the hot dog and shows of broadway.
I enjoyed every minute of my respite here and regretted having to go back to work. I had to say goodbye and thanks to my friends who served me so well. They said, "Goodbye, Scooter. Have a good day. "
I walked back down the Bullard Hill and to the world of ringing phones, customers, and deadlines and a screaming Bob. My co-workers, Bob and Charlotte, knew I had onions. So, in a way, Super Duper Weenie invaded Schrier that day and I also invaded their world-a world flooded with good memories. I was always careful the next time to go back and order it "well cooked with onions" the next time.

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Rah Rah at the political round table

Today is the famed time of the year with the state of the union. A big rally for the government for the hard work that was done and is to be done. And it is a time for the politicians to clap their hands and cheer with their hearts as an united chamber.
Imagine if the government could have those rallying cries during their work days with confetti flying all over the place so that our society could become the beneficiaries of the change that is required.
The goal for many in the chamber is to have a chance to have a personal moment with the president with a glance and handshake. In the arena of faith, we may not get the applause or the moment of a handshake in front of a world-audience.. But we have the eyes of God upon us and the cloud of witnesses cheering us on in the work that we do. Let us not forget that. May the reader be blessed with the reading of this.