I'm sitting at one of the many West Linn Starbucks' right now. Specifically, the one up the hill from my parents' house on Salamo. I'm drinking my second favorite beverage (black coffee. No cream. No sugar) while smoking my pipe. I went to my favorite tobacco shop, Cascade Cigar and Tobacco, and was able to pick up the best tobacco blend, dubbed, "Oregon Trail". I'm listening to The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash. Great song about Revelation. The weather is perfect. No rain. Little bit of sun breaking through the clouds. Just a brisk, December morning. Don't even need gloves!
This week has been a quick - but weird - one. Every day felt like I was a day ahead. Tuesday felt like Wednesday, Wednesday felt like Thursday. Friday was nice because we got to go early. I hit the road immediately.
It's really nice to be back. Last night was relaxing. Hung out with my mom and Hugh. Took the dogs, Sophie and Rose, for a walk with Hugh. He smoked his cigar and I got out my pipe. We stood on the front porch lighting up, then discarding our burnt matches onto the front porch and in the bushes, which was all-too familiar. Can't remember how many drunken nights I spent with friends on that porch during summer, smoking cigars and discarding the matches onto the ground. That was years ago, though. I look back fondly at those memories, but I'm glad I don't do that anymore. Don't have the desire for it. People have difficulty understanding that concept.
My mom mentioned last night she was suspicious when I'd go for walks when I was younger. Which makes sense, since I usually went out only at night and always at the same time, almost every night. I assured her I was doing nothing but walking (which is true). I've loved going on nightly walks since I was a sophomore in high school. It's relaxing walking when no one else is around; only your music and you.
In previous posts, I've very much expressed my thankfulness for the family and community and fellowship I've been able to have since moving to Seattle. Season is a time for thankfulness. Important though to remember what this season is about. Jesus Christ. I'm really not sure what I should write about that, but it's just too easy to get distracted from that. I'm the first person to become distracted from what's important. Respect and thanks is due to who is responsible for it. And that's Jesus Christ.
I'm thankful for many things. Many, many things. Right now, though, the things that are coming to mind are the following: family, fellowship, my end-of-the-year bonus and getting Monday off. Originally, we were scheduled to work, but no one wanted to. We all took some PTO time out and got Monday off. Now I don't have to leave on Christmas evening and I get to catch up with a friend on Monday morning on my way out of town. I mean this in all sincerity:
PRAISE THE LORD!
Merry Christmas!
One last thing! Please keep the following things in your prayers: my boss' son busted his knee cap open and shattered it yesterday afternoon, and please pray for all the people who aren't able to be with their families this weekend (specifically the interns at church). I pray other families will be accommodating and invite those people into their homes, and they'll have good, intentional time together. (In the style of First and Second Timothy) Forever and ever! Amen.
REVELATION 19:16:
"On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords."
