Time Out

A pause from the daily delights to remind my readers of what they may already know...

The National Guard and specifically the Indiana National Guard (to include both Army and Air) have never deployed more service members than right now! Between supporting war efforts "down range" to supporting COVID-19 and civil unrest right here in Indiana and to say nothing of the Federal fulltime mission we have here in Terre Haute...the National Guard has never been called upon like this before in our history!

Let that sink in a bit...

Delight #23

From my Brian McLaren devotion:

"What would our community look like if God's dreams for it were coming true?"

Delight #22

As my Grandmother would say, "the days are getting a chicken step shorter now." What she meant was, this side of the Summer Solstice, we are getting a little bit less of light each day until the Winter Solstice. What does that have to do with chickens?? Grandma always said the the chickens can only get so far (less than yesterday) before they have to turn around and make it back to the hen house by sun down.

I always feel a little conflicted on June 22nd. On the one hand, we have lots of summer left. On the other, we will only get less and less light in our world until December 21st!

Then it hit me on my run this morning...if the sun's light is diminishing, doesn't mean the light I bring to my world have too as well.

In times of lessening light, I intend to bring as much light into the world as possible. I think I will start with being fully present in the moment and will endeavor to give myself away in Love, like I was taught by Christ.

Delight #21

The summer solitude and Father's day on the same day...that is one bright spot for 2020! We get to celebrate the longest sun-light day of the year and remember all the good fathering we have been given.

I am blest...

Delight #20

Some traditions say that the afterlife only lasts as long as people talk well of you. While my Christian understanding is a bit different from this, the point is well taken: who will talk well of me after I am gone and for how long?

What about you?

Delight #19

I have a friend that routinely sends me (through text message) some of their devotional thoughts from the day. It is interesting to know what they are learning (the messages includes commentary from that person), but it is also good to see what that prompts in my day too. Such a simple act, but simple can be the best kind of acts most of the time. 

Delight #18

I am still getting used to being called "Colonel" (even though I am really a Lt. Col.). I have worked long and hard to get to this rank and so I appreciate the title. And just when I am enjoying it, I realize that will great rank comes great responsibility. This keeps me humble!!

Delight #17

Running at sunrise is a gift. I love watching the sun reach out and above the trees. It always makes me think of Forest Gump and his run!

Delight #16

I have learned that my body will following what my mind wants it to do. This week I have made 2 different 5k runs. This is a huge step for me. Mind over matter is so true!

Delight #15

I love running! It has taken a long time to get here. I have spent many years only running because I have too. I now look forward to running. What a long strange trip it has been!

Delight #14

Evangelical UMC did outdoor worship today right! AND they honored the 2020 graduates with style. Well done EUM!!

Delight #13

Time with family is a gift!

Delight #12

It is easy to complain about bad weather. So I try to truly appreciate great weather...this week has had a TON of great weather. What a gift!

Delight #11

I do a lot of walking in the neighborhood in which I live in Terre Haute. I am definitely on the outs looking in...it seems EVERYONE has a golf cart these days! The thing to do (at least in my neck of the woods) is to get your golf cart and a few of your friends and cruse the streets. It also seems to be a requirement that you consume alcohol and smoke various devices while on this wild ride. 

What's the delight? I like my walking, thank you!

Delight #10

I realized that depending on how you look at it, the same shape can either be a square or diamond. Why has it taken me this long to figure this out?

Maybe we all need to get a little different perspective on things...

Disclaimer

The postings on this site are my own and do not represent the National Guard's positions or opinions.

Delight what?

For my new readers that are just joining me...instead of focusing on all the despair that is going on in the world right now, I am intentionally finding and naming at least one delight per day and then posting it here.

I apparently have inspired at least one person to do the same, only she has taken it to the next great step and is keeping a photo log of her daily delights. How awesome is that??

Delight #9

A bug flew into my mouth this AM while I was running! I am sure that was not the ending that little bug had dreamed about when it was a kid! While I could have easily thought more about what I just swallowed, I chose to focus on the incredible sunrise over the Base.

Here is an amended quote from one of my favorite Disney characters...life's full of easy choices--isn't it?!?!?

Delight #8

I am now keeping a running journal. I figure after running every day at least one mile since 2012, I ought to get serious!! I find that this journal (simple date, length and place of the runs) does two things:

1. Makes me grateful for how much I have previously run
2. Challenges me to run more and thus bet previous records

Turning 52 has taught me that I need to step up my physical fitness routine. Atrophy is a real and present danger.

I love the running concept of "positive split" which means that a runner's last lap is fastest one they run...I want to run and live with a positive split. That fits well with my Wesleyan theology of moving on to perfection in this lifetime!   

Delight #7

I am excited for the plans Evangelical UMC has recently announced about worshiping outside every week for the next few weeks. They have a wonderful setting in which to worship, complete with wonderful green space and parking for those that want options. Of course, I will continue to be able to worship with them through Facebook from Terre Haute. 

Delight #6

Dirt! What a delight to dig and touch the Earth. That's all...just a delight to stay grounded to our Earthen home by working and playing in the dirt.

Delight #5

I was recently reminded of an outstanding experience I had a few years ago...the Upper Room's "Academy for Spiritual Formation" is an intensive 2 year journey with week long classes and small groups in an amazing retreat setting spread out over those 2 years.

If you can swing it, I would highly recommend attending. 

Delight #4

"Guardmount" is the official transition between work shifts for our Security Forces Defenders (USAF cops). I attended all 3 in one day recently and was reminded that we have some incredible Airmen that put their lives on the line for the freedom I have while I am on Base. They are on patrol and at various guard shacks 24/7/365. It is so easy to take for granted servants such as these. My visits where meant to ensure they know I deeply appreciate their work.

Delight #3

I recently ran a 5k before work. I realized the rest of the day that energy exerted on my run, extended new energy the rest of the day.

Energy spent is energy gained.

Counter-intuitive I know...but it is something to think about!

Delight #2

I have realized that I usually have diminishing desire to do certain tasks the later in the day it gets. Or said another way, I will NOT want to do a task more the more I put it off.

The early bird gets the worm and the early action Kent gets things done!

Delight #1

The power of smell is amazing. They say that smell is so powerful because it has a direct link to the brain. I was running recently at the flight line at the 181st early in the morning and the smell of the asphalt and the freshly cut grass took me straight away to my USAF basic training in the summer of 2007. And trust me, I was fully present in that memory...complete with training instructors yelling in my face!

Delight #31

As I was running recently with the sun on my face I realized what a gift perspective really is. My thoughts went back to this winter walking and running with the cold winter wind on my face. I promise to remember the sun's warmth this winter!

Delight #30

The power of Democracy expressed in the individuals right to vote is ALWAYS a delight! Vote!!!

Delight #29

De-cluttering feels great!!  There is power in being content with less.

Delight #28

I recently lost track of time. I got so involved in an outside project on a beautiful day that I literally had no idea what time it was. I had no cell phone with me which was an added bonus.

When you have been so enthralled in the moment that you lost all perception of time?