it's a 4272023 morning
the kind of morning
that will never be here again
the fire leaves are awakening
big blue skies are smiling
the proud trees are welcoming
a 4272023 morning
the silent digital sentinel
on our wrist
counts the seconds
that will make up the moments
of this gift we call a day
the unrepeatable you
this world of image bearers
in all our collective journeys
we share
the sorrow
the waiting
the singing
the building
the crying
the disorientation
the confusion
the celebration
the shame
the brokenness
the wonder
the exhaustion
the despair
the longing
for meaning
the searching for love
it's who we are
glorious and ruinous
on this 4272023 morning
let’s remember together
our Creator is here
for you and me
for all the world
the Light has overcome the darkness
so we can open our hearts
and become fire leaves
illuminated
dazzling
sparkling
welcoming the Light
the everlasting Love
awakened by eternal songs
of redemption
so this 4272023 morning
will soon be gone
what will we leave behind
words of comfort
love and laughter
shared tears
forgiving eyes
grateful for
a 4272023 morning
and grateful
for you
Turn off alarm at 4:00 AM, check! Head out to the boxing gym at 4:30 AM, check! 5:00 AM workout, check! Protein shake at 6:00 AM, check! Grab the Fuji X-T30 at 6:08 AM and park adjacent to the corn field, check! Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and snap some shots at 6-something AM, check! Nook-morning to you! Have a wonderful day!
My mom and dad have been married for 62 years. They both have their physical struggles and they take care of each other. My dad takes care of my mom’s arthritic feet every morning. I felt privileged to watch him carefully wash, dry and apply topical aids on her feet. They have lived a Valentine‘s life together, and not just a Valentine’s Day. I was also reminded of what Jesus taught us. Take a moment and read the gospel of John chapter 13 today. Thanks for stopping by.
For us, January 1st is Happy Anniversary as well as Happy New Year. So, in honor of my bride:
just look at those kids
kneeling in stillness
about to unfold
a story to be told
of their love
just look at those kids
praying and longing
about to discover
the path is so steep
and love will require
more than they know
still here we are
still telling a story
older now
somehow
still here we are
just look at those kids
i do
let’s go
i’m yours
your love is true
through all the hurts
pain and sorrow
you still said yes
through each tomorrow
you love so well
with grace and kindness
staying by my side
oh Ruth
so grateful
you’re by my side
still here we are
still telling a story
older now
somehow
still here we are
just look at those kids
dear God
thank you for the journey
and for taking care
of those kids
and thank you
for the gift of
that high school girl
who so long ago
was kneeling beside me
and still is
the doctors said you were leaving
i don’t see a world without you
time stopped and crashed and just shattered
no God
please not you
so many whispered ‘Our Father…’
pleading grace and mercy for you
He heard all our cries
every whisper
a new story was written for you
undeserving and grateful
we’re still here
and i’m blessed to be loved by you
every breath is a gift
in every joy every sorrow
each moment a fading song
but we sing out loud
into the unknown tomorrow
time may fracture again
so we whisper
our Father in heaven above
may your name be first in our eyes
may your kingdom thrive
in our hearts and lives
may your will be done in our love
while we’re still here
on earth
as it is
in heaven
I have so enjoyed spending some time on Long Island visiting my parents. Whenever I come back home I always take a walk in Eisenhower Park and visit the Veterans Memorial. This beautiful memorial serves as a tribute to the heroes of Nassau County. I also always go to Jones Beach. That will be the next post.
This is my dear mom who is… well, to be polite, she is above 90 years old. We try to get back to Long Island, NY a few times a year to visit with my family. COVID porevented an earlier trip this year and, this time, my wife needed to be at home, so I am here enjoying my parents who still live in the house I grew up in. We hung out on the front porch and just chatted away a few moments together. She carries a weight of sadness for all that she has seen in this world, but at any moment, she can laugh and get me laughing as well! Favorite quote so far: “You have to enjoy your home… when you think about it, for 60 years this home has kept us from getting wet.”
My day job is as a worship pastor. I have the privilege of working alongside a fantastic team of leaders and friends. Our team culture includes celebrating each other’s birthday. Each year we head out to Starved Rock State Park (a real gem of a place in the midst of the Midwestern plains) when my birthday celebration comes around. These images are some of what I saw today. Thanks for stopping by.
rutakintome pictures 
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