Pacesetter

A Piece of my Mind is Pastor Mike's monthly reflection

JUNE 2007

I don't know if it was my 63rd birthday last month or maybe it was Confirmation Sunday or maybe it's that Father's Day is coming up. For whatever reason, I recently found myself in a reflective mood and thinking about a few of my favorite things.

When it rains while the sun is shining.
Long rides with Judi and every now and then reaching across the seat and patting her on her leg.
Putting on my Confirmation Class persona and feeling like I am
stepping onto a stage when I walk into class.
Sunday mornings before anyone arrives, alone in the sanctuary, to think, to reflect, to pray.
Feeling tired from a long day in the garden.
I say to Judi, "You're pretty" and she always says, "No, you are."
Writing, when I have something I want to write about.
Around the table with Judi, Stephanie and Staci, laughing with them, enjoying their wit, seeing their beauty.
Reading a book I enjoy so much I don't want it to end.
Standing at our dining room window, watching the spring rain fall on the emerging garden.
Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Confirmation worship services.
Sleeping in a minivan at Pastor retreats on a cold night with the windows open.
Doing crossword puzzles with Judi.
Early morning golf.
Shades of green foliage contrasted against dark, moist, soil.
Yellowstone.
An "Aha" moment in sermon preparation.
Those moments when I feel like I've lost myself in the act of preaching.
Watching a bride as she comes down the aisle.
Folklife, Edmonds Saturday Market
Answering someone's question and seeing "Oh, I see it now" in their eyes.
Snow - one day's worth.
Saturday morning breakfast with Judi.

The Apostle Paul wrote "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ‹if anything is excellent or praiseworthy) think about such things." Philippians 4:8

I cannot say for certain he had in mind the kinds of things I include in this list of a few of my favorite things, but I think they would be OK with him.

What are a few of your favorite things?
When was the last time you thought about them?