Saturday, September 21, 2024
Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
 On the road along the river
Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
We walked through the Texas Military Museum, reading about war (one of which hoped to end all war) and touching tanks, machine guns, jeeps and ambulances. Driving away Miles said, “I don’t want to be in the Army, but I want to be a veteran.” Margaret’s suggestion, “Sign up for a helping part of the army, find a way to help the soldiers.”
Jasper was thinking he’d like to join the navy. At the museum we saw a beautiful model of a four masted sailing warship from the early history of the US, and Jasper headed right toward it. “Look at this!” He was fascinated.
I’ve been reading about the power of non-violence all week, and I don’t imagine very many of the volunteer vets or folks walking around the museum would have sympathized with that point of view. There’s just too much umph behind redemptive violence. And after the battles, the museums magnify the beauty, the intelligence, and the valor of the soldiers.
I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love.
Miles and Jasper spent some of their gift shop money on a bag of grenade shaped balloons and two sets of toy soldiers. Later at home, while the adults looked at pictures from our Friday adventure, they set them up on the floor, and their armies looked pretty well-organized and dangerous.
So they had fun with all of that. We drove around outside in the heat and looked at twenty or so tanks and guns, and then several jet fighters and helicopters, including a Presidential helicopter, which Lyndon Johnson used while he was in office. Just a few minutes away we parked at Mayfield Nature Preserve and tracked down six peacocks. Watched them for awhile. Admired the big goldfish and beautiful colored lilies on the ponds. Didn’t have a single thought about warfare.
Strive to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
A few more minutes down the road to Mt. Bonnell, the highest point in Austin at 755 feet above sea level. 94 stone steps climb steeply to the top. Miles and Jasper led the way and were on their way down before I made it up there. The view of Lake Travis and the fancy houses way down there turned all our heads.
But we were getting hungry.
BBQ spots abound in Austin. Just a little further down the same road we stopped at one of the best, County Line on the Lake, where we ate with our cousin when she visited Austin a year or so ago. Not crowded, we got the best table with a big view of the lake and its hundreds of turtles and fish. Miles used a couple of his quarters for turtle food. The BBQ was good too, and the chocolate milk shake we shared was great. Four straws and extra cherries!
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
These Friday adventures end with Jasper asleep in his car seat, and Miles fighting off sleep in his. After we took them home, a car barely sideswiped us on the way home, leaving no cuts but some tire bruises on the passenger (Margaret’s) door. The black stain of the tires covers almost the whole door. Not a single other thing wrong. I wonder what the insurance companies will say about that.
Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.
(Ephesians 4, Psalm 19, Matthew 9)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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