Friday, November 5, 2021                             (today’s lectionary)
Night Walk
Miles and I went for a walk after dark last night. We saw the stars, and even one star that was pointing down at our apartment building. The quiet parking lots were kind of bright with overhead lights, so we ventured off between two buildings into a very dark, mostly dirt corridor leading to the grassy dog walk around our entire complex.
“What is that sound on your phone, Grandpa?” It was kind of eerie, and I had no idea what it was. “Can we keep our flashlights on, Grandpa?” Only if you don’t shine the lights into people’s windows, Miles. I had my flashlight off. I liked the dark even more than he wanted to like it.
I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another.
“I think you should turn your light on and shine it down in the grass so you won’t step in the dog poop, Grandpa.” I wasn’t so sure about that, poop is hard to see even with a flashlight. So I left it off. He was wearing sandals with no socks, and the grass brushed his feet. I wish I had my socks off. The grass was soft, even now in November.
For awhile both our lights were off. The stars were bright, what few we could see in the middle of Austin. It was getting darker now. Yesterday morning Jasper, Miles and I walked around the block at their house just as the sky was brightening. We stopped at a neighbor’s sidewalk library stand and picked out a book. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt! Miles continued the familiar line, “And we’re not afraid …”
Later when we were alone together he recited Psalm 8. “Oh Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth.” He spoke with passionate intonation here and there throughout the psalm. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him, human beings that you care for them?” This remarkable human being will be five on November 11. Veteran’s Day.
I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.
“Can we go back now, Grandpa? I’m getting cold.”
Jasper and Grandma were sleeping when we walked in. Miles and I cuddled awhile when we came back, and read Elmo Gets Homesick, for the third time. Then, reluctantly, he curled up on his big air mattress and I piled him high with blankets. His cozy giggles from under the covers swept over me, and I rested too. Soon we were both asleep.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song, sing praise. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
(Romans 15, Psalm 98, 1 John 2, Luke 16)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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