ALC - Homeward

Saturday morning I woke my 16-year-old son Talmage earlier than he had hoped, and asked him if he would go with me to work on our church’s welfare farm. In his usual easygoing manner he agreed without argument, but was quiet for our 20-minute drive to the farm. We were just two of a small group of men, and a few boys drug along by their dads, volunteering to help clear a new plot of land of rocks in preparation for spring planting of corn.

Saturday morning I woke my 16-year-old son Talmage earlier than he had hoped, and asked him if he would go with me to work on our church’s welfare farm. In his usual easygoing manner he agreed without argument, but was quiet for our 20-minute drive to the farm. We were just two of a small group of men, and a few boys drug along by their dads, volunteering to help clear a new plot of land of rocks in preparation for spring planting of corn.

You may have seen this news story. An Australian woman saves her horse when he sinks up to his chest in a quicksand-like mud while out on their daily walk on the beach. She stayed with Astro, holding his nose above the rising tide water, while her daughter called for help, bringing in firefighters and veterinarians. They came with fire hoses, a winch, and finally a nearby farmer’s tractor. They were able to help him escape after three hours, with only a little bruising and dehydration.

Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01 at about 9am EST. I do and I\’ll never forget it as won\’t most Americans. This article is not about national security, terrorism, or even patriotism. This is about the contrast between that horrific event and another life changing event that took place in the Thayne household the following Tuesday morning at the same hour.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and we are being pounded with cards, chocolate, romantic music and dinners. Whether you buy into all of the hoopla, or choose to celebrate your love in quieter and daily ways, you do have to agree that it’s a good thing to celebrate.

“Unmotivated” has got to be one of the top 5 descriptors we hear from parents when telling us about their struggling teen.

“Unmotivated” has got to be one of the top 5 descriptors we hear from parents when telling us about their struggling teen.

Why, when you are making positive changes in your life, do things seem to always get harder before they get easier?

 

Out of all the blogs I’ve posted, the one that seems to have inspired readers the most has to be the story of my Grandpa and his pick ax http://drtimthayne.com/2010/06/grandpas-pick-ax/.  The old pick ax was on display this past week as we honored Grandpa at his funeral.