Just came back from a wedding, and I of course have an observation.
First of all, it took me back to our wedding day 12 years ago. I was amazed that after months of tedious planning, the day just whipped by, and I honestly don't have much of a memory of it!
I mean, I remember being at the church. I remember the priest forgetting to have me kiss the bride (I still hear about that one!). I remember the "Chicken Dance". Yes, the Chicken Dance, the one thing my lovely bride had asked us not to have, and there it was. But other than those things, not so much.
That's why weddings are interesting times to observe the Bride and Groom.
There's a lot of strained smiling going on. Alot of shaking hands, hugging and laughing at akward jokes told in mixed company. And, alot of the usual comments..."The cake is beautiful!" "The Groom cleans up nice!" And, "Hey, (fill in the name), now it's your turn to get hitched!"
But through it all, I notice one thing. The bride and groom are always at their happiest when they get the rare moment to be alone...even for a second...and enjoy each other.
Aint love grand!
After a lengthy sabatical, he sits in front of his computer, fingers ready at the keyboard. So much to say...so much to write. Topics race wildly through his mind, each fighting for the right to take their rightful place on the field of honor...the blog. Many will read the entries. Some will cry. Some will laugh. But one thing is certain...he must write, because he is...the Media Pastor.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Stuff of Character
Flashback 30 years....
"Son, I know it's high noon and 99 degrees. I know it's a push mower, and the yard hasn't been cut for three weeks. But, it needs to be done...and, it'll build character."
Why...oh why...is it that when there's something you have to do that really, really sucks, it allegedly "builds character?"
The only reason I'm having this flashback to my innocuous, if not painful, childhood (it was only painful because the bullies wouldn't stop beating me sensless when I refused to stop speaking in Klingon) is because of this past weekend.
It's funny how a totally unrelated event can bring an old feeling to the surface.
As I watched my good friend Ross lament at the impending loss of his Oklahoma Sooners, one phrase popped to mind. I wanted to look Ross in the eye as he suffered through the humiliation of having potential championship dreams dashed to pieces and say,"Ross, it'll be okay. At least it will build character."
That was it. At that very instant in time, I had become my Dad.
I actually realized the power of that simple statement :"It'll build character." It's only 3 (or 4) words, but it carries an awesome reponsibility. Never have 3 or 4 words meant so much.
To the man who says it, it means "Hah! Now you are as miserable as I!"
To the man who hears it, it means: "Where's the nearest noose."
Well, I was able to break that cycle before it even began. I will not become one of the countless millions of 70's era men that have tossed that statement around with careless abandon. No, I will be a thoughtful friend, and lament with my fellow sportsfans and human beings.
In the meantime, I'm going to finish watching the Bengals on Monday Night Football. It's brutal. But, hey...at least it builds character.
"Son, I know it's high noon and 99 degrees. I know it's a push mower, and the yard hasn't been cut for three weeks. But, it needs to be done...and, it'll build character."
Why...oh why...is it that when there's something you have to do that really, really sucks, it allegedly "builds character?"
The only reason I'm having this flashback to my innocuous, if not painful, childhood (it was only painful because the bullies wouldn't stop beating me sensless when I refused to stop speaking in Klingon) is because of this past weekend.
It's funny how a totally unrelated event can bring an old feeling to the surface.
As I watched my good friend Ross lament at the impending loss of his Oklahoma Sooners, one phrase popped to mind. I wanted to look Ross in the eye as he suffered through the humiliation of having potential championship dreams dashed to pieces and say,"Ross, it'll be okay. At least it will build character."
That was it. At that very instant in time, I had become my Dad.
I actually realized the power of that simple statement :"It'll build character." It's only 3 (or 4) words, but it carries an awesome reponsibility. Never have 3 or 4 words meant so much.
To the man who says it, it means "Hah! Now you are as miserable as I!"
To the man who hears it, it means: "Where's the nearest noose."
Well, I was able to break that cycle before it even began. I will not become one of the countless millions of 70's era men that have tossed that statement around with careless abandon. No, I will be a thoughtful friend, and lament with my fellow sportsfans and human beings.
In the meantime, I'm going to finish watching the Bengals on Monday Night Football. It's brutal. But, hey...at least it builds character.
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