Made my annual visit to church on Wednesday night. Faster Pastor Josh Sawyer hosts the Stir Lenten Series, a “project that incorporates the arts and spirituality. A service that prizes honesty and creativity over doctrine and dogma. An opportunity to expand your mind and stir your soul.”
I learned more than I knew about Samaritans, how they were lepers and the scourge of their communities. And how one of them through the grace of gratitude, elevated their historical estimations.
Which got me thinking a lot about gratitude.
I’m grateful for the extended family of this Nebraska running community. Both Linda & I have very strong parental associations with Team Nebraska. We took these athletes in, from the talented and graceful to the rough hewn and misunderstood. We cared for and nurtured them and did what any parent would do for a child, that is to say, we were there for them, whenever and wherever most needed.
And we tried to instill a sense of respect in and pride for the Competitive side our sport; the historical context, the current state of, and the future of Nebraska athletics.
And as with Real Life, many of our kids took that message to heart.
It is clear in retrospect which of those kids really got it, and those which didn’t. All were welcome in my house, whether it was the brick and mortar at 18312 or simply as a member of Team Nebraska. All were extended the same considerations up to and including Linda and I giving them the shirts off our backs.
That love and commitment to the team has made the transition of the last couple of months particularly tough. To be dismissed and disrespected by some that you cared for, advocated for, bent over backwards for.
But Happy Endings are always in my life plan. Those that loved and/or respected us will forever remain in our hearts and memories. I couldn’t be more grateful to You.
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