I can't count the number of times that I have counted my blessings in the last few months. I had a chance to have a long weekend (boy, do I wish it was longer because I'm tired). I shared some Big Orange love with a German and some friends as we beat Kentucky for the 26th time in a row! The VOLS became bowl eligible, and we might be visiting relatives in Mt. Juliet if we can get some one to stay with our poopies – Joe R.? If you can, we will be home for fabulous fun and good times for New Year's Eve.
I'm also reminded about losing family, specifically Matt Marion. We had a wonderful service at church last night. His family and his friends, were sharing their hearts about him and his life. We had a wonderful dinner after the service, and every one came together to help make it a special day. I thought a lot about Granny and Pa, and how they have defied logic in terms of survival. I keep wondering when the call will come and it really be it. I'm reminded that Joe's dad must be on cat life number 11 because he has made it through things that I didn't think I as a 40 something person – namely double pneumonia – would survive. It's scary being in the hospital with a bunch of really sick, old people, and them freaking out when your temperature spikes, you have double anti-biotic IVs, on oxygen and gasping for breath. Funny thing is otherwise I felt fine. I felt it was prophetic when Ricky used Joe's HC tag to park in the very spot we parked in for the Kentucky game in 2004. The one where I left the hospital, with oxygen, skybox ticket, wheel chair and a crazy desire to keep my streak of going to every single home game since 1986 alive. I did. So when we parked in that spot, I knew we would win. I had a crazy German with me, who started cheering for Kentucky – and punching me in the arm when they did something good. I think a bad report about that German is in order for YFU. Ha, Ha, Felix! He didn't realize the value of the streak and that we have Kentucky's number. I didn't reciprocate, although 10 or so years ago, I would have given him hell when we scored, and/or won. He saw a mild version of compulsive Vol Fan, Kelli Thompson.
Why did I bring the German? I don't know. I should have brought my pepper spray to keep him in line. But that is another story. Google Wesloh, pepper spray, 18 month old, and Cumberland Gap National Park to get the picture. So I left the game, and Ricky and Kay took me to church. I'm thinking I have on my UT sweat shirt, tennis shoes, etc. – you get the picture, so I'm not dressed for a funeral service. I was proud to see Ms. Cindy and all her clan in their Tennessee Orange, cheer leading outfits, football outfits, Big Orange blanket – all ablaze in our church. You gotta love the Chadwells. I went downstairs to get the BBQ going, and make sure things were all square.
But then the thing that has been on my heart and on my mind for over two weeks, very heavy, was on perfect display. I went upstairs to check with Joe and I was greeted (not by Joe, he never not talks to any one) with total avoidance, total lack of eye contact, total lack of interaction from some one who should know better. I hate that. I realize what the truth is, now. I realize that some one who is capable of polarizing 70 percent of the people has lost all confidence. Why? Because of what he wanted, because of what he desired, and it didn't work out they way he planned – so he slams the people trying to help.
Oh, what is the love in that? I remember opening my GPS guide from the Church of the Resurrection one morning to see the scripture in Luke about tooting your own horn. I think we had a little bit of that – boasting about what you are going to give and why. I just don't get it, and I just don't get why people decide they have to control the ship, when it should be Jesus in control. I love every body in my church, good and bad, and I call it like I see it. I'm not saying I'm good or bad or any one else is, but I sure know what I do and why – and why I don't boast about it, because there is no reason.
I'm just trying to show Jesus Love, and when you want to show what you do instead, you are seriously missing the boat.
