Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I'll Leave You With This

Ok, so I haven't carried through on the "blogging with some regularity" or some such statement I made a post or two ago. Truth is, I honestly have not had the time to do so or had any focused thoughts to do so. Right now I should be packing, or working, or paying bills, or something other than typing on this blog. I haven't been able to try and get any runs in either so, I'm failing miserably in that aspect of my life as well for the time being. I've often said I really wouldn't mind going back to a simpler time, like when we were settling the west, you know, like Little House on the Prairie-esque days. I know life was harder and, I'd likely be dead already at this age (just turning 42 yesterday), but I think people appreciated their days more because I think their lives were richer in relationships with one another and taking the time to slow down and have meals together or visit with a neighbor. Nowadays we're all too busy scurrying about, going from this to that, changing hats several times a day to fulfill the roles we have allowed to consume our lives. There's a blessing in solitude, in fact, I think that's what I most appreciate about running and why most of the time I run alone and out in the countryside and not in a park... simply for the solitude of it. I had a chance to have some solitude in the woods up north last weekend on a bow hunting trip to my in-laws cabin with my dear friend, Jeremy and will do so again this weekend at my father-in-law's annual deer camp for the opening of gun hunting season. This time I have the pleasure of going with my Dad and my father-in-law. I don't slow down enough to take the time to visit with either of them anymore and life, it seems, just keeps going on by at warp-speed so, I cherish times like this to share with them. My life mimics the Cats in the Cradle song so much at this point in my life, it is scary. Anyway, I'll be back next week about mid-week and will try to get a blurb in here. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this pic from my trip up north last weekend. I hope you find it as breath-taking as I do. Try to enjoy some solitude this week some time or simply connect with someone you've been meaning to, like a family member or dear friend that have been on your mind. Thanks for the note, Bob. I hope you find the Truman Show worth checking in on every once in a while and, know that you and your family are in my prayers daily. I look in on the Truman Show as well, even if I don't interject in it. ;)

Psalm 46:10

5 comments:

Mike Fox said...

Happy Birthday Rick! I can't believe you just slipped in a little comment there without making a big deal about it...

I couldn't agree more with your assessment of the way we live our lives nowadays. I only spent 20 minutes with my boys yesterday - in between rushing in from my job and rushing out for volunteer work. Is it all worth it??

It's actually one reason I cherish our Sabbath. Although we don't follow all the rules and customs, Saturday is a day where we spend time as a family and get together with friends in the neighborhood. No shopping. No errands. Just family time (which during the fall includes Michigan football, of course!)

Enjoy your hunting trip!

Mar said...

Happy belated birthday, Rick!

Thanks for such an inspiring post. Similar thoughts have sifted through my mind lately and it helps to read that I'm not the only one.

Take care..

Mar

Anonymous said...

Quite a whistful blog, Rick! I keep thinking how fast the time is passing by, and am grateful that we get to spend a little time together eery week. I am even more pleased that the girls are still popping in and out with their busy schedules.

As for living in "olden" times, I firmly believe life is what WE make it. I know there is work, and other things that need to be done, but it's up to each of us how we choose to parcel out what
time God has allotted to us. Know that you are loved and cherished!
Mom

Rick said...

Thanks, Mike! Great to hear from you. I hope you are well. Sorry I haven't haunted your blog lately. Too busy, as the post might have alluded to. :(

God knew what He was doing when he commanded the Sabbath. I, shamefully, have never followed that commandment though. It would enrich all our lives I feel.

The hunting trip, though unsuccessful from a hunting aspect, was great, thanks. Say hello to Sherry and the boys for me. I was thinking the boys probably wouldn't remember who I was, but I think they would, as smart as they are.

Thanks for the birthday well wishes, Mar. You're definitely not stranded on a desert island when it comes to parceling time wisely. Though, you seem to have everything so at hand and in control all the time. ;) I, on the otherhand, flitter about, like a bumbling, stumbling, circus bear. Hey! Congratulations again on your San Antonion R&R marathon BQ! Simply amazing! Expected... but amazing nonetheless. ;)

Thanks, Mom and, thanks for reading. I know what we do is up to us, which is why I said what we allow ourselves to get involved in. Life is about choices... hopefully I've made some good ones. I love you too.

Mom on the Run said...

Hey! How was that hunting trip other than snowy? Not sure if Steve is going to get out this year - the weather here is perfect, I think, snowy and cold.