It's wednesday... Hump day!

Posted: 05/28/2008

What happened to the month of May?  Cooler than usual for wisconsin yet the signs of spring are clear.  The grass keeps growing and keeps my wife busy on her lawnmower.  she finds a place of saboth when she is riding her mower.   Tomorrow, May 29th it will be 15 years that I have been married to Sue!  Happy anniversary Dearest!  These have been the best 15 years of my life.  thanks!  I cannot begin to imagine life without you.   I often times wonder and contemplate peoples' priorities?  I belong to several service organizations whose intent is to help those in need.  The rewards of fulfilling someone's need so outweighs the struggles of peoples' hidden agendas and priorities.  Somehow I believe that folks need to refocus their attention on what they can do for others rather than complaining about what is in it for themselves.  My faith journey and life's experience continue to point me in the direction of service to others... and Yes! sometimes even at the cost of my own fulfillment and/or satisfaction.   Recently I have been spending time with a friend who is nearing the end of her life.  In her dying she is teaching me much.  Her faith story is not one of glory, high publicity, or even quiet accalades.  It is a faith story and journey of conviction, love, and grace.  many and all could and would learn much from her in this process of dying.  Her love for the Lord, her graciousness to others, and her quiet presence provides strength, fulfillment, and satisfaction to her family, friends, and those who know her.  I would wish that "thus for the grace of God... there go I."   And having said that for this Wednesday morning I am also reminded of all of my family and friends who have made such a difference in my life.  Growing up in a Christian home as a "preacher's kid" has taught me well.  others come first!  I do believe that my folks have taught me well that the needs of others are important and significant.  "When you have met the needs of the least of these, you have met me" says Jesus in the gospels.  I believe that and try with every fiber of my body to live that.  yet, i also know that it requires the support of my family and friends, the cooperation of many who work with me at things I cannot do by myself, and especially those special folks who drive me around.  You who are in my circles of ministry I love you and deeply appreciate your gifts.   I would love to hear from others.  If you would like to comment on anything I have written either here on this blog or in my book "From Eagle to chicken and Back" you can do so by writing to me at 'schowalter@genevaonline.com'.  I can't guarantee a rapid response but I will at some point in time.  Please title your note in the subject line "Hey Eagle & dobies" so my spam filters don't swipe your note! (grin)e   Peace & Prayers,   Mark

Thoughts for a Wednesday afternoon

Posted: 05/14/2008

Dealing with any major disability takes courage, inner-strength, and many a good friend.  It is always important to be able to realize ones limitations and then seek ways to work through and around the issues that make those limitations.  Once again, I was reminded today of the limitations of my blindness.   Because of my blindness I am not able to drive.  This morning my wife needed to be at the hospital for some routine tests with instructions that she would not be able to drive herself home.  I couldn't drive her myself.  fortunately we have an excellent friend who was able to drive for both of us and the trip was accomplished.  and the tests all came out fine.  Thanks!   Friends are special gifts that enable and help me to be as strong and as inter-dependent as I am.  We all need special friends to help us.  It makes the job so much easier and generally takes less time.  Many hands makes light works.  And rather than get all upset by the reality that I cannot drive I give thanks to God for our special friend Liane who was able to drive for us today and make the job so much easier.   Peace & prayers,   Mark