In this brief life, all a man possessed of value was his character. That and the love of those who adorned his life.”
–Ralph Peters (Valley of the Shadow)
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
–Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
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I started out from Texas, about a month ago…now it’s time to be hitting the road again and return to my home, sweet home. Don’t have much to be giving you today as I’ve got to get out and get the steel mount ready to go. It’s been a grand time up here in Maryland with family, but now it’s time to get back to our little shack there in the Piney Woods. You know one of the problems up here in Maryland is that I can’t see Texas from here.
My mercy, October! Where has this year gone? Sure was plenty to be doing the first three quarters, only one left. If you haven’t taken care of those resolutions you better get started. Get it done! If they were valid, and you haven’t started, well, get busy with them today.
Life is short, so take some time to enjoy it. Value the things that are important. A few years ago, I took a phone away from a student; he was one of those punkist types, you know the type where the spirit of slap just wants to overcome you. He said I couldn’t do it and that he had to have it back. He said he couldn’t live without it. My, what a life he had. You better spend some time with the things that are important. Take care to cultivate and maintain a good character, and then enjoy your family. I know that you have to make a dollar, but get those priorities in line.
I’ll leave you with just a few thoughts to ponder for I’ll be on the trail the next few days. Oh, Miles might show up tomorrow before we head out. I don’t think I’ll need him for a guide; I’m pretty good at following the trail myself. Don’t plan on using any of those fast highways; going to stick to the less traveled way, plus I’ve got a good gal by my side, so if we get lost, who cares?
Here are just a couple of thoughts to ponder. A couple reminders for this wearisome age.
“Look to the hills. They are quiet. The storms sweep over them, and are gone, and most of man’s troubles pass the same way. Whenever you feel that things are getting too much for you, go to the mountains or the desert–it smoothes out the wrinkles in your minds.”
–Louis L’Amour
“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
–Revelation 2:4-5 (HCSB)
See you back in Texas, and don’t worry, I’ll check my cinch.