Then he took the steaming black liquid in the tin cup in both hands and sipped it. ‘That’s good coffee. I’ve missed cow camp coffee.”
–C. Wayne Winkle (Gideon Parnell: The Beginning)
My mercy, Pard, that poor hoss of yur’s. How much pie did yuh eat? Four pieces or four pies? I know there was plenty of food and the folks sure filled their plates. Yuh wasn’t one of them that hit the dessert table first were yuh? Hmmm, my missus made four pies: two apple, a pumpkin, and a sweet tater. I know there was also a chocolate one around. From the looks of yur girth yuh did yurself proud.
Really nice weather down at the lake, sitting ’round the fire for a few days, eatin’, drinkin’ coffee, an’ watchin’ the flames flicker. Spent some time jawin’ with folks I see only once a year. Yep, it was a nice time. Was sittin’ there one time, sippin’ on the hot coffee that was just boiled at the fire and heard something. At first I thought it was just the wind comin’ cup and whisperin’ through the tree tops, but then I recognized that it was an “Echo”. Yep, I could hear it comin’ off the lake, beginnin’ at one end and movin’ quietly over the waves. It weren’t nostalgia, but the sound of rememberin’ and reflectin’ on how good the Lord has been to me through the years.
Made me realize the there are fewer days left in front of me than behind me. Need to be makin’ most of the time left. No tellin’ when the Lord may call a person home, or when He might be comin’ in on the clouds. In fact, when I heard the wind in the trees I wonder if’n that’s not the Holy Spirit a whisperin’ sayin, “He’s comin’, be ready for the sound.”
Sure did enjoy my time ’round the fire. Coffee was good. I’d forgotten just how good coffee boiled on a campfire tasted. Ahhh, not that what we’re a-drinkin’ this mornin’ is bad. Just something ’bout bein’ out in God’s great cathedral, enjoyin’ His creation, and swallerin’ good coffee that hits the soul. But Pard, yuh best lose those pounds for this is the Christmas season an’ jist because yuh enjoyed a feast on Thursday don’t go fillin’ yurself everyday.
For sure the Lord is good! He is faithful to His children an’ sure good to know that I’m one of them. Be sure durin’ this time of year that yuh do plenty of ponderin’ on all that He has done for you. Enterin’ Christmas be thinkin’ of why He came down to this ol’ earth. Make His comin’ personal. An’ in the hustle and bustle of the season, when yuh go out don’t forget to be checkin’ yur cinch or when yuh fall on yur noggin’ yu’ll see all sorts of colorful lights.
Speakin’ of lights, tonight they light up the town square. Nice time and it’s a blessin’ to see a community still showin’ that Jesus is the reason, not only for the season, but for our lives.
Vaya con Dios.