Day 24 – gratis pro deo, Free and For God

I sometimes dream of having enough money to be free to work as I wish. Then I wonder what I might do. It seems I am more inclined to recognize that which I would not do. I would not rush from one thing to the next; I would not drive my car as much; and I would not have one day the same as the last one. Many jobs seem to be a lot like the last one.

So what would I do? Lately, I’m drawn to cooking and gardening, simple tasks yet practical and earthy. I like to bicycle, walk and daydream. I wonder about school and how it might be changed so more young people would want to attend and would find success there. I read some and write some, mostly for my own edification. I think I’d go back to Africa and stay longer. I recently read on a t-shirt, “I need Africa more than Africa needs me.” There’s deep truth in that statement, enough to daydream about for months or years.

Do these activities leave me gratis pro deo? I not sure, but I’m certain that fulfillment is not about money but about smiles, fitness, digging in the dirt, and prayer.

Day 13 – Father’s Day

Today is the day when we celebrate fathers. My father died suddenly twenty-five years ago last November. Brian, our oldest son, turned one just after the memorial service. My dad died of an aortic aneurism probably caused by cigarette smoking educed emphysema. I remember it was a confusing set of circumstances because when my brother first called I thought he was talking about my uncle who had been ill and not my dad. I discovered the truth a day later while talking with my mom. Anyway, it has been twenty-five years since I celebrated my dad, although I’ve thought about him often.

However, Brian and Jonathan, with Carol’s help especially when they were little, have found various creative ways to celebrate their dad. I remember breakfasts in bed, various picnics and outings, and of late very good BBQ steak tended by Brian. Jonathan is the one that frequently comes up with just the right gift. The last two years Brian’s girlfriend, Marilyn, has joined us. She makes amazing pesto. After great food and conversation we usually, as with any special day, conclude with a game around the table. I’m very lucky to have a family that enjoys being together.