Fathers, Sons, Friends

We had a father-son getaway this weekend. Chad, Devon and I met in Gatlinburg, and just chilled for a few days. Nothing spectacular, no mountain climbing, no white water canoeing, no zip lining (except for the raincoats). Nope...it was just three men with a deep love and respect for each other, hanging out, sharing stories, and resting.

It was a time of reflection on all of our years together....from sons, to young men, to friends. I learned a little more of their perception of me as a dad. And found a little more grace in their forgetfulness of my many faults.

The first time I laid eyes on Chad, our oldest, I instantly loved him more than any other boy in the whole wide world. And began to understand what it meant to be a dad. When I found out we were going to have a second son, I wondered how in that wide world I could love him as much as the first. One look at that 2nd precious little boy, Devon, and I knew the answer. Yes, I could. And yes, I did.

I had heard parents say how the love is different for each child, but I didn't understand it until I was able to experience it firsthand. The love is no less special, but it is different. The relationships are equally as deep, but they each cover their own native turf.

It's also interesting to note how those relationships change over time, and yet stay the same. A son is always a son, but he can also become a best bud. I'm blessed to have both, and I treasure them dearly.

Once serving as warden to adolescence, I now am a confidant of adulthood. They were once my children, growing before my eyes. Now they are peers, nurturing families of their own.

Nance and I never had a daughter. Now we have two. Adena. Hollie. Both loved as if they were our own, both unique in their relationships and friendships. And then there are the grandkids. :-) Oh my goodness, all that joy rolled up into such a small package? My cup absolutely is filled to the brim, and spilling over.

Thank God for sons & daughters who love Him, and who are doing their best to raise their children in His light. And thank God for sons who love their mom & dad, and want to be around them....and call them friends. That is a joy that I cannot explain.

The 23rd Psalm, as I read it in The Message, says it best; "The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need". Married to my best friend in the world, I'm a 50 yr old dad able to share a weekend with his sons, age 26 & 29. What a priceless gift. And to be treated like a trusted friend by them both? I don't have the words.

I am blessed. Filled. Overflowing. Undeserving. Grateful. Dad.

Mouse Droppings

So, I'm sitting in a mid-class restaurant with a good friend a few days ago, enjoying some chicken wings and conversation. Out of the corner of my eye, I spy something moving under the leg of a couch in the center of the room. My attention is drawn, and I see what looks to be a mouse. But I'm sure I'm imagining things. Nope...said mouse leaves the security of the couch-fort, and does the combat crawl between the wall and the booth right in front of us. I saw it...no doubt about it...there was an unwanted foreigner in our midst. And I immediately realized that I could quite possibly be enjoying the privilege of chowing down on mouse droppings, no extra charge, at that very moment.

Now, I must admit, I wasn't really thinking mouse droppings at that point. The word that was running through my mind and forming on my lips actually rhymes with curds...I think that's a word far more descriptive and fitting. But I'm not going to use that here...so get curds out of your mind....I'll stick with droppings.

I told my buddy what I had just seen (it happened behind him) and then promptly got the attention of our waitress. I discreetly told her about the mouse, and where she could find it (I had it under constant surveillance by this point). Her reply? "oh, I'm glad I didn't see that". And then she just walked away. No, "I'll get someone right on that....sorry you had to see that sir....we'll be sure to get that little critter caught right away...can I get you some extra celery?". (Don't mice really like celery?? Don't they pretty much like ANYTHING edible?) Nope...she didn't make any other comment or effort to allay my concerns...she just walked away.

I watched with interest as she began talking to another server. She was obviously recounting my tale of the mouse intruder. I could tell by the multiple SHIVERS and the look of relief on her face. Server #2 took a few glances in the general direction of the rodent's lair, and then they BOTH walked away. Apparently they either both didn't care, or figured it was somebody else's problem....which at this point, I considered MY problem. They didn't do anything. We stayed there for a couple more minutes, watching to see if anyone would come over to check it out more conscientiously. Nope. No one seemed interested. (I did notice during this time, during a close inspection of a few of my remaining wings, that they closely resemble the size and shape of the rodent in question...but I'm sure this is just a coincidence).

We had lost interest in our food by this time. The thought of Curds and whey was hard enough for me to stomach when I was a kid. Anything rhyming with curds is far beyond my realm of graciousness as an adult. So we left, leaving some uneaten food on the table. Maybe my new friend, which I had now named "mickey" (he was too big to be "minnie"), would appreciate our gesture.

On our way out, we took one last opportunity to mention, DISCREETLY, that there was a mouse between the wall and the corner booth. "Yeah, your server told me. We'll get right on that". He said it with such sincerity (sarcasm dripping here like an ice cream cone on the 4th of July) that I just KNEW he was going to take care of it. I think it might have been his practiced eye roll that convinced me. It was as if he thought I might be scared of the mouse. I wasn't scared of the mouse....I was mad because I quite possibly had just eaten mouse DROPPINGS (curds). I left before enlightening him any further.

That was two days ago, and here I am still thinking about it. Should I call the manager? It's certainly not because I want free food....I will have to be VERY hungry before I go into that establishment for another order of wings with mouse dropping sauce again. No, I just believe that I would want to know if I were the manager. And then, what if the manager shows the same apparent lack of concern as his wait staff? Should I call the health department? There's obviously an issue there. One that needs to be corrected.

I'm not a problem child. I rarely complain about food or service. But this one has my moral responsibility barometer cresting at hurricane pressure level. I'm not listing the name of the franchise here, as I don't want to cause anyone harm. But I am wondering, what should I do?

What would you do? Besides joining me in not choosing curds...no whey....at least on purpose.

No Coke

Well, today is 4 weeks with no Coke. I haven't had a caffeinated beverage since Wednesday, 4 weeks ago. (I'm going to pause here for a moment to allow those who know me well to catch their breath and pick themselves off the floor. Take your time. We will wait).

You see, I have long been known as a Coke-a-holic. When others crawled out of bed and longed for that first hot cup of coffee, I was popping the lid or twisting the top of a delicious refrigerated Coke. I don't do coffee or tea. Just never developed a taste for them. But boy, oh boy, could I put the Cokes away.

On a day when I was being really good, I'd only have 3 or 4. But most days it would be 6 or 8, and there were many days that would approach a bakers dozen. To put it in proper context, you should understand that I drink a LOT with my meals. And since Coke was my beverage of choice, I drank a LOT of Coke.

For some reason, on Wednesday 4 weeks ago, I decided to give it up. Just go cold turkey (why do they call it "cold turkey" by the way? I happen to really LIKE cold turkey!) I had a Mountain Dew at lunch that day, and that was it. No more caffeine. I would do water, or milk, or fruit juice, or water aided by Propel powder...but no more Coke. None, zip, nada.

There were several reasons that I went on the wagon. First, I looked in the mirror one morning and realized I was giving Charles Barkley a run for his money in the weight category (he's still far smarter and better looking than me). Secondly, some of my friends were giving up caffeine for 40 days to help raise money for an organization called Blood Water Mission (sponsored by Jars of Clay, and used to build wells in underprivileged communities). And third, my Doc said it might be a good idea to cut down on the caffeine, to help get my heart rate down to a reasonable level. So just like that, I did it.

The CEO of Coke has apparently put my cell on his speed dial, asking what he needs to do to get me back. The Brand Manager for Mountain Dew has called repeatedly, offering discounts and incentives if I will only return to the fold. And the Director of Marketing for SunDrop has informed me that they are going to have to close the fort if I continue with my current foolish course of action.

I must admit I've been tempted several times. Once I was on an artist promo run, and after driving 12 hours during the daylight, I was forced to drive another 5.5 hours before I would reach the hotel. Leaving Jacksonville at 8pm that night, I drove along I-10, salivating every time I would see a lighted truck stop sign. I made up my mind that I wouldn't stop unless I had to get gas, or to make a pit stop. And I worked on my resolve, knowing I'd have to stop at least once before I completed the journey.

Finally, about 4 hours later, the fuel gauge read 1/8 tank. When I finished pumping the gas, I went inside for the necessary pit stop. And before I exited, I found myself staring at the wall of refrigerated coolers, their contents staring at me in multi-colored caffeinated glory. I never before realized how hooked I had become. It was nothing for me to grab two and hit the road, every time I stopped. No wonder I'd have those Baker's Dozen days :-)

On that night, no one was watching me. I could just grab one, hit the road, and no one would know. And it really would be for SAFETY sake, to help keep me awake. Besides, just one couldn't hurt, could it? But as I contemplated, I was afraid if I drank one, I'd be off the wagon for good. It had only been 6 days for me at that point. So I grabbed a couple bottles of water, and hit the road. And safely got to my hotel.

I've gotten my fair share of funny looks from friends & family since then. When out eating with a friend, and I order water with lemon or lime, they just about snap their neck looking at me to see what is wrong. I think several of them believe that I'm really hard up on finances, as they've been quick to pay the check when it came (maybe there are more benefits to this no Coke thing than I realized???). And my mom, who for some reason believes that I hung the moon (I don't have the heart to tell her that I've only SHOT the moon) still isn't quite sure if I'm kidding or not when I tell her I've sworn off Cokes. I guess it really had a hold on me, for folks to be that surprised when I drink something else instead.

Now, all that's left is for me to make it another 12 days (for a total of 40) and then add up what I would have spent on Cokes during that time. I haven't done that yet. I think it's cuz I'm afraid of just how much $$$ that's going to be. I will write a check to the Blood Water Mission for that amount, and hopefully help a town in some underprivileged country obtain good, clean water. That's well worth it. And so far I've lost 17 pounds. Eat your heart out, Round Mound of Rebound! :-) I just may stay on this water-milk-juice kick for longer than 40 days. Who knows? I'll keep you posted. And here's more on the Blood Water Mission, in case you're interested.
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/

Open Hearts

One of the groups that I help to promote has been going thru some difficult times as of late. Wrecked vans, stolen equipment, RV fires...they have REALLY been walking a tough road. It has seemed like they just have been hit at every turn. And yet Addison Road has stayed true to their faith, has continued to serve God, and has continued to minister at every opportunity presented to them. What's up with that??? :-)

Well, the most recent hurdle, the RV fire, really hit them hard. En route to a concert in Las Vegas, their RV caught fire and BURNED TO THE FRAME, stranding them in the middle of the desert. Attached to the RV was a travel trailer carrying ALL of their equipment, as well as all of their musical instruments. As if that wasn't enough to lose, they also lost all of their clothes. ALL of them. What they had left was literally the clothes on their back. And fans were expecting them to be in concert... that same night...in mere hours.

Somehow, they continued on, and didn't miss the concert! That in itself is testimony to their commitment. I don't think anyone would have felt cheated if the concert was postponed due to the circumstances. But they didn't take the easy way out. They journeyed on. They lived up to their commitments.

I was very moved when I read about the fire, and really wanted to do something to try to help. I talked with my wife about it, and we agreed that this was a great opportunity for the church to be the church....for all of us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. To reach out and help solve the problem, one little piece at a time. We did the little bit that we could afford to do, and then told a few people about the need. Well, apparently there were a LOT of others who were moved in similar ways, because I began to hear about the need being met from a wide variety of sources.

Fellow artists tweeted and blogged about the need. Fans started to spread the word. And one by one, the church functioned as the church. Single moms....anonymous givers....parents with young kids....churches....musical artists....all kinds of people started reaching out, giving & loving on them!

I could try to share the details, but I believe that they will do a far better job of it. Take a few minutes, click on the links below, and read their story. It will inspire you. It's amazing what God can do through the open, willing hearts of His people.

http://addisonroad.com/

http://www.jennysimmons.com/

Racin' the Mustang!

I got to take the Mustang on a 5 lap jaunt around Nashville SuperSpeedway today! It was part of their Season Ticket promotion, and was a pretty cool experience. Nance rode with me, as the official videographer, and was a trooper.....didn't even flinch at the extreme top speed of 125 (kph).

Yeah...that converts to about 77 mph. They had a couple of "pace" trucks sandwiching us in, making sure we didn't go too fast. My original plan was to be the last car in line (I was successful at that) and to lag back a bit, then catch up at a much faster closing speed. But I believe my smooth plan of trickery had already occurred to them. Or, it could have been my driving gloves, racing helmet and flame proof suit that got them worried? At any rate, for some unknown reason, they placed a pace truck very close to my rear bumper. So my "lag back and then blow their doors off" plan was effectively thwarted.

But we had a blast. Sure, it was nothing like when Devon and I drove at Talladega SuperSpeedway....we drove cars that had served as actual Sprint Cup rides....and each topped out at 165mph...now THAT was the master blaster! :-) But today was what it was, a chance to take your street car on the banked oval, and pretend just a little bit. I took it high to the wall out of turn two, and then dived to the inside going into three.

I was actually a bit loose getting into the turns, and a tick tight coming out. If I had been given the time, I'd have come in for a quarter round on the right rear, and 4 fresh Goodyears. But the Hit Radio Promo Ford was strong all day, had lots of horsepower on the straightaways, and with a little bit of luck & a couple of truck drivers that looked the other way for a split second, we would have gotten the checker. As it was, we got a top 5 finish, didn't wrinkle any sheet metal, brought her home in one piece, and had a good solid day.

Now, I think I'll go grab a coke, fill up with Shell, get the oil changed with Pennzoil Ultima, and take my best girl out for dinner. She deserves it. She filmed the entire "race" from start to finish, and didn't reach for the "oh crap" handle once!

Conspiracy

This is going to be short and sweet. But I'm beginning to think that something smells fishy with this whole "every Toyota has a glitch" thing that's going on right now.

There are a couple things that come to mind. One, folks are hearing of the rare problems with unwanted accelleration, and are recreating those problems for attention and possible profit. Two, it's an intentional attack on Toyota by folks who have other interests at heart (possibly even installing computer bugs or viruses in various and sundry models). Or three, Toyota is in the midst of a massive cover-up, and this problem is much larger than they have admitted to date.

Now, just in case you might think that I have a bone to pick with any of the car manufacturers, I do not. Our family owns 3 toyotas (none of which go faster than we desire), two fords and one chevy. So while we don't own one of everything, the nameplates are represented widely.

And in the spirit of full disclosure, I probably should mention that since getting my drivers license at age 16, I have owned, titled and licensed 187 cars. And counting. Just about every make and model that you can imagine. I know, it sounds completely nuts. But there's a story that goes along with that, too. Check with the sons and the wife. It's true :-)

So....what do you think about the current rash of acceleration problems. Conspiracy, or coincidence? I'm leaning towards conspiracy. There's just too much smoke for there not to be a fire.

Circumstance

"Don't allow your circumstance to affect your view of God. Allow your view of God to affect your circumstance." That's what Pastor Tom said this past Sunday in church. And it has been resonating in my spirit over the past several days.

Things happen all the time that cause us to be discouraged, to question whether we can keep going, and generally put us in a funk. That's a given. It's always going to be that way, as long as we live. Disappointments are going to come. People are going to let us down. We are going to experience failure and contemplate quitting. We are going to stumble, and sometimes fall.

But it's what we do in the face of those circumstances that determines who we will become. Will we stay mired in the depression and despair of the circumstance? Or will we rest in the knowledge that God is never surprised by anything that happens in our life, and that He has a plan for our future? And that oh, by the way, He is God.

His plan has always been better than my plan. I'm confident of this, having tried both paths in the past. Repeatedly :-) His plan isn't always easiest, but it's best. His way isn't always the most comfortable, but He has forged it for me. He intends for me to walk it....with Him. But it's my choice which way to go. Will I walk with my eyes on Him, or will I stumble with my eyes on the circumstance?

"Don't allow your circumstance to affect your view of God. Allow your view of God to affect your circumstance." Powerful words that Pastor Tom spoke, as he was facing a circumstance of his own. His wife sat a few rows in front of him, having been diagnosed with colon cancer just a couple days before. I didn't know of their struggle until well after the words pierced my heart. Now they have even more surgical precision.

Reality. Discouragement. Life. Death. Uncertainty. Crisis. Sickness. All are circumstances that can cloud our vision, and impair our walk. Will we focus on the what, or will we focus on the Who? (no, not Roger Daltrey) He is able to affect our view, change our outlook, and give us hope. Psalm 42 & 43 remind us "why so downcast, oh my soul? Put your trust in God". "Send Your light and Your truth. Let them guide me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell."

As the old saying goes, "you can't see the forest for the trees". So where will we choose to focus? It really is that simple.

Insulted

So I'm pumping gas last night. Minding my own business, lost in the thoughts of what I meant to accomplish today, and what's left to finish tomorrow. Out of nowhere, I hear the guy on the other side of the pump say, "hey, congratulations! When's it due?".

What?!? Are you kidding me??? I stare at him incredulously, and feel a serious dose of anger welling up in my spirit. Now here's a guy in serious need of some butt whoopin! And I just happen to have a can. Him??? He's cool as a cucumber, just staring right through me, not one bit afraid.

A split second before I punch his lights out...in Christian love, of course....I hear this voice behind me, obviously female. "Thanks....just about a month to go". I go from extreme anger to hard-to-control hilarity in 2.1 seconds. Hoping my expression hasn't given away EITHER emotion, and wondering if I should apologize to him for almost cleaning his clock (which I now understand wasn't in need of housekeeping or janitorial service), I calmly finish filling my tank and replace my nozzle, exactly as the instructions I'm now studiously reading direct me to do.

I've never realized before this never ending moment how LONG it takes for the stupid gas pump to give you your receipt! It's years! We are now in a honey-molasses state of time continuum. NO, I don't want any of those three choices of car washes!!! Please, can I just have my proof of purchase so I'll have a defense when the policeman pulls me over for driving off without paying? And before this constricted belly laugh forces my face to explode would be nice!

I've finished reading the "what to do in case of fire" directions and have started on the "handicapped access" portion when finally....FINALLY....my receipt makes its way out of the slot, and I'm able to get in the car, and drive home, laughing all the way (why does the phrase "bells on bobtails ring" come to mind at this moment???)

Heading home, I found it's hard to stay safely in your lane when you can't see for laughing. Mr Policeman is going to have an entirely different reason for pulling me over now. Won't that look good on tomorrows front page..."Pregnant Christian Music Promoter Stopped For DUI". Yeah, THAT would be hilarious. :-) Honey, I have something we need to talk about.....