Lazy J Ranch

My wife picked it out. The wallpaper, that is. Dark blue in color, it has a western theme with light brown lassos printed here and there. However, it’s the border at the top that really matters to her. Among the cowboy hats and horseshoes may be found several old-fashioned placards which boldly read, “Lazy J Ranch.” Since my name is Jerry, you can guess the rest.

OK. I’ll accept that – with a wry grin of course. Since I retired as Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania, my frenetic pace has been seriously reduced. Every day feels like a day off. I now have time to read the morning paper and drink a second cup of coffee. That’s nice.

I have been especially lazy during the fall and winter months. Those of you who look for words of wisdom from me via the internet have been disappointed. Alright, you wags – “words of wisdom” may be a stretch. Seriously, I apologize to those of you who are disappointed by my silence.

A slight correction may be in order here. I wasn’t entirely lazy. Several days were given to the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers. I am their go-to guy for research and development, and the fall was very busy. It included a trip to Winona Lake, Indiana. I also squeezed in a meeting with the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina (I’m a member of the Board of Directors).

Trips to visit family members also dominated the fall landscape. Our fourth grandchild was born to Janae and Eric Goodwyn on October 12. We drove to California the day after he was born and spent a week at their home in Hemet. We also flew to Pennsylvania in November for Thanksgiving, and again in December for Christmas. I guess I’m not so lazy after all, huh?

It isn’t a new year’s resolution, but I promise to write more in the next three months than I have in the last three months. Except for trips to California at the end of January and Florida at the end of February, the beginning of 2007 should be somewhat quiet. I hope.

Fortunately, the Lazy J wallpaper is used only in the laundry room. I don’t see it very often. Otherwise, I might be unduly encouraged to loaf. I have enough encouragement as it is.

I’m especially encouraged that God is at work all the time behind the scenes. Jesus said that the Father cares about the smallest details of life on earth. I think that includes my life. He is at work on my behalf – even when I don’t know enough to ask for help. I want to write about that next week.

I’ll try not to look at the wallpaper.