Adulthood

It seems common for those in the 'baby boom' generation (even one like myself who only barely falls into it and only identifies myself as such with great reluctance) to feel as if we're somehow only pretending to be adults.

It seems like a charade, from which we're frequently in danger of being unmasked. I have noticed, however, two rites of passage which begin to turn that illusion into reality, that is, which have made me feel like a real grown-up instead of a child playing a fantastical game of dress-up.

The first, not surprisingly, was having children. I've always said that nothing made me shed childhood and approach adulthood as it has. But just lately, I've found a new impetus in the direction of becoming really and truly a 'grown-up.'

Perhaps there is nothing that makes us mature like carrying responsibilities, and no responsibility has ever made me feel older than that of caring for a parent: worrying about what she eats, and whether she exercises, making sure she takes her medicine, reminding her to check her blood pressure, etc.

NOT complaining, just musing...

Proverb of the Day

verse 21

As charcoal to embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

National Archives

The kids and I are in Virginia, staying with my mom while she recovers from another heart attack. She'll be coming home with us on Monday, since we don't want her home alone while my dad's away.

About one and a half years ago, we were here with Doug, and in a visit downtown (meaning Washington, DC) we tried to go there. At that time, we had two major factors working against us: it was spring break for a lot of schools, and the movie National Treasure had been recently released. If I remember correctly, the line was about two or two and a half hours long!

Today, we waited about five minutes in line for a bag check and went right in! What a difference timing makes.

Compassion

There are many injunctions in Scripture to be generous with the needy. It's a clear mark of those who serve God.

In America, it is difficult to know how to apply that. Certainly, we can, and should, give to agencies which offer international and local relief.

But it seems that a more personal involvement is called for, and that's where I struggle. If you visit any urban area, the needs become obvious, but the causes are more difficult to discern. How does one help the needy without enabling or even encouraging them to continue lifestyles which are destructive to themselves and those around them?

Proverb of the Day

Chapter 10, verse 31

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

Lemony Snicket

Ok, I have to say, the name always makes me think of candies... perhaps smallish hard candies with a coconut flavored shell and a soft lemon meringue flavored inside?

Beautiful

Often the weather in Northeast Ohio can be thoroughly lousy, but sometimes you get these October days that are surely a tiny foretaste of heaven...

We had a picnic at the Hinkley reservior after church, and then went apple picking at the Hillside Orchard. I have a long-standing fondness for Empire apples, but they were picking Golden Delicious (Doug's favorite), Jonathans and Melrose today.

I may have replaced Empires with Jonathans as my new favorite, but I've heard that they're not as good for baking as they add too much juice when they cook. The Melrose apples taste very good, also, and apparently are equally good for sauce and baking.

So, I'd say we made out like bandits!

Proverb of the Day

verse 13

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.

Just a homeschool gripe

My 8th grader is doing a Literature Analysis course, which I in general usually appreciate. BUT, sometimes it's decidedly over the head of junior high students. For example, this week's lesson discusses the concept 'theme,' and the student is expected to write an essay on the theme of a certain book.

So far, so good. Here's the problem. The sample essay, which presumably was included to be helpful, has the following as its thesis statement regarding the theme of Huckleberry Finn: "It is a biting satire of the American penchant towards sentimental Romanticism." It ends with, "The journey of Huck, then, is the quintessential American journey."

These may well be true, but it sure doesn't help a 7th or 8th grader understand how to write an essay on the theme of Call of the Wild! It's just too far over their heads to give the students direction for their own essays.

Proverb of the Day

verse 11

Wisdom will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

Thessalonians

As a general rule, I have great respect for our pastors, and am impressed by their preaching, but I was surprised when one of them gave 4o AD as the date the first letter to the Thessalonians was written.

The letter certainly seems to be written after Paul's 2nd missionary journey, which, unless Luke didn't adhere to a chronological timeline in Acts, came after the Council at Jerusalem.

If you look at the letter to Galatians, Paul refers to that council as being at least seventeen years after his conversion... This places Paul's visit to Thessalonica no earlier than the late 40's.

If we went to a smaller church, I'd love to ask him about it -- maybe he meant 50? -- but I guess I'll just keep scratching my head.