Lubbock Texas In My Rear View Mirrow

South by southeast I drove…into the darkness and watched the glimmering lights of Lubbock disappeared in my rear view mirror.  By the time I descended the Cap Rock the black sky was beginning to show ever-changing shades of pink, lavender, and indigo.  The morning sun peeked over the horizon and morphed from a huge orange orb into a brilliant blond spotlight that illuminated the cotton candy clouds and then rendered them a bright white. 

It was an awesome sight and it gave me cause to ponder the events of the past week…a week spent on the High Plains.

An unexpected funeral of a friend and an anticipated 50^th birthday of my college fraternity both fell in the same week and were both cause for celebration and reflection.  My friend was an extraordinary person who lived her life in the background…never wanting to be recognized.  Part prankster, part instigator and part Mother Teresa…she made an incredible difference to the underprivileged and the poor.  I was astonished by the number testimonies given by the once “street children” who went on to make something of them self…just because of her.  I can’t help but chuckle when I recall all the stunts she pulled especially the one when she and my “not yet wife” painted poke-a-dots on my old pick-up truck.

I am confident she received a warm “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.”  So rest in peace Susie Howard.

Then there was the gathering of all the old college friends…some I had not seen in almost 50 years.  Some looked and acted exactly the same as they did in school…some had gotten old and gray…some had passed away.  It was a joyful time and a sobering time.  I think many shared the same thought, even though it went unspoken…our bus is quickly reaching its destination and we will not be at the next 50-year reunion.

So here is looking forward to a warm “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for the gift of life.

Thank you for a wonderful wife.

Even with the stress and strife.

I’ll play for you my drum and fife.

Until I reach the afterlife.

Amen.