Beginnings and Endings

We were delighted when Jason asked us to witness his baptism. We met him years ago through my son, Eric, and he has become like an adopted son to us. So there wasn’t any question whether we would be attending his baptism.

Eric plays guitar with a group for the Praise and Worship service at St. John Divine Church.  It’s a very upbeat yet reverent service that has people on their feet.  This particular Sunday was no different.

As we entered the building we spotted our grandkids, Luke and Addie, playing with other children…

like Camille who decided, along with her sister, to switch just one their boots with the other.  She looked pretty adorable and it made us laugh at her ingenuity.  We want to check on her when she’s about 16 to see what her tastes in clothing will be.

We entered the auditorium to the music playing an upbeat hymn.  These guys are really great musicians and I love hearing the guitars, mandolin, bass, violin and drums.  The music entices you to stand up and move whether it’s swaying or clapping your hands.

The homily this day was on beginnings and endings and it brought to mind our ending of living in a sticks and bricks home and our new beginning…living and traveling in our RV.  It brought a smile to my face.

The priest spoke about how life has changed but hasn’t ended.  He then mentioned alpha and omega, first and last and, of course, beginnings and endings.  It was such a positive message and seemed to fit right in with our life now.

The priest finished his homily with a story about Winston Churchill and how he had planned his funeral.  He wanted a bugler, high in the dome of Saint Paul’s cathedral, to play Taps, which signals the end of the day.  Once that was played a bugler on the other side of the dome was to play Reveille to let everyone know a new day was beginning.  I think Churchill had it right!

Luke was quiet for the moment and we all said a silent prayer of thanks!  This was in part because we all agreed to sit in the bleachers at his request.

The moment came for Jason’s baptism.  He had quite a show of support that included the whole band.  As Eric told him later, “Bet you didn’t think Black Sabbath was going to be up there.”  We think it’s really special when an adult makes a conscious decision about their life based on inner reflection, research and conversations with others. 

After the baptism, we all went out to eat Tex-Mex to celebrate.  What…you thought we’d eat something different?  No, Jason’s aunt and uncle had flown in from California for this and we wanted to show them Texas hospitality.

The world continues to turn regardless of where we are with our lives.  Right now we are staying in one spot as we take care of business before hitting the road again moving towards new beginnings.  We treasure our beginnings and our endings as they continue to repeat their cycles for everyone.

So, in closing for this week, let it be this…

Stay strong and steady with the wind always blowing at your back
as you travel down the road to your next adventure. 

Until next week…keep creating Sentimental Journeyz in your RV.