Marginalia

Cold outside on a Saturday means staying inside and reading a novel.

Currently reading: Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel by Anthony Doerr 📚

I’m so grateful for the work I get to do and never tire of being a pastor but after a long week I’m grateful for a day off tomorrow.

It’s been a long but productive day and now it’s time to finish it with something that has been aged in a barrel.

I’ve spent the last few days at a regional gathering of pastors but now I’m back in my own congregation which feels like returning to my local franchise after visiting with the larger cooperate structure.

I’ve been thinking all day about how I’m going to use the word aluminum in a post about my day today but I can’t seem to come up with anything clever.

Had to go down to Philly today for a gathering and hoped to leave before traffic getting home was too bad. I was unsuccessful.

Returning back to normal life from being on vacation for a week requires me to adjust back to my normal routine but with the gain of renewed energy for what’s to come.

Based on the way my kids are behaving this morning I have a suspicion that this could be a long day. Hoping I’m wrong.

Beauty on display in Lake George today.

Grateful for the privilege of being able to serve as a minister of word and sacrament but also grateful for weeks like these focused on my primary calling as Husband, Father, and Child of God.

Current Status: Peaceful

Driving five and a half hours with my young kids in the backseat is never fun but I’m certain it will be worth it once we get to Lake George.

My kids had off from school today so I took them to a car museum to see hundreds of cars. The consensus was that the Batmobile was the coolest car.

Grateful for morning walks that help me to gain insight and clarity on what I’m thinking and feeling and help me determine what to do next.

We celebrated All Saints Sunday today which gives thanks for those who have gone before us and the way their example echoes through the generations to come.

Was visited by a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses this morning eager to talk with me but when I told them that I’m a Lutheran pastor they decided to leave. I guess my profession means I’m exempt from hearing their beliefs.

Watching the Philadelphia Union ⚽️ try to win the MLS cup. I haven’t watched much Union soccer but it’s exciting to watch and support them today.

All right Game 6 here’s hoping some of that Phillies post season magic still remains. Let’s Go Phils! ⚾️

Did a lot of driving in Chester county today and spent the bulk of the time in awe and admiration of the beautiful fall foliage.

What happens when both your teams are playing on the same night…⚾️Go Phils and 🏈Go Birds!