Cutlass or Cavalier?

So maybe my Fantasy Football team is officially eliminated for the season, due in large part to quarterback injuries that cost Houshmandzadeh and Moss monster seasons, and Clinton Portis' nagging injuries. Maybe after starting a game of bowling with five straight strikes the other night, I barely rolled a 200. Maybe I had my first bowl of Cracklin' Oat Bran this morning and I wondered, "Why all the hype?" (there isn't much hype about this cereal, but my girl loves them - I think they kind of suck). What I am trying to say is that it is increasingly difficult for me to find things to complain about today. I am grateful for what the Lord has given me.

Last night as I went to bed, I simply prayed that I could wake up and feel energized. Well, the Lord heard my prayer. I was up at like six. I began doing laundry, followed by my typical regiment of abdominal exercises (what you see does not happen by accident folks) and then I went for a really nice jog through Rochester and Monaca. Every once in a while I am blessed with the perfect set of songs on my ipod for the occasion. And anyone who knows me knows that certain songs spawn certain thoughts and levels of excitement and enthusiasm in my spirit.

I heard the song "Bubble Toe(s)" by Jack Johnson. I can't remember if it's plural or not. At any rate my girl Jenn has toes that probably qualify as "bubble toes" so I thought of her and was thankful. Then I heard a song entitled "Ramshackle Day Parade" by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros. Joe Strummer is the late, great front man of The Clash. The song always makes me think of a mission trip I took to Indianapolis which concluded nine years in ministry at my previous church. I heard the song "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver. He was not full of crap ( slightly edited Dumb and Dumber reference). I was crossing the Monaca/Rochester Bridge as I heard the opening lyrics speak of a man being born in his 27th year. Those who know me, know that to be true in some ways. There are some other themes in the lyrics that struck my heart. He sings of a clear, blue, mountain lake bringing serenity. Now, the Ohio River aint no clear, mountain lake, but as I heard the word "Serenity", I thanked Jesus for the Serenity he has bestowed upon my life for today. Dave Matthew's Band's "The Maker" followed and made me grateful for what it means to be cherished and loved in the eyes of my Maker. If you struggle to believe that you are loved and cherished and celebrated by the Maker, I think you should call into question whatever belief system to which you are currently adhering.

"Why Georgia" or "Georgia Why" by John Mayer seems to be a song about a man questioning whether or not he was living right. I remember the first time I heard that song. I was younger, and I know that "right" could hardly describe the way I was going through the motions of my life. It was cool to hear the song with a heart filled with the peace of a man who has learned how to live one day at a time. Finally, to appropriately end the soundtrack of my morning jog, I heard Neil Young's "Heart of Gold". I still remember the first time I really "heard" that song. I was in eleventh grade. It was a gorgeous Fall day. I was cruising with three of my friends. Me and my friend Tim got out of the car that day, and were emphatic about our desire to own some of Neil Young's catalogue. I would bet we didn't word it quite like I just did. Eleventh grade dudes don't say, "I would love to explore, if even just a small portion, the catalogue of Neil Young's work!" Anyway, what I'm saying is that I loved the song then, and I love it now. Great songs transcend time and space and take on different meanings as years pass. A heart of gold was just a fleeting notion then. I was just a kid who looked for parties who would fall deeper and deeper for many more years than I would have guessed at that point. Jesus, I am in awe at times to be on the other side of many of my greatest difficulties.
It is an overwhelming joy to be able to look back over years of my life and see how the good Lord was able to use various people, places and things. Music often helps me in this pursuit. Today I am grateful for the people in my life. I am grateful for the opportunities the Lord has placed before me. I am ever grateful for the forgiveness and new life. I am grateful for my girlfriend (for now, and I mean that in a good way) Jenn. I am grateful when I step outside in the morning and I have a choice. Do I want to drive the '87 Cutlass or the '01 Cavalier? It may not seem like much, but how am I so blessed?
In conclusion I say to you folks who still check this blog: Happy Christmas! Try to look back on the Lord's hand in your life, and list just a few of the things for which to give thanks. The serenity and gratitude that may come as a result are irreplaceable. At least I have found this to be true for me for today.