The Race

"Daddy, can we work on it today...Can we? You said 'soon'...Is it 'soon' now? Daddy? C'mon Daddy!"... It's early April and anyone who's ever been involved in scouting knows that the big race is fast approaching. Cub Scout packs everywhere are preparing for their annual pinewood derby. The count-down to our race is at T-minus-seven days and Benjamin & I have been busy. Bed-time rules have relaxed a bit for my second son as we've spent time together out in my work-shop this past week, working on our entry in this year's event. Ben's car joins a long lineage of wooden racers; crafted by father & son - working together, attempting a winning design. We've come up with a number of fun and whimsical cars in derbies past: Sleek dragsters, rocket-cars, a couple of American flags, even a choo-choo train. I once entered my own car in the open class a few years ago - it was a bed! You know - a mattress & headboard; it was a cute little scaled model, complete with a comforter, matching pillow case, and a little fella snoozin' under the covers. I named it, "fast asleep" - It lost.

Our oldest son, Bradley decided to enter a choo-choo
a few years ago. It took first place for craftsmanship!

Over the years, we've taken some first-place trophies for craftsmanship and won a few races but it's been quite a long spell since anyone in our family took the overall first prize in a pinewood derby event - some thirty seven years, actually! I can still recall the thrill: It was the early 1970's, my dad & I rolled out a dark metallic blue little number (the same color as dad's Oldsmobile) and it easily won every single race. I remember the ride home that night in the back seat of dad's '69 Cutlass Supreme, holding my car in one hand and a big blue ribbon in the other. I also vividly recall the realization that none of it would've happened without my dad. Would you believe I still have that car? I do - what's left of it, anyhow.

Here's ol' blue from '72.
My kids have since pulled the wheels off.
Hey, that's no way to treat a champion!

Fast asleep!

THE RULES:
Width - 2 3/4"
Length - 7"
Width between wheels - 1 3/4"
Bottom clearance above track - 3/8"
Weight - Not more than 5 ounces

Each boy is given a kit with all the essential raw materials - A block of wood, four wheels, and four axles. The finished product must comply with the above specifications or it will be disqualified. The project begins with a sheet of paper - after the boy decides on a theme or type of car, he begins to draw his ideas. With a little direction from his dad, a feasible design is worked out and the outline is transferred to the block of wood. Sawing, shaping, sanding - the boy learns some basic woodworking skills while his dad leans over him; steadying his hand. Each year, the boy's own hand grows more capable as he learns to manipulate the various tools; transforming a formless block of wood into something resembling what he had hoped it would become.

Ben begins to work his design.

It's more than a fun distraction - a mere amusement, it is an opportunity for a dad to impart some important qualities onto his son. The easy thing to do would be to hand Ben his derby kit, show him the design parameters, and let him loose in the work-shop. The resulting car, if completed at all, would fail to qualify for the race - the dimensions and weight wouldn't meet specs, the wheels wouldn't be properly aligned, and the youngster wouldn't know how to make the adjustments necessary to be eligible.
It's not unlike the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father. There is a rule book - scripture; there are all the necessary raw materials with which to build my life - body, mind, & spirit; there are tools; parents, church, school, friends, etc. God didn't simply drop me into this world to fend for myself - He knows my frame, that I am weak and that I'll never qualify by my own attributes or skills. Therefore, He became flesh and dwelt among us. In Christ Jesus, I am qualified and as I press on with my race, the Holy Spirit guides me; steadying my hand as I wield the tools He's provided me!
Tomorrow is Easter - Resurrection Sunday and I can't help but remember the great price which was paid to qualify me for the race; for the kingdom of God! Thank You Jesus!

Ben brought home a couple of awards last year!

Today, we applied the first of several coats of paint. When finished with that, the wheels will be carefully attached and aligned for optimal performance. I'll let you know how we fare.

UPDATE:

Ben's car didn't win any races
but was given an award for
most unique.

Ben looks on as his car races toward the finish line!

Ben's car & trophy.

Trail Marker - Part 2

PREVIOUSLY ON DADDY'S HOME:

Trail Marker Part - 1

...At that point, the trail took me through a densely wooded plateau. Both sides of the path were lined with thick undergrowth and scrubby tangle wood. I hadn't taken but a step or two when I heard a twig break - then another. I froze in my tracks. Just a few yards ahead emerged from the brush a very large, dark and hairy form!

While on a hike, it's usually good practice to make a little noise as you walk the trail. If you tread lightly without making a sound, you might just stealthily happen upon a creature that doesn't take too kindly to surprises! Be it something docile such as a deer - well, that's usually a pleasant encounter but there may be other things lurking nearby; things best viewed from a distance! When in an area likely to conceal such other things, I'm in the habit of rapping my walking stick against a tree trunk or giving a loud cough every few minutes to give fair warning of my presence.
Now as I was saying, I had found myself a bit disoriented on my hike that day. I can't remember for sure but I'd guess that while I was getting my bearings and re-orienting myself to the trail-map, I had stood still or quietly walked a short distance searching for land-marks for the better part of ten minutes - maybe more. At any rate, it was apparently plenty of time for something to happen upon my position completely unaware of my presence!
I stood motionless as I observed the biggest black bear I'd ever seen! Male black bears can get as big as 600 pounds. Being as close as I was, I had no trouble sizing-up the big fella; easily three times my weight so, yeah - I'd say he was up there in that range! That was most definitely not the time for me to cough! I remained perfectly still as "Smoky" lumbered across the trail and disappeared into the brambles on the other side. Thankfully, he never turned his head; never even saw me. Yet, this presented me with another dilemma: Where had he gone? I had no way of knowing whether he still lingered near the trail or had maintained his course through the scrub. I strained my ears but heard nothing but the slight breeze rustling the leaves overhead. The sun had dipped below the ridge line to my west and the forest floor was quickly darkening. "I don't have time for this" I thought as the damp, cool of dusk descended upon me. I glanced around; noting several trees I might need to shimmy-up in a hurry. I don't recall for sure but I think it had been about five minutes since I'd seen the bear when I decided to cautiously move forward.
As I approached the spot where the bear crossed, my already quickened pulse raced even more as I detected some movement in the brush. I found my reverse gear and slowly backed-up. Once again, a figure emerged from the undergrowth - no, two figures this time. These were wearing trail-packs! The hikers were following the very same game-trail that the bear had been traveling only minutes before.
Coming along side my fellow travelers I asked them, "did you guys happen to encounter anything a few minutes ago - like maybe a bear?" They hadn't seen a thing. I thought it strange because from where I'd been standing, those fellas should have come face-to-face with it! I figure the bear probably had seen, heard, or smelled them first and altered his course to avoid a close encounter with people - their usual behavior.
At any rate, that game-trail turned out to be more or less a "b-line" from my position straight to the parking lot. Apparently, it was well traveled by ol' Smokey and his friends as they frequented the picnic pavilion looking for food scraps. How convenient for me as I was able to make up some valuable time; shaving a significant distance off the remainder of my hike. When I had set out that morning, the grass was still wet with dew. Hungry and spent, I emerged from the darkened woods. Having completed the loop; I had returned - and so had the dew. The pale hues of dusk enveloped the park and in the remaining light, I spied a most welcome vision at the far end of the public access - my truck! As I made my way across the dampened turf, I passed an over-turned waste can; its contents had been scattered over the grassy slope near the pavilion. "The bears around here sure are well-fed" I thought, "no wonder he's grown so big!"
Closing the door, I settled into my seat. The quiet surround of my truck's cab was in stark contrast to the excitement of the day. I let out a sigh as the engine roared to life. Reflecting on my little adventure, I put the vehicle in gear and headed home; behind me, a six hundred pound bear; before me, a cold dinner and some explaining to my worried wife.

I searched the web for a photo that most closely
resembles the bear I saw that day. This one best
fits my memory of him.

Trail Marker - Part 1

Anyone who knows me can vouch for this: I'm an outdoorsy kinda guy; far more at home deep in the woods than in a crowded shopping mall or corporate board-room. I love to grab my walking stick, a bag of trail-mix, and water bottle; heading out into the quiet solitude of the wild. I place great value on the times I'm able to steal away for awhile; putting some distance between me and the noise that normally surrounds me. Ya know what? I'm in good company - even Jesus sought out such retreats from time to time.
In the forest, we can easily locate the boundaries of where we're familiar; where we've been before. At that point, we choose whether or not to venture on a little further. For some, that's a few feet beyond the parking lot; others might have something just a bit more adventurous in mind. Me - I'm the adventurous sort; the trail I may have walked yesterday only serves to lead me to one yet to be discovered!
It was back in 2000 and we were visiting Melanie's family in Southwestern Pennsylvania. When I visit that region, I find it nearly irresistible - that voice beckoning from the wooded slopes of the Allegheny Mountains. Its call resonates deep within me and I can hardly wait to lace-up my boots and find a good trail (I hope I'm not sounding like some New Age, tree-hugging weirdo here. Put simply, I love to immerse myself in that sort of geography and I cherish every opportunity I get to do so!)
It was a beautiful sunny day and Melanie was eager to spend it catching up with her mother and showing off our three little ones. I was perusing through some local road maps - scratching my head I wondered, "Now where was that trail-head; I'm pretty sure it's along this road..."
The kids were giggling and enjoying their reunion with Grandma while I gave my wife a peck on the cheek. "Have a good day with Mom - don't expect me 'til dinner" I said as I walked toward my pickup truck with a bounce in my step. After a short drive through the hilly countryside, I arrived at my destination. The hollow crunching sound of the gravel beneath my tires ground to halt as I parked in the nearly deserted lot. "Perfect!" I thought, "Hardly anyone else here today - the trail is mine!" I was there to get away from the familiar surroundings of my world. I hoped to spend the entire day without encountering another soul. The only conversation I was interested in was with my Heavenly Father. Securing a trail map from the information stand I stood still for a few moments to get my bearings. I selected the route I'd be following and noted the color of the trail markers that would guide me along the five-mile loop. There were longer trails but this was to be a leisurely pace and I did say I'd be home for dinner. Having oriented myself, I began my trek through the rugged terrain.
The trail I was on meanders along ridge lines, crosses valleys, and traverses numerous slopes which are strewn with moss-covered boulders - some as big as houses. I was in awe of the natural beauty and wondrous views that surrounded me. I strolled along at a steady yet comfortable pace; praying, listening, meditating, and drinking in the moment. As I looked up into the wooded canopy above, I began to sing aloud one of my favorite hymns; one I've known from my youth:

"O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: 'My God, how great Thou art!'

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!"

Several hours into my hike, I noticed something - the trail markers no longer agreed with my trail map. At some point, I had deviated from my intended course. I now found myself on a much longer loop. A cold sweat broke out out on my brow; instead of being on schedule to exit the woods in time to get back for dinner, I was facing the very real possibility of having to bed down for the night in a lean-to shelter. "If only I had a compass", I thought. "Then I could walk a 'b-line' straight back to the parking lot". It would've been quicker than the circuitous route the trail follows. "Bad idea" I mumbled; imagining myself crawling out of the woods a few days later with a scraggly beard and twigs in my hair!
After studying the map, I was reasonably sure where I was. The Sun was beginning to set; giving me a rough indication of west. I knew if I back-tracked, I'd never make it out before dark but if I continued in the direction I had been traveling, I might just make it if I quickened my pace. Having resolved that question, I pocketed the map, washed down a handful of trail mix with a swig of water and resumed my hike.
At that point, the trail took me through a densely wooded plateau. Both sides of the path were lined with thick undergrowth and scrubby tangle wood. I hadn't taken but a step or two when I heard a twig break - then another. I froze in my tracks. Just a few yards ahead emerged from the brush a very large, dark and hairy form!

To be continued...

The Wall

If you happen to be a runner, you know it as hitting the wall; that moment in the race or a long cross-country jog when you're contending with your own body. Fatigue sets in; each footfall has you wondering, "Have I got what it takes to complete this course?" If you're a writer, you've probably been confronted by a similar obstacle; in your world they call it writer's block. Now, I've never fancied myself a writer; it would seem a bit presumptuous to consider myself as such. I've loosely kept a journal over the years and I post my thoughts in this blog - nothing more ambitious than that. If I ever manage to get something published; well, maybe then I'll identify myself as a writer. 'Til then, it's just plain 'ol me!
Nonetheless, I have experienced writer's block. The simple goal of writing a few endearing thoughts in a greeting card for example, has often been thwarted by some sort of mental blockage. I set upon the task of penciling-in a clever, inspiring line or two and end up with:

Dear so & so, I just wanted to say how much you, uhm...That is...er...oh never-mind. Happy Birthday; hope you like the card I got ya!

This past week, at least five or six times I've pulled my chair up to the desk. With my gaze fixed upon the soft glow of the monitor; my fingers hovered expectantly over the keyboard, anticipating their orders from my brain - to knit characters into sentences and sentences into paragraphs...the orders never came! The cursor was blinking at the top of the empty page, mocking me; daring me to move it along to the right. Each time, I've failed to assemble even one or two cogent paragraphs. Nothing I wrote seemed the least bit relevant and I couldn't imagine anyone taking the time to read past the first sentence.
So, I crumbled up those clumsy drafts and tossed 'em over my shoulder. Instead, I've been giving some thought as to what I want to do here; better put, I've been considering what God wants me to do here. Really now, what have I got to say? How will my words edify those who read them? One thing I keep coming back to - I need to write about me. Not exclusively, mind you; I'm just not that interesting. However, I am experiencing some profound challenges in my life right now and I believe God would have me live them openly before you. I believe my words can serve to encourage, exhort, challenge, and perhaps inspire you on to a greater faith. Maybe...just maybe, the adversity in my life right now is, at least in part, for that purpose.
So having said that, look for me to post as often as it would seem appropriate - my life in real-time. I invite you to join me on a little journey. On it, there are sure to be valleys as well as peaks. I am actively seeking God's will for me and my family. My hope - my prayer is that the reader will get a glimpse into the heart of a regular, garden-variety husband and dad as he confronts the giants in his life.
Please follow this link to 1 Cor. 9: 23-27