Category: Moments of grace

Posted in Ministry, Moments of grace

A room, a meal, and a trip home

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As I was paging through an old journal today, I came across this story from July 20, 2017. I don’t actually remember this day, but I’m glad I took the time to write it down.

Wayne called the church about 10:30 am, wanting to talk to the pastor. I took the call, kind of knowing what to expect. He spent the next ten minutes unfolding his story.

Wayne was from West Hollywood, California. He had just take a train to visit his family in Marathon, Florida. A couple of hospital stays had used up the money for a return trip ticket. Little by little, he had made his way up I-95 to the Econolodge in Palm Coast. A friend had bought him a train ticket home, and he would be leaving tomorrow from Jacksonville. All he needed was one more night at the motel and a little money for food, and he would be on his way.

Wayne assured me that he was a Christian. In fact he was helping to plan an LCMS (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod) congregation in California. That’s why he called our church and asked to speak to me. I told him I could help him out, and would meet him in at the motel in about an hour.

We sat and talked in the lobby for while, as he added more to his story. He had a home in California, as well as a care-giver. He had AIDS and was on forty-two different kinds of medication. His personal physician said he only had four or five months left. So he planned on using that time to witness.

Was his story true? Was any part of it true? I have no idea. I just helped him out. I paid for one more night at the motel, gave him fifty bucks for food, and prayed for him and his ministry.

In years past I might have asked more questions. But I learned not to overthink it, and just help as best as I could. I wanted to tell them, “You don’t have to tell me the whole story. All you have to do is ask. I’ll help.” But maybe they wanted to talk, tell their story, and be heard. When someone is listening, you are somebody.

Jesus was good at this, wasn’t he? He didn’t just heal people. He talked with them. “What’s going on? How can I help you? What do you need? How come you’re lying here? Let’s go back to your place.”

It’s good to remember that even though he knows what’s on your mind and in your heart, he still likes to hear your story, too.

Posted in Moments of grace

Sunrise and sunset: best times of the day

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Morning
Evening

Now that I’m taking our dog out for a daily morning and evening walk, I’m not only getting a lot more steps in but I’ve discovered my love of sunrises and sunsets.

I love the walks that begin in the pre-dawn darkness and end in light. I also love the walks that I start before sunset and end in darkness. For some reason, I enjoy the transition from one state to another. As the sky brightens, I anticipate a new day. In the same way, as the night approaches, I’m acutely aware of the blessings I’ve experienced.

For instance, my early morning thoughts were all about going to church today. I was looking forward to special Christmas music today, and imagined what carols we might sing. In the evening, I thought about all the people I talked with today. I hadn’t spoken with some for over a year. It was so nice to catch up with each others’ lives.

It’s not always easy to time my walks for these moments. My dog Winston isn’t a morning person, and if I want to walk before dawn, I have to wake him up and lift him out of his cage to get him out the door. In the afternoon, he’s ready for his second meal of the day long before sunset, so I have to resist the “please feed me” look on his face about 4 pm.

The colors of sunrise and sunset aren’t visible any other time of the day. The mornings are filled with pinks, while oranges show up in the evening. Sometimes I try and take a picture of the dawn and dusk skies. The photos never seem to capture the hues that my eyes see on my morning and evening walks. It’s as if God is saying, “You can experience these colors, but you can’t capture them. Enjoy!”

In both the early morning and early evening, few cars drive by on our walks through the neighborhood. Many are still waking up to get ready for work of school. Later, they are gathering for supper. So we own the empty streets, walking right down the center, only listening for the newspaper delivery cars driving by.

Timing is everything. Right now, as the winter solstice approaches, sunrise is late while sunsets comes early. Summer is a different story. But don’t worry. I’ll be chasing them both.

Posted in Moments of grace

“Here let me help you.”

Posted on by William Douthwaite

The sights, sounds, and experiences of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are even more amazing and entertaining at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas celebration. But last night I was impressed by the well-trained cast who made the fun available to the physically challenged. I witnessed three examples and know there were many more.

As we stood in a not-too-long line for the Haunted Mansion, a woman in a wheel chair was right behind me. At a certain point, a cast member asked, “We’ll stop the ride and help you if you are able to stand and get into one of the ride cars.” The woman smiled and assured her, “Yes, I’ve done this a few times.” When the ride stopped a couple of times, I knew exactly what was happening. She was getting on and off the ride.

A little later, we watched our boat approach for the Jingle Cruise (renamed for the the holidays). It stopped about twenty-five feet short of the loading area, and a lift in the boat raised a man in an electric scooter just high enough to disembark onto the dock. Once the special seat retracted, the boat pulled up and we got on board.

The last ride of the night was the Tomorrowland Speedway. As we waited for my two grandsons to start driving around the course, we watched a woman in a wheelchair scoot up close to a car. A cast member brought out a specially made ramp that enabled the woman, who just had one leg, to transfer into a car and speed off into the night.

In each of those cases, the cast never missed a beat. They knew exactly what to do, made each person feel welcome, and made the experience possible. While they did their job just like any other day, I noticed and appreciated their efforts.

I hope I remember these moments in the future, when I may not be as able to negotiate travel, amusement parks, and other activities as well as I can today. If those folks, with what I thought were limitations, can enjoy themselves, then so can I. A lot of caring people have figured out how to make life accessible for everyone, and then they make it happen.

I remember hearing someone say, “Everyone has a disability. Some you can see. Others you can’t.” Some can’t see. Others can’t speak in public. Some have trouble walking. Others have trouble remembering things. Some have lost a limb. Others can’t deal with heights.

I pray I’ll always be thankful for the blessing of someone in the airport, or on the cruise ship, or at the theme park who’s there to say, “Here, let me help you.”

Posted in dogs, Moments of grace

Life is fun when everyone is your best friend

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On our way back to the cabin one afternoon, we stopped at a small collection of stores by the side of Rt. 23 in Rabun County, Georgia. A jewelry store was flanked by a general store and several antique stores. Since we had our dog Winston with us, I sat out front in a rocking chair while my wife went to check out the shops.

Everyone passing by wants to meet our uber-energetic little white dog who sincerely believes everyone in this world is his best friend.

Phil, owner of the jewelry store was the first to come out to chat. He told me how he makes everything in his shop himself, specializing in native American items. Phil had several rescued dogs and cats at home. Whenever he lay down, one would perch on his head the others cuddled up on each side of him. Winston was thrilled to check out the scent of Phil’s pets. Even though there were “No Pets” signs in the windows, Phil said that everyone here loves dogs.

The next gentleman who stopped to visit explained that he had just adopted a rescue dog. He named his dog Deeohgee (D-O-G). It took me a minute to figure out he didn’t just name his dog Dog. Reminds me of a person I used to visit who named her cat Kitty. Winston was glad this guy had plenty of time to pet him.

A woman walking a very tiny dog stopped by next. Tails were up, furiously wagging five times a second as their noses came together. After a few curious sniffs, the little dog was spooked and backed away from Winston’s playful lunge. A little sniff-and-greet made everyone’s day.

A young couple walked by next, coming out of the general store and headed towards the antiques. He led the way, nodding as he passed, while she followed with arms crossed several steps behind. Neither one looked very happy. I guess they were determined to go antiquing whether they liked it or not. When they came out of the antique store, their disposition hadn’t changed as they walked by in the other direction on the way to their car. Winston so wanted to cheer them up, but they weren’t in the mood.

One more couple greeted us. He had been waiting in a rocking chair, just like me, outside the general store. When she came out with a package, he joined her and they walked past with a friendly greeting. Winston could barely contain himself, but they had to be on their way.

I’ll tell you, life is never dull when everyone is your best friend. What if we all had that attitude?

Posted in Moments of grace

This cabin came with a guitar

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As I looked through the pictures of the cabin, I saw a guitar on a stand. When BBC we arrived, sure enough, there it was in the loft sleeping area.

I was surprised to find it had all six strings. I was not surprised to find it way out of tune. The fretboard was covered with dust and the strings felt grimy.

But those strings held a pick. After seeing the picture I packed a few picks and a capo. Just in case it was playable.

I brought the guitar down out of the oft and sat in front of the piano. Yes, there was an old upright piano, painted white, in the main room of this remote rustic cabin in the Nantahala Forest. The piano sounded like it had never been tuned, but I C should be able to tube the guitar from a low E.

Once I tuned it, the guitar didn’t sound great, but it was playable. I flat-picked through some bluegrass fiddle tunes I’ve been working on. The action felt pretty good.

What brand of instrument was this? “Delta” was printed above the tuning pegs. I peered into the sound hole and and found the model number as well as the expected “Made in China” notification.

I looked up the Delta D42 online, and it’s a $200 beginner’s guitar with decent reviews. What a treat to find something I can play out on the porch, watching leaves fall like rain all around me.

Posted in Moments of grace, music

Live music, great concert, awesome night

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Mercy Me – we are sitting way back on the right

I got to go see some live music the other night for the first time in a long time. When my wife heard that Mercy Me was going to be at the Saint Augustine Amphitheater, she immediately got tickets for us and a couple extra for my daughter and her husband.

I’ve been to the amphitheater for a couple of high school graduations, but never for a concert. It’s a really nice outdoor yet covered venue. The website says it seats just under five thousand. We had seats in row X, so I guess that would be twenty-four rows back, not including the many seats on the floor in front of the stage. The distance is not a problem since everything is also projected on an enormous screen in back of the bands.

We arrived when the doors opened after pizza just up the road at Mellow Mushroom. Official parking was sold out in advance, but a shuttle picked us up from the free parking offered at Anastasia State Park. The long lines made me wonder just how early people arrived to get in.

Security was tight. They checked bags and waved wands over us as we held the contents of our pockets in our hands. A very nice woman scanned the tickets on our phone, and a friendly usher took us to our seats.

As I watched others arrive, I learned why so many came so early. I’ll bet half of the crowd bought supper at the concession stands when they arrived. I watched people carry in all kinds of sandwiches, nachos, pizza, popcorn, and beverages. One could easily spend as much on food as for tickets. (A plastic cup of water was $4.) We were supposed to return them for reuse, but just between you and me, we brought them home with us.

Once we sat down, I watched as merchandise advertisements flashed across the enormous screen. The two warm up acts were Andrew Ripp and Crowder, whose songs we hear on Christian radio every day. All three of the performing groups had t-shirts, hoodies, CDs (yes, they still sell CDs), drink bottles, books, and other items for sale. Again, I could easily spend as much for merch as I did for a ticket. A seven-day cruise with the featured group was advertised for January. The bands also supported Children International, so concert attenders could sign up to sponsor a child. The business end of the contemporary Christian music industry is alive and well.

Four sound and light technicians ran an amazing control board. Lighting effects were coordinated with each musical number. Lyrics were displayed in perfect sync with the singers. Stage crew supplied the right guitars for various songs. It takes many people to put on a concert like this!

I enjoyed all the performers. Everyone on stage was so talented, bringing songs they had no doubt done many, many times before. I think they looked like they all enjoyed their work, even though they had no doubt done these songs many, many times before.

I’m still searching my memory to remember the last concert I went to. As I do, I remember some from the past.

  • Chicago (twice, once with the Beach Boys)
  • Maynard Ferguson (many times going back to high school)
  • Steven Curtis Chapman with the Afters and Geoff Moore
  • Phil Wickham (before he made it big)
  • Relient K several times with my daughters
  • Russ Taff
  • Amy Grant
  • Hillsong

I’m sure there are more. The longer I think, the more I remember. Lol.

Having performed in front of people, I appreciate the talent and hard work of these artists. Having written this, I’m determined to pay more attention to and go see musical talent that performs near me.

Posted in coffee, Moments of grace

Surprisingly good coffee

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Since my appointment was at four in the afternoon, I didn’t expect to find any drinkable coffee in the waiting area at the dealer where I waited for an oil change and tire rotation. By that time, whatever was in the big pump carafe would be a lukewarm eight-hour old pot of weak brown liquid undeserving of the name “coffee.”

Boy, was I wrong. And I was pleasantly surprised to see a brand new commercial grade Keurig brewer on the counter next to paper cups, creamer, sugar, and a carousel of regular and decaf K-cups. Impressive. It was plumbed so you never had to fill the reservoir with water. A really cool color touch screen let you pick the size and strength of your coffee. I looked around to check and make sure I was in the right place. Yep. Same old uncomfortable chairs. Some of the same magazines and books. Same toys in the corner for kids.

I know I shouldn’t choose my auto mechanic based on the coffee provided in the waiting room. In the same light, you shouldn’t pick a church, a doctor, a hotel, or an airline for the coffee they serve. But when the coffee is good, it makes a difference when you’ll be waiting for a while.

Posted in Moments of grace

It’s not very dark at night

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Meet Gada on Unsplash

Yesterday, I noticed the dark, the quiet, and the solitude of my predawn morning walk. Today, I noticed the lights.

  • The night sky is filled with lights: the moon, stars, a few planets, and the red and green of an airplane far overhead.
  • Street lights extend from utility poles light up some of the intersections as well as random stretches of road in the neighborhood.
  • I’m surprised at how many homes keep the lights on each side of the garage or atop a front walk lamppost lit all night long. They are bright, illuminating the driveway and the cars parked there. Security lights shine into every corners of backyards.
  • You’ll also see a lit up doorbell on most homes. A tiny little light just to the side of the front door is on all the time, but you’ll only notice it at night.
  • Those who support law enforcement display a blue light on the front of the house.
  • Solar-powered landscape lights are still on, lining driveways and front walkways. Sometimes they shine lights up onto trees and the side of houses, creating interesting shadows.
  • Sometimes I’ll see a single red light on the side of a house, near an electric meter. It must alert someone that something is working correctly. Or not. Who knows?
  • Just above the trees I can see the tall lights above the soccer and baseball fields. The action begins early on tournament weekends.
  • I carry my flashlight when it’s dark. Some walkers and bikers wear flashing red or green lights so passing cars don’t miss them.
  • I can see tiny blue or green alarm lights flashing inside parked cars. they are armed and ready.
  • Today, the headlights of a car delivering newspapers (two people on my block still get a paper delivered) roared past me before pulling sharply into my neighbor’s driveway just long enough to fling the paper somewhere in the yard. Just as quickly, his taillights disappeared around the corner.
  • Lights are on inside homes, too. Others are up at this very early hour, too. The flicker of TV screens peeks through the front window curtains.
  • Some neighbors leave their Halloween inflatables inflated and lit all night long. Strings of orange lights frame doors and lay across shrubs.
  • And appropriately, lights shine on the American flag, either from the base or the top of flagpoles.

It’s not very dark at night around here. And I’m sure we’re just a few days away from the first Christmas lights.

Posted in Moments of grace

A walk in the dark

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Linda Xu on Unsplash

Technically, it was still dark. The sun wouldn’t officially rise for another hour. But this was the full moon’s moment as it illuminated my early morning walk with my dog.

About half way around the block, with another half mile to go, I realized what a blessing and privilege it is to be able to walk in the dark with no one else around and feel completely safe. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful.

I’ve been in cities in Haiti where every home was surrounded by a concrete walls topped with razor wire or pieces of broken glass. I would not be out walking during the day, much less at night. I’ve lived in the inner city, where the night echoed with the noise of arguments, speeding cars, and gunshots. The bitter thirty degrees below zero cold of a midwest winter cut any time I spent outside to less than a minute. One hundred mile an hour hurricane winds made me tell the dog, “You’re gonna have to hold it.”

But this morning’s air is motionless. Shorts and a t-shirt were perfect. No cars are out on the road. No one else is walking their dog. Owls hoot to each other in the distance before other birds begin their morning song. A motion light turns on as we walked by. The only sounds are my footsteps, the clicking of tiny toenails on the street, and the faint sound of a single engine airplane somewhere overhead.

To no one in particular I said out loud, “I’m going to write about this moment.”