"Looking Up"

Have you ever felt like you were down in a deep hole looking up at everything and everyone around you? Does it seem like the world is moving at a very fast pace and somehow you are left behind? We sometimes spend much of our lives trying to "catch up" on the many things we miss.

Recently, I saw city workers digging a gigantic hole in order to put a sidewalk into place. Something seemed odd about that picture to me. I know almost nothing about preparing sidewalks, but the whole process seemed a bit strange and overblown to me. They are digging a hole just to cover it up once again.

It is good for us to "look up" from time to time and sense something bigger and greater than ourselves. We can discover a wonderful world that God has created and enjoy many who alongside of us are trying to make it a better place. Let's "look up" this week and sense the wonder of God's creation.

Ed

"Contagious"

When I hear the word "contagious", I think about various illnesses such as the flu that can be transmitted from one person to another. The word suggests to us something that is negative. We want to stay far away from someone who has a disease or illness that can be passed along to others. My wife is a long time teacher and educator in the local school system. It is sometimes difficult for teachers to avoid colds and the flu when they are constantly caring for such a diverse group of children.

The word "contagious" can be a positive one. Recently, I went to the local hospital to visit someone. From the time I got out of my car until the moment I reached the hospital of the person I was planning to visit, I was greeted over and over again by every hospital employee that I came in contact with. They spoke to me offering greetings and trying to do whatever they could do. I went away amazed at the kindness of the hospital staff. Such kindness is contagious and it makes you want to return kindness for kindness.

We could use that spirit of contagious affirmation and kindness throughout our world. Maybe it can begin with us this week!

Ed Galbreath

"All Shapes and Sizes"

One of the special events during the 4th of July in the Atlanta every year is the Peachtree Road Race. It is a gathering of 55,000 people who are participating in what is called the world's largest 10K race. Because my level of preparation for the event this year had not exceeded what I had planned to do, I made the decision not to run in the Peachtree. At the last minute, I reconsidered the decision and decided to run in the Peachtree Road race after all. I'm glad that I reconsidered because it is such a tremendous experience.

At the Peachtree, you can see all shapes and sizes of people at this event. Some people wore "hero" masks and decorations. Some dressed as Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. Some had the huge "Uncle Sam" dress hats. With 55,000 people you can see almost anything and everything. All along the roadway, there are many people cheering the crowd on. One little girl had a sign which said, "Go Aunt Amy." Radio Stations and politicians are soliciting support. A priest was throwing "holy water" on the runners. Fireman were sitting on top of their tall ladder truck waving the flag and waving to participants. One merchant was giving out coffee and bagels. (I would loved to have seen this merchant "before" or "after" the race, but not "during" the run).

There are serious runners who are trying to win the race and most of them are from Kenya. They would run the race in about 27 minutes. I had not reached the starting line before they were already finished. Most people are just average people who come to enjoy the race and get the prestigious Peachtree Road Race T-Shirt. Some have been running in the race for the past 25 years while others are running for the very first time.

I love the diversity and such represents the world we live in. Ours is a world full of all "shapes and sizes." We can celebrate our diversity and draw strength from one another. Perhaps that is a good lesson for us to learn even when there is not such a big race in town.