Deckplates and grill grates; today’s been the day for catching up with friends. And for that, I’m super grateful. Thank you, God, for old friends, old memories, and… well, one more story. But that story’s gonna have to wait until tomorrow night. It’s one I promise you won't wanna miss. Might even put a tear in your eye.

was one of the first victims this morning: an 0800 appointment. When Jenn offered me that slot, I snagged it, figuring I could get to work somewhat on time. And as any good sailor knows, “Early is on time, and on time is late.” Within minutes, my name was called and I was escorted to “The Chair” to begin the enhanced interrogation. You know exactly how it goes...

Ughhhh. You gotta be kidding me,” I fussed out loud to absolutely no one. (The dogs certainly didn't care, and the wife was still downstairs doing her thing). See, the night before, the street dance had bumped until midnight.....

Contentment and peace, in my humble opinion, really aren’t feelings, although I can see why anybody (including me) would call them that. I think those things are more like states of being. And tonight, that essence or condition gave me another subtle reminder that, for the most part, I’ve relinquished almost all control of my life over to God. In Him, my heart is full. I don’t just “feel” full within, but truly am.

God made us as hoomans to be connected to one another; and that’s uber-important. The more points of connection we have with one another, the stronger the bonds, and the more likely we are to reach others for the Lord.

I haven’t forgotten about that memory. Not one bit. Honestly, how could I—or anybody else who saw the tragic aftermath that day? I only share the heavy story because this afternoon, a memory of that trip revealed itself like long-lost “treasure” in the most unexpected of places: my glovebox.

Ever feel like your head is in a fog? That’s been me for the last 24+ hours. The air is just thick with something: humidity most definitely, and I’m guessing a new batch of pollens. (I wonder if the corn is starting to pollinate. This happened last year and my sinuses went berserk for weeks). Guess we’re in the “dog days of summer,” huh.

I think it’s fair to say that feeling might not have occurred had I stayed at home today and worked my normal Monday routine (of worship planning). That glorious gift of gratitude came because I needed a mental break and some downtime.

Now, let’s get serious for a bit. We all like to feel clean, don’t we? (Well, I’d hope we do.) Me, personally, I like to feel as clean on the inside as the outside. Just as I bathe daily, I also realize I need to go to our “heavenly bod-wash”—AKA Jesus Christ—to wash away my inner filth.

Ya know, whether you were born here or are now blessed to call this nation your home, freedom is such a gift, isn’t it? Our freedoms haven’t been given from Washington, D.C., or even any document, but from the One who died to make us free. About Him, the Apostle Paul said it eloquently: “For freedom, Christ set us free” (Galatians 5:1, CSB).

Today began almost 72 hours of glorious rest. And while Sunday is kind of a workday, when you do what you love, it’s not as much work but a work of love. Today, I’m thankful for almost 72 hours of rest. Like you, and like our nation’s servicemen and women, I too need time to rest.

Back to my story. As we drove to Springfield, I again noticed the gloriousness of God’s good, green earth. The crops, the trees, brush — all of it — all the shades of green just fill the landscape all around.