GREETING PARTY

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 276

Late nights for the next nine months began today with the kickoff of confirmation. For the kiddos and this pastor, summer is pretty much over; and that’s just okay. There’s something to be said about rhythm and routine.

Being that tonight’s catechism class was more of an introduction—kind of like the first day of school is for kids—I was hoping tonight’s orientation would have gotten me home earlier. Nope. Acolyte training was on the agenda too. Comes with the territory. That said, though, when I did pull into the garage at 7:30 sharp, little did I know there was a greeting party waiting for me at the door.

Now, you know this. My boxer bunch boys are my “bookie boys.” They’re like the sons I never had: rough, rumbunctious, obnoxious, unlistening, and loud, yet deeply devoted and affectionate, crawling all over mom and dad any chance they’ll get. I guess it's everything one would expect to have in a boy (if you’ve never had one). The difference is, mine are the canine type instead of the hooman type.

Normally, my boys aren’t standing next to the door when we pull into the garage. They’re close and do come, but only after they hear the door close do they come running. Tonight, though, they were standing right there at ground zero with their tails wagging and butts wiggling. “Hi dad! Where you been? Now that you’ve been home for one second, can we play?”

Certainly, they didn’t say that. I mean, can you imagine if all of a sudden they started speaking English? I’d have to check into a psych ward, or start to wonder if the Second Coming was imminent. Anywho….

This evening I’m grateful for the prompt greeting party at the door; it was a nice change, and a wonderful way to kick off the ministry year. Perhaps it’ll serve as a sign for good things to come.

What are you thankful for today?