The Three Minute Grandparent

Family, reunion, grown children, grandchildren, wedding, and cousins; sounds like a recipe for fun. Throw in a pool and hot tub....wow, this really is wonderful. Our fun began with a trip to visit cousins...lots of time for talking and listening, enjoying piano concerts, observing a techie cousin work his magic on my computer, eating with the family, riding in their boat and just relaxing with family.  Cares and troubles melt away in the presence of family love. Our reunion continued with immediate family, a hotel and pool.  The fun multiplied as we splashed, dunked and generally invaded the hotel pool and hot tub.  Add Grandchildren and magic occurs.  What is it about family that is so special to us? Perhaps it is the love that is felt immediately.  Could it be the looks of caring and acceptance? Reunion is a magic word with me...it means family, love, and memories that come alive. Thanks, family for filling my love bucket this weekend.

Relationships are all about people.  Relationships involve you talking to other people.  Relationships are the way we get to know other people.  One of the simplest relationships is the 30 second relationship.  This is by far the easiest relationship. It involves speaking to someone who walks by. Perhaps someone is sitting next to you, or invades your space. This type of relationship makes no promises, it does not set up another meeting to talk, nor does it look to anything else in the future.  The 30 second relationship is merely speaking to someone as they walk by. It could simply involve holding the door for someone walking in or out of a building, or just a kind brief word as you walk by someone else. 30 second relationships cost almost nothing to the one relating, however a smile, word or just reaching out to someone may brighten the day of someone. A 3 minute relationship begins with the 30 second one then moves a little further. How, you may ask?...

Retirement has been an unknown path for this Grandpa as he continues down the road of life.  So many new and frightening situations present themselves on a daily basis, my head spins at times.  In plainer English...I'm still trying to find my place. As someone who has worked all his life, this retirement situation  of not working on a regular basis is almost impossible.  I find that a project is needed to keep me focused, on track, and relaxed. Grandma told me that she is not my project. We are both gym members, we are involved at our church, we have family nearby, and I help with housework.  Is there nothing more for me? Please? A friend told me, "You need to find a new purpose for your life." OK...easier said than done. So....what is my purpose? Glorify God...yes. Love my wife...yes. Love my family...yes. Time still remains...how do I fill that time? Another friend suggested, discover your passion and you may find your purpose. This Summer has been...