11/30/2019
It’s “Happy Thoughts Day!” There’s so much to be thankful for and I must start with this: Our first-born son came into the world on this day in 1960. Stephen Bret Lockhart was born on a Wednesday, I believe at 3:11pm, weighing in at 8lbs, 3oz. Beautiful and healthy and bright eyed. We loved him from the moment we saw him and still do! So glad he is our son! (And now, so glad we only live a few miles apart.) Happy birthday, Steve!
Today, an old “torch” song by a Welsh lady is the SIMH. “It’s a Heartache”—“nothin’ but a heartache, Hits you when it’s too late, Hits you when you’re down!” —by Bonnie Tyler. She recorded it in 1978 to the delight of millions. She also rerecorded this with a French singer, it was a huge hit in several European countries and the USA. Many other singers covered it, also. (Now, on YouTube 17.5 million views. Amazing.) Her music is referred to as power ballads.
But what’s more amazing is the other huge hit for Bonnie Tyler is “Total Eclipse of the Heart!” —this was released 5 years after her first big hit and this one “Eclipsed” the first huge hit by about double in sales. And now on YouTube, the official version alone has more than 33 million hits! By August of this year, internet hits alone climbed to over 62 million. Holy Cow. Her fame and her success doesn’t seem to have made her typical of the industry in her private life. She’s been married to the same man for 47 years and they have real estate as their big investment pool, all around the world. Her “bio” was an interesting read. (Wikipedia is remarkable for this kind of thing.)
Been thinking about some other things which go along with this special day: Every day which starts with (of course, the SIMH) a good recognition of my Saviour and guide through this life, Jesus Christ the Lord, is a day that can handle most any problem that might come tripping down the road.
Today, I’m going to go help Sarah and Jason in the new store building where we’ll paint awhile. I’m just a so-so painter, but I’m pretty good at being the go-fer; go for this, go for that. Also, I just get to enjoy being in the building and in the company of them that work so well!
Other people will come my way, maybe because they need water, maybe because they want to talk about the Lord, and maybe just to have a friendly fellowship. I am a gregarious dude (that means I like the company of other people.) I tried being non-gregarian but I just couldn’t fit in, he said wryly. When I found out there was a word to describe my condition I was very happy, but I still don’t understand why everyone isn’t gregarious. After all, we only have a certain amount of time here, and we don’t know everyone yet!!
I think I’ve always liked being around people more than being reclusive. If there is an explanation for that, I don’t know what it is. There are some moments I can look back on and see some times when I wished to be alone. However, most of my life I’ve managed to be alone in a car for enough time to rid myself of these respites and get back out there where I belong.
Another event today is the Iron Bowl (if you don’t know what that is you’re either not a football fan and/or not from the South.) It is the annual rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn—it’s like Army/Navy game times 10—it’s like Cubs/Cardinals, 7th game of League Championship, or Duke/NorthCarolina for the ACC championship. It really wouldn’t matter the records these two teams have, it is the antagonistic, overly competitive, and utter contention for bragging rights which is at stake here. Just as if the winner has all the answers to any and all problems. The game settles everything. Then, we start over for next year. (sigh) See,…why it’s such a great day?
Thanks for reading, the Elder
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