Reflecting on Palm Sunday and being HERE

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, and it was a beautiful day. 43 yrs prior, I had been brought to my childhood church (Emanuel Lutheran Church) by my parents, baptized as an infant, and raised up at the altar of God by my pastor in "Lion King" fashion.

Every year, I sense a new "entering in" on this day - a new reason to proclaim "Hosanna" (save now!) And as children processed into the sanctuary of our church with palm branches, I remembered my childhood and where all I have been.

Oh, the memories - more every year.

To celebrate this special day, I spent it with family, like I probably did 43 yrs ago - but each year has added new experiences and new family...from a wonderful wife, to three amazing boys, to several different church families and new friends along the way. 
  

Meeting for worship at Silverton Friends Church, breaking bread together around a picnic table at Great Notion Brewing, walking in the rain down Alberta Street in Portlandia looking at unique flowers along the sidewalk, colorful murals painted on walls, having a "real" ice cream cone at Salt & Straw, and a perfect cup of coffee in a quaint bistro with a saint for a name (St. Simon Coffee Co.) were our moments of celebration - like a Palm Sunday parade through our day.

And as this day neared the end, I sat alone with my lovely bride reading to her the book I had bought while on our parade route through this day. We were not to fall asleep until all 201 pages were complete. It too seemed a part of the entire day's overall theme.

As we "entered in" we realized that life is not so much about the past, nor that much about the future, but rather it is learning...

"How to be HERE" in this present moment (thanks Rob Bell).

Yesterday, was the beginning, the "entering in" to a week we call "holy" - yet to see it that way we must be HERE - today - right now.

So, I was blessed yesterday in so many ways, but even more thankful I have today to be here with all of you! Thanks Sue, Mom & Dad, and our wonderful boys for a beautiful day!