Post 36/2023. A full week. Got jobs done. Walked to Cabin Coffee for breakfast and then on to Goshen Library. Gave the sermon this morning in Greencroft Healthcare and Evergreen Assisted Living, based on Exodus 16:2-25, title, Manna According to Doris.

As I said, a full week. This and that. Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale yesterday (in support of development, relief and peace work in North America and overseas). Pottering/puttering projects. But stymied at downloading and organizing photos. So, a very short blog greets the close of day.

Andy Rooney in his own words

I always enjoyed A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney, at the end of the Sunday evening TV program, 60 Minutes. I’ve selected a few of his quotes under the title, “I’ve learned . . .”

“I’ve learned . . . That being kind is more important than being right. / That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. / That when you’re in love, it shows. / That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day. / That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way. / That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. / That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. / That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. / That love, not time, heals all wounds. / That life is tough, but I’m tougher. / That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. / That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. / That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. / That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”

A few more: “The best thing that’s bad for you is butter. / In spite of the old sayings to the contrary, the best presents come in large packages. / If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it. / The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90 percent probability you’ll get it wrong.”

Rooney (1919-2011) had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Happy memories.

The saving grace of the day is that on Tuesday we are looking forward to an afternoon and evening with four friends from far away and from right here on campus. From among forever friends.

Best!

-John