With my Birthday soon approaching (hint, hint) I felt the need to express some more thoughts as you sip your morning brew. So what does the little blue Tonka Van have to do with my birthday? Well I’m about to tell you.
I was just turning 11 or 12, I really can’t recall, but that doesn’t really matter. It was one of the first years in my life that I still loved toys, but for some reason they were no longer that much fun. I was of the age where I was torn between being a child and being a teenager. I remember that my mom asked me what I wanted for my Birthday, and for some reason I began to cry. I told mom that “I didn’t know what I wanted.” I think that she somehow knew what I was going through. This was also the same year that I would rather be playing kickball than mowing lawns. It’s hard to convey those true feelings in writing, but I’m just thankful that I can still remember those feelings now.
Thus the little blue Tonka Van. That was my Birthday gift from Mom and Dad. It may seem a little trite, but I think that out of all of the gifts I ever received that I will always remember the Tonka Van. After all I still have it after all these years, and I was able to readily find it for the photo shoot.
I have had other memorable years, like the year I spent my Birthday at Silver Dollar City, or the year that that I went to Disney World, it seems like it was just last year . . . oh I guess it was. I recall always receiving a single dollar bill from my grandmother. I still have the last 6 of them and refuse to spend them. The last one came in 1993 when I turned 20. It’s really just the simple things in life that we learn to really appreciate. Even when I was younger I recall getting a free meal from Captain D’s, and that was a big deal. Now it seems like if we spend less that $20 on our own kids that we’re skimping too much. Oh well, maybe my kids will take care of their cool toys and blog about it in 25 years too.
So the age old question still came up this year when my mother asked me what I wanted for my Birthday, and to my dismay I still can’t decide. I really, once again, don’t know. At least this time I’m all grown up so I don’t have to embark on that puberty thing again. When it really comes down to it I don’t want anything this year for my Birthday. I have a wonderful family and many good friends so what more can I ask for? But . . .If you still feel a little guilty and feel the need to give me a gift; I will accept cold hard cash and gift cards!
Recently a friend asked if I had Kona Coffee. I told him that I could get some at a cost of about $16.00 per half lb. He was astonished at the price; after all when you go to the grocery store it doesn't cost that much. I recently priced the brand above and while it may be a good coffee it is rather expensive for only getting 10% of Kona. The asking price is $12.00 for 24 ounces. Please be aware that all you are buying is 10% of the name. Green Kona sells anywhere from $17.00 to $30.00 per lb. Don't be fooled!
If you are interested is special varieties please ask and I'll quote you a price.
One of my first jobs as a 10 year old boy was mowing lawns. I remember one summer we had over 50 lawns that we mowed. The summer of 93 was the worst/best for us due to the constant rain. Well tonight I had the opportunity to take the kids and visit one of our “old” lawn customers. Her name is Mrs. Scott. The first time I ever met her was when I went to her garage sale. I purchased an American Flyer sled. They teased me for buying a sled in the middle of the summer; however it got some good use in the winters ahead. The next time we met Mrs. Scott was shortly after her husband passed away. We began mowing her lawn and spent hours that first time or two just cleaning up her backyard. Her husband had some street signs that soon became new décor for our bedroom. I chose the stop sign. Anyway back to tonight I felt kind of bad because I had not seen her in some time. She was very excited to see us. The time was short and she had 3 visitors and 3 phone calls, not to mention my 3 children that all caused some distraction. Even after all of that it was nearing time to leave and I truly did not want to go. I did not get to do all the visiting that I needed, but I did get to do one precious thing. I had the wonderful opportunity to just lift her up before the throne of the Almighty. I’ve prayed with her before, but this time was different. It may have truly been the last time that I will see her on this side of heaven. God has been very gracious to Mrs. Scott. She has been a faithful servant of God and a prayer warrior for many who may never know they were being lifted up. As I left I was able to give her a hug even though my eyes began to fill with water. She was more concerned about me than herself. The peace of God truly passes all our understanding. Folks, this is what life is all about. So as you sip your next cup of coffee just take a moment to say a little prayer for someone who has impacted your life.
