April 3, 2016 – Helena, Montana

Has it been a year and a half…?

My father would be ashamed. I’m thinking about anything other than the lyrics on the projector screen. Anything to shield my ears. Nice church, though. New. Welcoming. My new hosts are to my right, singing along to God-knows-who.

Forgive me lord, for I am a harsh critic.

I shake hands with some nearby people, who appear to be very friendly. I say hello to a new acquaintance whom I met at dinner the night before, moments after my arrival in Helena. My thoughts then drift to that evening, in which I met my hosts and a number of missionaries that accompanied them to the Philippines recently to do God’s work. It was a nice first supper, followed by reflections on their trip – a group conversation that took up most of the night. Interesting and all, but should I be involved in such an intimate discussion?

The pastor begins his sermon. I’m listening, but I’m also reliving the spectacular drive here from Iowa. Through South Dakota, the northeast corner of Wyoming, then along the southern portion of Montana. He makes points about being present in a world where distractions abound. Paying attention to friends, to loved ones, to God. Severing the psychological cord that connects our cell phones to our hands.

Preach, brother.

This is one of the most beautiful states I’ve seen in my past travels, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. There is work to be done, places to be explored, and relationships to be created. It’s time to seize the day.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. – James 4:14