IT'S NOT SURREAL

It's focus. But that's not really the right terminology either. Focus to me conjures up an effort. A concerted one at that.

When you're with The One, it's just the opposite--totally effortless. At ease. Yet that may not be right either. It's not at ease like kicking off your shoes or putting on you jammies. It's not at all like the military, "At ease!" Plus, it's not without effort. For effortlessly might indicate no commitment, almost indifference.

So, I'll try again. From the '60's, The Mindbenders penned the lyric, "The world could shatter, I don't care," preceded by "when I'm in your arms". Maybe we're getting somewhere now. Oblivious to one's surroundings. That's the ticket. The big planet (is Saturn still a planet?) could be hovering, the world could be shattering, and The Ones might not notice.

And it's not a pre-occupation. It's an occupation unlike a job. It's an occupation that is mandatory, obligatory, necessary.

So you see, the old song lyric"Love makes the world go 'round," is wrong. Love makes the world stop. At least for awhile. Or for a lifetime.

So why am I expressing a theme of love today? Well, it's William Shakespeare's birthday, he of 154 love sonnets along with a play or two on the topic. I'm sure he would understand, even though in his will, he left his wife "my second best bed".

HAPPY EARTH DAY AND GOOD FRIDAY, TOO

I knew about irony from high school. I also read and understood satire then somewhat. But it wasn't until junior college that John Traver stressed both and made them clear to me.

I've blogged before about his class, The Tiger's Den, as he liked to call it. He had a profound influence on my becoming an English teacher. And I'm sure that if anyone would see the profound irony of Earth Day and Good Friday sharing the same date this year, it would be Tiger Jack Traver.

First, we start with the ironic Good Friday. The duality of it. Of course, it was not so good for Jesus because for the only time in His life, He was separated from the Father. The intense pain that He felt exceeded that of any mortal. Yet as God/ Man, He endured for us. He died for our atonement for sin. He took our place(s). Because, as we all sin, a blood sacrifice was called for for purification. It was His blood that healed us, that sealed us for eternity. He came from Heaven to Earth (the original Earth Day, I'd say) to save us and to serve us. And ultimately to die for us.

That's the goodness of Good Friday. When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and believe by faith that He was the only Son of God who was crucified and rose from the dead three days later, then we are saved. The slate is wiped clean for our past, present and future sins for what happened on the Good Friday.

So Jesus came to Earth for us. Many who haven't chosen to follow Him will celebrate Earth Day today. An Earth that is decaying and dying and temporary. An Earth created by God, and violated by man. So once again, far too many celebrate the creation and ignore the Creator.

There will be celebration today. Gatherings. While I would not discourage any from taking part in Earth Day activities (I went to the very first one when I was a junior in college), I'd encourage all to attend a Good Friday worship service at church. It's something I wouldn't think of missing. A somber service, but one that is celebrated on Sunday like no other date in all of history--the resurrection of a living Lord.

He is risen!

He is risen, indeed!

AT YOSEMITE

When the full faced moon ducked under the verdant outstretched arms of the white pine, it cast illumination on the waterfall's cascade to the rocks beneath.

As I observed the scene, I looked for others to share the experience, but I was alone. Not a sojourner, certainly not a hiker, just a guy who was blessed to be in a world untouched by humanity. If only for a brief reprieve.

Unconnected thoughts, disjointed, bounced off the walls of my mind. Was I the first, the only to experience that particular scene? Doubtful. How many others had been in the exact spot on another early, early morning when the moon gives up its golden glow and pales, and had not taken note? Had not paused for the sake of reflection?

How many small miracles are out there that we pass up every single day? How many just-the-right moments do we miss? How many opportunities do we pass up in conversations with loved ones because we are preoccupied with other insignificant thoughts? How might our lives have changed had we asked one more question? Or kept our mouths shut one time? Been emboldened? Been passive? Been pro-active? Stayed home that day? Called in sick? Taken the bait?

As the Beach Boys once sang, "God only knows what I'd be..." Thanks for the show. And a huge thanks for allowing me to be One Who Observes.

THE BOBCAT

Faithful reader(s) know we have some bobcats in our neighborhood. One faithful reader saw one on a walk with us.

Our neighbors are divided on their presence. Those with small animals are anti-bobs while those petless, seem to want them around. The HOA who governs our every breath, but who in actuality do next to nothing, told us they were going to do nothing. Yeah, I thought. I mean who was here first?

I know, if you follow that logic, then the Native Americans/Indians who own all the casinos should be able to get into our subdivision without guard gate approval. I spoke to one on Friday who was in the 'hood. I even gave him a jump when his truck battery died. But I had called him earlier to fix a leak *who knew--it doesn't rain much here* so he had approval. But, as usual, I digress. Did he fix it, as I continue in the rabbit trail diversion? Who knows? By the time it rains, I may have another leak or two.

So, I a staunch supporter of the bobcats, may have a change of heart. Because, our house is fenced or walled in. All the way around. No stray dogs, no coyotes anymore. But what did we find in the front yard this morning? Bobcat poop.

Yep. What kind of statement that makes, well I'm just not sure. But no other animal had access. The bobcat could easily jump our walls. I've seen one of them do it just a few blocks away. So. There you have it.

I just hope he (seriously) was not after some newborn quail who made their nest in our aloe plants last week. But I think they've already departed along with their parents.

By the way, I didn't clean it up. I hope they come back. A little poopy is a small price to pay for some beautiful bobcats.