Some fragmented thoughts on Michigan summers, Fozzie's internal meteorologist, our struggles to listen and empathize, unusual tomatoes, and blueberry pie
You are 100% correct about Michigan summers! It is what makes Michigan winters tolerable. I grew up in Oklahoma and as a kid I remember reading books where the characters would be swimming during the day and then it would go on to mention the evening where they put on a sweater and sat around a campfire. I had no concept of cool summer evenings after a hot day. I thought that sounded glorious! The first time I experienced that in Michigan, I was so happy. So my perfect Michigan summer day is when it is warm enough to go to the beach during the day but as you sit outside in your backyard in the evening, you might just need to go grab a sweater!
I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT THIS PARAGRAPH FOR A LONG LONG TIME.
"Even as I say I subscribe to a faith that commands me to love my neighbors, I wonder how well I’m living that out by listening to them. Honestly, it still dismays me that, though I was required to do three semesters of coursework related to speaking and preaching, I was allowed to graduate from seminary without a single credit for listening. What is the cumulative toll of an educational system, of a society, that never learned to listen?"
Yes, this paragraph was impactful to me as well. I value listening, especially in my communal life, but as I've watched, I don't see that value in many other places, societally.
Keep writing Jeff! I recently joined the list, but have been so encouraged by your writing and your social media presence over time.
You are 100% correct about Michigan summers! It is what makes Michigan winters tolerable. I grew up in Oklahoma and as a kid I remember reading books where the characters would be swimming during the day and then it would go on to mention the evening where they put on a sweater and sat around a campfire. I had no concept of cool summer evenings after a hot day. I thought that sounded glorious! The first time I experienced that in Michigan, I was so happy. So my perfect Michigan summer day is when it is warm enough to go to the beach during the day but as you sit outside in your backyard in the evening, you might just need to go grab a sweater!
I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT THIS PARAGRAPH FOR A LONG LONG TIME.
"Even as I say I subscribe to a faith that commands me to love my neighbors, I wonder how well I’m living that out by listening to them. Honestly, it still dismays me that, though I was required to do three semesters of coursework related to speaking and preaching, I was allowed to graduate from seminary without a single credit for listening. What is the cumulative toll of an educational system, of a society, that never learned to listen?"
THANKS JEFF.
Yes, this paragraph was impactful to me as well. I value listening, especially in my communal life, but as I've watched, I don't see that value in many other places, societally.
Keep writing Jeff! I recently joined the list, but have been so encouraged by your writing and your social media presence over time.