In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to "Al Britton, Jr. Memorial Fund" (You may mail checks to Farmers State Bank, 7025 Meridian Rd, Peyton, Colorado 80831) which will be used to continue projects Al started at Oasis of Hope Secondary School in Kenya.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Al's Reflections on a Cold Colorado Day

Hey,

   It's cold and windy out, and I am chopping at the bit to write...Sort of like when you're all backed up and just need to get that hard, old plug out to get things flowing again. (I notice I use anal comparisons more than the past.)
 
   So the plug is out, and here we go.

   I have never been interested in "mindless conversation". Consequently, I choose to not write in that manner either.. Without going down a rabbit trail,  I believe the amount of time, energy, money, and preoccupation  with social media is a serious flaw in our culture. It is made even more problematic when many think that they are actually sharing and communicating at a deep level.

   I believe it is in the nature of God to always want to teach... Every moment has the potential for learning. We know that children, from the time they are born, have this insatiable desire to know about this new life they are living. They (we) are like dry sponges, soaking in everything.  As we grow older, that desire to learn takes some hits. The "tyranny of the urgent" begins to interfere with much of what I now come to treasure.

   Another thing that I think of often is what effect "unexamined ideas" have on our beliefs, which then lead to choices we make on an everyday basis. "Knowing" that I'm  not a good math student, will strongly influence study habits, putting math  homework off until last, or not doing it at all. I certainly would not envision myself in the future as having a job with NASA...

   If it is God's nature to always want to teach (is that an unexamined idea?) , and that learning is one of our deepest desires (unexamined idea), what do our lives reveal about their value to us?

4 comments:

  1. Hello, I am just learning the news and if I had known about last Sunday I would of come and celebrated with you all. I want you all to know that I am so grateful for all of you and your positive outlook. Please and Sincerely, if there is anything I can do, call me. I am thinking and praying. I love you all!
    With love,
    Bridget Whipple

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  2. Dear Al, through God you and your family teach me grace, give me hope and make me very thankful for what I have. I pray for you daily, in fact every time I see a waffle, I think of you. ( that is the truth). I'm holding all of you dear in my heart. If there is anything you need or I can do. ..please don't hesitate.
    Patti Wills at The Egg

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  3. Hello Al and Lana,
    Thank you for keeping everyone posted so well. We have been thinking about you nonstop. I called and left a message today on your phone Lana. We didn't say anything to Jo until you went for the testing right before Thanksgiving just because things can get too confusing right now for her. I have updated her and we chatted with Paul and Marcia to see if we can make a road trip. We would have loved to be there for your party as well. You will have to be honest with us about coming to visit--we would all drive up and find a place to stay if this would be something that would work. We would love to just be there--we were so blessed when you came to visit us when dad was ill. It sounds hopeful in your last entry that they can shrink this thing and that is what we are going to cry out for you!!!!! I am so very blessed to read your writings that in the midst of all this you are still thinking about how important it is to talk about meaningful things! Isn't that the truth. Nothing else compares to our God--nothing. He is always teaching us in every step and season we are in. I know you are pressing in to your Father, He is holding you and carrying you. I'm praying for that PEACE that passes all of your understanding.
    It makes no human sense, but He is so ready to pour that out. Thank you for being such a blessing as I read about this journey. We love you all and praying, praying
    praying!! We will be in touch and keep reading!
    Brent and Deb Larson &
    Jo Drew

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  4. I really am your kid. we think so much alike... i find myself teaching a lot...i love the deep conversations... i want to know the stories of everyone's lives, like you...i do like to talk also, as you know... can't wait for tea soon... you are sooooo loved by me! muah!

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