Nov
16
Almost everyone moans about Christmas getting earlier and earlier each year. It’s not that we don’t like Christmas; rather, we’re afraid that if we celebrate it starting in July we will growy weary of it. Generally we chalk this “Christmas creep” up to an easy target like American commercialism, as if we are merely helpless consumers who have no choice but to purchase Christmas items whenever they are made available.
However, two recent encounters are shattering that logic. First, a co-worker of mine who frequents 
Starbucks … um … frequently, showed up at work last week carrying a Christmas-themed Starbucks cup. When I gave what I thought was the obligatory “Christmas already?!” comment, he surprised me with his retort. He was genuinely pleased they had made the shift to Christmas already. (I haven’t heard him singing any Christmas carols … yet.)
Second, our family took an evening stroll through the neighborhood this weekend. We were minding our own business, enjoying the warm fall evening, when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a fully decorated and lit Christmas tree in the front window of the neighbor’s house. Being from Michigan, I can appreciate needing to get outdoor Christmas lights hung well in advance, before the blizzards hit. Etiquette dictates, however, that the lights remain unlit until it’s time. But here in Virgnia I find it hard to believe that weather is a legitimate reason for the early decorations … especially when they’re inside.
Clearly there are people that want Christmas earlier and earlier. I guess the stores know what they’re doing.
As for me, I’m still going to do my best to celebrate the holidays one at a time. Next up: Thanksgiving!
Nov
15
missing the dessert
Filed Under church, food | 2 Comments
Back in Grand Rapids we were members of Orchard Hill Reformed Church. For years, until the time we moved, we were part of a great small group that usually met every other Friday night. We had a great setup where each week one of the couples in the group would lead the Bible study, one would host the gathering, and one would make dessert. We’d take turns doing each, allowing for a great sampling of desserts … and leading styles, of course.
A couple weeks ago on a Friday night, I got a call from some of our friends at one of their small group meetings. At first I thought it was to see how we were doing in Virginia and to let us know they missed us. But I soon realized they simply wanted to let me know they now get more dessert with me being gone. This was confirmed by the picture I received in email a few short minutes after our call.
Incidentally, Orchard Hill is nearing the end of a long process to find a new pastor. We’re praying for you all!
Nov
12
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Filed Under holidays, military, traffic | 2 Comments
A new museum has been built just off of I-95, the highway I take to and from work each day. It looks pretty impressive from a distance. On Friday I was outside enjoying the sunny 70 degree weather, as anyone should do when they
have the day off for Veteran’s Day, and I saw a formation of 4 planes flying way overhead. A few minutes later, they flew by again, this time a bit lower. It wasn’t long after, and they flew overhead extremely low, and were just rolling into a turn as they went by. It was a very impressive sight, and the noise was quite awesome. Being the astute person I am, I realized these planes were not your typical United Airlines planes going to and from Dulles. Then I remembered the museum was being dedicated that day. Sure enough, the planes were F-18s that were part of the ceremonies.
As an interesting aside, they bused in a ton of people from the Pentagon for the dedication ceremony. Not knowing what to do with all the buses, they decided to close the HOV lanes for the day and park the buses there, figuring since it was a federal holiday the traffic wouldn’t be that bad. It took my brother almost 3 hours to get home from work that day. He had a few things to say about their parking plan. 
I’m glad this was one commute I was able to miss.