Roy’s Sunday Letter for July 31, 2022

• Recently PGA member golfers jumped to Saudi oil millions and LIV Tour. Now, the Forward party or movement has been announced. Their informal members are Rep’s Dem’s, and independents. The observation is how quickly 2022 society structures, solid ground, shifts under our toes.

** Two stats gave me pause this week: 1) 900 children under 17 have been identified as “gun deaths” in 2022…..and (2) 1 in 4 young adults live with parents, grandparents, or other family members (not always a bad thing).

• A Writer’s Quote: “Who tells your story is as important as the story.” I think of this truth as I write. First or third person? Which story character do I give voice, the story told from their point of view? Who would you have tell your story, give perspective to the ups, downs, and around of your life, of how you got to be you?

** An NPR report surprised me this week. Those “Use By” product dates on milk and many other products are not generated by Food & Drug Administration, but best advised dates from the food company themselves. And yes, paying attention of the Use By dates can prevent unintentional illness, these dates also may produce increased purchasing, even earlier than may be needed.

• I have returned to reading Thomas Merton as my 6:15 AM pages, either one his writings or writings by others about Merton. One of my many attractions to his full life, was his choice to live within the lines (Abbey of Gethsemani) but he colored outside the lines, being compliant and yet resistant. In the 1960’s he wrote, “We are so obsessed with going, and doing, we have little time, energy, or focus of being.” And, “We are broken people, living in broken communities, in a state of brokenness, isolated from ourselves and each other.” I wonder of Thomas in 2022, his writings and his life choices. Most do not know of Merton. Give him a Search. You will find encouragement, insight, and wisdom.

** I am working my though a rewrite of the Jesus teaching of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11). In my first draft, three daughters leave homes to pursue the passion, the cause of environmental justice, conversations not welcomed by older sisters, brothers, and hard working, stable parents. But then, Grans tells of her own youth, and a soon to be Easter Sunday…and the old story is told anew.

Like most Sunday mornings, or whenever you may give Sunday Letter a glance, there are challenges, bumps, Stop and Go messaging, and perhaps an Opportunity Window you created for yourself and others. Whatever your blend of “doing and being,” we all are at best connected to others, near or far.

Roy, with you all the way