Today's topic is "heavy," as Marty McFly would say, but don't worry! This is not a political blog. Serious issues will make an appearance, and you'll probably get a sense of what I believe, but mostly we're here because you (presumably) want to read for amusement or learn something new, and because I like to write.
Let's talk about the incredible film series, the Lord of the Rings. One of my favorite lines is, "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." No, not just because I'm short, but because it's true for real people. Anyone can do something great, with help from loyal friends, wise old mentors or God himself.
Now, instead of discussing the walk to Mordor, I'll talk about my walk this morning.
You're thinking, "A walk? If I wanted to hear about a memorable walk, I'd read some Nicholas Sparks." Admittedly, my walk this morning was not even as scenic as, say, a walk around my neighborhood would be, where the deer would scatter through the trees and my neighbors put up flowers for their wedding later tonight. This walk was along the sidewalks of Oklahoma City, through hostile pigeon territory, passing Mexican restaurants that distract you with smells of tamales.
My mom, myself, and other Catholics were walking through Oklahoma City at 9 am on our way to the city's only abortion clinic. Praying for unborn babies and their parents, you wonder if your walk has any effect on people who drive by and see the pro-life signs. Could your one small effort change someone's mind or heart?
Surely you've thought something similar. Each person wonders, Do I make a difference? If you've seen a Liberty Mutual commercial, you know you do. Presidents and doctors who cure cancer have to come from somewhere. Even if you don't do something "great," somehow you'll carry your own ring to Mordor. And any unborn baby should get that chance too.
That said, after our walk, Mom insisted that we have breakfast at Waffle House. Seeing one of these yellow Scrabble-letters signs driving down 183 in Dallas always sketched me out a bit. But, as mothers know best, you should always try something new.
Customers sit at the counter, which for me seems like something that would only happen in a movie or in New York. The staff was nice, though really busy. I loved the kitchen setup; they have a wire basket over the stove that holds the eggs, and the refrigerator is in plain sight where you can see the sides of bacon and the freshly packed salads. The waffles were delicious, though obviously not as good as homemade ones. What I loved most of all was the working jukebox! The selection was not big; it was mostly CCR and Dixie Chicks, but I had fun with Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash, not LOTR) and Bad Moon Rising. We left the extra quarters we'd dug out of Mom's purse with some 11 year old boys sitting next to us...maybe they'll learn to appreciate some old music!
La vita e bella, no? Everyone should get a chance to watch Lord of the Rings, crave tamales at 9 in the morning, eat some waffles, and listen to Johnny Cash.
So have a great week, and come back soon for a post on...Halloween!
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