Yesterday was my birthday, and it was fun and adventurous. Christy asked me if I was going to sleep in, but I didn’t. I woke up 10 minutes early! When I went out to eat breakfast, I found Christy had left me a birthday card. On Tuesday she said that we would be going out somewhere Thursday night, though she would not say where.
The day started out quiet and peaceful. Mostly I just relaxed and tried to catch up on computer projects. In the afternoon we ate early and headed into Shelby. The first stop was WalMart to exchange an air filter (we had gotten the wrong size) and pick up some yarn. On the way into the store, I noticed a lady sitting in front of it at a table. She was raising awareness about battered women and children and taking donations. On her face was a happy smile, and she was singing as she listened to the radio. When we came back out, she was still sitting there, looking as cheerful as ever.
On our way to the car, we passed a pick-up truck. It was painted black and had the following words on it: “Hell on Wheels.” Two men got in the truck and started it up. As we were getting into our car, they drove by, music blaring. The music was definitely from hell; that was certain. It was so loud that it made me jump. As we headed out of the parking lot, I thought of the contrast between the happy lady and those two men. She was calm and quiet and cheerful and made people feel comfortable and happy as they walked by. Perhaps she was a Christian. She seemed to have a light about her. The two men, on the other hand, entered a black truck with disturbing words and drove by blaring evil music that was loud and frightening. What a difference between those who have the Saviour dwelling in them and those who are of the world and serving Satan! Please pray for those two men to get saved.
Off we headed. Soon we came to Cleveland Community College. One of the first things I noticed was that the news station was there. “Is this where we are going?” I asked. Yes, it was. When we went in to register, I found out that we were going to the Town Hall meeting where Representative Patrick McHenry was to speak. It was kind of sad that there was hardly anyone there. Except for the camera man and camera lady, we were the youngest ones there as far as I could tell.
Patrick McHenry seemed kind of nervous when he first started, but he did a good job. I appreciated his honesty. He did not try to avoid any questions and attempted to answer each one as calmly and as thoroughly as possible. He was willing to admit that he did not have all the answers and did not know the solution for some of the problems our country faces. Though he agreed that the President, some of the others in government, and some members of Congress were doing wrong, he did not speak disrespectfully of anyone in office. He did not try to excite the people to vote for him but simply told where he stood and reminded the people that it was their responsibility to either hire or fire him as their representative.
Patrick McHenry outlined where he stood on various issues and legislation, what he thought was the solution, and what he desired to accomplish in office. He did not make any promises but only gave assurance that he was trying as hard as he could. Though he was basically “attacked” verbally by a man with opposing views, he responded calmly. At one point he did begin to lose his temper. He simply ended the discussion, would not take any more questions, and apologized for getting “riled up.”
Thank God for a man with this character. I am honored to have him as my Representative. I pray he wins this term and many more.
The trip home was adventurous too. As we headed back toward 74, we ran into heavy rain. When we got to Towery Road, it really came down. For several minutes visibility was quite poor. Closer to home the rain let up and we were able to see better. Below are some pictures and a video of the rain on Towery Road. About 20 seconds into the video, you can see that Christy hit water and began to swerve a bit. She kept control though, and we were OK. Later, after we got home, we learned there had been lots of lightning and thunder and wind earlier in the storm. We are so grateful for the Lord’s protection and kindness.
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 36:7)