Running of the Bulls

   

     Instead of counting sheep, I decided to count bulls for a change. One good thing about insomnia is that you can watch things you would otherwise never care to see, such as the live coverage of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
     It's a commentating role I'd be lousy at, though I did find the bull of the announcers as entertaining as the bulls in the streets. Describing things such as the reason for the steers (ie. the brown and white bovine mixed in with the bulls, there to "steer" things along --go figure) ...the formations (it was a 2-2-2-3-1 at the finish of the third) and of course, the carnage (which I suppose is why everybody watches this sport in the first place), these guys had it made in their lofty perch, high above the maddening crowd.

     The guy in the middle (picture to the right) got gored in the leg last year and came back to do it again...(Why, I do not know, but it got him on TV. The announcer called the incident "the worst Gore since Tipper" which explains the expression on the other announcer's face).
     Unlike Daytona where I hear folks go for the wrecks, I never like to see things end badly (which is why I don't watch racing), but in this race, I confess: I was rooting for the bulls. (Run Little Bulls, RUN!)
     To better appreciate Hemmingway I confess to once attending a bullfight while in Spain and despite the sparkly costume of the matador, it wasn't pretty.  I can say "been there/done that" (and I did not want the T-shirt).  I can also say: Ban this sport already...or at least, let the bulls run to green pastures and not to the fate that awaits them.

My Beautiful Niece

            With no children of my own (save for the 4-legged ones that romp about my yard) I owe my brother a debt of gratitude for the two beautiful nieces I love as my own. Much to their parents chagrin I’m sure, both are big time travel bugs. (I once thought that they got that from me, though at this stage of their young lives they have seen far more of the globe than I have; and are doing it more frequently, so that I now live vicariously.)

But sweeter to me yet, both have hearts for missions, which despite the concerns any parent might have in this day and age for a child going half way around the world to study abroad, my niece Tiffany is committed to this cause and for the next six months, longs to study leadership and discipleship in testimony to her Christian faith in Mijas, Spain.

Seems like only yesterday, her biggest decisions in life were Chucky Cheese or circus? Dress up or hiking trails?  But as life evolves, so do discussions and decisions about why we’re here. Today finds our talks more soulful…we talk about service and ministry and how best to do the work you were put here to do.

She’s a brave little girl and a beautiful young woman; I’m proud of her resolve and adore her beautiful heart.

For those interested in ministry leadership programs such as this or in contributing to this mission, you’ll find more information at: http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org And should you find it in your heart to support her journey, all donations through G-42 Leadership Academy are tax deductible. (Just make sure you plug in her name –Tiffany Evins – so that it routes to the proper intern.)

Here’s to each of us finding our own calling in life…

And here’s to supporting others in finding their own.

We welcome your prayers, your support, your love.