Five things friday

Well, hey there! How's it going today? Every week I intend to post more often and... guess what? I don't. I don't know if it's the cold weather, my most recent Afib "episode," lack of sleep, anxiety (and the resulting tiredness from all that), or what, but I've been having trouble dragging my butt off the couch and walking all the way across the room to the computer. Anyway, here's five things on my mind:

1. One reason for my current unsettledness is the Half Marathon Trail Run I'm doing tomorrow. I'm not at all worried about running the 13.1 miles, but it's in a state park I'm not familiar with and not only is there a threat of rain, snow and cold, but there has been a serious lack of information about the event! I finally saw a random Facebook post and realized I was not sent the email with the 'Athlete's Guide' that includes everything I need to know. Fortunately someone posted it, and that helps, but I'm still a little nervous about getting lost in the middle of a forest and freezing to death (even more so than whether I have the proper footwear, nutrition, clothing, etc.). So if this is my last post on here...
2. Going in a little different direction... Something I've been pondering lately is the prospect of a series of posts I may call "Offerings" (or some such thing). Things I wish I'd told my kids, or that I'd like to tell them (and/or my grandkids). Just some general life experience stuff like keeping your tires properly inflated and such. The thing that has really been burning in my brain lately is this: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). It's so easy to become cynical. Believe me, I know (and I know you know!).  I've been trying to work on it, because I really think it's important. Especially nowadays. 
3. The folks at Gravity Commons shared some interesting links this week, including these Post-Election Commitments that I like. There's also this bit from Stephen Waldron, who recently met with a variety of researchers, organizational leaders, and activists who are concerned about how democracy is relating to religion in the US today. Two main concerns they note are the serious problem we have with social disconnection, and the divide in our society in the educational attainment gap (points 4 & 5). It's a disturbing read and not all that long if you care to take a gander.
4. As for books I am reading... I have started 'The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls,' from Rich Villodas. I'm not too far into it yet, but I intended to write the other day on his differentiation between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Maybe one day next week...
5. "There is too much bad news to justify complacency. There is too much good news to justify despair." (Scientist Donella Meadows on being proactive, yet positive)

If there were to be a bonus thing today, it would be my agreement with Sir Elton John that legalization of marijuana is not a good idea. But, you know, bad ideas seem to be popular nowadays. So, keep the faith, my friends!