Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot.

• 2 Chronicles 25:18

I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

• Romans 16:22

The first Scripture is about a fable involving a message that was sent.  It was not a true message or letter.  The second shows that Paul dictated his letter to the Romans, and Tertius physically wrote the letter.

I had badmouthed a channel on my cable selections.  It had once been two channels.  One was Big Band and Swing, mostly instrumentals. I loved that channel, and my wife would stop in the living room as she went to the kitchen for something and simply shake her head.  Then there was a Big Band era Singers channel.  They combined and it was basically just Singers.  Maybe it is just mid afternoon, but in one stretch I had a song by Billy May, then Les Brown and his Band of Renown, then Duke Ellington, and then Artie Shaw.  So, maybe they have modified their programming a little.

But before that, I was tortured by an old song that I had heard on and off my entire life.  It was bad enough that I heard Fats Waller play it on the piano in his distinctive style.  I knew the words, but then he sang them as if I might have forgotten.

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And make believe it came from you
I’m gonna write words, oh, so sweet
They’re gonna knock me off my feet
Kisses on the bottom
I’ll be glad I’ve got ’em
I’m gonna smile and say “I hope you’re feelin’ better”
And sign “with love” the way you do
I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And make believe it came from you

• Joe Young, I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter

You know those warning labels on various products.  You know those warnings on television about violence and sexual content. …

Sorry, my train of thought just got derailed.  I visited my son and his family recently.  They all play one musical instrument or another.  Okay, not the eight-year-old who refuses to take lessons because he thinks he can play them all, but he can play none of them properly.  But on this occasion, I told my son and his wife that I was packing my bags and leaving.  They said, “Why?!”

I replied, “You two are over there sitting on that TV.  I have had enough of all this Sax and Violins on TV!!!  I’m leaving!!”

Oh, but back to my lament.  I was sad.  My eyes were leaking. …  Laments are easier when you think of something funny right in the middle of it.

I think they should have selective warnings.  Like, if your spouse dies, there should be a warning before that song plays.  If I ever get another love note or a letter from my wife, I will have to sit right down and write myself that letter.

I once asked her, “Why do you always end your letters with an advertisement for pornographic films?”

She said, “No, Sweetheart!  You write “X” for kisses and “O” for hugs.”

My mother hated displays of affection.  I might say PDA, but she never displayed affection in Public or in Private.  I never knew about “X” and “O” although I had seen them on a chalk board in the football coach’s office and I do not think they meant hugs and kisses.

So, I suggested since I love hugs, mix them up next time.  Giving me three “X” in a row, I might get the wrong ideas.

So, for the rest of her life, she ended every birthday card, anniversary card, or just a little thinking of you note with “XOXO”.

My only advice tonight is to hug your spouse and kiss them.  Say sweet things to them.

And love Jesus because He will be there waiting for us when we get to Heaven.

But then, since Fats Waller made me cry … a lot … Why not hear some good advice from him?!

If you are good on just one day, there’s gonna be the devil to pay!

It may not be one of his top hits, but I have always loved that one.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.