Using Leisure Moments for Good

LIVING LIFE, oftentimes, gives us little snippets of unexpected free time. Perhaps, on occasion, we need to be ready to use these moments as a means of doing some good in our world. Such is the case for a good friend of mine. His story of "Blue Roses" is below.

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RECENTLY my wife gave me a list of items she needed from the store. I was not busy and didn't mind going for her. Actually, I enjoy shopping because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people.

I went to the store, gathered up the items, and headed for the checkout counter. However, I was blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I like the name Denny. How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles, and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someones attention. He then turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure, and then I said something which came from inside my heart. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's garden, however, blue roses are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. "You see," I said, "Denny is a 'blue rose' and if people don't stop and smell that rose with their heart, and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God."

She was silent for a moment, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

The next time you see a "blue rose," don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say hello. Because - by the grace of God - you may meet someone like I did. And what a difference a moment can mean to that person - or to his or her family.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And, leave the rest to God.

From an old dandelion

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-- The story above was used with permission.

Lutsen

IT WAS AUGUST. It was hot along the eastern seaboard and in the Midwest. That's why our family decided to go to Minnesota and to the North Shore of Lake Superior. So, five of us traversed the miles to the little township of Lutsen. There we had fires in the fireplace every evening, and the only part of our bodies we dared dip into the cold water of the Lake was our feet.

Our lakeside villa provided a spectacular view of Lake Superior, and the breezes coming off the Lake gave us a respite from the heat of home. My wife and I, our son, and my parents came to the conclusion rather quickly that a good choice had been made regarding a summertime family vacation destination.

Lutsen is on Highway 61 - or what is also called the North Shore Scenic Drive - about 90 miles north of Duluth. Our son had flown into Duluth airport where he met the other four of us for the road trip on to Lutsen. Along the way we stopped at Two Harbors for a bite to eat. What we found was a famous old establishment on the side of the highway - the original "Betty's Pies." It proved to be a very good stop - so good that we determined to stop again on the return trip!

During our time on the North Shore, most of our days were filled with exciting activities in the out-of-doors. We journeyed further north to the U.S. border just short of the Canadian city of Thunder Bay. On one of our sightseeing tours we made stops in a park with waterfalls and great views of Lake Superior, plus we spent some time in Grand Marais and Grand Portage for food and shopping. On yet another outing in the Lutsen area, we enjoyed the Lockport Marketplace.

The Lutsen Mountains provided the setting for additional sightseeing and outdoor activities. On Eagle Mountain the Alpine Slide proved to be a thrilling activity. It was a wild and winding half-mile ride down the slope on a scooter which ran on a concrete track! On another occasion, at the base of Moose Mountain at Papa Charlies Mountain Shop, the whole family boarded the Gondola Lift for a ride up to a restaurant located near the top of the mountain. The views from the cable car were spectacular. We could see much of the Sawtooth Mountain Range plus the dramatic coastline of Lake Superior. Following lunch, my son and I decided to hike down the mountain on one of the area's many trails. The other three in our party opted for the downhill ride on the cable car. The numerous scenic overlooks on the trail were breathtaking. And, the father-son time was great on the trek down the mountain. Several hours later the five of us were together again at the base of the mountain.

Evenings, after dinner, were mostly spent at our villa in Lutsen. It proved to be quality family time visiting, laughing, hearing and telling stories, relaxing in front of the fireplace, or playing games. Some of our evening meals were planned at the villa. Often in late afternoon or early evening before dark we found ourselves in our yard sitting on the boulders at the water's edge of Lake Superior. We also discovered that our view of the moon and the twinkling stars in the night sky over the Lake was truly an awesome sight.

The ambiance of the North Shore was stunning. The mountains, the Lake, the mild weather - in fact everything we experienced - met our high expectations. Therefore, as far as superior leisure destinations are concerned, Lutsen is on our family's list of special places. And, it's quite likely that it would have some stars in any vacationer's travel diary.

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-- A view of Lake Superior from the Lutsen, Minnesota coastline is pictured above.