Significant snow has fallen. The University is closed, it closes more often than during my time at SIUC. I am glad safety has become important. It is time for a card game and a beer. Jennifer brought us some wonderful beer.

I have been watching the Larry Sanders Show which began in 1992. What a difference over 30 years makes. The show is rated in the top 50 television shows of all time. It reminded me of what I was doing and thinking in the early 90s. Aaron and Jonathon were pre-teens. I was concerned that we needed a larger home. I was in my 6th year as the Assistant Superintendent of Building Services. We were members of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

The mid-30s were good years. I was seeking the Secret…I still am…

Happy times were in our little house. After not owning a television we purchased a lovely counsel model. In those days TVs were furniture. The one we had in the early 90s came from Sears. We had cable TV. Berle and Fernie came over to watch Christmas Vacation on HBO. They being holiness people of the Nazarene Church I muted when Chevy Chase uttered a profound expletive. The close caption revealed it for all to read.

So we look back on what seemed like living a long life in reality whisked by… We asked others why we were there? They had many different answers. Some said to make money. Others espoused education art and enlightenment. I saw those around me belittle people different than them. Faith-based on elitism did not make sense. Hungry people were not lazy or cursed. The bastardization of Christ’s message drove my quest for meaning beyond self. How can you hurt and hate others and proclaim your Christianity…

Southern Illinois University opened my horizon. Working and learning among people from over 70 nations was enlightening. We have a common humanity. What was believed in our Tribe was not taught in another…we are all waiting for Godot…

Garry Shandling who portrayed Larry Sanders on the show he wrote was a seeker. Since the death of his brother Barry in their childhood he sought to be his authentic self. Authenticity is no small goal. We seek to be like our leaders. We have our work mask and church mask…our performance before our audience…