“All you old folks out there, listen to me. I’m telling you; you can keep going. I’m 99. I have almost all my marbles. And though I can’t remember what I had for breakfast. I’m still dancing and singing!” (Dick Van Dyke)
On Thursday our hometown team, the Texas Rangers, celebrated Opening Day by kicking off their season against the Boston Red Sox.
The stadium is only 4 miles away from our home and most years I try to make the game but this year a lot of our family was around and willing to celebrate with me, so we decided to host a watch party at our home.
After a trip to the grocery store, I started grilling the hot dogs while Ruth began baking the brownies. Unfortunately, when it came to downloading the App that promises every Ranger game (Victory +) I couldn’t get through the sign-up process.
Side Rant: Even if you pay for the MLB Network it won’t allow you to watch your hometown team. Isn’t that crazy? Why has watching sports gotten so complicated?!
Anyway, I tried for over an hour. I tried on the “smart” TV, our desktop, my phone, you name it. I even tried prayer & cussing. Fortunately, when our oldest grandson arrived, he completed the entire process in like 3 minutes. (sigh)
Have you ever found yourself yearning for the days when life felt simpler? As I was thinking back to some of those early shows we used to watch (For free) one of my favorite’s included this famous line….
Oh, Rob!
Interesting footnote: There was actually two alternating scenes during the title sequence when Rob Petrie would come home from work full of energy and enthusiasm. As he enters the living room, he would either sidestep or stumble over the ottoman.
Dick Van Dyke was always such a physically gifted & naturally funny performer. That’s why it’s still easy to visualize him dancing with all those animated penguins in Mary Poppins.
File Under: You can’t make this Sh*t up!
By some kind of cosmic coincidence, just yesterday, during my Saturday morning cycle class, our instructor (the great Jen Watts) who always comes up with these great playlists, treated us to an hour of songs with one thing in common, they all had lyrics that included nonsense words.
She had absolutely no way of knowing what I had just finished writing about, which is why I almost fell off my bike when all of a sudden I found myself sweating to a song that came from the same movie I had just referenced, from over 60 years ago! Yep…
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius!
Although most of us would probably have a hard time keeping up with Dick when it comes to things like singing & dancing, there’s absolutely no reason why all of us can’t emulate his playful spirit.
Quick example. When I did a chapel message for our preschoolers a few years back, I taught them all how to do the bunny hop. I’d happily explain how I tied it back to Easter, but apparently, that’s one of the marbles I’ve lost!
Nevertheless, if you want to make somebody’s week with an unexpected reminder of how play has no age limit, how about surprising them with a quick demonstration of your own!
You can brush up on the music and dance steps here by watching Lawrence Welk and the Lennon sisters.
There’s not a lot of people I know who would actually consider doing this, but one of them is a guy named Dennis.
It was his invitation to join the Angels, a seniors softball team, that brought a whole new group of friends into my life along with the opportunity to play ball again.
Dennis is the perfect example of someone who is still having the time of his life, whether it’s heading off to a Stars game, surf fishing in the gulf or flying off to New Orleans, with his sweetie Lois, in order to indulge their shared love for seafood.
I’d like to think that people like Dick & Dennis are not all that different from you and me, and I hope I’m right, because God knows the world sure could use a few more of us.
Based on some of the stories, experiences & feelings some of you have shared with me lately, the world is starting to feel more and more like this…
If you can relate, please know, it’s not your imagination! The world really has gotten more hostile and mean spirited too.
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to share my life with someone who is not only tough but also playful.
I still remember the Easter when Donovan was little and she found a kit that enabled her to use flour to make a trail of bunny footprints from the front door to where his Easter basket had been placed. When he woke up that Easter morning he was so excited!
By the way, one of the sure-fire ways of knowing you are married to a Texan is when you hear the story about how her little friend was being chased by some kind of Psycho rabbit… So she shot it, had it stuffed and then rode it to her first Easter Egg Hunt.
Of course, I’m obviously guilty of exaggerating a bit here, but you can rest assured that this picture of a very young Ruth is absolutely real! Lordy. As for me…
I can hardly wait for Easter. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this ready for all the joy and beauty and music as we celebrate the hope that none of today’s current events can destroy!
And because I’ve got a feeling I’m not alone, don’t be surprised at how loud it is this year when we all “Shout Out” together the miraculous news that… He is risen indeed!
I know it’s only the 4th Sunday in Lent, and yes, it’s still important to observe Holy Week, after all, how in the world could any of us begin to understand or appreciate the incredible gift and freedom we’ve been given if we don’t first take the time to reflect upon all the pain and suffering our Lord endured to make it possible.
Having said all that, isn’t it great to know that regardless of what the calendar says or what kings may try, there is absolutely nothing that can stop the miracle, the power, the hope and the love that was released forever from that empty tomb.
That’s why I’ll always believe, no matter how crazy or scary life gets, all of us are loved in ways that will see us through. And though I can’t explain it or prove it, you can always tell when the power of that love has filled a person’s heart.
Apparently, the lead singer of Coldplay agrees, which is probably one of the reasons why Chris Martin invited Dick to participate in a video based upon his song: All My Love.
It was released on 12/13/24, Dick’s 99th birthday, and reflecting back on their experience together he says “It’s the most fun thing I’ve ever done!” Watch for yourself and I think you’ll see why.
The truth is, there will always be a million reasons to get discouraged in this crazy life and there are moments when I do as well. But as Dick put it at the top of this letter… “I’m telling you; you can keep going”.
And as we do, I hope you’ll never stop having fun, or blessing the world by sharing with the people in your life… ALL YOUR LOVE!
Yes, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Life goes on!
Johnny B ++
PS: Because we’ll be in the hill country enjoying some of our infamous wildflowers, I probably won’t be sending anything out next Sunday. So, have a good couple of weeks. And to all those who observe… Happy Baseball!
One of my favorites from you. Thank you.
Boy did I enjoy that. Thanks for so much joy. 😁❤️