The Main Point by Michael Main

Saturday, May 17, 2003

Seeing All We Should See

The cacti are blooming.

I took these pictures at the church today while working on the land, with my tee shirt tucked in (see previous post).

Lots of folks came out to help, but our friend Cynthia caught my attention. The original plan for today's "work day on the land" fell through, forcing some improvisation in finding jobs for people to do. When I saw Cynthia drive up I knew she wouldn't need any direction. She parked her car, grabbed her gloves and went right to work weeding an area behind the church where we've developed an 'herb garden".

I mentioned to her how much I appreciated the fact that she saw a job that needed doing and just did it. Her response was, "If I didn't know what needed doing before I got here, I would have stayed home."

Cynthia can be a little rough around the edges which can occasionally rub people the wrong way if they haven't gotten to know her. I'm reminded today how much I enjoy people like Cynthia.

If you steer clear of cactus because of the needles...you can also miss the cactus rose.

SHE SEES MORE THAN I SEE

I am blessed with a very observant wife. You might have noticed my homepage looks much cleaner and professional. This is due solely to my astute ability. Not the ability to design a webpage, my ability to say, "Amy, please fix it".

Amy sees my flaws. Okay, she doesn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to do that, but she also excercises discretion in pointing most of them out. She was content to let me futz around with my website even though she saw its failings. Today I said, "Amy, please fix it".

Over the years, she has repaired many greater flaws in me.

I can not put a value on her ability to see me and my needs.

Today as I was leaving to do some landscaping work at the church which requires bending over quite frequently in my grubbiest garb, she reminded me to "tuck in my tee shirt".

See why I love this woman? She not only sees the cracks in my facade...she knows I have the potential to show even more.

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

"The Matrix Reloaded" is reeling them in. I enjoyed the first movie, and look forward to seeing this one. I may have to re-watch the original first to keep up and probably won't get around to it until it comes out on DVD..

I've heard a variety of folks mention how the Matrix movies have an underlying message about God. We interviewed a guy this week who stood in line for hours to be the first to see the sequel because of its "spiritual" message. I've also read some criticism from Christians, chastising believers for reading too much into the movies and pointing out "flaws" in these beliefs.

I'm not here to judge. I see God in birds, bugs, books, and billboards. If you see a message from the Lord in "The Matrix Reloaded" who am I to doubt that?

I tend to think God is glad that we're actually looking for Him at all.

Friday, May 16, 2003

GIVING THANKS

I'm giving thanks today.

Yes, I'm appreciative of the Spurs deflating the reputation and egos of the Lakers, but that's not my focus. Today I'm giving thanks for Kathleen Roten.

Kathy is on my mind because it was 31 years ago yesterday that I "invaded" her tranquil life. Kathy was married to Travis Roten, my mother's half-brother and on May 15th, 1972 their lives were up-ended when my brothers and I moved into their Dallas home. Three long-haired teenagers from New York, full of attitude, fear and a lot of half suppressed anger.

Kathy and Travis had no kids of their own. They were in their early 30's. Dallas was thriving. They were in a perfect position to lead very content, unencumbered lives. BOOM! Instant family.

I lived with Kathy and Travis for only about three years, and I didn't make it easy on them. They eventually divorced. I'll never know if that would have happened had not the "Main boys" been suddenly thrust into their lives. What I do know is that in each passing year I have grown closer to Kathy. She is my surrogate Mom now, as much as I allow her to be, which isn't enough . Amy considers Kathy her "Mother in law" and she's "Grandma Kathy" to my brother's daughter.

Kathy not only accepted the challenge of my brothers and I, she has spent most of her life caring for others. Among them, her mom, who passed away this year, and her mother's sister who is now 99 years old. She gives of herself faithfully and without reservation. She gives her all.

Her strength amazes me. Her devotion inspires me.

She is a saintly woman who deserves a special place in Heaven and more recognition than I am capable of providing in mere words.

Alas, words are all I have. I sent some to her in email, others I am passing upward...through prayer.

Kathy, thank you for all you've done for me.

Father God, Thank You for Kathy.....

Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.

Thursday, May 15, 2003

SHAQ IN AWE

It's over. The Spurs have ended the Lakers' dominance. A spanking so severe that it might have been mistaken for a minor earthquake. The Lakers now know how Joan Collins felt when she read the headline in "Variety": "DYNASTY CANCELLED!"

Sleep well...I know I will.

IDLE WORSHIP

Tipoff is about 10 minutes away. The Spurs could end the Lakers dynasty tonight. I actually have the tickets in hand now for Saturday night's game if the Spurs should lose tonight forcing a game seven. I have great hopes they will go unused. I have a place for them. Atop my "Spurs Shrine."

The "Shrine" is one of the many indulgences Amy allows me, but one of the few that I'm allowed when it comes to home decoration. It's relegated to the corner of our little used "radio room". This prevents me from bowing down before it...at least while games are on.

If there is a game seven it will be Saturday night, and that's a good thing. Lisa has her final band concert Saturday afternoon and I didn't want to have to choose between the Spurs and my stepdaughter (although I'm sure Lisa would have forgiven me...eventually).

LOST DREAMS

I didn't sleep well last night.

Early in the evening, Amy and I attended an "Optimists Club" banquet honoring "youth", of which Lisa was one. The event featured banquet food . I think we've eaten the circuit now, pork diguised as steak, hamburger disguised as filet mignon, and chicken that no one could disguise despite their best efforts. The banquet was composed of a procession of kids who were each told at the last minute they would be "reading the honors" for the next kid on the list. There were 80 honorees, although about half didn't show up (they are the best and brightest after all). It was a long and less than enlightening occasion.

I spent much of the early part of the night thinking about the sacrifice we were making, giving up our evening for a banquet where kids were given plaques that really have little value.

I spent much of the next few hours thinking about true sacrifice.

"We would go to Mexico and Mama she would cry for the things we'll never know she had to leave behind"

Those are lyrics from a Tish Hinojosa song which rattled through my head last night as I tried to get some sleep and put my cynicism in perspective.

Yesterday morning I got word from Victoria, Texas that 18 illegal aliens had died stuffed in a locked tractor trailer in the sweltering South Texas heat. These were men, women, and at least one small child, who paid a fortune by their standards for a chance to come into this country seeking work...hard work. Back bending, thankless, and for the most part, low paying work. They embarked on that journey knowing their hopes and dreams could cost them their lives.

I couldn't help but wonder how they would feel if they were invited to a banquet where their kids were given plaques for excelling in school. I bet they wouldn't complain about the food.

PSALM 49:20
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

NO END IN SIGHT

About to leave for yet another graduation related event for Lisa. This is an "Optimist Club" banquet for deserving students. We are blessed with talented kids who have achieved a great deal. Luckily I am also blessed with a strong stomach for banquet food.

THE END IS NEAR

The end of the world is tomorrow.

Figured I would pass that along for anyone who might have missed that news.

Members of this Japanese "Pana Wave" cult have been criss crossing their country trying to escape "radiation" and protect their leader. They all dress in white and believe the world is going to end Thursday.

What I find interesting about this story is that the media in Japan has been chasing these cultists hither and yon for weeks. According to Voice of America: "The white-clad cult members claim that journalists' TV cameras emit harmful signals and have tried to fend off reporters with giant mirrors."

That's like holding up a giant flame to rid your backyard of moths.

REAR ENDS

Our life limb and property are still safe. Texas House Democrats are still hiding in Ardmore, Oklahoma, so lawmakers in Austin can't do diddly. Tomorrow I'm going to call liquor stores and bars in Ardmore and see how business has been.

Side note: Texas Republicans have issued the most wanted cards as I predicted (see "Small favors" below). I'm keeping the Swami cap.

THE END FOR THE LAKERS?

The "conventional wisdom" is that the Lakers will win tomorrow night and keep their championship hopes alive. I think the Spurs will get on track and stay on track enough to beat them ending the series; however I have mixed emotions. I've been offered tickets to Game 7 if there is one.

With my luck the world will end before then.

THE END IS HERE...FOR DICK

Dick the fish is dead. You may remember Dick. Dick was the 17-year old goldfish kept in a tank above a bar in a New York restaurant. He had some ailment that made it hard for him to swim. So the bar patrons put Dick in a sling.

I'm not sure what type of goldfish Dick was...a Japanese Coi? Who knows..maybe Dick was a cult member ahead of his time and tomorrow we could all be sleeping with the fishes.

SPURS WIN!! BARELY

Okay, so much for my Swami act.. Manu wasn't the star of the game. However I'll take the win. Considering how intense the game became (don't get me started) the Spurs should be given the thanks of the entire Laker organization...someone had to take Phil Jackson's newly repaired ticker out for a test spin.

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

IF THIS IS TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE...

I have come to the conclusion that all New Braunfels High school related events are purposely scheduled at odd times, usually conflicting with Spurs games. That's a good sign though since Lisa's actual graduation ceremony is a on Thursday night in two weeks, which means no doubt on that night the Spurs will be well entrenched in the Western Conference finals.

The swirl and bustle of pre-graduation madness continues tonight. We're about to head out to something for Lisa, a dinner with a purpose no one seems to be able to completely define. We're under the impression that it's to announce local scholarships and to reduce the world's population of synthetic chicken breasts.

Go Spurs

SMALL MIRACLES

Nathaniel Ethan Kiehl came into the world yesterday...his father, an Army Specialist from just up the road, left this world in March. James Kiehl was killed in Iraq. He was 22.

SMALL FAVORS

Got a "news" release from the state troopers:

"The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking the public for assistance in locating 53 Texas legislators who have disappeared."

The "legislators" are all Democrats who don't like the way things are working out in the Republican dominated Texas legislature, so they ran away to prevent a quorum. Most are hiding out in Ardmore, Oklahoma, presumably because no one could argue that they're enjoying themselves if they're in Ardmore. I have no real problem with this political tactic...I wish more politicians would run away.

Anyone spotting one of the missing 53 (no deck of cards issued yet but it's got to happen) please call : 1-800-U-Keep 'em

ANYONE SEEN A SMALL FORWARD?

Also missing these days is consistent play by the Spurs small forwards...I'm putting my Swami cap back on and predicting tonight will be a break out night for Manu Ginobilli...

Let us pray.

Monday, May 12, 2003

CAN WE CHIRP?

Our barn swallows, the ones who live above our front door, today were having a frank and animated discussion atop the metallic painted eagle that adorns our flagpole.

As I looked at them it made me think of how easy it is to get caught up in the squawking...oblivious to the stalwart foundation we stand upon.

"I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself"

ADVICE FOR LIFE

I wasn't asked to give an address to the graduates yesterday. If I had been it would have been short:

If you're ever asked to give a speech and you think it would be cute to write a poem and read it. Run that by someone first. If that person thinks a poem is a good idea, get another opinion.

Don't ever rent a movie starring one of the younger Baldwin brothers. Steer clear of Rutger Hauer films too.

Feel free to pierce or tattoo any body part you want...but only after you've landed a good paying job, and a spouse who loves you. And only when you're sober.

Don't ever put a decal on your car that shows someone urinating on something. No one thinks that's funny.

And the LORD said to me, "I have seen this people, and they are a stiff-necked people indeed!

There is something about Tiffany's graduation ceremonies and my back. When she graduated high school we camped out on bleachers for hours in order to have a good seat. I was hunched over in pain for weeks.

For yesterday's ceremonies at Schreiner we had the pleasure of sitting in tiny wooden chairs in the gymnasium. I'm fairly certain the chairs are actually older than the University itself. I suspect that may actually date back to the "crusades" and may have been used as torture devices.

This morning I can barely move my neck and my back is aching. I can't look to the left or right without wincing in pain...

At least I'm starting the week "looking up" ... .

Sunday, May 11, 2003

CLEAN YOUR PLATE

Although this is my favorite photo from today's graduation, it probably doesn't do Tiffany justice. Tiffany now has her degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Schreiner University and it was a solemn and momentous day. Those cords around her neck signify various honors and there were more to be added through out today's events. One of the college big wigs remarked to her on the graduation stage that she set a record with "seven" cords....actually Tiffany received eight.

Cords, caps, gowns, and ceremonies have little meaning to me. I'm proud, don't get me wrong, but I'm not necessarily concerned whether or not Tiffany achieved those honors. Those ropes will be tokens far too soon. The cap and gown were borrowed. The ceremony was a rite of passage that will fade from memory.

The drive that led Tiffany to where she is today...THAT will sustain her for a lifetime.

Tiffany won a full scholarship to Schreiner and she could have "coasted" through four years there. In fact she probably could have coasted and graduated in three years if she so chose.
Instead she devoured her college experience. She grasped for the hard to reach and hungered for the difficult to attain. There were setbacks, doubts, and even failures along the way. She devoured those too.

In the end I don't think it matters what degree you have, or what honors you receive. I do believe if you attack life and seek all that you can from it, you will uncover marvels of the world and marvels within yourself.

You are what you eat...clean your plate.

Psalm 128:2

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

THE GOOD MOTHER

This Mother's day will be spent for the most part in Kerrville watching Tiffany graduate college. Amy won't have the Mother's day dinner with the kids. "Her" day will be overshadowed by the bustlings and mania of graduation.

Yesterday, Amy pointed to a sad looking pot of flowers on our front porch and noted that they're not doing real well. She said, "I just shouldn't plant anything".

Today, as Tiffany walks across the stage, I hope to hold Amy's hand and whisper, "See what you planted? See how she's bloomed?"

You may not be great with marigolds, but I marvel at the children you've grown. There are none better. They are a testament to you.

I love you Amy. Happy Mother's Day.

NOTE TO MOM

Marvinel was her name. That had to be tough. Her Dad's name was Marvin, and so with the creativity mercifully found only in East Texas she was named "Marvinel". This is a picture that I think was taken as she when has going off to college. I'm assuming she didn't know at the time that the same style of clothing would be adopted by Mao Tse Tung and billions of Chinese.

My Mom died 31 years ago last month, just a few weeks before Mother's day 1972. She was a good woman. A strong and independent woman. I don't think of her often enough.

God Bless you Mom

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