SWEETER THAN CHOCOLATE
If there was a bright side to the dark mornings and my adolescent eyes burning in defiance on my way to work with my dad, it was the pitstop at the only place in our small town to get a cup of coffee in the predawn hours. I thought it was luck at the time that it just so happened to be the only donut shop in town to boot.
The glazed bar swimming in chocolate frosting, cut and filled with luscious whipped cream, washed down with a mini carton of cold chocolate milk could make just about any bad situation seem bearable. Even now I can’t figure out why that donut isn’t on the top of the “comfort food” list.
I didn’t know those frigid mornings with my dad would provide a foundation that I would come to hold dear and value more than any number they could calculate in math class… then and now. The most valuable lessons never did happen for me in a classroom.
The folks at The High Calling, in what must have been a moment of charity or weakness, invited me to guest post for them, and before they could think about it or take it back, I said, “Yes!” I’d be almost as thrilled as eating a chocolate donut if you’d join me there today.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 6:22 pm
Great intro, Floyd! Your hook worked… I’m about to “click” over. It was just so “quiet here” I felt the need to comment {smile}.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 8:17 am
Thanks for breaking that awkward silence! And thanks for taking the time to go over to The High Calling, it’s a great site with tons of great writers.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 7:38 pm
I didn’t see the place for a comment on The High Calling. I loved your eloquent blog. I felt like I was sitting there watching it unfold as I read it. In my own life…today I found out my friend, Joanne, has lung cancer that has returned and it is now in her bones as well. Her eternity is secure and for that I am thankful.
At Bible Study today we talked about sharing our faith with our friends and that sometimes it takes years for there to be an interest on a friend’s part. It often takes a ‘life changing’ event for self or a loved one to occur before there is a willingness to listen. Then the gospel can finally be shared and be heard with an open mind. We thank God for these opportunities to share the Good News and we will be even happier when we see our friends in heaven.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 8:19 am
Very well said, Patti. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. I’ll continue to pray for her. Thanks for taking the time to read, Patti. I appreciate it, along with your wise words.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 7:57 pm
I always enjoy your stories, Floyd, but this was exciting to read it here at the High Calling! Also thanks for sharing it at “Tell Me a True Story.”
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 5:28 am
Congrats on the invitation to guest post! Heading right over and can’t wait to read the “rest of the story.” You had me at the word “chocolate.”
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 8:20 am
That was my secret weapon! Who can resist chocolate! Thanks, Betty Jo.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 5:34 am
Floyd, that was a wonderful post and perspective. Your father sounds like someone I would love to have known. The great news is; I’ll get to meet him one day, thanks to our mutual love of Jesus!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 8:21 am
Yup. He is a special soul for sure, not perfect and never one time claimed to be, but spoke loudest with his actions. Thanks much, Betty Jo.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 1:55 pm
“moment of charity or weakness..” haha – I doubt it! 🙂 Heading over…
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 2:08 pm
ps.the “click here..” link above is yielding a “page not found”, atleast from my end. But clicked the High Calling site and found the article.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 9:23 pm
One can never assume!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 3:26 pm
Floyd, so thrilled that this worked out. Love your “voice.”
And you and I are going to break doughnut bread one day, face to face. Deal?
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 9:31 pm
Deal! I would be completely honored to break donut bread with you, David. I’ll be looking forward to it. And thanks again for all the help.
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 12:39 am
Well, Floyd, I twice tried to post a comment over at Higher Calling and so far it hasn’t seemed to work. I’ll leave my browser open to the HC page and see if the last one will take.
The gist of my last comment is, thanks for being a “half-full-glass” kind of guy, us “half-empty-glass” types really need your kind.
Keep up the good work!
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 5:52 am
Thanks, David. I’m in the same boat with you, I just try to remind others to remind me! I appreciate your honesty, David. You’re not alone, brother.
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 1:15 pm
Hooked! Heading over. 🙂
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 5:13 pm
Wow, congrats on guest posting for Higher calling and I agree you definitely hooked me with your opening. I’m off to read your post.
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 6:27 pm
It was a treat to read your story here and on High Calling. I should be reading there more often… so many of my dear blog friends are connected there. I get so side-tracked. So happy for you to be sharing.
AND, that donut would be a real blessing-filled eating time. Ain’t coffee person, but, oh, this was great.
And, also, you put good thinking, good sharing here. Bless you…
Saturday, February 8, 2014 @ 2:44 pm
I would have thought in your cold country you’d have been a coffee drinker for sure! That’s how I ended up one! There are some truly gifted writers at The High Calling. Thanks, Joanne. Always great to hear from you, sister.
Saturday, February 8, 2014 @ 7:40 pm
Ain’t never been a coffee drinker, but AM a tea drinker, especially chai connected to Asia and from my Ugandan area. Now I’m buried in that. AND, I’m glad Dave doesn’t do it either, b/c the odor makes me filled with stress. Surrounded with it, and cigarettes, from the time of birth to the time I married Dave when I was 40. Life has changed, believe me. Sorry to yammer so long. TOO long!! Thanks for putting up with me.
Sunday, February 9, 2014 @ 10:02 am
Not at all! I’m always fascinated to hear the stories, especially the ones that helped shape a life. I can’t stand cigarettes, but I love the smell of coffee! Brings back good memories for me. It’s amazing how powerful memories are any how they can help shape our physical life even our senses.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 11:55 am
Awesome, Floyd – I’ll have to check it out!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 1:19 pm
Thanks, Loren. Always great to hear from you, brother.