January 28, 2013

  • Jerusalem Hill Perspective: I am a nostalgist!

    Reposted from the Archives, June, 2006:

    My present ride is a 1989 Ford Crown Victoria which looks almost new, inside and out.  And although my financial circumstances are the main reason for that; I am more than content being seen driving her.  I would want to keep her even if I could afford a new car.  Since I was a teenager, my favorite car is a 1940 Ford Two-Door Convertible Coupe; and I feel unfortunate to have never owned one or even ridden in one.  But I was thrilled to see what a couple from a neighboring state has done with their Coupe -- well beyond mere restoration -- when they "cruised in" to my hometown's annual nostalgia party last week.

    I now have a 1994 White 13 horsepower lawntractor in excellent condition with which to mow my own and a neighbor's yard.  I have decided that I will sell my 1966 Wheel Horse model 656 lawn tractor only to a vintage tractor collector who will take it around to public shows; or I'll keep it and show it off once a year at a local show myself.  My Wheel Horse still mows beautifully; but the noisy deck tells me it will soon fly apart or seize up or break if continued in normal service; and new parts cannot be obtained.  So, the Horse is now in retirement.

    I was fortunate because I learned to fly in the 1960's.  I have personal memories at the controls of Piper Colts, Cubs, Super Cubs, Pacers and Tri-Pacers; a Taylorcraft L2; a Cessna 140, 180 and even a 195.  My military and CAP experiences include a North American T-6, a Grumman TF-9J, Beechcraft T-34, a Helio Super Courier and a DeHavilland Beaver.   These are, and some even were then, vintage aircraft of an earlier era; and I loved flying them because of that.

    But if you read me very often -- especially if you read me yesterday -- you know that I am most fiercely nostalgic for the earlier days of the Christian church.  And now, having begun to experience over the past few years the Holy Spirit of God more and more like a close and personal friend -- uh, make that Friend! -- I want everyone to know it is more exciting than I ever imagined it could be to live  life as the early apostles did!  What on earth are y'all waiting for!