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Day 65, I Know Why My Dad Smoked a Pipe.

About 8 years ago, I picked up my dad's old pipe and packed it full of some Half and Half pipe tobacco, got a an ole Bic lighter and fired up my first bowl. I was sitting on top of my porch roof in Seminary. It was a cold night, but I didn't care. I had had just about enough stress for the week, and just thought a little nostalgia would ease the moment.

Oddly enough. It did.

Since then, I am the most infrequent smoker known to man. I literally by pipe tobacco and forget where I put when I get home. So, if you think I am an addict or I have a smoking problem, I would gladly dismiss your accusations.

But, I will admit this. I know exactly why my dad would pack a bowl, retreat to the back porch, pet a partially retarded golden retriever, and pensively look off to a lightly traveled dirt road. I never saw him smoke out of nervousness, even though I am sure he did, ...the pipe seemed to be a 7-12 minute pause in life...a time of reflection, gathering of thoughts,...making decisions,...or just enjoying a eurphoric aroma of maybe his good memories of his own dad....who knows.

For me in 2010, I say its probably not a daily habit for me or even a monthly one, but I a pause and reflection sounds pretty stink'n good right now.

Bottomline: There's no real spiritual formulation of smoking, and I probably should make sure people see that I am not encouraging it. I guess by in large, I am encouraging a good moment in the course of chaos to stop, take a deep breath, clear your head. Then in about 7-12 minutes, see how much better you feel.

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  1. Tim WixonFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    John
    You know how much I enjoy a good bowl of pipe tobacco myself. Reflection is always good no matter how you look at it. I am ashamed to say that some of my reflections are not that good. It seems to be a constant struggle in how to act or better yet react to the days activities. I struggle with that often. Like I have said before. We are being watched to see how we react to different situations. It is like being under the microscope a little bit but I would not trade my reflections or Christianity for anything. A little breather is always good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AndrewFebruary 20, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    John,
    You may not be advocating smoking a pipe but you most definately peeked my curiousity to try it once.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Donnell CravenFebruary 21, 2010 at 10:41 PM

    Wow, brother...I you brought back many a memory. I catch the scent of Dad's pipe very once in a while and it does ease the moment. Thank you so much for this and I will have to learn to take a moment and stop and smell the roses too.

    ReplyDelete

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