Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Christmas-Presence!---all-year-long...every "Blessed"-day!



Author’s Comment

(taken from “Christmas Perpetual” book by Carl Schuler)

 

     I chose “Trinity Trace Publishing” as the name for my printer. When we visited Nashville, Dad often took us to the Farmer’s market where we stocked up on fresh vegetables for our stay. He always seemed to find an extra dollar or two for a couple of watermelons which we put in wash tubs, iced them down until they were so cold they hurt your teeth when eaten and took them to Shelby Park for a picnic of fried chicken and untold goodies with the cold, sweet melons for dessert. The entire family joined in and it became a delightful event I still treasure.

     The street near the Farmer’s Market was Trinity Lane and that name, said with a southern accent like Granny had, is music to my ears, even today. I-65 has an exit just north of downtown; you guessed it---Trinity Lane. I thought to use that moniker for my publishing company name, but, playing with the idea resulted in Trinity Trace. A “trace” is a slight path used by Indians before the coming of the Europeans. Trinity is explanatory of the Deity; the cross fits in, nicely.

     The Natchez Trace is a 440-mile two lane highway connecting Natchez, MS and Nashville, TN. Candy and I had the pleasure of traversing a part of it one spring. For me, it was like reliving the experience of real auto touring, prior to interstates. The scenery is gorgeous; no billboards! We even found a little General Store like the eighteen hundreds type in a nondescript backwoods town. All in all, the trip was most delightful. The Trace now offers recreational resources.

     So, from Trinity Lane, a landmark and cherished memory, to Natchez Trace, a duplicate of the physical and emotional reminiscence, Trinity Trace Publishing was born. Voila!

     Does anything really happen by mere chance? Of course, we have free will and get to make our own decisions, but since God already knows all, He is omniscient, everything that occurs is already history, to Him; quite obviously, not to us. That might mean “bad” luck is the result of un-smart decisions on our part. Oh! That is hard to swallow. Perhaps, we should choose wisely.

     “I love you!” is a declaration easily spoken. The narcissist quickly adds a codicil: IF.  If, you will make me proud, make me applauded, make me look good, make me…? Self-love leaves a cold heart emotionally empty while filling it with a vacant arrogant-intent of self-defeating evil.

     True love is pure, a gift, without condition. It is mine to give, to offer, to bestow. It does not have to be acknowledged, reciprocated, returned, received nor even accepted. I love some who do not even know that I exist and some who wish that I did not, exist---or…love them. Still, the gift is my own; I cherish its value and my extremely personal decision of when to proclaim it.

     Subtlety is the detail which makes all life great and pleasurable. The nuance of a “trace” or the purity of “love” or the mystery of the “Trinity”, these are the adventurous-events of our lives.

     Trinity Trace Publishing presents: Christmas Perpetual!  Because, “I love you!” Enjoy!

 

Merry Christmas!

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