I was riding my bike today in 30 some degree weather with a 6-7 mph wind out of the SE and I started thinking how some people would think I am crazy. As in nutcase. As in “Certifiable” written across my name. When my right thumb went numb (how’s that for poetry) and my fingers began to tingle, I knew it was a real possibility they could make a case. But I stopped and put my other pair of gloves on and all was right with the world…except for the wind I had to ride against for the next too many miles.
Long story short…I began to think of other crazy things people do around this time of the year and began to form a list in my head as I was riding. Here are a few I came up with and I’m going to ask you to join in with your contributions at the end.
While the wind was freezing my nose off, I began to think of those “crazy” people who do the Polar Bear swims. You know…that sounds appealing in the middle of a 100+ degree day in August, but for the life of me I wonder what gets into people who bare all but a swim suit (I am guessing) and take a dive in subzero weather into a body of water that is probably close to the same temp. And they call me “Certifiable?”
Since we are in the Christmas season, and by now I suspect the gift-buying is in full swing, I think it is “crazy” to go out and buy things people don’t really need want, and give them (sometimes) to people we really don’t like, and we do it all by using plastic. Not plastic wrap. Not plastic totes. PLASTIC. As in credit cards. Then January/February rolls around and it is then we realize how “crazy” we were. Personally, I am not a Dave Ramsey poster child since I am not out of debt, but I have never regretted the day I cut up all my Plastic (and finally paid it off), except for my debit card. No mon; Nofun. No bills; Big 😀 .
It is “crazy” in a sad way how many will be involved in alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season…all because they don’t say NO or have a designated driver. Drivers are crazy enough as it is without self-medicating.
It is “crazy” how rude some people can be and how many Scrooges there are.
It is “crazy” how much chocolate is consumed and diets blown during the holiday season.
It is “crazy” how some churches think they have to have something every night and make their people compete with non-church stuff.
It is “crazy” how many people in Third World countries go without clean drinking water. Check this out.
It might not be “crazy” but it is inconvenient. Listen here
I’m done. What are some “crazy” things you can think about during this holiday season? Join in the fun.
While you are at it check out two other crazy guys who took the Christmas post challenge: Sele and Ed.
Great post this evening. Your words and wisdom make you almost sound rational and balanced. Your bike riding trip kind of tips the scale toward raging insanity. You should take this diagnosis seriously as I am a doctor. … (I can hear my daughter immediately echoing, “but you’re not that kind of doctor”.)
I noticed that word “almost.” Hmmmm. Does that mean I don’t sound that way most of the time? 😛 Thanks for the “doctoral” advice (but is it okay to agree with your daughter?)
The Christmas season brings crazy situations. Watching some of the Black Friday movies was shear crazyness.
That is a sign of craziness.
It sure is:)
I’ll join you in being crazy, but I will add a twist:
I’m also in credit card debt, as well as a higher education debt.
I can’t get any credit, and if I had to buy even a used car, I’d be up the local city transportation unit.
But I thank God anyways, because all needs are still being met, and I am not going without.
I’m at a loss for anything crazy tonight…lol
Glad to hear your needs are being met Ed. The others will happen in time. As for contributing? Just glad you are a faithful reader.
It’s crazy how much FOOD and SHOPPING have become the centers of focus for the holiday.
Very crazy for sure. But you should leave out the food part. Hits too close to home. 🙂
It’s crazy how this is the center of our culture’s year.
No argument here my friend.
It’s crazy that we actually believe we can fix this place (or ourselves).
We need a Savior.
So right Steve.
Hey Steve! I hope you come back here to see this. I tried to comment on your latest post (the video) and it said page not found and when I tried to email you about it came back as undeliverable. Email me personally if you want. pastor@ovcf.org.
Bill,
I put up an audio post. Are you sure it was on my theoldadam.com/ blog?
The e-mail that I use is sma9231961@aol.com
Sorry for the trouble. Try it again (please) and let me know what happens.
Thanks, Bill.
It’s crazy to tell people to just get over it.
Good post, Bill.
What a “weak” way to get out of helping and being empathetic. Good one susan.
I think it’s “Crazy” that some say there is no God. Just look around. Really? All of this just happened?
I agree. It is amazing. We are spinning at 1000 miles an hour all day and night, every day and night, it boggles the mind. At least my mind.
Mine as well Jeff.
Gotta go with you on this one David.
My city has a rather large shopping mall. At one time it was the largest within several states. It may still be. The traffic there is CRAZY.
We also have a local attraction that does a “festival of lights.” It’s been going on since I was a kid, and it’s huge. Now, the traffic for that is really crazy. If you get caught in it, it could delay you literally two or three hours.
Shopping malls are to be avoided at all costs. sounds like the “festival” would be cool to see but not the traffic. Ugh!
I like your kind of crazy! Makes me feel better about myself! It seems crazy to me to celebrate a holiday that you don’t really believe in. Seems even crazier to try and change the meaning and history of the day we celebrate when God stepped into our physical world to be the perfect and last sacrifice for sin…
You know what they say: crazy loves company. 🙂 Welcome to my world Floyd!
Currently I think it’s crazy how many people are offended by nativity scenes…just proves there’s power in the message of Christ’s birth or so many secular people wouldn’t have such strong feelings about getting Christ taken out of Christmas.
But what’s even more crazy is that so many Christians aren’t putting up a fight for our Savior. Tolerance….
Good point TC. All in the name of tolerance that shows intolerance.
I am secular and have no problem with nativity scenes or anyone elses beliefs, traditions or cultural differences. I rather enjoy the difference. Dead pine trees in someones house with lights on it is a Christmas tree to me. Not a Holiday tree. Christ has never been in the celebrations that go on this time of year for some. The Pilgrims considered it a Pagan celebration. I just think we all ought to respect each other and encourage good tidings and goodwill to all men….and all beliefs.
I am with TC on this one…I am offended that they are offended. It’s crazy some are offended when we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy HOlidays..
Oh Pastor Bill, you aren’t crazy for bike riding in the cold . ..just devoted! 🙂 I’m going to go in a different direction a bit, than necessarily Christmas, but I’ve had some of the Rodeo Finals on and kind of have to think those guys are crazy that try to ride bulls! 🙂
God bless!
Bill, I have a friend that is crazy like you. He rides at least 11 or 12 miles a day, rain or shine, cold or heat, day or night. I am one of the crazy people who really enjoy chocolate, but it doesn’t count because I do it all the time not just during holidays. I also do the Polar Plunge every year, at least the last three. Mine is not for the shear craziness of it all, but to support Special Olympics in SW Missouri. It is crazy cold, but lots of fun and for a great cause. Stay crazy, Bill, it will keep you young!
I don’t think you’re crazy, as I love the cold weather, so to me, it sounds quite normal & pleasant for you to have a ride when it’s cold. 🙂 And, all the crazies you listed are sadly true, what seems even crazier to me is what do people celebrate at Christmas if they’re not celebrating the birth of Christ? I personally just don’t get that. Great post.