Chapter 13: A Light On My Path

Page 27

The kindergarten was conveniently located about four blocks away

from the apartment building we lived in. I wasn’t raised Catholic and other than kindergarten and later dating some Catholic girls — that was the extent of my experience in the Catholic faith. Talk about a conflict of religions, you would be considered treading on dangerous ground if you were a

Lutheran boy dating a Catholic girl in the early 1960’s. Of course, that is only if her parents found out. If they did, it would be time to discuss your possible conversion to Catholicism. I know from first hand experience.

I have always had a thirst for knowledge and truth. Beyond anything

else in life, I have valued the truth. I have observed that not many people desire to know the truth like I do; sometimes it can really hurt. Then there’s that old adage that “ignorance is bliss.” Is it? I think its just ignorance.

During that kindergarten time when my family lived on Dupont avenue in Minneapolis, I remember lighting a birthday candle and putting it on a play cup saucer and placing it underneath a big double mattress. It was my first memory of seeking out some light and lucky for me my father was

able to pitch the burning mattress over the rail of our second story apartment before the fire got serious. That wasn’t the first time my curiosity got me in trouble. In fact, I’ve always had a propensity for adventure. As a young man, I also got in trouble. Especially after my father died. I remember mom telling me at about age 14: “Ed, one day you are going to get yours.” I

wondered at the time exactly what she was talking about as she pointed her finger angrily towards me? Now I know. I think I got paid back in spades.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a

man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

What You Sow, You’ll Reap — I Know!

I’ve lost track of the number of garbage cans of mine that were tipped

over at the end of my driveway. I can say with certainty that the number of incidents greatly exceeded the times I tipped over a trash can during my teen years. Young people take heed; this is an unyielding law from God.