A Joyful Sunday Morning Without Church

It is Sunday morning, and the weather could not be any better for those who enjoy being outside. It is bright and sunny with not a cloud in the sky and only a slight breeze moving the tree tops. The unbearable heat and humidity of summer in Mississippi is on the horizon but seems remote on a day like today. I will be outside for some yard work as soon as I finish my coffee - not the sort of work I feel I must do but the sort I want to do because I enjoy it.

As I look out my window, I see car after car driving by. Each is covered with the pollen the pine trees dump on us this time of year and filled with uncomfortably dressed families on their way to church. As the neighborhood empties around me, I can't help feeling happy that I am not in one of those cars. I endured that for many years, but I am free now. I'm free to enjoy the day as I see fit without squandering my time on fear-driven magic.

Thrill of it All by Black Sabbath is blaring from my speakers:

Won't you help me Mr. Jesus, won't you tell me if you can?
When you see this world we live in, do you still believe in Man?
If my songs become my freedom, and my freedom turns to gold
Then I'll ask the final question, if the answer could be sold.

I have a smile on my face and an indescribable sense that today is going to be a good day.