I periodically like to keep you all updated on my continuing quest to watch all of the Classic Doctor Who episodes (or as many still survive).

I am officially up to the 4th Doctor (otherwise known as Tom Baker). Apparently, he is one of the most well-loved and respected of all the incarnations of the Doctor. Certainly, he seems to have set the standard by which all other Doctors are measured.

Anyway, I saw the actual regeneration where Jon Pertwee transformed into Tom Baker. I’m sure at the time there was a little sadness at the end of an era with such a familiar actor playing the Doctor, as well as a little hesitancy and trepidation over the new incarnation. Change is always a little scary.

I think in my own life, I’m a big talker when it comes to how much I’m ready for change. Until it happens, then I’m wanting to go back to the old and familiar and comfortable. My joke is that the only change I like is made of metal and has pictures of dead presidents on it.

Sometimes, familiar and comfortable can turn into staleness and stagnation. Sometimes, we all need a little nudge out of the proverbial nest toward growth and maturity.

As for Tom Baker, so far, so good.

“Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind!” (Henri Amiel, 1821-1881)

Wise words. Make haste to be kind.

Abba’s children are called to extend grace and kindness not just to those who think like we do, but also to those who don’t.

Abba Father is kind and merciful and patient toward those who rebel against Him, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

We should do the same.

In the mean time, let us encourage and gladden each other’s hearts as we travel through much darkness. May we be the light of the world that Jesus told us to be to show others the way toward God’s salvation.

I had a good night. I started out with dinner at Elliston Place Soda Shop with mom. That was a semi-bucket list trip, and it was well worth the effort. The place has been around since 1939, and the food was fantastic.

We went next door to a sort of consignment/used clothing store where I picked up this gem of a t-shirt for $8. I’m making my way through the Classic Doctor Who episodes, and I feel this cements my status as an official Whovian. Or maybe just a nerd. I’m not really sure on the terminology.

Whatever it is, I’m proud to be a wearer of this t-shirt. I’m sure the Doctor would approve.

I have two anniversaries in the next 10 days. One is a sad one and the other is happy one.

Today marks the first anniversary of the day my beloved Lucy crossed the rainbow bridge at 17 years of age, taking a piece of my heart with her. Part of me still wonders if I missed a symptom or a clue that could have at least prolonged her life if not saved it.

It feels like she slipped away from me so fast. From the fateful day I took her to the vet, she lasted 6 more days. Still, I’d take all of those 17 years over again, even the hard days if it meant I got the good days again.

Maybe one day they’ll figure out a way to clone her. Until then, I look forward to my happy anniversary where I was rescued by a cute little tortie that came to be known as Peanut.

I think I’ll save all the details for June 30, but I can assuredly add that she is not Lucy Part II or a copy of any other cat. She is Peanut and she is like nobody else and nobody else is like her.

While you can never replace a pet, you can move toward finding healing for your heart when you rescue another pet. I’m of the preference that it’s better to adopt from a shelter rather than buying from a breeder because you’re not only getting a great pet, but you’re also saving a life in the process.

I suppose this side of heaven is a continuous mix of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. This world is a beautiful but broken place that one day Jesus will redeem and restore. I look forward to the day when there are no more tears and only joy.

I hesitate to even write about this, because quite frankly it’s a bit embarrassing. I have attempted and failed to reattach my rear view mirror to my Jeep. Twice.

My feelings of masculine adequacy have taken a hit, as well as my own assessment of my handyman skills. I might as well just go ahead and burn that man card now.

I’m ready at this point to pay someone to put the #*&% thing on. I don’t care. I just want to look behind me when I’m driving without having to do a full-on Linda Blair Exorcist head twist. You really don’t appreciate little things like rear view mirrors until they’re not there (or sitting in the passenger seat of your car).

Still, if that’s the worst thing that happened to me all week, I’m doing okay. Actually, more than merely okay. I’m good.

And you know what? Life without a rear view mirror is doable. Inconvenient but doable.

As a reminder, I pass along what my boss at my old job used to say that any day without a toe tag is a good day.

Today, I agree.

I don’t know that I’ll do justice to tonight’s Kairos theme. I’m still trying to process it myself, and that could take a few more days. Basically, it was a Q&A between Chris Brooks and the Brentwood Baptist Church Minister of Pastoral Care, Ken Corr.

I suppose my takeaway is that if you’re walking with someone going through anxiety or depression, your job isn’t to analyze or judge or assess or otherwise try to fix them. Your job is to be a friend, to love them, and to help get them to the kind of help they need from people who are licensed and trained to deal with specific kinds of anxiety or depression.

If you suspect that someone you know may be suicidal, you can ask them one question: “Are you thinking of harming yourself?”

Your job isn’t to try to talk someone out of taking their own life. Your job is to get them to the kind of help they need, even if that means getting the police involved. It’s better to have a friend who’s made at you and alive than a friend who you were the last person to talk to.

I don’t pretend to understand the mindset of that kind of depression. I’ve never been to that place. I know that it’s not something that you can simply wish away or pray away. Sometimes, it’s a matter of a chemical imbalance. Sometimes, you need counseling and medication. As much as I believe God heals, I also believe He works through the hands of psychiatrists and counselors.

The one takeaway for you is that you should know that you’re not in it alone. There are people who can help. There are people who have been where you are. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.