Dear Rose Park,

I grew up at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland Heights. Read that sentence again, because I don’t mean to communicate that I merely grew up attending Calvary Reformed Church, I truly mean I matured at Calvary. It was the place where I first heard the words of Jesus Loves Me. It was the place where I learned how to love my neighbor as myself. It was the place where I was prayed over. It was the place that sent me off to college and seminary. I attended worship and ministries at Calvary, but my growth went far beyond attendance.

Dear Rose Park,

Yesterday morning I took my almost two-year-old daughter Winnie to the doctor. Winnie wasn’t feeling well, so just before 8AM we drove to Holland Pediatrics on the south side of Holland. We arrived early and were soon ushered back to our room. Unlike her brother Simon, Winnie doesn’t really like the doctors office. She got fussy and nervous when they had to check her eyes, ears, and throat. She got scared when she had to lay on the table with the crinkly paper. She even got teary-eyed when the doctor put the stethoscope on her back. When the nurse and doctor were finished with their exam Winnie looked at me, climbed into my lap and said, “Daddy keep me safe.”

Dear Rose Park,

My daughter Winnie loves the Curious George books; I know for a fact she isn’t the only one (right Charlie?) but Curious George seems to find a soft spot for a lot of people. Perhaps it’s the innocence of a little monkey, the friendship between he and the man with the yellow hat, or the clever hints to bananas spread throughout the stories. Now I don’t mean to be too dramatic when it comes to a children’s book, but I wonder if one of the reasons so many children adore Curious George is because, well he’s curious.

Dear Rose Park,

A few weeks ago I bought a fire pit to have in our backyard. It’s been a fun nighttime activity for Sam, the kids, and I; right before bedtime we set up the fire, take our seats on our favorite folding chairs, get out the s’mores ingredients (if the kids have been good listeners!), and then enjoy the crackling of the warm fire. There’s something very peaceful to me about staring into the blaze; I even like the smell of a campfire on my clothes afterwards. As I stare into the fire, I am reminded about all the stories in the bible where fire is present.

Dear Rose Park,

Have you ever heard of a one-upper? A one-upper is that person who always has to one-up your comment, story, or experience. For example, if you said, “I’m having a pretty good day” a one-upper would say, “well I’m having an even better day.” Or if you said, “I really like my new car; I like the color and it runs really well” a one-upper would say, “well I really like my new car, new camper, and new boat; they are the perfect color, they look great in pictures, and they run absolutely perfectly.” Sometimes we call this bragging or showboating, but whatever you call it let’s be honest it’s just downright annoying.

Dear Rose Park,

Yesterday’s weather forecast was pretty bleak. The morning began with a beautiful sunrise and a cool breeze with warmer temperatures coming towards noon. The weather forecasters were predicting that the afternoon however, would be much different. They predicted high winds, dark skies, and heavy rain for nearly four or five hours in our area. A severe thunderstorm warning went out resulting in multiple cancellations (including Simon’s first football practice). Overall, the forecast was pretty doom and gloom but reality was much different.

Dear Rose Park,

As another academic year is beginning for all our local schools, my own memories of elementary school are coming to the surface. I attended Lakeview Elementary on 32nd Street on the southside of town. Lakeview no longer exists; it first transitioned into a park, but it’s transitioned again into a housing development where driveways sit on what was once the playground. I can remember sitting on the carpet square in the gym (which also tripled as the cafeteria and auditorium). I can remember singing our school song led by Mrs. Vanderwall. I remember my teachers and our field trips, but what I remember most are those first days of a new year.

Dear Rose Park,

The Little League World Series is in full effect right now. The full tournament is scheduled to run from August 19-29 in Williamsport, PA. It’s a dream of every little leaguer to play in Lamade Stadium under the bright lights and on the biggest stage. I can remember playing Little League at Maplewood Ball Diamonds on 35th & College. Some of my greatest memories as a child are filled with sliding into second base and getting a hot-dog after the game.

Dear Rose Park,

I like a good bargain; I take that back, I love a good bargain. This past Monday was the annual Book Nook sale in the basement of Herrick District Library. The sale was this: fill a bag, any size bag, with books, DVD’s, or CD’s and it’s $5. You read that correctly. ANY size bag for $5. Needless to say, I was in the basement of the library for a good hour filling up a bag.

Rose Park Family,

I think it’s fair to say that gratitude is something we strive to pass on to the next generation. We seriously undervalue the importance and meaning of a simple ‘thank you.’ These words have profound impact not only on our immediate circles of influence but also the greater Kingdom of God.