Rick's Ramblings ~ The Second Installment Of Our New Column

“RICK'S RAMBLINGS” 

by Rick Jones, husband of The Minister's Wife 

I am very easily sidetracked in conversations. No matter what the subject, I can quickly go off on a tangent. Maybe it has something to do with free associative thought, but I find connections between various subjects appealing and enjoy switching topics, always figuring to get back to the original track and often getting so far away from it that it never comes up again . . . sometimes because I can no longer remember what it was.

For example: I hoped to share my thoughts concerning a title for my new column for my wife's blog. But after writing the title for this installment, “Rick's Ramblings”, I switched to the subject of getting off the subject. And had it not been for that title already recorded as a reminder, I might have forgotten, and started in with another topic I want to get to soon, FAQs about my recent amputation. 

When I was a pastor, my sermons often included “side tracks” in which I would address a subject that might not be worth spending the entire time on, but worth a quick look at through a biblical lens. Sometimes I would announce a sermon title and scripture passage, then begin with a short observation on another topic while people opened their Bibles. I often said that I was trying to set a record for shortest time to get off subject: I jumped tracks before we'd even left the station.

This is called “chasing rabbits.” The saying refers to a hunting dog tracking prey. Sometimes, a dog will ignore the scent of the intended prey and start following the trail of a rabbit, much to the annoyance of the hunter. At some point in church history, someone told a pastor to stay on topic and stop “chasing rabbits.” We're told that the preacher responded, “It's perfectly fine to chase a rabbit – provided the rabbit has enough meat on it.” Just because a subject doesn't warrant major attention doesn't mean it should be completely ignored.

Hmmm . . . looks like I won't have space now to share my thoughts on a title for this column. But I will remind you that we're asking for your input. If I pick your suggestion, you will win, from my very own personal library, Stan Lee Presents the Amazing Spider-Man #2 [1978], a paperback reprint of issues 7 – 13 of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book. No, it's not worth much, but it's a fun read. Plus, I somehow acquired two copies, so I don't mind parting with it. Oh, yeah, you also win a set of six pastel ceramic dessert bowls.

If I don't pose a suggested title, we'll pick a winner at random from all entries received by April 30th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to Continental US Residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one entry per household/address. All entries will be verified. Winner will be chosen from suggested titles for the new column (mandatory entry on the Rafflecopter). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification if if no response then another winner will be chosen. Contest ends at 12:01 AM 4/30/15. The company sponsoring this giveaway is solely responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner(s). The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails or physical mail. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or any other social media. Void where prohibited by law.