Mr. Swearengine

 

In 1962, I was in Mr. Swearengine’s wood shop class.  I made a planter and a shoeshine box.  I still have the shoeshine box, of which I am moderately proud.  But the planter … well, let’s just say that I am glad that I lost it.  Mr. Swearengine was a stickler on keeping loose clothing corralled.  No loose sweaters or jackets were permitted in his wood shop.  A dangerous thing, you know: loose clothing can catch in a drill press or a table saw and draw your arm right in with the loose clothing.  He always set a good example by tucking his tie in between his first and second shirt buttons.  A practice that I still follow some 63 years later.  It keeps my tie protected from occasional drips and spills.  And when I do “drip and spill,” I pull my tie back out to cover the damage.  Clever, don’t you think?!  All habits aren’t bad; some are even good, like brushing your teeth and washing your face and neatly tucking your tie away.  Hey, reading your Bible every day is a good habit too.  And, by the way, if you haven’t read a passage in your Bible yet, close down Facebook, shut your computer (or phone), and get out your Bible.  Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”  Develop good habits, glorify the Lord, and do your best.  A good plan for today.