Packing (2)

More packing and cleaning out today. I cleaned out my cabinet and my desk contents. Again I gave stuff away: zip drive and about 30 disks to Scott (old technology ... who needs it!). I gave a little Wells Fargo bank to John. I think I got this for my 10th anniversary with the company (I'm not a sentimentalist!). I still had 3 1/2 inch "diskettes"! Trashed 'em (I don't even have a diskette drive on my PC!).

Also had coffee with Scott today. I am enlisting him to be my sounding board for my new job. He has the experience and he will be a valuable resource.

Kathee and I started reading Hosea Tuesday night. We are up to chapter 5. Hosea's wife Gomer illustrates adulterous Israel. A reminder to keep oneself from the world!

Hosea 2:19: "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy" (Hebrew Hesed ... God's lovingkindness!)

Got this from the Internet: In the Hebrew Scriptures, hesed refers to a sort of love that has been promised and is owed—covenant love, that is—as in Hosea 1:1: “When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son.” Covenant love is the love God promised to give to his covenant people, and which they in turn were to respond with in kind, loving the God of the Bible with all their hearts, minds and strength. Hesed does not suggest some kind of generic love of everyone. Like marital love, covenantal love is given within the context of a relationship where it is already promised and where the recipient is commanded to respond in kind. Covenant love, like marital love, is neither optional nor unconditional; it is obligatory. This is not to say hesed is compelled—just as in a marriage, love cannot be forced—but it is commanded. This love may be freely and graciously given, but, from the biblical point of view, there is no such thing as free love. Article.

I think "hesed" is Pastor McLachlan's favorite word!

Tonight having dinner with Kathee and Rachel at The Big Bowl.

Tomorrow meeting Tom's boss Jim at noon. I think I will take off early tomorrow!