Cowboy and Ostrich

This weekend's message is about this guy here, the misfit toy from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."  He's riding an ostrich, and a red one at that.  Given that we were doing a western-themed Christmas series, I started looking through Christmas movies and specials, and sure there are some made-for-television cowboy Christmas movies, this one here is known by all.  Okay, sort of known by all.  Okay, so he's a pretty obscure character.  But he's in a classic Christmas television special, and this weekend's message and skit are inspired by him.  Today I put the finishing touches of the script, which of course involves a cowboy riding around on an ostrich.  We found an inflatable version of that online, so it should be a fun visual.  As for the message, I'll include that here because why not?

Every year we gather around the television set to watch a few classic Christmas specials, but have you seen that one with the cowboy riding around on an ostrich? Now in case you might not have a clue what I’m talking about, this is a toy cowboy from the 1964 Christmas special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He rides around on an ostrich, and that’s why he thinks he’s a complete misfit.

Sadly, a lot of people feel that way about themselves. Not that these folks ride around on ostriches, of course. But some people do think they’re complete misfits. So let’s clear that up: they’re not. The cowboy riding an ostrich found out he wasn’t, and you know something? Neither are you. God made us all unique and special, each one designed by His hand to do an amazing work. God doesn’t make misfits.

Of course, there are times that people don’t act right, and treat others like something less than themselves. In other words, they act like ostriches. What am I talking about? Well, in the Bible, ostriches are birds that don’t seem to care for others at all. Additionally, the book of Job describes them as not being wise in any way. Look here: God didn’t make you an ostrich, so it’s best not to act like one. If you want to be wise, one of the best things to do in life is not treat others as a misfit.

Many years ago, an angel came with a special message to those who some would call misfits. These shepherds were not kings or wealthy men, and yet there they are at our Nativity sets each year, chosen by God Himself for something wonderful. In fact, countless times throughout history and in the Bible, God has chosen the lowly to do something really great for Him. You see, He lifts up the lowly, and isn’t that interested in using anyone full of pride.

So remember this at Christmas time, and all throughout the year: you’re not a misfit, and neither is anyone else. And another piece of practical advice: don’t act like an ostrich.

Moving on!  Today was a day of much preparation for Mom, who was working on costumes for the big upcoming production with the Grinch, and also working on sweet potato casserole.  I picked up some big sweet potatoes on the way home and even helped mashing them for a big as Mom go things ready.  I also got more candy can ice cream, because you never know when you'll need that!  Oh, and some egg nog too.  I found some lactose free egg nog that makes me super happy, so there's that.

Maddie was actually doing a little forensics work today, and we were also doing a little Christmas shopping online.  Black Friday sales abound, and we took advantage of that.  Today an anniversary of several things, the biggest one happening back in 1963.  Mom got me a book about that terrible event, one I've been reading lately.  But it's also an anniversary of an event in 1987 involving Max Headroom, which I completely forgot about until someone posted that online.  Finally, and more humorously, it's the anniversary of the 1978 Turkey Drop, which was featured on an episode of "WKRP in Cincinnati."  Mom got me this t-shirt to commemorate the episode, and many people have no idea what that even is, but there are some that get it, and those people crack up at the shirt.  It's a fun Thanksgiving shirt - with all the other Christmas stuff going on, it's good to have some Thanksgiving items to wear.  And watch:  I've got a little section of Thanksgiving movies too.  Recently at play practice that topic came up - what Thanksgiving movies are there?  And someone gave me a funny answer, something they said their family watches every year at Thanksgiving.  My mind was racing towards some of our choices: "Free Birds" or "The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special."  But no, this guy brought up "Addams Family Values," and I laughed at that, because I completely forgot about the entire play that Wednesday and Pugsley Addams put together.  We probably won't be watching that one this year at Thanksgiving time.  No, tonight we were watching the latest episode of "The Santa Clauses," and then going back to "The Santa Clause 2" for more Christmas themed fun.  We're squeezing in all these Christmas movies while we can!

So it's Thanksgiving Eve, and it's a quiet one.  Mom is working feverishly, and I was doing a good bit too, although she's been working into the night on these costumes and props.  Maddie's been relaxing a bit, talking with friends online and playing games.  She did do some school work today, but tomorrow we can all head over for a meal together at my parents' place.  That should be nice.

We ended the day with a reading from "Wintersmith" and prayer.  I was also reading from this massive commentary Bible, slowly plowing forward.  But it's been super interesting.  We'll have a good day tomorrow, plus we get to sleep in a little!