An Unintended Afternoon

Embarrass, Minnesota

August 27, 2024

3 PM CT

I did not intend to come to Embarrass today. I did not know Embarrass existed until I saw its name of a road sign. And I did not intend to camp at the town’s campground — but here I am. Off the road early enjoying the quiet of the Minnesota woods — along with a few mosquito friends.

I am tempted to go find a golf course and play nine holes. But what I really need regarding golf is to improve my swing on a driving range. While I still might go play (there’s a course within 20 minutes), I am going to try and chill.

I haven’t read books in awhile. I purchased this Jimmy Carter book a few months ago and it’s one of three physical books I brought on this epilogue wanderabout. (The other two are Harvey Pennick’s book and one about why didn’t anyone tell me this a long time ago.)

Carter’s book is from 2006, so recent history. I’m only 50 pages in, but I’m disturbed. Disturbed that the issues he is describing are the same ones that we confront today. His views on the devisiveness of our politics made me cringe — have we really been at war with each other for so long? And it’s only getting worse.

You don’t have to be a fan of Jimmy Carter the politician to appreciate this book. And he’s not in your face with his religious views. In fact, I think that is what I appreciate the most. He is a man of depth faith with a compassion and empathy for everyone. He is not a fan of what he views as the co-opting of religion into the arena of politics.