The Mamas and Papas (Courtesy MN Public Radio News)
On this and every Monday morning I always think of the song "Monday, Monday," a hit back in 1965 while I was a freshman at the University of Arizona. It was on a dreary and damp, drizzly Monday in late November that a group of us with a day off from classes decided to ride motor bikes in the desert. There was a small rental facility on the outskirts of Tucson which catered to college students and we thought a wild and free day out on desert trails would be a thrill. And on the way to pick up the bikes was the first time I heard the Mamas and Papas sing that song. It fascinated me with its upbeat opening which, however, turned quite blue as it went, the story of a man in love with a woman that he didn't think he could trust.
The bike riding was fun but thankfully no one was hurt, for sometimes when out in the desert and not paying attention you can get more attention than you want. First there was a bull in his open range pasture charging for us where leaving the hard desert road would lead to disaster. Then again, the cactus and thorns didn't bother the bull as he had a good angle on one of us but, luckily, we were able to throttle up and leave him behind. Then there was the straightaway cruise with not a care in the world when we came upon an unexpected hard paved road to cross and failed to see the approaching tractor trailer traveling at a high rate of speed. At the time of the crossing I was the closest to the truck and I can still hear the loud horn as I dodged that speeding bullet. Having fool's first time luck, however, I avoided what could have been a disaster and finally realized it was necessary to pay attention.
As we returned to the rental facility, the skies opened and beautiful, warm desert late fall sunshine showed itself. We turned in the bikes, jumped in the car and headed back toward Tucson. Turning on the radio, there was that same song playing, "Monday, Monday," practically taking off where it was left at the beginning of our ride. I didn't know what to think of it, so I just assumed it was a good omen and have remembered it ever since.
So, what does this little story have to do with starting a new week on Monday? Well, here's what it means to me. Being young and foolish, I could have very easily met my demise that day. But for some reason, God said it wasn't my time and the fact that the song played on as soon as the radio was turned on perhaps was a sign to me, or at least I think it was. I can, however, say this much with certainty. Every Monday morning I am reminded of that song and it tells me to be upbeat and happy and to praise God for giving me Monday morning and every new day. Life is a continual learning adventure on this earth. We must learn from our mistakes and use them to make the most of every day.
Happy Monday, everybody.
The bike riding was fun but thankfully no one was hurt, for sometimes when out in the desert and not paying attention you can get more attention than you want. First there was a bull in his open range pasture charging for us where leaving the hard desert road would lead to disaster. Then again, the cactus and thorns didn't bother the bull as he had a good angle on one of us but, luckily, we were able to throttle up and leave him behind. Then there was the straightaway cruise with not a care in the world when we came upon an unexpected hard paved road to cross and failed to see the approaching tractor trailer traveling at a high rate of speed. At the time of the crossing I was the closest to the truck and I can still hear the loud horn as I dodged that speeding bullet. Having fool's first time luck, however, I avoided what could have been a disaster and finally realized it was necessary to pay attention.
As we returned to the rental facility, the skies opened and beautiful, warm desert late fall sunshine showed itself. We turned in the bikes, jumped in the car and headed back toward Tucson. Turning on the radio, there was that same song playing, "Monday, Monday," practically taking off where it was left at the beginning of our ride. I didn't know what to think of it, so I just assumed it was a good omen and have remembered it ever since.
So, what does this little story have to do with starting a new week on Monday? Well, here's what it means to me. Being young and foolish, I could have very easily met my demise that day. But for some reason, God said it wasn't my time and the fact that the song played on as soon as the radio was turned on perhaps was a sign to me, or at least I think it was. I can, however, say this much with certainty. Every Monday morning I am reminded of that song and it tells me to be upbeat and happy and to praise God for giving me Monday morning and every new day. Life is a continual learning adventure on this earth. We must learn from our mistakes and use them to make the most of every day.
Happy Monday, everybody.
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