Can we?

[RevSmoke]

Yesterday was my birthday and it got me thinking about something.

I know that many consider cigars as one of the most important activities in any celebration. And indeed, a good cigar is a fine way to enjoy special events and accomplishments. But...

Can we really say that we are celebrating if no cigar is involved?

Let me be the first to chime in.

On Sunday evening, a group of pastors and their families got together for our summer picnic. While there, the guys had cigars. Yesterday was my birthday and I didn't have one. Some of you may be thinking, "How could you celebrate your birthday and not have a cigar? It's inconceivable!"

I like to "enjoy" a cigar, and I couldn't really do that while doing the work I was doing in the morning with the smell of varnish and mineral spirits dominating. Running in and out of different places in Green Bay would have meant letting it go out and numerous relights, sometimes a cigar doesn't do well after sitting for an hour, or more. At supper, in a resaurant cigars are not allowed indoor at "public places" (sic) in Wisconsin.

Now, those were the externals involved with my day. The other factors were family. My sons enjoy the smell of a fine cigar, but my wife doesn't appreciate the smell of cigars. She doesn't tell me not to smoke, but she'd prefer I not taste of them.

How many of you find yourselves in similar situations in regard to your spouse (significant other)?

To be honest, I did think about what cigar I'd enjoy for my birthday Monday on Sunday evening. But, Monday came about I really didn't desire a cigar. Nobody around me that day was smoking, so there wasn't that temptation. And, I was enjoying the company of my family so much that I never really missed the cigar I didn't smoke to celebrate that day.

We have talked here about what makes cigars special, what makes them so enjoyable, and very often it is said that the company we were keeping during the smoking of those cigars was the most important factor to their enjoyment.

Can we... say that the company we keep is indeed more important than the cigars?

Can we... say that even without the cigars, the occasion can be grand?

Of course, I'd also conclude that in the right situation, with the right companions, a good cigar can also be a great addition to make an occasion special.

Can we... say that when we get upset about not being able to have a cigar, we may be looking past what is most important?

Just some thoughts.

Peace of the Lord be with you.