A few years back, I received the coolest surprise in the mail.  My folks were cleaning out some old things and found the a newspaper bag that I had long ago used to deliver the Battle Creek Enquirer newspaper around town.

Well, after a trip to the tailor for repairs, that bag has faithfully served me for years as a beach bag and most recently as a gym bag.

This afternoon, I had a quick lunchtime run at the gym.  As I was getting dressed and preparing to return to work, the fella next to me in the (very small) locker room looked at the “Battle Creek Enquirer” design on the bag and asked, “Is that from Battle Creek, Michigan?”

I proudly responded with a smile, “Yes, I grew up there.  That was the newspaper bag that I used, when I was a kid.”

Considering my story, he responded, “That bag sure is old.”

Yes, it is and I guess by association, I am too.

You know what though, buddy?  That bag may be old, but it has had quite a second run at life.  We should all be so lucky.

Don’t worry, old friend.  I’m thinking that we both have plenty of miles and new beginnings left in the tank.