There is a nostalgia for me about running in Central Park.
In 1981 there was the famous Simon and Garfunkel Concert in Central Park which we didn't attend but I played the CD (okay, tape & album actually) nonstop for years! In 1982 Brent ran his first New York City Marathon.
Over the years, Brent and I have both spent mornings of many NYC trips running through the park. The lower loop feels totally safe and joining the other runners, bikers, and rollerbladers, it almost feels like coming home.
Besides running memories, Central Park also reminds me of taking our kids to the Public Theatre to see celebrity actors perform Shakespeare or to eat at Tavern on the Green.
The New York LDS Temple is just on the west side of the park at 65th across from the Lincoln Center. We've attended the Manhattan Wards in this church building many times over the years. Again, it almost feels like coming home.
Yesterday, in Sacrament meeting they released one bishopric and sustained another in the Manhattan 1st Ward. It was touching to hear this humble outgoing Bishop speak of his love and gratitude of the members and then the incoming Bishop share his tender testimony of the gospel. Without knowing either of these men I could still sense their goodness and sincerity.
Sunday morning I ran in Central Park then showered and headed to church. By noon I had the distinct feeling that for traveling it doesn't get more comfortable and comforting! You can be in a city like New York with 9 million people and still feel right at home with a great ward and a great park!
