I recently started a new book. It’s been a reoccurring theme over the last few months, and so I can’t help observe the location of page 1. By all logic, I would think a book should start it’s first white page with 1 and carry on until the last page finishes the consecutive numbering pattern. But I have yet to find a book that begins its numbering on that page.
A book begins on a variety of pages. If the preface and prologue are included, they often use informal Roman numerals: ix, x, xi. I say informal because they are small, lower case, and seemingly shy as if they know their presence not only confuses people, but irks them as they think of all the practice pages they had to read before biting into the real story. Sometimes books compensate/commiserate with readers and rewards them by starting chapter 1 on page 15. Other books leave you to endure xxii pages of preface and begin chapter 1 on page 1 as if they were 2 separate books.
I make the preface out to be a complete waste of time and unbearable. In some instances, this is true, but often times, the preface is the most revealing part that gives the readers a clear idea of what they should expect. Not to mention the background- this helps set the story so the readers CAN enter the middle of the conversation and still know what they’ve missed. The book I’m reading right now had me in stitches all the way through the Roman numeral-ed pages, a sure sign of good things to come.
This page-numbering observation is not without meaning for the grander scheme of life. Just as I ponder the reason behind the seemingly arbitrary beginning and numbering of books, I wonder about the beginning and numbering of life. When is life suppose to start? What is page 1? This thought could take us to the very hot political topic of life, conception, etc. but I’m considering life more in the sense of “adulthood” when people have the choice to live out their days as they see fit. Some say life begins with graduation from high school or college or grad school. Elders often state marriage is the beginning of it all. Life starts when people have kids, the kids are in school, when they’re in college, when retirement starts, when people become grandparents… If Roman numerals were used to account for that lapse of time, a lot more letters would be needed.
It’s easy to think the first page will be very distinct, obvious, and a perfect start for a book, but without the title page, table of contents, acknowledgments, and preface, the story couldn’t start properly. Or should I say instead, couldn’t keep going? Life has many pages that could have a page 1, but all the extra stuff is best thought of as just another part of the book regardless of the numbering. The baby teeth, the first break-up, lunch on the Thursday of the third week in March, the first job offer, a baptism, the first vacation are merely chapters. The preface was written long ago and gives me a memory of who I am and a promise of where I’m going. Page 1 has, is and will start NOW- keep reading, keep living.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2nd 1st impressions
I work on a tour of first impressions. Save for the few people I live with everyday, my wardrobe, hair style, and attitude is new to everyone I meet in the theaters. They would have no idea I had worn the same pants and shirt the day before. They would never suspect I prefer mustard over mayonnaise. They would, however, realize straight off if I was competent, organized, articulate, and well-mannered. These qualities are worthy candidates for first impressions but can often be misread.
My aunt came to our last show in Billings, and as always, she looked lovely. She’s not my Beautiful Aunt Kareen for nothing. Her energy, even after a long day of school and driving, was boundless as ever. Of course, I have the privilege of knowing this about her anyway just like my crew team know that I have 4 black shirts that I rotate. So I was more than proud to introduce her to the rest of the team and children, confident that their first impressions of her would confirm all the things I say about her on a regular basis.
I wonder how I come across. It’s easy to judge the appearances and sometimes the intellect, but how about the character that really makes the most difference in relating with people? How are we called to come across? A song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Talk about deep, abstract, personal first impressions. What does that even mean? Does that include appearances, words, actions, AND unspoken words? All of the above I think. One’s heart can really be examined by the actions of the hands. Without the desire and motivation to do something, one will not proceed in acting upon a task. If the task is done out of fear or coercion, onlookers will be able to see the lack of heart, joy and peace.
And what if a person fails to give a good first impression? Do they get a second chance? Do we require even more of the person, as if a sense of trust had been broken? First impressions are difficult to nail all the time. So I think the second impressions are more worthwhile because at this point, the superficiality no longer matter. They might influence the second impression, but for fairness sake, the second impression is where most of us would exceed expectations. So let your words and appearance be noticed, but hope that the actions, energy, and character be remembered.
My aunt came to our last show in Billings, and as always, she looked lovely. She’s not my Beautiful Aunt Kareen for nothing. Her energy, even after a long day of school and driving, was boundless as ever. Of course, I have the privilege of knowing this about her anyway just like my crew team know that I have 4 black shirts that I rotate. So I was more than proud to introduce her to the rest of the team and children, confident that their first impressions of her would confirm all the things I say about her on a regular basis.
I wonder how I come across. It’s easy to judge the appearances and sometimes the intellect, but how about the character that really makes the most difference in relating with people? How are we called to come across? A song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Talk about deep, abstract, personal first impressions. What does that even mean? Does that include appearances, words, actions, AND unspoken words? All of the above I think. One’s heart can really be examined by the actions of the hands. Without the desire and motivation to do something, one will not proceed in acting upon a task. If the task is done out of fear or coercion, onlookers will be able to see the lack of heart, joy and peace.
And what if a person fails to give a good first impression? Do they get a second chance? Do we require even more of the person, as if a sense of trust had been broken? First impressions are difficult to nail all the time. So I think the second impressions are more worthwhile because at this point, the superficiality no longer matter. They might influence the second impression, but for fairness sake, the second impression is where most of us would exceed expectations. So let your words and appearance be noticed, but hope that the actions, energy, and character be remembered.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Milking Books
Today was a nice day of driving to Billings. I love this drive especially in the fall. The colors along the mountain are beautiful and call me to stop and stay awhile each turn. Plus, the big blue sky of Montana seems to sigh with a great relief of joy. Like the clouds just exasperated away and were vacuumed up to hang out over Seattle or the Golden Gate Bridge. The best part, though quite close to be a toss up, was the fact that I got to start a new book. I’ve been in a sort of barren book period. A lull of reading. Such a reality lends itself to two observations: 1) I haven’t had a day off lately where I just sit and read in Borders. 2) Reading inspires me to write.
I just started Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and in 53 pages have laughed hard that I fall silent, shared several clever passages with fellow van riders, and written topic sentences for a dozen different blogs. Reading leads to writing which leads to more reading and ultimately a happy heart. This book specifically talks about the joy of writing and techniques one might adopt to keep improve one’s skills and still write out of pure passion and dreamy expectations.
[Some writers] feel better and more alive than they do at any other time. And sometimes when they are writing well, they feel like they’re living up to something. It is as if the right word, the true words, are already inside, and they just want to help get them out. Writing this way is a little bit like milking a cow: the milk is so rich a delicious, and the cow is so glad you did it. –Anne Lamott
I once read that a good line in a book made the reader want to write for a living. I once read a book that changed my perspective of corporate executives and their role for the average or less the cared for Joe. I once read about a fine meal that made my mouth water. The fact that all of these feelings and sensations could come from ink on parchment amazes me but then again, I guess so does the fact that creamy milk for babies can come from a four-legged beast that eats and re-eats grass. Thankfully, such combinations results in wonderful gifts that one can even share.
Writers block is no longer an issue, nor is reader’s hurdle. Now I just have to find the chance to do both. Maybe along with my morning cow-milking chores…
I just started Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and in 53 pages have laughed hard that I fall silent, shared several clever passages with fellow van riders, and written topic sentences for a dozen different blogs. Reading leads to writing which leads to more reading and ultimately a happy heart. This book specifically talks about the joy of writing and techniques one might adopt to keep improve one’s skills and still write out of pure passion and dreamy expectations.
[Some writers] feel better and more alive than they do at any other time. And sometimes when they are writing well, they feel like they’re living up to something. It is as if the right word, the true words, are already inside, and they just want to help get them out. Writing this way is a little bit like milking a cow: the milk is so rich a delicious, and the cow is so glad you did it. –Anne Lamott
I once read that a good line in a book made the reader want to write for a living. I once read a book that changed my perspective of corporate executives and their role for the average or less the cared for Joe. I once read about a fine meal that made my mouth water. The fact that all of these feelings and sensations could come from ink on parchment amazes me but then again, I guess so does the fact that creamy milk for babies can come from a four-legged beast that eats and re-eats grass. Thankfully, such combinations results in wonderful gifts that one can even share.
Writers block is no longer an issue, nor is reader’s hurdle. Now I just have to find the chance to do both. Maybe along with my morning cow-milking chores…
Monday, October 20, 2008
go for floss
Jeff Foxworthy makes people laugh with this joke, but I think it’s true with a good majority of the people I know. The sketch goes something like this:
Dentist: Whoa- when was the last time you flossed.
Patient: When YOU did it!
Flossing is one of habits that’s so good and healthy for you. Like eating green vegetables, reading a poem, taking a walk, and playing with your dog. Of course, it’s not life and death, but my day seems all that more complete and accomplished with a thorough flossing. And yet, as Jeff Foxworthy noticed, such intentions rarely become realities…until of course it’s too late to hide your laziness. Flossing has always been a dreaded chore like dusting or cleaning the toilets. I’d just rather let things collect until it’s really obvious. And in all cases, I’m the worse off for it as you might well imagine. Poor Precious Moments figurines…
I did find, however, that a firm commitment to stick to this habit has made all the difference. Ever since my last appointment, I’ve expired several cases of mint floss- yes on my teeth. So I know it’s possible. And as I said before, this activity brings me a great deal of achievement.
Let me take the analogy to another arena or even smaller- a gym. Think about pull-ups. They are probably the worst exercise ever realized. Nothing is more humbling than hanging from a bar, knowing you can’t even lift yourself once to chin height. Pull-ups seems like they should be easy and insignificant in life. Both adjectives are incorrect, though. Pull-ups are quite difficult especially after a long hiatus (a couple decades from grade-school gym class), and they can signify the amount of self-discipline one possesses. For a long time, I could not do one by myself. When I started track in college, I had partners give me boosts just so I could finish the work-out. I was less than thrilled by my dependence on their help, but as I continued to do them, I grew stronger and gained an appreciation for the exercise. Eventually, I could do 40 by myself without a problem. (I won’t say what I can do now…) I actually love pull-ups now, and even though I’m far weaker than a few years ago, I know the process and the reward at the end of it.
Just like flossing takes time to build as a habit, it’s worth the process in the end for healthy gums and white teeth, hold the spinach.
So what am I saying? I’ve missed this place. This place of writing. This place of thinking. This place of reflecting. At points the effort was a chore due to time requirements or lack of profound insights (still lacking). But over with the summertime, I formed habits that drove me to come back today, even after a lengthy pause. I enjoy the process and sharing the product.
Plus, this little thought relates so well to what happening now in life, it’s a bit hard to grasp and believe. Tomorrow we begin teching for Journey of Hope in Concert in Wenatchee, WA. This is a process if there was. Over the next few days, we'll bring all the elements of a stage production together before opening night. There are sure to be moments of complete chaos and frantic frenzy. Repeating a costume change or song and dance 23 times might be kin to mopping. But I’m also sure that the process will make the product oh so enjoyable. I can’t wait. I might floss in the morning just to remind myself of the benefits of the process.
Dentist: Whoa- when was the last time you flossed.
Patient: When YOU did it!
Flossing is one of habits that’s so good and healthy for you. Like eating green vegetables, reading a poem, taking a walk, and playing with your dog. Of course, it’s not life and death, but my day seems all that more complete and accomplished with a thorough flossing. And yet, as Jeff Foxworthy noticed, such intentions rarely become realities…until of course it’s too late to hide your laziness. Flossing has always been a dreaded chore like dusting or cleaning the toilets. I’d just rather let things collect until it’s really obvious. And in all cases, I’m the worse off for it as you might well imagine. Poor Precious Moments figurines…
I did find, however, that a firm commitment to stick to this habit has made all the difference. Ever since my last appointment, I’ve expired several cases of mint floss- yes on my teeth. So I know it’s possible. And as I said before, this activity brings me a great deal of achievement.
Let me take the analogy to another arena or even smaller- a gym. Think about pull-ups. They are probably the worst exercise ever realized. Nothing is more humbling than hanging from a bar, knowing you can’t even lift yourself once to chin height. Pull-ups seems like they should be easy and insignificant in life. Both adjectives are incorrect, though. Pull-ups are quite difficult especially after a long hiatus (a couple decades from grade-school gym class), and they can signify the amount of self-discipline one possesses. For a long time, I could not do one by myself. When I started track in college, I had partners give me boosts just so I could finish the work-out. I was less than thrilled by my dependence on their help, but as I continued to do them, I grew stronger and gained an appreciation for the exercise. Eventually, I could do 40 by myself without a problem. (I won’t say what I can do now…) I actually love pull-ups now, and even though I’m far weaker than a few years ago, I know the process and the reward at the end of it.
Just like flossing takes time to build as a habit, it’s worth the process in the end for healthy gums and white teeth, hold the spinach.
So what am I saying? I’ve missed this place. This place of writing. This place of thinking. This place of reflecting. At points the effort was a chore due to time requirements or lack of profound insights (still lacking). But over with the summertime, I formed habits that drove me to come back today, even after a lengthy pause. I enjoy the process and sharing the product.
Plus, this little thought relates so well to what happening now in life, it’s a bit hard to grasp and believe. Tomorrow we begin teching for Journey of Hope in Concert in Wenatchee, WA. This is a process if there was. Over the next few days, we'll bring all the elements of a stage production together before opening night. There are sure to be moments of complete chaos and frantic frenzy. Repeating a costume change or song and dance 23 times might be kin to mopping. But I’m also sure that the process will make the product oh so enjoyable. I can’t wait. I might floss in the morning just to remind myself of the benefits of the process.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Home Run #1
I made it home yesterday and it’s so good. It’s kind of fun to show off the kids to my people. Best news of our time here- 5 sponsorships for our children! What a gift! What a commitment! What an answer to prayers! I’m so proud of these folks for stepping up to the plate. I know a lot of them could do it. Sometimes it's easy for us to think that filling the plate on Sunday morning is enough and love for the nations is designated for church projects or mission trips. But this mentality doesn't hold much weight though, because I have been reading about ministers in the marketplace and the miracles that occur simply because God is the foundation of the organization. Such can be the reality of families, too. But that attitude starts with the desire to give and invest in Kingdom work. Sponsoring a child is kingdom work. So I’m thrilled. Ask and you shall receive. We’ll continue to ask but Praise God in the meantime. It's a home run. And I look forward to reporting more highlights.
Franciscan Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
Franciscan Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
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