My parents got a new dog yesterday.
After Patty passed this fall right before my brother left for college, a surprising and unwelcome loneliness settled over the house. Not only were they empty nesters, but my folks didn’t have a dog to keep them company. Patty was a lovely companion especially in her old age. Her read coat stayed beautiful and shiny as ever but the grey hair of wisdom and gentleness showed in other ways. She nuzzled herself easily into you lap, her big eyes and soft nose staring at you. The fireplace looked so picturesque with her laying by the hearth. Patty wagged her tail on steak night, chased squirrels and birds on walks, and readily cuddled in the evenings.
The new dog did not come as Patty. The six year-old Irish setter, Ruby, has endured a different and difficult life. The first couple years included shock collars and unjust abuse. She came to a kennel where she then gave birth to pure-breds until age allowed her to retire. She and my dad can bond ;) But regardless of the attention she received at the kennel, the formative years continue to haunt and affect her behavior and disposition.
We as humans can find ourselves in similar situations. At times a little TLC is all it takes to run and play with joy and freedom and retain the desire to come hand around. The gift of the master’s love draws us to return the affection even in our mere presence. But we can also experience times when freedom is replaced with timidity and fear. Mutual love is not shared because one was not taught or shown.
Likewise, the masters can give a little and receive bunches in return. Patti experienced care so she could be a great, loyal companion in return. But now my parents will not be automatically given unconditional love and loyalty. They will have to shower Ruby in that which she has never know in full. Love.
I can’t help but notice this reality exists with more than just dogs. We can all relate to a character in this analogy. Patti, Parents or Passive Puppy each hold a place in the story. I know Ruby’s story is too much the norm in these times. I t breaks my heart to see someone squelched and broken from lack of love. Abuse may exist but indifference over a lifetime leaves its mark, too. But I believe this story is one of redemption. I can’t be more grateful for the times I’ve been redeemed from the less the glorious moments. I ‘m thankful that we each have a purpose in one another’s redemptive story. How little it takes for all the difference it makes! And I look forward to the day when such suffering and damaging situations cease and redemption reigns. I believe it will and I believe it starts even now, one dog at a time.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
3rd day
On the third day of Christmas the Wise Men gave to me, 3 Foreign Friends.
So the story speaks of Wise Men coming from the East. The popular carol says there are THREE kings from a far. While there’s no Biblical evidence of their origin or even number of traveling companions, I can be led to believe that they came together from different lands, three of them to realize a dream. They confirmed one another through their experiences and stories. I’m sure that kept their journey interesting and lively. Imagine them talking about their customs and food. I bet some had comparable likes such as peanut butter while others drooled over Oreos. And how about language? I wonder how they communicated if they were from different lands. Perhaps they were lucky and spoke similar words even if they came across with strange accents and extra letters.
The three foreign friends brought their individual gifts to honor Jesus. These were their gifts which were specific to each of the three offices that Jesus held as priest, prophet, and king. The gold, myrrh and frankincense were their best gifts to give. Such gifts couldn’t be given separately for they all had significance in recognizing who Jesus was. But I love that the commitment to Jesus and the dream/vision they shared couldn't be intimidated by Herod or any other obstacle. They did what was right and helped each other when one another grew weak. They were in it with each other whether lost, hurt or joyful. But they succeeded in honoring God incarnate, all three together.
So the story speaks of Wise Men coming from the East. The popular carol says there are THREE kings from a far. While there’s no Biblical evidence of their origin or even number of traveling companions, I can be led to believe that they came together from different lands, three of them to realize a dream. They confirmed one another through their experiences and stories. I’m sure that kept their journey interesting and lively. Imagine them talking about their customs and food. I bet some had comparable likes such as peanut butter while others drooled over Oreos. And how about language? I wonder how they communicated if they were from different lands. Perhaps they were lucky and spoke similar words even if they came across with strange accents and extra letters.
The three foreign friends brought their individual gifts to honor Jesus. These were their gifts which were specific to each of the three offices that Jesus held as priest, prophet, and king. The gold, myrrh and frankincense were their best gifts to give. Such gifts couldn’t be given separately for they all had significance in recognizing who Jesus was. But I love that the commitment to Jesus and the dream/vision they shared couldn't be intimidated by Herod or any other obstacle. They did what was right and helped each other when one another grew weak. They were in it with each other whether lost, hurt or joyful. But they succeeded in honoring God incarnate, all three together.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
2nd day of Christmas
So I got a little late start on it but today’s mail inspired me to start anyway. Or at least with my gift from the second day of Christmas.
(Quick Religion lesson: The church calendar has the wise men arriving on Epiphany, January 6. This is 12 days after Christmas so one could actually count the days from the birth of Jesus to Epiphany as the 12 Days of Christmas. And why not? Let’s celebrate a little longer.)
On the second day of Christmas the Wise Men brought to me: 2 legs to walk/run on.
Of all the gifts I’m probably most appreciative of this one. Everyday I make a point to go down to the lake or into the woods, running with my ipod and well-loved shoes. There are few things that bring so much joy, refreshment and life to my body, mind and soul than a run. Even when I feel gross and my body aches, the ability to go out sets me at ease. It’s a freedom that if ever taken, would leave me dilapidated and wilting.
To walk and run and skip remind me that I have great liberty and freedom. Many people are trapped in jail unjustly. Others are stranded in war torn communities, afraid to leave their home, tent, or hole in the ground. And beyond the physical bondage comes emotional and spiritual slavery. Friends suffer from depression, overwhelming stress, fear and anxiety about the future. Families suffer from brokenness without reconciliation, abandonment or simple indifference. Brothers and sisters seek answers for the deep questions in life but can’t find them except in addictions, bad relationships and imbalance in work or play.
I have the freedom to dream and pursue it. So often I come home from a run, ready to write down all the stories, ideas, poems or goals that brewed in my head along the trail. But rather than write them, I end up getting some water and going and putting the ideas to work. Sometimes I’m simply committing myself to playing with a child after my hour absence. Just like running, the doing of dreams becomes so animated and vigorous.
On a similar note, legs help me move forward. They point toward the front and while I can run and kind of skip backwards, the legs are meant to take me forward. They keep me from being stuck in the past problems or present concerns. Bend the knee and walk.
Another reason I’m taken by my 2 legs is that they can go at whatever pace I want them to go. There are moments for quick sprints and times for slow sauntering. Some responsibilities of life require fast action and great excitement. At other points, I’ve known the need to use my freedom to move but only after reflection and evaluation of the path ahead. Regardless, they take me where I need to go and help me avoid obstacles. With legs, I find hurdling boulders and murky waters much easier than slugging through it all with no energy or drive that only legs can give.
I’m mixing a lot of metaphors but the Wise Men gave wisdom with these legs...
(Quick Religion lesson: The church calendar has the wise men arriving on Epiphany, January 6. This is 12 days after Christmas so one could actually count the days from the birth of Jesus to Epiphany as the 12 Days of Christmas. And why not? Let’s celebrate a little longer.)
On the second day of Christmas the Wise Men brought to me: 2 legs to walk/run on.
Of all the gifts I’m probably most appreciative of this one. Everyday I make a point to go down to the lake or into the woods, running with my ipod and well-loved shoes. There are few things that bring so much joy, refreshment and life to my body, mind and soul than a run. Even when I feel gross and my body aches, the ability to go out sets me at ease. It’s a freedom that if ever taken, would leave me dilapidated and wilting.
To walk and run and skip remind me that I have great liberty and freedom. Many people are trapped in jail unjustly. Others are stranded in war torn communities, afraid to leave their home, tent, or hole in the ground. And beyond the physical bondage comes emotional and spiritual slavery. Friends suffer from depression, overwhelming stress, fear and anxiety about the future. Families suffer from brokenness without reconciliation, abandonment or simple indifference. Brothers and sisters seek answers for the deep questions in life but can’t find them except in addictions, bad relationships and imbalance in work or play.
I have the freedom to dream and pursue it. So often I come home from a run, ready to write down all the stories, ideas, poems or goals that brewed in my head along the trail. But rather than write them, I end up getting some water and going and putting the ideas to work. Sometimes I’m simply committing myself to playing with a child after my hour absence. Just like running, the doing of dreams becomes so animated and vigorous.
On a similar note, legs help me move forward. They point toward the front and while I can run and kind of skip backwards, the legs are meant to take me forward. They keep me from being stuck in the past problems or present concerns. Bend the knee and walk.
Another reason I’m taken by my 2 legs is that they can go at whatever pace I want them to go. There are moments for quick sprints and times for slow sauntering. Some responsibilities of life require fast action and great excitement. At other points, I’ve known the need to use my freedom to move but only after reflection and evaluation of the path ahead. Regardless, they take me where I need to go and help me avoid obstacles. With legs, I find hurdling boulders and murky waters much easier than slugging through it all with no energy or drive that only legs can give.
I’m mixing a lot of metaphors but the Wise Men gave wisdom with these legs...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
one more
“Always room for one more.” Ugandan Proverb
Yesterday I experienced this proverb lived out. We were invited to enjoy lunch and fellowship with a Ugandan family living in the Triangle. They prepared a great feast of African food which left us all longing for a quiet nap but so satisfied and content. The home was the perfect size for their family but adding 35 extra people created space. But of course, everyone made due, room to spare for the neighbors across the street. All were welcome, no one was uncomfortable, and everyone found nourishment of body and soul. Always room for one more.
What a profound statement about for stretching and growth.
Always room for one more mile…one more thanksgiving…one more push-up…one more song of prayer.
Had Mary heard this phrase at the first Christmas, Jesus wouldn’t have been born in such humble settings. Thankfully Jesus lived by this rule not begrudging the inn keeper from his birth. “Always room for one more in the Kingdom. Always room for one more in my palace, my family, my arms, my grace,” Jesus might have said.
At this time we often think of family and friends coming to fill houses. Somehow there’s always room for one more guest, present under the tree, warm, tasty dish on the table. I pray that the spirit of one more goes beyond the physical and emotional well being. I hope one more touch of grace leads one more person to Christ. Make room for one more in your heart if Jesus isn’t there. Help others make room because there is always room. We’re made with the space just like a Ugandan family offering their home, always welcoming one more. There's room.
Yesterday I experienced this proverb lived out. We were invited to enjoy lunch and fellowship with a Ugandan family living in the Triangle. They prepared a great feast of African food which left us all longing for a quiet nap but so satisfied and content. The home was the perfect size for their family but adding 35 extra people created space. But of course, everyone made due, room to spare for the neighbors across the street. All were welcome, no one was uncomfortable, and everyone found nourishment of body and soul. Always room for one more.
What a profound statement about for stretching and growth.
Always room for one more mile…one more thanksgiving…one more push-up…one more song of prayer.
Had Mary heard this phrase at the first Christmas, Jesus wouldn’t have been born in such humble settings. Thankfully Jesus lived by this rule not begrudging the inn keeper from his birth. “Always room for one more in the Kingdom. Always room for one more in my palace, my family, my arms, my grace,” Jesus might have said.
At this time we often think of family and friends coming to fill houses. Somehow there’s always room for one more guest, present under the tree, warm, tasty dish on the table. I pray that the spirit of one more goes beyond the physical and emotional well being. I hope one more touch of grace leads one more person to Christ. Make room for one more in your heart if Jesus isn’t there. Help others make room because there is always room. We’re made with the space just like a Ugandan family offering their home, always welcoming one more. There's room.
Monday, December 15, 2008
towels to wings
Live nativity scenes are dangerous especially when the angel walks to "Bethlehem" with Mary, Joseph, unborn baby-Jesus soccer ball, a narrator, and 26 children in the dark. All sorts of things could happen suddenly. Like personal questions about my Angel Gabriel-ness (Gabby for short).
"How do you fly from here?" (with my bath towel wings)
"Do angels get stuck in the ground?" (it's quite muddy around here)
"Do angels have mothers on earth?"
The arrival to the inn distracted us from the answers, but I'm still pondering them in my heart like Mary. What would an angel's mother be like? or sister, brother, dad or aunt?
I can only guess tone deafness is not a characteristic...HARK! the herald angels sing...
"How do you fly from here?" (with my bath towel wings)
"Do angels get stuck in the ground?" (it's quite muddy around here)
"Do angels have mothers on earth?"
The arrival to the inn distracted us from the answers, but I'm still pondering them in my heart like Mary. What would an angel's mother be like? or sister, brother, dad or aunt?
I can only guess tone deafness is not a characteristic...HARK! the herald angels sing...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
mine
What is MINE to do?
Mine designates possession. The thing that belongs to me can be a gift or inherit but none the less, I am responsible for it. If a possession is left idle, rust and moths can get at it; thieves easily pick it away from the owner.
Two important ideas must be realized about MINE:
1) MINE has to be claimed. Joy, peace, patience, the Love of Christ is MINE if I claim it. Call it to me and believe with faith and conviction that these gifts are (w)holy mine to have.
2) Be responsible with this possession. The next step is to figure out how to use the MINE in a way that shares and blesses others. Money in a can in the ground is worthless in the world. Likewise are the talents, character qualities, strengths that I can claim when I minimize them or let fear keep them hidden. However, when invested into relationships, jobs, vocations, worship, these possessions will multiply and be blessed. What is “mine” will become more in order to be able “to do” more.
Mine designates possession. The thing that belongs to me can be a gift or inherit but none the less, I am responsible for it. If a possession is left idle, rust and moths can get at it; thieves easily pick it away from the owner.
Two important ideas must be realized about MINE:
1) MINE has to be claimed. Joy, peace, patience, the Love of Christ is MINE if I claim it. Call it to me and believe with faith and conviction that these gifts are (w)holy mine to have.
2) Be responsible with this possession. The next step is to figure out how to use the MINE in a way that shares and blesses others. Money in a can in the ground is worthless in the world. Likewise are the talents, character qualities, strengths that I can claim when I minimize them or let fear keep them hidden. However, when invested into relationships, jobs, vocations, worship, these possessions will multiply and be blessed. What is “mine” will become more in order to be able “to do” more.
Monday, December 8, 2008
is
It is time just for today. Not tomorrow or April 12, 2009 or Winter 2010 (Olympics in Vancouver…) It’s today.
I heard a challenging phrase at church which I can’t stop thinking about: “What is mine to do? “
I broke down the phrase, word by word to extrapolate a clearer and detailed understanding of what this question asks. While I have evolving definitions and meanings of each of these words (which I encourage others to do as a prayer exercise), I’m really stuck on is.
Is. A form of to be. A state of being, existing, occurring. A state over which we had no control. We just came to be with or without human planning but utter deliberation by God. He knew we would exist in this time and place.
Is. A form of to be in the PRESENT tense. There are benefits to teaching English to ES(or 6th)L children, one of them being the duty to fully explain the significance of the different tenses since they make about as much sense as the rest of the English language..but I digress. The present tense is deemed for today. Not yesterday or tomorrow or just now. It encompasses today. Now this morning could be considered the past and midnight (though very eminent) remains the future for the time. But both are a part of today so I could just as easily say “I eat breakfast today.” Or “I sleep tonight.” Is just is.
I like this tense of being because it holds open a great window of opportunity to exist as we were meant to while not going beyond the needs of the day. Jesus gave us the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread.” He didn’t ask for enough to make sandwiches for a week’s worth of lunches. Just today. Yet the day is not a marginal, unimportant time period. It has a great deal of value for it prepares the way for tomorrow and answers the questions or problems of yesterday.
So what IS mine to do?
Today I am to love the children in my care. I am to live in peace in community. I am to learn from my reading. I am to care for my body with good food and rest. I am to start on details for future projects. I am to care for a child who got sick yesterday. I am to renew my spirit through prayer and Bible reading.
Some of these things will help me just today. Some are taking care of yesterday’s issues. Inevitably most of them will effect and benefit the future if done well. We are encouraged to cease worrying about the future because, really, today will dictate the future more than what we plan for the upcoming time. Worrying about the future doesn’t benefit the future and takes away from today.
I am sticking with this fresh bread. And if tomorrow's piece is sweeter, all the better.
I heard a challenging phrase at church which I can’t stop thinking about: “What is mine to do? “
I broke down the phrase, word by word to extrapolate a clearer and detailed understanding of what this question asks. While I have evolving definitions and meanings of each of these words (which I encourage others to do as a prayer exercise), I’m really stuck on is.
Is. A form of to be. A state of being, existing, occurring. A state over which we had no control. We just came to be with or without human planning but utter deliberation by God. He knew we would exist in this time and place.
Is. A form of to be in the PRESENT tense. There are benefits to teaching English to ES(or 6th)L children, one of them being the duty to fully explain the significance of the different tenses since they make about as much sense as the rest of the English language..but I digress. The present tense is deemed for today. Not yesterday or tomorrow or just now. It encompasses today. Now this morning could be considered the past and midnight (though very eminent) remains the future for the time. But both are a part of today so I could just as easily say “I eat breakfast today.” Or “I sleep tonight.” Is just is.
I like this tense of being because it holds open a great window of opportunity to exist as we were meant to while not going beyond the needs of the day. Jesus gave us the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread.” He didn’t ask for enough to make sandwiches for a week’s worth of lunches. Just today. Yet the day is not a marginal, unimportant time period. It has a great deal of value for it prepares the way for tomorrow and answers the questions or problems of yesterday.
So what IS mine to do?
Today I am to love the children in my care. I am to live in peace in community. I am to learn from my reading. I am to care for my body with good food and rest. I am to start on details for future projects. I am to care for a child who got sick yesterday. I am to renew my spirit through prayer and Bible reading.
Some of these things will help me just today. Some are taking care of yesterday’s issues. Inevitably most of them will effect and benefit the future if done well. We are encouraged to cease worrying about the future because, really, today will dictate the future more than what we plan for the upcoming time. Worrying about the future doesn’t benefit the future and takes away from today.
I am sticking with this fresh bread. And if tomorrow's piece is sweeter, all the better.
Friday, December 5, 2008
fundamentals of the game
I went to a high school basketball tonight. It is early in the season. The home team looked young. The opponent seemed cohesive. The referees seemed biased for the visitors.
So then what? Hustle. Use the talents and advantages you have and strengthen the weaker parts. Go full force ahead with every intention to overcome the obstacles- the obstacles that you have no control over. Give 100%.
Let the obstacles rise or fall. Let the score be with or for you. Let the other team gloat or pout.
You will have nothing left to grumble about since all energy will be on the court, only to be replaced by the satisfaction that the best you had was given. You can’t give a greater offering than that. Your all and nothing less.
So then what? Hustle. Use the talents and advantages you have and strengthen the weaker parts. Go full force ahead with every intention to overcome the obstacles- the obstacles that you have no control over. Give 100%.
Let the obstacles rise or fall. Let the score be with or for you. Let the other team gloat or pout.
You will have nothing left to grumble about since all energy will be on the court, only to be replaced by the satisfaction that the best you had was given. You can’t give a greater offering than that. Your all and nothing less.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Plane habits
I started this blog on an airplane a few months ago. I notice many things when I fly. I see peoples shoe’s, analyze the ease of taking them off at security or walking the miles of concourse to get to the proper gate. I observe families especially with little ones, some groups all carting their individual carry-ons with Princesses and Spiderman on wheels while other families are leashed together with those cute “animal backpacks on a string” things. One such mom and daughter seemed to have traveled all night and morning as the little one, connected to a leash backpack, still had on her lavender footie pjs and a bright pink blanket. I notice how many medium-sixed drinks a coffee shop sells in a 5 minute period, the crazy colors of suitcases in the overhead compartments, the strange identifying tags on checked luggage like a purple luffa, and the neon pink shoelaces in my seat partner’s sneakers. Little things catch my eye, and I somehow remember them.
I’m grateful for this renewable of sight and observation before I come back to tour. Over time, even the shortest length of a week, I can forget to notice the small yet significant things. The promise to listen to a made-up story on the bus or missed opportunity to compliment to a child for being extra responsible. On the plane I began Wooden on Leadership written by the former UCLA basketball coach. The book lays out his philosophy and techniques for leaders to create great teams. It’s simple though I think the other 291 pages will be worth reading. He taught good habits. And in teaching good habits, he also performed them with consistency and integrity which led to great success. It’s a lesson worth trying. Observation provides material for great stories, but more importantly, it creates an opportunity to relate to another person by connecting with his/her world. To live life alongside another, congratulating, critiquing, or plain enjoying it in all it’s small bright pink idiosyncrasies. Let me make this my habit.
I’m grateful for this renewable of sight and observation before I come back to tour. Over time, even the shortest length of a week, I can forget to notice the small yet significant things. The promise to listen to a made-up story on the bus or missed opportunity to compliment to a child for being extra responsible. On the plane I began Wooden on Leadership written by the former UCLA basketball coach. The book lays out his philosophy and techniques for leaders to create great teams. It’s simple though I think the other 291 pages will be worth reading. He taught good habits. And in teaching good habits, he also performed them with consistency and integrity which led to great success. It’s a lesson worth trying. Observation provides material for great stories, but more importantly, it creates an opportunity to relate to another person by connecting with his/her world. To live life alongside another, congratulating, critiquing, or plain enjoying it in all it’s small bright pink idiosyncrasies. Let me make this my habit.
aww...
JB- “Auntie, your angle kisses, the spots on your face, are going away.”
AS- Well, it’s winter so my skin gets lighter and the freckles fade.
JB- “Oh. All the snow must be wiping away the lipstick.”
“Auntie, catch my heart. Auntie Sarah is back.”
Thus begins another joyous round of touring.
AS- Well, it’s winter so my skin gets lighter and the freckles fade.
JB- “Oh. All the snow must be wiping away the lipstick.”
“Auntie, catch my heart. Auntie Sarah is back.”
Thus begins another joyous round of touring.
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