It’s easy to get distracted. I want to go to bed, but I keep looking up things on the Internet. I will be chatting online and the phone rings- boy, any multi-tasking skills I thought I had fly out the window. All I can do at the same time is walk and talk on the phone or run and breathe. Even listening to music on the trail is an overstatement. I’ll definitely hear it, but not everything, especially words, will sink into the deep consciousness of my mind.
I wonder if we’re meant to be multi-taskers or one-job-at-a-time creation. The latter would certainly make road trips a drag for the driver. Driving and NOTHING else! I definitely don’t fit that description of human creation if that’s the divine consensus. What about Broadway musicals? A person could bust out into random song only to be stopped dead in her tracks due to the shut down of any other functions like dancing, acting, seducing the man, dreaming of the perfect life, or moving with any sort of grace and finesse much less avoiding the edge of the stage.
Obviously, we are not suppose to be one-thing-only people in daily life. Our own bodies don’t even function that way, though sometimes my stomach thinks it’s the only important organ. And yet, a better quandary might be what are the tasks that really shouldn’t be multiplied with anything. Chewing gum and swimming. Reading and walking a tight rope. Driving and talking on a cell phone ☺. Hunting and polishing your toe nails.
How about giving a hug while talking to someone else and squirming around? Or promising to offer assistance while watching TV and making a grocery shopping list?
I’m proud to know so many people who multi-task with great skill and do it in a way that make you feel like the only thing on their plate when a conversation with you is one of their many tasks. My grandpa can join me with a glass of lemonade and shut off the rest of the world to show me his undivided attention.
The pleasure of accomplishment for multi-taskers often seems to outweigh that of single-task moments, and yet the single-task could mean everything to the recipient in that moment. Whether it’s a dog who gets to be petted without pause, a friend who wants to talk about life on the phone or a child who offers a hug just to get one back, these undistracted moments are worth finding. Worth taking off the hard-hat needed for the busy and dangerous work of multi-tasking. Be careful.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
who are we?
This afternoon/evening we went to the lake with J&J’s invitation. What a pair of blessed souls! They utterly love these kids, the chaperons and ACC in general. They do their best to follow the guidelines we’ve set up. I hope with all my heart that they know our appreciation and gratitude for all they do and all they mean to the kids and the organization. It’s quite the undertaking for them, but it brings them so much joy.
It makes me think of how we’re impacted differently by the choir. I had only a concert and overnight stay to sell me to the choir. These people get to share Sunday worship services, dinners, events, and neighborly activities. Their kids can hang out all the time with them. Some get to share a regular Sunday School time with them. I don’t say this to set the kids apart as celebrities or untouchable queens and kings. I say it because there is no doubt in my mind that love and blessings are flowing in and through them and trickling into the lives that surround them. I know it to be true for myself, and that was part of the reason I signed up for this gig in the first place. I marvel at how their Christlike example can touch so many people in different profound ways.
Families talk about their hosting opportunities which last a night or two. They reminisce with such joy and appreciation for the time spent together. I know because my family happen to be one of those host families of old. So what are people who spend even more time saying about the children or their own changed lives? I pray that each interaction is another edifying and uplifting experience of Joy and Hope.
It’s easy how we can take for granted the great relationships and connections we have with special people like our parents, professors, pastors, co-workers, new and old friends. Of course, for most of us, these folks don’t hail from Uganda, have maybe never left the country, and probably couldn’t harmonize with 25 other random people if put in the same room (I’m not even going to bring up drumming and dancing.) And yet, these people in our lives have God’s favor upon them just for being alive. While some express this truth with enthusiasm and others don't, blessings and love can still flow through and between us all. If I was to go to a random host family without the kids, would I bring as much goodness to their house? When I interact with friends, do they go to bed at the end of the day thankful to know me? I hope so.
Being a celebrity is not on my 5 year plan right now, but neither is it on any of the lips of these children. We don't need to be. They will continue to live obediently and joyfully, being ambassadors of Christ as they study English, play Sunday School games, and eat meals with guests. It’s simple and yet requires us to pay attention to the blessings around us and how our own lives can be a gift.
It makes me think of how we’re impacted differently by the choir. I had only a concert and overnight stay to sell me to the choir. These people get to share Sunday worship services, dinners, events, and neighborly activities. Their kids can hang out all the time with them. Some get to share a regular Sunday School time with them. I don’t say this to set the kids apart as celebrities or untouchable queens and kings. I say it because there is no doubt in my mind that love and blessings are flowing in and through them and trickling into the lives that surround them. I know it to be true for myself, and that was part of the reason I signed up for this gig in the first place. I marvel at how their Christlike example can touch so many people in different profound ways.
Families talk about their hosting opportunities which last a night or two. They reminisce with such joy and appreciation for the time spent together. I know because my family happen to be one of those host families of old. So what are people who spend even more time saying about the children or their own changed lives? I pray that each interaction is another edifying and uplifting experience of Joy and Hope.
It’s easy how we can take for granted the great relationships and connections we have with special people like our parents, professors, pastors, co-workers, new and old friends. Of course, for most of us, these folks don’t hail from Uganda, have maybe never left the country, and probably couldn’t harmonize with 25 other random people if put in the same room (I’m not even going to bring up drumming and dancing.) And yet, these people in our lives have God’s favor upon them just for being alive. While some express this truth with enthusiasm and others don't, blessings and love can still flow through and between us all. If I was to go to a random host family without the kids, would I bring as much goodness to their house? When I interact with friends, do they go to bed at the end of the day thankful to know me? I hope so.
Being a celebrity is not on my 5 year plan right now, but neither is it on any of the lips of these children. We don't need to be. They will continue to live obediently and joyfully, being ambassadors of Christ as they study English, play Sunday School games, and eat meals with guests. It’s simple and yet requires us to pay attention to the blessings around us and how our own lives can be a gift.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
blackout
Perhaps I foreshadowed the blackness (a little lighting pun) or my prayers to really understand African life came true at the crack of lightning. Either way, the evening created a great story that this author can only chronicle rather take any credit for its ingenuity despite the possible use of literary tools.
We made spiral ham with mashed potatoes for dinner. Oh my- it was tasty. The aromas brought back memories of Christmases past, when we gathered around the table and did our best to get in at least three servings of mashed potatoes before we were stuffed. If Granny June had just “happened to have an apple pie,” the meal would have been completely heavenly. I mentioned this memory to my co-cook, and we started talking about holiday traditions. Right as the children lined up to eat, the thunder cracked and the afternoon sky grew dark and grey. Suddenly, without warning, the lights went out.
This tends to be a common occurrence in Africa including times at the training center in Uganda because generators go out or the power just disappears. Even our African choir manager has commented that she felt back at home when the power goes out.
Well, not being fully acquainted with this typical way of life and still needing to clean the kitchen, torches were sought out from every drawer, nook, and cranny. (Small aside, this experience was a bit more positive than what would occur at my normal house. Torches would be found, maybe, but inevitably the batteries would be dead. Thankfully, I can count on my mom to have the house well supplied with candles to reestablish mood lighting.)
We also found three candles to light. Immediately, I took the cue to start Silent Night. The other chaperons joined me with beautiful harmonies long enough to grace the children with the first two verses. What a magical meal!
Foreshadowing is mysteriously fantastic that way. It prompts me to relive, reread or review the story to pick out the instances that give clues about the struggle or the climax. I appreciate each moment as it did happen because most of the time, I would never come up with something so clever and spectacular. Truth is funny and perfect that way.
We made spiral ham with mashed potatoes for dinner. Oh my- it was tasty. The aromas brought back memories of Christmases past, when we gathered around the table and did our best to get in at least three servings of mashed potatoes before we were stuffed. If Granny June had just “happened to have an apple pie,” the meal would have been completely heavenly. I mentioned this memory to my co-cook, and we started talking about holiday traditions. Right as the children lined up to eat, the thunder cracked and the afternoon sky grew dark and grey. Suddenly, without warning, the lights went out.
This tends to be a common occurrence in Africa including times at the training center in Uganda because generators go out or the power just disappears. Even our African choir manager has commented that she felt back at home when the power goes out.
Well, not being fully acquainted with this typical way of life and still needing to clean the kitchen, torches were sought out from every drawer, nook, and cranny. (Small aside, this experience was a bit more positive than what would occur at my normal house. Torches would be found, maybe, but inevitably the batteries would be dead. Thankfully, I can count on my mom to have the house well supplied with candles to reestablish mood lighting.)
We also found three candles to light. Immediately, I took the cue to start Silent Night. The other chaperons joined me with beautiful harmonies long enough to grace the children with the first two verses. What a magical meal!
Foreshadowing is mysteriously fantastic that way. It prompts me to relive, reread or review the story to pick out the instances that give clues about the struggle or the climax. I appreciate each moment as it did happen because most of the time, I would never come up with something so clever and spectacular. Truth is funny and perfect that way.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
sweating salt
Tonight Liz and I made Fish ‘N Chips. Oh my UKish (including British, Irish, Scottish) friends would be proud of my attempt at “Chippies.” For a bit more flavor we added garlic and onions to the dish…I must admit the fish were baked not fried. But here’s my point, the meal was tasty. We could not have succeeded without a bit of seasoning especially from the garlic and onions. It was in the midst of this process that we decided that working with this organization has really blessed us by allowing us to be single. Otherwise, we would try to avoid such smelly meals like these in order to be even remotely attractive. “Yes,” I said. Single…for tonight, it’s great.” Meanwhile Liz said, “Yes, I like onions and garlic. [sarcastically snorting at singleness]” Apparently, even a great meal can’t attract one to a nun's life forever.
What is attractive in life is some spice. We’re meant to be salt of the earth.
Season it. Preserve it.
Salt gives a bit of extra flavor to a dish and helps bring out the goodness already inherent in the food. The same is true about us. We can provide a joy and perspective of possibility to life that might otherwise seem hopeless, flavorless, and unworthy of being tasted.
Salt helps keep meats from rotting, a practiced used in tropical places that don’t have refrigeration. Again, as salt we have an opportunity to seek out and bring about the potential in the world. We make a difference for good through our thoughts, words, and actions. No one can deny that the world is rotting with wars, disease, corruption, and heartache, but by really rubbing deep into the world, these rotting agents will shrink away. The world will last for future generations of salt lovers to enjoy it.
How do we maintain such a quality without sweating garlic or stinking of potato chips?
Rubbing in salt sums it up. We have to be intentional about this. Meat sprinkled with salt is just salty rotten meat that might bring a smile to one person. That’s before it hits the stomach, of course, where nightmares will occur. But with salt rubbed in, really taken care of for preservation, the meat will be good to eat long after it should have rotted away. The world needs us to be intentional about caring for the creation, the people, and the cultures.
What is attractive in life is some spice. We’re meant to be salt of the earth.
Season it. Preserve it.
Salt gives a bit of extra flavor to a dish and helps bring out the goodness already inherent in the food. The same is true about us. We can provide a joy and perspective of possibility to life that might otherwise seem hopeless, flavorless, and unworthy of being tasted.
Salt helps keep meats from rotting, a practiced used in tropical places that don’t have refrigeration. Again, as salt we have an opportunity to seek out and bring about the potential in the world. We make a difference for good through our thoughts, words, and actions. No one can deny that the world is rotting with wars, disease, corruption, and heartache, but by really rubbing deep into the world, these rotting agents will shrink away. The world will last for future generations of salt lovers to enjoy it.
How do we maintain such a quality without sweating garlic or stinking of potato chips?
Rubbing in salt sums it up. We have to be intentional about this. Meat sprinkled with salt is just salty rotten meat that might bring a smile to one person. That’s before it hits the stomach, of course, where nightmares will occur. But with salt rubbed in, really taken care of for preservation, the meat will be good to eat long after it should have rotted away. The world needs us to be intentional about caring for the creation, the people, and the cultures.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
goosebumps from God
Today I heard a conversion story of new Christian man who, only six months after surrendering his life and accepting God’s gift, is heading to Haiti to be a missionary. The mother who told me this story said his physical appearance changed when he completely sold out for God. Vices are just falling off of him including foul language, womanizing, and selfish living. Such a testimony amazes me (a shiver ran up my back) especially as I think about how much of God’s love he had been exposed to and nourished in by being born and raised in a Christian home.
I appreciate that I have been given the free will to choose my God even though he had chosen me a long time ago. I rejoice in the fact that his grace rests upon all of us and will meet us wherever we go. And I love that he gives us people to be his tangible arms of love, hugs, accountability, and encouragement. It takes all of those things to bring any of us closer to him. Regardless of upbringing, life history or current circumstances the choice is available to everyone. Such a choice can rock your world as it has mine and that of this young man. And as you're rocked, the deep passion and desire for God will guide your journey and give you peace…and probably even goosebumps of excitement.
I appreciate that I have been given the free will to choose my God even though he had chosen me a long time ago. I rejoice in the fact that his grace rests upon all of us and will meet us wherever we go. And I love that he gives us people to be his tangible arms of love, hugs, accountability, and encouragement. It takes all of those things to bring any of us closer to him. Regardless of upbringing, life history or current circumstances the choice is available to everyone. Such a choice can rock your world as it has mine and that of this young man. And as you're rocked, the deep passion and desire for God will guide your journey and give you peace…and probably even goosebumps of excitement.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
unexpected
The unexpected takes me a minute to catch my breath. Or should I say left field surprises make my heart race and random days off are pleasantly refreshing.
Not knowing what the day would hold, I went about my daily routines: running, sweating A LOT, drinking 8 glasses of water, etc. This morning David surprised me with a special treat- fruit smoothies. This drink is the best post-workout snack ever. Mmm…tasty.
Then I started reading. Not that it’s completely unexpected, but I enjoyed a nice power nap. That one didn’t really make my heart rate go up.
We headed off into town, where the car conversation took me into thinking about creative projects that I want to undertake: writing a book, playing the guitar, painting, and choreographing a dance. Totally unexpected…and fascinating.
I sat down in my usual chair at Borders to enjoy the pile of books I grabbed from the shelves only to be interrupted by a very strange phone call. The offer on the other end (PS- not marriage) was very exciting and shot my heart rate through the roof. Despite the phone call being completely out of nowhere, I enjoyed the fun roller coaster ride. I eventually calmed down and thought practically about the proposition. I had to decline, but all the same, the day had been jumbled again just a little bit.
The unexpected makes me laugh as much as run around with my head cut off, but I like days like these. I appreciate the problem solving, decision making, the creative thinking, and the squealing and relaxing. Perhaps like abundance, it’s about perspective. I can’t say. I’ll leave the unexpected to surprise me again however it can.
Not knowing what the day would hold, I went about my daily routines: running, sweating A LOT, drinking 8 glasses of water, etc. This morning David surprised me with a special treat- fruit smoothies. This drink is the best post-workout snack ever. Mmm…tasty.
Then I started reading. Not that it’s completely unexpected, but I enjoyed a nice power nap. That one didn’t really make my heart rate go up.
We headed off into town, where the car conversation took me into thinking about creative projects that I want to undertake: writing a book, playing the guitar, painting, and choreographing a dance. Totally unexpected…and fascinating.
I sat down in my usual chair at Borders to enjoy the pile of books I grabbed from the shelves only to be interrupted by a very strange phone call. The offer on the other end (PS- not marriage) was very exciting and shot my heart rate through the roof. Despite the phone call being completely out of nowhere, I enjoyed the fun roller coaster ride. I eventually calmed down and thought practically about the proposition. I had to decline, but all the same, the day had been jumbled again just a little bit.
The unexpected makes me laugh as much as run around with my head cut off, but I like days like these. I appreciate the problem solving, decision making, the creative thinking, and the squealing and relaxing. Perhaps like abundance, it’s about perspective. I can’t say. I’ll leave the unexpected to surprise me again however it can.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
abundance
I love it when abundant blessings overwhelm me. They are such surprises with no end. Something I have no control over.
Abundance overwhelmed this day. It all started when I went shopping. Every shelf was fully stocked just so I could take exactly what I wanted. Plus, I found Buggles which will allow day after day to be a dizzying delight. The cashier seemed to be especially friendly and competent at his job so we chatted about “Sam’s Club Calisthenics and Team building” going on in the background. A great idea, and I’m glad I was just watching. The abundance made itself apparent when we returned home from shopping and the cupboards and refrigerators seemed to expand as more food entered.
Then I experienced abundant energy. And as many of you know, such silly, giggly liveliness is dangerous for me so I productively put on my running shoes and hit the road. Hills are the perfect way to harness extra energy for a good and fun purpose.
I received a letter from a friend which reminded me that her abundant love is truly a gift. Such relationships somehow create a catalyst for this abundance of giving and caring to multiply and redouble itself back to the source and also beyond to other friends and family.
Finally, the day ended with a great party and fellowship with friends from church. Adults and kids alike flooded the back yard with shouts, laughter, and chatting, not to mention lots of splashing in the pool. Everyone reached their fill of the delicious food. Still there were enough leftovers to feed the choir two more meals. The ACC children couldn’t have had a better time in the pool where a never-ending supply of noodles and other floating toys abounded. This abundance was a “lifesaver” in many ways because without, most of the kids would have been stuck on the steps or clinging to the chaperons’ backs.
While all these moments of abundance might seem small, I can’t help but realize that none of them were my doing. None of the abundance came from my beckoning, coaxing, or pleading. It was offered freely and abundantly with personal and Godly love behind it all. Folks from KPIC pay for our food, and Sam’s Club provides food for families. The state park workers make sure my trail is “groomed” so that many can enjoy recreation in the outdoors. And Friends of Mirembe seek out ways to share their resources and excitement for the choir over and over. These are my/our direct sources of the abundance, but such gifts can only be given by hearts that already know what it’s like to receive regardless of merit or position. A life of abundance is not hard to have- it’s mostly about perspective. Life itself is a pretty phenomenal introduction to all the abundance here and in the future.
And I did nothing but receive. wow.
Abundance overwhelmed this day. It all started when I went shopping. Every shelf was fully stocked just so I could take exactly what I wanted. Plus, I found Buggles which will allow day after day to be a dizzying delight. The cashier seemed to be especially friendly and competent at his job so we chatted about “Sam’s Club Calisthenics and Team building” going on in the background. A great idea, and I’m glad I was just watching. The abundance made itself apparent when we returned home from shopping and the cupboards and refrigerators seemed to expand as more food entered.
Then I experienced abundant energy. And as many of you know, such silly, giggly liveliness is dangerous for me so I productively put on my running shoes and hit the road. Hills are the perfect way to harness extra energy for a good and fun purpose.
I received a letter from a friend which reminded me that her abundant love is truly a gift. Such relationships somehow create a catalyst for this abundance of giving and caring to multiply and redouble itself back to the source and also beyond to other friends and family.
Finally, the day ended with a great party and fellowship with friends from church. Adults and kids alike flooded the back yard with shouts, laughter, and chatting, not to mention lots of splashing in the pool. Everyone reached their fill of the delicious food. Still there were enough leftovers to feed the choir two more meals. The ACC children couldn’t have had a better time in the pool where a never-ending supply of noodles and other floating toys abounded. This abundance was a “lifesaver” in many ways because without, most of the kids would have been stuck on the steps or clinging to the chaperons’ backs.
While all these moments of abundance might seem small, I can’t help but realize that none of them were my doing. None of the abundance came from my beckoning, coaxing, or pleading. It was offered freely and abundantly with personal and Godly love behind it all. Folks from KPIC pay for our food, and Sam’s Club provides food for families. The state park workers make sure my trail is “groomed” so that many can enjoy recreation in the outdoors. And Friends of Mirembe seek out ways to share their resources and excitement for the choir over and over. These are my/our direct sources of the abundance, but such gifts can only be given by hearts that already know what it’s like to receive regardless of merit or position. A life of abundance is not hard to have- it’s mostly about perspective. Life itself is a pretty phenomenal introduction to all the abundance here and in the future.
And I did nothing but receive. wow.
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