Today was about getting better. Getting better where I have weaknesses. I was in the zone, being intentional, paying attention. So the day rocked. I don’t know where the focus came from or why I sometimes lack it, but I took notice of its presence in this day. I’m grateful I have been given the grace and ability to get better and somewhere to go.
One of my favorite Bible verses and daily goal says "Press on." "Forgetting what is behind and straining for toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14)
It’s encouraging that high expectations are offered. Without such a gift, apathy, laziness, boredom, and eventually restlessness would set in to our body and spirit. There’s something to being in the zone that awakens our souls to be satisfied. Probably for the simple reason that was why we were made. To be fruitful and multiply. To work the land. To add to and revel in God’s economy.
Getting better at life, living awake and aware to the zone is what it’s all about. I’m far from being fully accomplished. But through intentional efforts and focus, my spirit will be happy and many others’ will enjoy refreshment.
"Tomorrow is a fresh, new day...with no mistakes in it."- Miss Stacey, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Jesus' frappuccino
What if Jesus came to earth to invent cell phones? Think about it. Here’s God, all-knowing being who simply came to hang out with humans. He chats with people on hill tops, eats dinner with “losers,” and endures tremendous physical torture not to mention that which is in his heart. So really, why didn’t he tried to help himself out with a few modern conveniences? Even refrigeration would have been a good gift for people. The 12 extra baskets of fish could have been saved for the next feeding of 5000 with a good freezer.
Sometimes I look forward to my day off with great anticipation as it will give me an opportunity to indulge in a drink from Starbucks. It’s simple and refreshing, but really can make the long week or hot days completely bearable and even pleasant. The fact that I can’t have them on a daily or even weekly basis makes the drink all that more of a treat. I have no power or wisdom especially about the future, but I know the effects of an iced green tea frappuccino on my psyche, so I run after them.
So back to Jesus, what was his Starbucks? He could have revolutionized civilization with modern conveniences of cell phones, email, video cameras, frozen dinners, and microwaves. He knew the realities of the 21st century even before the calendar started. With such inventions, life would have been so much easier: Need more food and drink for the party? Open up the wine cooler in the fridge and continue to enjoy chatting with the ladies on the deck. Need a few guys to go to the next town and tell them about your father’s message? Send an email. Need to tell the arrogant teachers that they got it all wrong? Leave a long voice mail. Need to get a drink of water? Grab a cold one from the mini-fridge and enjoy watching the rest of the Survivor finale with your buddies. What more could a person want?
And yet he didn’t fast forward the world to our modern living standards. He walked from town to town. He stopped at wells for drinks. He road on a donkey. He washed his friends feet with a basin and towel. He ate with friends and engaged them in conversation without any screens flashing pictures at his face. He survived without Starbucks.
My point is that of all people, Jesus had the right and ABILITY to make life way easier, pleasant, and convenient, and yet he kept it real. He kept it simple without fluff or manufactured distractions or pleasures. He did life with people and just people because that was most important to him. This real life stuff gave him pleasure, worked out his spirit, and encouraged him about the future more than any new iPhone capability will ever do. I appreciate his example because despite all these sparkling gadgets, I realize they don’t make it possible for me to reach the high standard of community and whole-living. Only Jesus’ way makes that possible. I can email, text, frappuccino my way through life, but in the end the real life moments of face to face conversations, a shared meal, or quiet time in prayer will refresh my spirit and the heart of God.
Sometimes I look forward to my day off with great anticipation as it will give me an opportunity to indulge in a drink from Starbucks. It’s simple and refreshing, but really can make the long week or hot days completely bearable and even pleasant. The fact that I can’t have them on a daily or even weekly basis makes the drink all that more of a treat. I have no power or wisdom especially about the future, but I know the effects of an iced green tea frappuccino on my psyche, so I run after them.
So back to Jesus, what was his Starbucks? He could have revolutionized civilization with modern conveniences of cell phones, email, video cameras, frozen dinners, and microwaves. He knew the realities of the 21st century even before the calendar started. With such inventions, life would have been so much easier: Need more food and drink for the party? Open up the wine cooler in the fridge and continue to enjoy chatting with the ladies on the deck. Need a few guys to go to the next town and tell them about your father’s message? Send an email. Need to tell the arrogant teachers that they got it all wrong? Leave a long voice mail. Need to get a drink of water? Grab a cold one from the mini-fridge and enjoy watching the rest of the Survivor finale with your buddies. What more could a person want?
And yet he didn’t fast forward the world to our modern living standards. He walked from town to town. He stopped at wells for drinks. He road on a donkey. He washed his friends feet with a basin and towel. He ate with friends and engaged them in conversation without any screens flashing pictures at his face. He survived without Starbucks.
My point is that of all people, Jesus had the right and ABILITY to make life way easier, pleasant, and convenient, and yet he kept it real. He kept it simple without fluff or manufactured distractions or pleasures. He did life with people and just people because that was most important to him. This real life stuff gave him pleasure, worked out his spirit, and encouraged him about the future more than any new iPhone capability will ever do. I appreciate his example because despite all these sparkling gadgets, I realize they don’t make it possible for me to reach the high standard of community and whole-living. Only Jesus’ way makes that possible. I can email, text, frappuccino my way through life, but in the end the real life moments of face to face conversations, a shared meal, or quiet time in prayer will refresh my spirit and the heart of God.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
anniversary
Today marked a full year.
A moment in time mixed with excitement and fear.
I longed so much to invest in the choir,
Yet didn’t know how to always meet that desire.
Well, since that first day, I’ve learned a great deal
About living in community, parenting children, and making a living-faith real.
The year has opened my eyes to great potential
For these kids, the future, Africa, and people finally being intentional.
I have very few complaints, very few qualms.
I’m back for a second round through the storms and the calms.
I look forward to working with my great teams
And a group of kids who rock the world, it seems.
So how do I approach the coming term?
With fear, enthusiasm, a resolve steadfast and firm?
All of the above describe my state,
But who knows what will come? This revelation I eagerly await.
A moment in time mixed with excitement and fear.
I longed so much to invest in the choir,
Yet didn’t know how to always meet that desire.
Well, since that first day, I’ve learned a great deal
About living in community, parenting children, and making a living-faith real.
The year has opened my eyes to great potential
For these kids, the future, Africa, and people finally being intentional.
I have very few complaints, very few qualms.
I’m back for a second round through the storms and the calms.
I look forward to working with my great teams
And a group of kids who rock the world, it seems.
So how do I approach the coming term?
With fear, enthusiasm, a resolve steadfast and firm?
All of the above describe my state,
But who knows what will come? This revelation I eagerly await.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
apply now/later in life
The day was nice and productive. I'm teaching the kids how to write stories with proper grammar and punctuation and using material that we've covered. I love applied lessons. That's why I use the word hypotenuse all the time. Why let such a concept and fun word go to waste when you can describe a route or dimension to someone? It's all about learning lessons AND applying them. Plus, without fail, nostalgia will overcome the listener as he thinks back to fond memories of jr. high math. Oh those golden days....
Brian Regan has a funny gig about “applying things later in life.” He talks about his time in little league when the coach told the fielders to chatter. “Hey pitcher, pitcher! Is that for the batter’s benefit?” He goes on to apply this chattering to “adult” activities saying, “Hey golfer, golfer. PUTT, Golfer! PUTT! SUE Lawyer, SUE!” And why, because we were suppose to apply those lessons of the baseball field later in life?
It’s a funny gig which makes me think of all the lessons and routines I practice everyday without much of a care why. Why do I hurry from one activity to the next? Because I always ran off the soccer field when I subbed out? Why do I bow my head in prayers? Because I did it as a kid? Why do I make points supported by at least three reasons when I’m arguing with someone? Because I wrote 5-paragraph comps until they came out my ears? Most of these are good lessons that are worth “applying later in life.”
However, what are the lessons and habits I’m creating right now that might not be good to apply later in life? Just because I had happy meals as a child (well Hamburger Stand meals- we NEVER ate at the Arches), doesn’t mean I exaggerate and apply the lessons of over indulgence, poor eating habits, and squandering money.
Most importantly, am I willing to apply the lessons such as love, grace, and mercy that I’ve heard hundreds of times? What does that look like, and can I exaggerate it with the unbridled energy of a little leaguer “chattering” at the opposing team? In the end, this application is the one that counts. Hopefully we were taught these vital lessons through parents, friends, teachers, church members, and even strangers. If we didn’t, we need to get edumicated. We cannot ignore or forget these lessons like some of us did with the concept once we heard the title Quadratic Formula. The lesson and application matter to our own intellectual/spiritual growth for this moment in “later life.” And it matters to those who still need to learn so they have lessons to “apply later in life.”
Brian Regan has a funny gig about “applying things later in life.” He talks about his time in little league when the coach told the fielders to chatter. “Hey pitcher, pitcher! Is that for the batter’s benefit?” He goes on to apply this chattering to “adult” activities saying, “Hey golfer, golfer. PUTT, Golfer! PUTT! SUE Lawyer, SUE!” And why, because we were suppose to apply those lessons of the baseball field later in life?
It’s a funny gig which makes me think of all the lessons and routines I practice everyday without much of a care why. Why do I hurry from one activity to the next? Because I always ran off the soccer field when I subbed out? Why do I bow my head in prayers? Because I did it as a kid? Why do I make points supported by at least three reasons when I’m arguing with someone? Because I wrote 5-paragraph comps until they came out my ears? Most of these are good lessons that are worth “applying later in life.”
However, what are the lessons and habits I’m creating right now that might not be good to apply later in life? Just because I had happy meals as a child (well Hamburger Stand meals- we NEVER ate at the Arches), doesn’t mean I exaggerate and apply the lessons of over indulgence, poor eating habits, and squandering money.
Most importantly, am I willing to apply the lessons such as love, grace, and mercy that I’ve heard hundreds of times? What does that look like, and can I exaggerate it with the unbridled energy of a little leaguer “chattering” at the opposing team? In the end, this application is the one that counts. Hopefully we were taught these vital lessons through parents, friends, teachers, church members, and even strangers. If we didn’t, we need to get edumicated. We cannot ignore or forget these lessons like some of us did with the concept once we heard the title Quadratic Formula. The lesson and application matter to our own intellectual/spiritual growth for this moment in “later life.” And it matters to those who still need to learn so they have lessons to “apply later in life.”
carabiner
I dig carabiners. They come in fun colors, weird shapes, and various strengths. But most importantly, their function gives them great purpose regardless of one's rock climbing skill. A carabiner clips onto an object to connect it to a foundation, keep the object from being lost, or link objects together. Best of all, once linked, one has to be intentional about removing the said object from the carabiner. A carabiner just snaps into place and will remain there steady and formidable, taking on stresses and also hanging loosely when not being used.
A friendship has similar qualities of a carabiner. Once people are connected, it takes great force to completely sever the relationship. Two of my roommates from college came to visit me in NC on their road trip home from Maine to California- I was on the way. Despite the fact we have talked only sporadically over the last two years, we are still linked without appeal. When we finally reunited last night, new and old stories flooded the conversation table. The carabiner of our friendship has been lasting and steadfast allowing us to pick up where we left off. Plus, the carabiner has attached us with an extra safety hold of joy and laughter we share. I have confidence this simple tool will continue to link and bind us throughout the years and bring us back together.
A friendship has similar qualities of a carabiner. Once people are connected, it takes great force to completely sever the relationship. Two of my roommates from college came to visit me in NC on their road trip home from Maine to California- I was on the way. Despite the fact we have talked only sporadically over the last two years, we are still linked without appeal. When we finally reunited last night, new and old stories flooded the conversation table. The carabiner of our friendship has been lasting and steadfast allowing us to pick up where we left off. Plus, the carabiner has attached us with an extra safety hold of joy and laughter we share. I have confidence this simple tool will continue to link and bind us throughout the years and bring us back together.
Monday, July 14, 2008
the creation of success
Success! What an exciting moment and treasured accomplishment! After all the hard work, sweat and toil, a good show can be PARTY worthy. That happened last night as the kids performed in their first “theatre” type show in San Francisco. We had a great audience and local crew who all made us look and sound fabulous. But the performers brought it. I mean brought it. To the very end they had the focus, energy, and joy that made the whole expereince worthwhile. I say performers because while the kids were excellent and cute, but the African adults provided the glue that really held the show together. And yet, it was like rubber cement; their energy just bounced off them and hit the kids. Impressive.
The creation story comes to my head as I think about our night. Strange, I know, but there’s something very similar to our time with this show and the first six days of the world. After each day God said, “It is good.” Such is the case with this show, “It was GOOD!” But God didn’t stop after one successful day of creating. He kept going. And this process took time and effort as much as that can be quantified with God. But none the less, he didn’t just wake up and the next day was done. He had to do more than just pronounce the day good. He had to set the sun and moon in their place. He had to make the creatures of the land and the see. Each new day that followed a “good” day included work and growth beyond what existed. So I don’t think a better analogy could be said of the choir. They had a good day, and tomorrow will be another day to work at making good. Of course, flying home to NC doesn’t really count, but the following days and weeks will include rehearsals, other concerts, school, and play. Each one of those moments is work toward a good day- another good day on stage and in heaven where the angels are dancing.
The creation story comes to my head as I think about our night. Strange, I know, but there’s something very similar to our time with this show and the first six days of the world. After each day God said, “It is good.” Such is the case with this show, “It was GOOD!” But God didn’t stop after one successful day of creating. He kept going. And this process took time and effort as much as that can be quantified with God. But none the less, he didn’t just wake up and the next day was done. He had to do more than just pronounce the day good. He had to set the sun and moon in their place. He had to make the creatures of the land and the see. Each new day that followed a “good” day included work and growth beyond what existed. So I don’t think a better analogy could be said of the choir. They had a good day, and tomorrow will be another day to work at making good. Of course, flying home to NC doesn’t really count, but the following days and weeks will include rehearsals, other concerts, school, and play. Each one of those moments is work toward a good day- another good day on stage and in heaven where the angels are dancing.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
take and give
Something became very clear to me this morning. In order to be a good friend or in relationship at all, one must be vulnerable. One must not worry about the reaction of the other person when offering up words in confidence. There is no "worse case scenario" because if the relationship is to be and to grow, only receiving the precious humility of the giver is proper and therefore positive. In receiving, one gives a gift that is far greater that of any notes, chocolate bars, conversation, flowers, or hugs.
One gives freedom to speak and be heard.
One gives trust and care.
One releases the captive giver of angst about sharing a message once held so tightly.
One gives and also receives the gift of friendship.
One gives freedom to speak and be heard.
One gives trust and care.
One releases the captive giver of angst about sharing a message once held so tightly.
One gives and also receives the gift of friendship.
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