There are days when I have absolutely nothing. Those are usually the days where I've pushed myself for days on days for weeks until I've completely run out of energy. These are the days where it takes everything in me to not be a total grouch. Those who know me can tell you how much of a grouch I can be sometimes. I can have a very short fuse and sometimes lash out at those who least deserve it.
However, today does not have the feel of a day that will include any kind of grouchiness. I can honestly just say I feel tired, just tired. I read a post today that said, "when all else fails, try sleep". Nothing's failing in my life currently so I'll just take the message from this that I should just sleep.
Looking back on the lectionary readings this week has me thinking that even when things look to be at their bleakest, even when we feel the need to give up we have a God that takes us by the hand, lifts us out of our rut (no I'm not in a rut) and leads us to better days.
God gives us every opportunity to get ourselves into a better place, either with ourselves or with others around us. All we need to do is, well, something about it. If we just sit there and do the same things we have always done when we feel like giving up we'll just find ourselves in the same place we always do. If that place isn't a good place for you then the message from this past week, to me anyway, is to remember we have a God who wants us to succeed in our quest for peace.
I feel ready for whatever the day will bring!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
It's Not What, It's Why
Mark 9:38-50
I sure am glad I got over my gloom yesterday. If it had not been so this morning's post would have been more to the side of "tear your eyes out" than "let's work together". It's amazing how one day and the reflection of words we hear in passing can change our entire outlook. If you're having a bad day you see things in a bad way. Conversely, if you are having a good day you will see things in a good way.
Our church is a truly amazing church. We honestly care about our families and friends, we go out of our way to be sure everyone is happy and if they're not we take the time to sit and talk with them. We welcome all visitors with open arms and do our best to make people feel at home. We laugh with each other, cry with each other, share in one another's pain and celebrate one another's joys. My guess is we're no different than any other church, of any denomination, anywhere in this wonderful world.
Just as we are outwardly accepting we also have inner turmoil based in deeply entrenched beliefs on issues that are forefront in our society; church doctrine, "correct" teachings on the Gospels, and unconditional acceptance of all people regardless of creed, sexual preference, or abilities. Again, I don't think this makes us any different than every church, regardless of denomination, anywhere in this world.
That, my friends, is what makes us who we are; human. Too many times we get caught in the whats of life; what do we believe, what do we do for a living, what is your background, what can you do for me. Too few times do we try to understand the whys in life; why do you do that for a living, why do you believe the things you do, why do you want to do things for me.
In today's passage the disciples were more worried about what was being done in Jesus' name and couldn't see there was a reason (a why) for it to be done. This is a place many of us find ourselves much too often. Today, try to look at why things are the way they are, do your best to learn from those around you why they think the way they do. Who knows, maybe you'll discover something new that may change you in an exciting way.
I sure am glad I got over my gloom yesterday. If it had not been so this morning's post would have been more to the side of "tear your eyes out" than "let's work together". It's amazing how one day and the reflection of words we hear in passing can change our entire outlook. If you're having a bad day you see things in a bad way. Conversely, if you are having a good day you will see things in a good way.
Our church is a truly amazing church. We honestly care about our families and friends, we go out of our way to be sure everyone is happy and if they're not we take the time to sit and talk with them. We welcome all visitors with open arms and do our best to make people feel at home. We laugh with each other, cry with each other, share in one another's pain and celebrate one another's joys. My guess is we're no different than any other church, of any denomination, anywhere in this wonderful world.
Just as we are outwardly accepting we also have inner turmoil based in deeply entrenched beliefs on issues that are forefront in our society; church doctrine, "correct" teachings on the Gospels, and unconditional acceptance of all people regardless of creed, sexual preference, or abilities. Again, I don't think this makes us any different than every church, regardless of denomination, anywhere in this world.
That, my friends, is what makes us who we are; human. Too many times we get caught in the whats of life; what do we believe, what do we do for a living, what is your background, what can you do for me. Too few times do we try to understand the whys in life; why do you do that for a living, why do you believe the things you do, why do you want to do things for me.
In today's passage the disciples were more worried about what was being done in Jesus' name and couldn't see there was a reason (a why) for it to be done. This is a place many of us find ourselves much too often. Today, try to look at why things are the way they are, do your best to learn from those around you why they think the way they do. Who knows, maybe you'll discover something new that may change you in an exciting way.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Do Something About It
James 5:13-20
I'm not sure if it's just the last two weeks I'm having and the energies I'm absorbing from around me, but I feel like screaming at a lot of the people around me to "Just Do Something About It!"
I'm hearing a lot of people saying, "If only I had said," or "If only I had done," or "What can I do to make it up?" or "but nobody told me, showed me, gave me, said to me." Frankly, I've heard a lot of excuses as to why things aren't instead of reasons for why things are. I almost, almost, believe that today's culture is becoming one of dependence on others.
I was feeling this way, that is, until yesterday. On my way into work I was listening to an interview they were having with a local poet and how she gets inspiration for her poems. She described how it was through mentors and honest friendships that she has achieved her success. She told of how she decided to become an author of psychological thrillers, ala Stephen King, and having her mind, and soul, broadened by one single speaker in one single class in college.
She heard in this speaker a passion for bringing his deepest emotions and life-views into words others can read. The connection he made with the new author showed her what she thought writing should be; a way to help others peek into themselves to find that which will spark their own inner passions.
She then described how one day she was sitting in a park and noticed a branch laying on the ground which had fallen from a nearby tree. She could tell by the leaves still attached that the branch must have been there for at least a couple days. Her eyes then focused on a blossom which was still attached to the branch and saw that a bee was flying around inside that flower. It was in that moment she realized that a bee can still draw sweetness from the nectar of a dying blossom.
I will now carry this quote with me in all I do and remember that even if we feel as though there is nothing left, either within ourselves or the people around us, there is always hope; always. Don't ever give up, if something doesn't feel right, do something about it. If something doesn't look right, do something about it. If something doesn't sound right, do something about it.
On the other side of that, when something is going right and when all is good in this world do something about it as well. Because if a bee can still find something good in a dying blossom doesn't it also make sense that a dying blossom still has something to offer? Nothing is beyond hope - nothing!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
How Holidays Are Made
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Once again I am perplexed by the placement of certain biblical passages within the lectionary cycle. For instance, today's passage speaks about the origin of the Jewish Holiday of Purim. Purim is the celebration of the deliverance of the Hebrew people from the hands of Haman in a plot he was conceiving among the Persians.
Why I say the placement of today's passage is perplexing is that it is given to us in late September, while Purim is celebrated in February or March. So, what are we to gather from the telling of this story in Esther? Is what we "take" from today's reading being fair to the truth behind the story? Do we, the Western civilization, have a right to take such a culturally entrenched story from a group of people and somehow make it our own?
The answer is, of course, no. I understand that there are reasons to put this story in the lectionary. It's a fantastic telling of how a brave woman saved her people from destruction. This story rates up there with that of Moses freeing the Hebrew people from Egypt. In fact, looking at the Jewish Holiday calendar gives us a better insight to the importance of the celebration of Purim.
Purim is the last festival celebrated within the biblical year. It is followed very closely, about a month, by Passover and the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, both of which celebrate the exodus story of the Hebrews from Egypt. This, in my opinion, brings the lives of the Jewish people into a full circle. If we follow the Biblical Calendar we see that it begins with the remembrance that it is through the works of God we are freed from that which suppress us and we end the year with the remembrance that it is through our own courage and strength and love for our families, friends, and all those we touch everyday that we also free ourselves.
You see, God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, either by name, title, or being. So we, the reader and those who celebrate the story are left to either think God is assumed or God is absent. Since I strongly believe God is never absent we are left with the belief that God is assumed. The Jewish people always believed in their God, even if they sometimes felt ignored by their God. Why would the story of Esther be an example of anything different?
I need to stop here, but please let me leave with this thought. God is always present in our lives, and God equips us to do the work of God in our world. It doesn't matter if the presence of God is assumed or explicit, God is always there. What Esther did is to be celebrated as much as what Moses did; maybe that's what today's reading is to remind us of.
Once again I am perplexed by the placement of certain biblical passages within the lectionary cycle. For instance, today's passage speaks about the origin of the Jewish Holiday of Purim. Purim is the celebration of the deliverance of the Hebrew people from the hands of Haman in a plot he was conceiving among the Persians.
Why I say the placement of today's passage is perplexing is that it is given to us in late September, while Purim is celebrated in February or March. So, what are we to gather from the telling of this story in Esther? Is what we "take" from today's reading being fair to the truth behind the story? Do we, the Western civilization, have a right to take such a culturally entrenched story from a group of people and somehow make it our own?
The answer is, of course, no. I understand that there are reasons to put this story in the lectionary. It's a fantastic telling of how a brave woman saved her people from destruction. This story rates up there with that of Moses freeing the Hebrew people from Egypt. In fact, looking at the Jewish Holiday calendar gives us a better insight to the importance of the celebration of Purim.
Purim is the last festival celebrated within the biblical year. It is followed very closely, about a month, by Passover and the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, both of which celebrate the exodus story of the Hebrews from Egypt. This, in my opinion, brings the lives of the Jewish people into a full circle. If we follow the Biblical Calendar we see that it begins with the remembrance that it is through the works of God we are freed from that which suppress us and we end the year with the remembrance that it is through our own courage and strength and love for our families, friends, and all those we touch everyday that we also free ourselves.
You see, God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, either by name, title, or being. So we, the reader and those who celebrate the story are left to either think God is assumed or God is absent. Since I strongly believe God is never absent we are left with the belief that God is assumed. The Jewish people always believed in their God, even if they sometimes felt ignored by their God. Why would the story of Esther be an example of anything different?
I need to stop here, but please let me leave with this thought. God is always present in our lives, and God equips us to do the work of God in our world. It doesn't matter if the presence of God is assumed or explicit, God is always there. What Esther did is to be celebrated as much as what Moses did; maybe that's what today's reading is to remind us of.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Welcome Home
Psalm 124
I want to say that it's been a little more difficult these past few weeks being positive about the Psalms within the lectionary. The words have been about betrayal, anger, death to enemies, and the like. I've had to look deep and pray even deeper to find a message of God's unconditional love and acceptance. This gets me thinking maybe the message is supposed to be one of God as a leader who crushes anything that stands in the way of God's people achieving greatness.
Somehow, though, I've been able to see how God as our "helper", as stated in today's Psalm, brings to whom the Psalms are written a sense of courage in fearful situations. I read in a commentary that this Psalm is written as a welcome home speech for the armies of David. It literally hails God as the reason the army has returned. The Psalm recalls another moment in which God assisted the Hebrew people; the flood which trapped Pharaoh's army after letting God's people through.
So, yes, the imagery in these Psalms may be difficult to get through for those who are looking for positive words about God's love. However, the imagery of these words are meant to praise God nonetheless. This Psalm, and others like it, are meant to remind us that in times of extreme pain and suffering we have a God that is on our side, fighting for us and protecting us. When the time for us to return to a place where we can live in peace comes it is Psalms like this that help us to thank God for all God has done.
When the pain of whatever we are going through subsides and gives way to peace, and when we find that moment in the quiet place after all has settled we can honestly look towards our God as God says to us, "Welcome home." It'll be in that moment we can say back to God, "Thank you."
I want to say that it's been a little more difficult these past few weeks being positive about the Psalms within the lectionary. The words have been about betrayal, anger, death to enemies, and the like. I've had to look deep and pray even deeper to find a message of God's unconditional love and acceptance. This gets me thinking maybe the message is supposed to be one of God as a leader who crushes anything that stands in the way of God's people achieving greatness.
Somehow, though, I've been able to see how God as our "helper", as stated in today's Psalm, brings to whom the Psalms are written a sense of courage in fearful situations. I read in a commentary that this Psalm is written as a welcome home speech for the armies of David. It literally hails God as the reason the army has returned. The Psalm recalls another moment in which God assisted the Hebrew people; the flood which trapped Pharaoh's army after letting God's people through.
So, yes, the imagery in these Psalms may be difficult to get through for those who are looking for positive words about God's love. However, the imagery of these words are meant to praise God nonetheless. This Psalm, and others like it, are meant to remind us that in times of extreme pain and suffering we have a God that is on our side, fighting for us and protecting us. When the time for us to return to a place where we can live in peace comes it is Psalms like this that help us to thank God for all God has done.
When the pain of whatever we are going through subsides and gives way to peace, and when we find that moment in the quiet place after all has settled we can honestly look towards our God as God says to us, "Welcome home." It'll be in that moment we can say back to God, "Thank you."
Friday, September 21, 2012
Let Others Do Unto You
Putting it all together
In this week I've had the opportunity to look at passages which remind me that we have a God who loves us unconditionally. Yes, I already know that, but too often I don't remember that. In my passions to be good to all people, I forget to let myself be loved. One of the most difficult things for me to do is accept the gifts given to me and just say thank you.
Lat night my wife and I sat on the couch and watched a movie. We half watched, half talked, half cuddled, half just enjoyed each other's presence (yes, 4 halves equal 2 people). In the conversation I mentioned needing to pray for a friend who is facing the possible re-occurrence of cancer. This friend is going to take a test today to be sure if has reappeared, but just the thought that the disease may have come back is scaring my friend.
For some reason my wife said to me, "Do you even realize how much people look to you for comfort. You're a good presence in many people's lives and you need to know that." I have to be honest and say that I have never noticed how much of a positive presence I am, or can be, with the the people I touch every day and it made me feel, for lack of a better word, peaceful. It was in that moment I understood that we all need to be the recipient of love just as much as we give it away.
In yesterday's post I mentioned how we need to be the ones who welcome those who are the outsider and the non-citizen. My heart has since moved to the understanding that sometimes we are that child Jesus brought into the midst of his disciples; scared, without understanding of the things around us, innocent, without influences of adult things to cloud our hearts and minds. Sometimes we just need to let God hold us and be reminded we have someone who loves us as well.
Be childlike, be dependent on others for life, and let God hold us. This will be a challenge; one I'm ready to take on - with help of course.
In this week I've had the opportunity to look at passages which remind me that we have a God who loves us unconditionally. Yes, I already know that, but too often I don't remember that. In my passions to be good to all people, I forget to let myself be loved. One of the most difficult things for me to do is accept the gifts given to me and just say thank you.
Lat night my wife and I sat on the couch and watched a movie. We half watched, half talked, half cuddled, half just enjoyed each other's presence (yes, 4 halves equal 2 people). In the conversation I mentioned needing to pray for a friend who is facing the possible re-occurrence of cancer. This friend is going to take a test today to be sure if has reappeared, but just the thought that the disease may have come back is scaring my friend.
For some reason my wife said to me, "Do you even realize how much people look to you for comfort. You're a good presence in many people's lives and you need to know that." I have to be honest and say that I have never noticed how much of a positive presence I am, or can be, with the the people I touch every day and it made me feel, for lack of a better word, peaceful. It was in that moment I understood that we all need to be the recipient of love just as much as we give it away.
In yesterday's post I mentioned how we need to be the ones who welcome those who are the outsider and the non-citizen. My heart has since moved to the understanding that sometimes we are that child Jesus brought into the midst of his disciples; scared, without understanding of the things around us, innocent, without influences of adult things to cloud our hearts and minds. Sometimes we just need to let God hold us and be reminded we have someone who loves us as well.
Be childlike, be dependent on others for life, and let God hold us. This will be a challenge; one I'm ready to take on - with help of course.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Welcome Unconditional Acceptance
Mark 9:30-37
This is one of my most favorite images in the Gospels. That of Jesus in a teaching moment with his disciples, taking a child, putting it among them, and saying to the gathered disciples that they must welcome children in the same way they welcome him and by association, God.
Most of us know that in those days children were considered property, just as women were. In fact, as I sit and think about all of the people within the stories of the New Testament I can see there were many who were considered "non-citizens". Not only women and children but the sick, destitute, and anyone whose religious beliefs were different than the religious leaders of the time.
It surprises me that in a world 2000 years removed from those days we still treat people who we consider "different" as outsiders. We see same-sex couples holding hands and we call them outsiders. We see people living in cardboard homes on the sidewalk and we call them outsiders. We see people who pray to the same God as we do in a different way and we call them outsiders. If they don't dress like us, or talk like us, or think like us they must be "non-citizens", right?
Wrong. We are all one people, all citizens of one world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted as saying, "Whatever affects me directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." Dr. King understood that we all belong to each other. He understood that we depend on one another for all things. Dr. King understands what it means to treat all people as citizens of God's Kingdom. After all, he was one of those outsiders and never stopped trying to unite all people in peace and justice.
Why, then, can't we?
This is one of my most favorite images in the Gospels. That of Jesus in a teaching moment with his disciples, taking a child, putting it among them, and saying to the gathered disciples that they must welcome children in the same way they welcome him and by association, God.
Most of us know that in those days children were considered property, just as women were. In fact, as I sit and think about all of the people within the stories of the New Testament I can see there were many who were considered "non-citizens". Not only women and children but the sick, destitute, and anyone whose religious beliefs were different than the religious leaders of the time.
It surprises me that in a world 2000 years removed from those days we still treat people who we consider "different" as outsiders. We see same-sex couples holding hands and we call them outsiders. We see people living in cardboard homes on the sidewalk and we call them outsiders. We see people who pray to the same God as we do in a different way and we call them outsiders. If they don't dress like us, or talk like us, or think like us they must be "non-citizens", right?
Wrong. We are all one people, all citizens of one world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted as saying, "Whatever affects me directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." Dr. King understood that we all belong to each other. He understood that we depend on one another for all things. Dr. King understands what it means to treat all people as citizens of God's Kingdom. After all, he was one of those outsiders and never stopped trying to unite all people in peace and justice.
Why, then, can't we?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
It Comes From Within
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
There it is. Right smack dab (do people still say smack dab) in the middle of today's passage. I read it, and said to myself, "and there it is."
As I read the passage my thoughts went first to wisdom coming to us without partiality. You know; equal justice for all. As I read further, though, I saw the most interesting verse that really speaks to why things are the way they are.
Verse 4:1 - Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you?
Yep, there it is. I'll say this as plainly as I can - until you can face and fix your inner turmoils you will not be able to sustain a life filled with peace. In our church's youth and young adult's group we talk constantly about the three types of love which are needed in our lives. The accomplishment of these three types of love takes an investment of time and commitment that needs to come from within. It's a personal choice to want to love.
The three kinds of love of which I'm speaking is with God, each other, and ourselves. Most of us can achieve the first two. Where we fall short, for the most part, is in loving ourselves. What helps me is knowing that there are people all around me who love me just as I am. It also helps me to know there is a God who accepts me unconditionally. Therefore it only makes sense I love myself; or at least try to.
My friends, the relationship between you and you is the most difficult relationship to be successful at. Only because you know each and every flaw you have and you are most likely afraid to face those flaws. God reminds us that there is no reason to be afraid because with God's help we can overcome those flaws, one at a time, slowly but surely, until one day you will notice an inner peace.
James says it best in the verse just before the one highlited in today's passage - "a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." I would add, even and especially when that peace is made with yourself.
There it is. Right smack dab (do people still say smack dab) in the middle of today's passage. I read it, and said to myself, "and there it is."
As I read the passage my thoughts went first to wisdom coming to us without partiality. You know; equal justice for all. As I read further, though, I saw the most interesting verse that really speaks to why things are the way they are.
Verse 4:1 - Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you?
Yep, there it is. I'll say this as plainly as I can - until you can face and fix your inner turmoils you will not be able to sustain a life filled with peace. In our church's youth and young adult's group we talk constantly about the three types of love which are needed in our lives. The accomplishment of these three types of love takes an investment of time and commitment that needs to come from within. It's a personal choice to want to love.
The three kinds of love of which I'm speaking is with God, each other, and ourselves. Most of us can achieve the first two. Where we fall short, for the most part, is in loving ourselves. What helps me is knowing that there are people all around me who love me just as I am. It also helps me to know there is a God who accepts me unconditionally. Therefore it only makes sense I love myself; or at least try to.
My friends, the relationship between you and you is the most difficult relationship to be successful at. Only because you know each and every flaw you have and you are most likely afraid to face those flaws. God reminds us that there is no reason to be afraid because with God's help we can overcome those flaws, one at a time, slowly but surely, until one day you will notice an inner peace.
James says it best in the verse just before the one highlited in today's passage - "a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." I would add, even and especially when that peace is made with yourself.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Blindsided
Jeremiah 11:18-20
This morning's thoughts will be short and sweet (we hope). When I read this morning's passage I immediately thought about the movie "The Blind Side". In that movie a young man who is living in poverty without any sort of adult supervision is taken in by a well-to-do family. This young man turns out to have an incredible talent for football and with the help of his coaches, teachers, and the love of a family who took him in he excels in his sport through high school, onto college, and into the NFL.
What I like best about this movie is how the young man was struggling with understanding the sport. He was relying solely on his size and not developing the skills which would eventually catapult him to greatness. His coaches, teachers, mentors, and friends just couldn't help him learn the strategies of football and where his role as an offensive lineman was.
Enter his "adopted mom" who takes him aside one day and says these words. "Your job is to protect the quarterback's blind side. He depends on you to protect him from the things he cannot see." (Maybe I'm paraphrasing, but it's close enough.) The young man finally understands what is expected of him and becomes one of the best players to play the game of football.
This is what Jeremiah is saying to me this morning. Yes, bad things come our way. These things can completely interrupt our lives in ways we may not understand. We are blessed, though, to have a God who is watching our blind side. We have a God who protects us from the things we cannot see and gives us the gifts we can develop to eventually be the best in the game we play everyday; life.
Now, let's get out there and begin living!
This morning's thoughts will be short and sweet (we hope). When I read this morning's passage I immediately thought about the movie "The Blind Side". In that movie a young man who is living in poverty without any sort of adult supervision is taken in by a well-to-do family. This young man turns out to have an incredible talent for football and with the help of his coaches, teachers, and the love of a family who took him in he excels in his sport through high school, onto college, and into the NFL.
What I like best about this movie is how the young man was struggling with understanding the sport. He was relying solely on his size and not developing the skills which would eventually catapult him to greatness. His coaches, teachers, mentors, and friends just couldn't help him learn the strategies of football and where his role as an offensive lineman was.
Enter his "adopted mom" who takes him aside one day and says these words. "Your job is to protect the quarterback's blind side. He depends on you to protect him from the things he cannot see." (Maybe I'm paraphrasing, but it's close enough.) The young man finally understands what is expected of him and becomes one of the best players to play the game of football.
This is what Jeremiah is saying to me this morning. Yes, bad things come our way. These things can completely interrupt our lives in ways we may not understand. We are blessed, though, to have a God who is watching our blind side. We have a God who protects us from the things we cannot see and gives us the gifts we can develop to eventually be the best in the game we play everyday; life.
Now, let's get out there and begin living!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Then Just As Suddenly...
Psalm 54
Last night I attended a wedding on the North Shore of Oahu. The actual wedding was held in a small chapel on the waterfront of one of the hotels there while the reception was held at a house situated right on the beach. As the wedding went on we were gifted by God with an absolutely beautiful sunset. While at the reception we enjoyed a cool night, a clear sky, and just enough rain to keep us from running amok on the beach.
We celebrated the love of family with hugs, good food, dance, and memories from times past. It was in those memories my cousins and I were able to see just how blessed by God we truly are. Nobody really said it, or offered specifics, but we all know each one of us has had obstacles in our lives. Broken relationships, tough economic times, the passing of close loved ones and the like were shared by all of us.
There was one thing we all shared which we each recognized as the "glue that kept us together"; God. We all grew up in church, we all had parents, aunts, and uncles deeply entrenched in their faith. We lived daily with reminders on how much God loved us. Of course in our younger days it was a God who loved us enough to send us to the fiery depths of darkness if we sinned. Yet, somehow we understood this to be love.
Today's Psalm reminds me of the days of my life; the good and the bad. Oh, yes, there was bad, some would say very bad. Some would say bad enough to be thrown into the pit. Yet, through it all God never left my side. God waited for me. God walked by my side everyday of my life and waited, simply waited for me to put an end to all those things.
The time in my life came to the place where all the bad times (okay, not all, but all the really bad stuff) were a memory and I re-discovered a God who never left me. And now, almost 20 years later, I can truly say that God has delivered me from my every trouble and has helped me triumph all that brought me down. I want to say that I found peace in my life just as quickly as I found unrest. The truth is that both happened over time and if there is one thing I learned about how change is made within us it's that we need to invest the time to build, or re-build the important relationships in our lives.
So, take this with you as your thought for the day - God is your helper, God wants to hold you up in your life. God waits for you to remember you are loved and accepted unconditionally. Then, when you are ready, God is there to, well, for what God has always been there for; to share in your life.
Last night I attended a wedding on the North Shore of Oahu. The actual wedding was held in a small chapel on the waterfront of one of the hotels there while the reception was held at a house situated right on the beach. As the wedding went on we were gifted by God with an absolutely beautiful sunset. While at the reception we enjoyed a cool night, a clear sky, and just enough rain to keep us from running amok on the beach.
We celebrated the love of family with hugs, good food, dance, and memories from times past. It was in those memories my cousins and I were able to see just how blessed by God we truly are. Nobody really said it, or offered specifics, but we all know each one of us has had obstacles in our lives. Broken relationships, tough economic times, the passing of close loved ones and the like were shared by all of us.
There was one thing we all shared which we each recognized as the "glue that kept us together"; God. We all grew up in church, we all had parents, aunts, and uncles deeply entrenched in their faith. We lived daily with reminders on how much God loved us. Of course in our younger days it was a God who loved us enough to send us to the fiery depths of darkness if we sinned. Yet, somehow we understood this to be love.
Today's Psalm reminds me of the days of my life; the good and the bad. Oh, yes, there was bad, some would say very bad. Some would say bad enough to be thrown into the pit. Yet, through it all God never left my side. God waited for me. God walked by my side everyday of my life and waited, simply waited for me to put an end to all those things.
The time in my life came to the place where all the bad times (okay, not all, but all the really bad stuff) were a memory and I re-discovered a God who never left me. And now, almost 20 years later, I can truly say that God has delivered me from my every trouble and has helped me triumph all that brought me down. I want to say that I found peace in my life just as quickly as I found unrest. The truth is that both happened over time and if there is one thing I learned about how change is made within us it's that we need to invest the time to build, or re-build the important relationships in our lives.
So, take this with you as your thought for the day - God is your helper, God wants to hold you up in your life. God waits for you to remember you are loved and accepted unconditionally. Then, when you are ready, God is there to, well, for what God has always been there for; to share in your life.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Facing Our Fears To Find Inner Peace
The other day we looked at the Old Testament passage from Numbers which had Moses putting a snake on a stick in order that the people who were bit by poisonous snakes may look at it and be cured. The story, as I understood it, tied in to God sending us opportunities to face our fears in order to overcome them. Today we look at John 3:13-17 which has Jesus speaking to Nicodemus and mentioning this same event in the wilderness.
Let me stop here to say that I am currently studying the Gospel of John and as it's being shown to me in a new, different understanding the writing in this post may seem obscure. The lecturer I'm listening to is making the point (and making it rather convincingly) that the Gospel of John is written by a single community within the Jewish culture which has been ostracized because of their following and practices of the teachings of Christ. These Judeo-Christians have formed a very tight fellowship in which they hope to keep true to their newly found understandings through Christ while being able to share this belief with those who enter into it.
To make that easier to understand let's just say the Johannine society were outcasts trying to survive in a world which doesn't want them there. One can only imagine what it would be like to be in that situation. In fact, many of us live within that situation every day of our lives. We feel as though we aren't accepted by those around us for being the people we truly are. In order to survive in this world we create within ourselves a private "club" in which we don't let anyone enter. We live in fear of being discovered for the person we truly are and never find inner peace.
What John is trying to do in connecting the snake on a stick story as told in Numbers and Jesus' words to Nicodemus is remind us that we need to look towards Jesus to see a God that helps us overcome those fears. Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions. What Jesus does is show just how much Nicodemus didn't understand. Could it be that Nicodemus didn't understand because he had forgotten to look towards God to settle his fears in order to find his inner peace?
What are your fears, what do you have a difficult time understanding, who do you look towards in order to find that inner peace? Yes, more questions than answers, but isn't that what makes life great?
Let me stop here to say that I am currently studying the Gospel of John and as it's being shown to me in a new, different understanding the writing in this post may seem obscure. The lecturer I'm listening to is making the point (and making it rather convincingly) that the Gospel of John is written by a single community within the Jewish culture which has been ostracized because of their following and practices of the teachings of Christ. These Judeo-Christians have formed a very tight fellowship in which they hope to keep true to their newly found understandings through Christ while being able to share this belief with those who enter into it.
To make that easier to understand let's just say the Johannine society were outcasts trying to survive in a world which doesn't want them there. One can only imagine what it would be like to be in that situation. In fact, many of us live within that situation every day of our lives. We feel as though we aren't accepted by those around us for being the people we truly are. In order to survive in this world we create within ourselves a private "club" in which we don't let anyone enter. We live in fear of being discovered for the person we truly are and never find inner peace.
What John is trying to do in connecting the snake on a stick story as told in Numbers and Jesus' words to Nicodemus is remind us that we need to look towards Jesus to see a God that helps us overcome those fears. Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions. What Jesus does is show just how much Nicodemus didn't understand. Could it be that Nicodemus didn't understand because he had forgotten to look towards God to settle his fears in order to find his inner peace?
What are your fears, what do you have a difficult time understanding, who do you look towards in order to find that inner peace? Yes, more questions than answers, but isn't that what makes life great?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Who's Opinions Really Matter?
There is a verse in today's reading from 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 that has grabbed a hold of me and won't let go. Verse 20a says, "Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?"
Indeed, where are the debaters of this age?
In today's society we hear a lot of people - politicians, pundits, and prognosticators - tell us how we should be thinking. They all have an opinion, which they say is the only opinion that counts, and they proceed to sway us to accepting their opinions as absolute truth. When we disagree on any point of their opinion we are called dissenters who stand in the way of progress. Those of us with differing opinions are then pushed aside and ignored if we ultimately don't agree with their views.
This is the church Paul was writing to; one of deep divisions over opinions. A few verses later Paul describes just this thing. He mentions that in the church at Corinth there are two groups of people who have extremely differing opinions. Paul makes it seem, and it most likely was, that two extreme "factions" have divided the church in Corinth.
Unfortunately we still see this kind of division in our churches today. For example, we see differences over opinions on same sex relationships. This argument is being argued in almost every Christian church with deep divisions on both sides. We are asked to pick a side, either we are with them or we are not.
And there is what Paul is talking about; there is no "either, or" mentality in Paul's vision for the church. There is only an acceptance of the other's opinions, and that it should be given as much respect as one can give. Paul understood that we all have opinions. What Paul is asking for is that we don't force others to be of the same opinion as us.
It's okay to disagree; it really is. It's even better to be in civil discussion (aka debate) over our difference of opinions. It's in the listening of each other we truly grow closer in relationship to one another and to our God. We will also find that in the listening we will grow closer in relationship to our selves.
Having a difference in opinions is not a bad thing. It's when we don't allow debate to grow our understanding (wisdom) that we begin to fall short of unconditional acceptance in today's culture. Open your ears, open your minds, open your hearts, and let the words of others be heard.
Indeed, where are the debaters of this age?
In today's society we hear a lot of people - politicians, pundits, and prognosticators - tell us how we should be thinking. They all have an opinion, which they say is the only opinion that counts, and they proceed to sway us to accepting their opinions as absolute truth. When we disagree on any point of their opinion we are called dissenters who stand in the way of progress. Those of us with differing opinions are then pushed aside and ignored if we ultimately don't agree with their views.
This is the church Paul was writing to; one of deep divisions over opinions. A few verses later Paul describes just this thing. He mentions that in the church at Corinth there are two groups of people who have extremely differing opinions. Paul makes it seem, and it most likely was, that two extreme "factions" have divided the church in Corinth.
Unfortunately we still see this kind of division in our churches today. For example, we see differences over opinions on same sex relationships. This argument is being argued in almost every Christian church with deep divisions on both sides. We are asked to pick a side, either we are with them or we are not.
And there is what Paul is talking about; there is no "either, or" mentality in Paul's vision for the church. There is only an acceptance of the other's opinions, and that it should be given as much respect as one can give. Paul understood that we all have opinions. What Paul is asking for is that we don't force others to be of the same opinion as us.
It's okay to disagree; it really is. It's even better to be in civil discussion (aka debate) over our difference of opinions. It's in the listening of each other we truly grow closer in relationship to one another and to our God. We will also find that in the listening we will grow closer in relationship to our selves.
Having a difference in opinions is not a bad thing. It's when we don't allow debate to grow our understanding (wisdom) that we begin to fall short of unconditional acceptance in today's culture. Open your ears, open your minds, open your hearts, and let the words of others be heard.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Facing Our Fears
I really need to stop watching news programs while I do my morning devotions. Especially on mornings like this as our country watches and hears about an attack on the American embassy in Libya and the tragic death of four American lives, including the American Ambassador to Libya. The fact that this took place on the anniversary of the attack in New York City eleven years ago hasn't slipped my mind either.
I have to be honest with you (and with myself) and say I am upset, almost on the verge of anger. If not for my reading the lectionary passage for today from Numbers 21:4b-9 I may have been pushed over the edge into hatred. Fortunately, I read about the Hebrew people turning against God and how their lives were adversely affected and thought to myself, "at least it's not that bad."
In the story of the wilderness journey of the Hebrew people out of Egypt we read about their ungratefulness and how God's response was to send poisonous snakes into their midst to bite them. The people soon become "grateful" and ask Moses to ask God to make the snakes stop. God's reply to Moses; put a snake "idol" on your staff and every time the people get bitten make them look at it and they will be cured.
Really!?
Yes, God actually wanted the Hebrew people to face what they fear in order to be healed. Which brings me to today's thought. What is it we fear? I fear a world where people continue to be separated from God, one another, themselves, and creation. I fear earth's environment will be destroyed to a point that it will not be able to recover. I fear the people who have the gifts to bring stability and unity to our world are unwilling to step forward and do what is necessary.
So, I guess the morning news has become my "snake on a stick" and allows me to face my fears, then write a little something about it for a few people to read and maybe, just maybe, one of those people will be sparked enough to tell others how they feel. Until eventually we're all talking about, and living out God's love for us.
Maybe.
I have to be honest with you (and with myself) and say I am upset, almost on the verge of anger. If not for my reading the lectionary passage for today from Numbers 21:4b-9 I may have been pushed over the edge into hatred. Fortunately, I read about the Hebrew people turning against God and how their lives were adversely affected and thought to myself, "at least it's not that bad."
In the story of the wilderness journey of the Hebrew people out of Egypt we read about their ungratefulness and how God's response was to send poisonous snakes into their midst to bite them. The people soon become "grateful" and ask Moses to ask God to make the snakes stop. God's reply to Moses; put a snake "idol" on your staff and every time the people get bitten make them look at it and they will be cured.
Really!?
Yes, God actually wanted the Hebrew people to face what they fear in order to be healed. Which brings me to today's thought. What is it we fear? I fear a world where people continue to be separated from God, one another, themselves, and creation. I fear earth's environment will be destroyed to a point that it will not be able to recover. I fear the people who have the gifts to bring stability and unity to our world are unwilling to step forward and do what is necessary.
So, I guess the morning news has become my "snake on a stick" and allows me to face my fears, then write a little something about it for a few people to read and maybe, just maybe, one of those people will be sparked enough to tell others how they feel. Until eventually we're all talking about, and living out God's love for us.
Maybe.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
In Remembrance - Part 2
Nehemiah 4 - The Rebuilding Of The Wall
Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he mocked the Jews. He said in the presence of his associates and of the army of Samaria, ‘What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore things? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish it in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish—and burnt ones at that?’ Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, ‘That stone wall they are building—any fox going up on it would break it down!’ Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their taunt back on their own heads, and give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover their guilt, and do not let their sin be blotted out from your sight; for they have hurled insults in the face of the builders.
So we rebuilt the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height; for the people had a mind to work.
But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they were very angry, and all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. So we prayed to our God, and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
But Judah said, ‘The strength of the burden-bearers is failing, and there is too much rubbish, so that we are unable to work on the wall.’ And our enemies said, ‘They will not know or see anything before we come upon them and kill them and stop the work.’ When the Jews who lived near them came, they said to us ten times, ‘From all the places where they live they will come up against us.’ So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. After I looked these things over, I stood up and said to the nobles and the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your kin, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’
When our enemies heard that their plot was known to us, and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armour; and the leaders posted themselves behind the whole house of Judah, who were building the wall. The burden-bearers carried their loads in such a way that each laboured on the work with one hand and with the other held a weapon. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. And I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘The work is great and widely spread out, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Rally to us wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet. Our God will fight for us.’
So we laboured at the work, and half of them held the spears from break of dawn until the stars came out. I also said to the people at that time, ‘Let every man and his servant pass the night inside Jerusalem, so that they may be a guard for us by night and may labour by day.’ So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me ever took off our clothes; each kept his weapon in his right hand.
Monday, September 10, 2012
In Remembrance
This morning I was especially touched by a simple, yet meaningful post on Facebook. Four words which have more meaning to the poster than it will ever have to me stopped my thoughts long enough to wonder what it's like to remember someone not with us in this world. "I miss you Daddy." Nothing else is posted, no pictures or current comments, just that simple statement.
Of course, I read my Facebook posts before reading my lectionary passage for today. The emotion of what it must feel like to lose someone you love was fresh in my heart as I read how God has never forgotten God's steadfast love. In taking the two thoughts together, that of God never forgetting God's love and friends remembering their love for those not with us anymore, I came to one conclusion; love surpasses all memory.
I heard a story on the news last night about two men who were best friends in WW2. They had both developed Alzheimer and are very much in the ends of their time on earth. The two families decided to bring them together for one last time. When the two were close to each other one of them reached out his hand and placed it on top of the other's shoulder which brought a smile from both of them. In that moment they both had that definite look of recognition (those of you who have/had close ones with Alzheimer know what I'm talking about). Their love for one another brought back, even if for a moment, a memory which touched their hearts and brought them joy.
The life and memories of those who have moved from this earth goes on in our hearts. God's love is forever and never forgotten.
Of course, I read my Facebook posts before reading my lectionary passage for today. The emotion of what it must feel like to lose someone you love was fresh in my heart as I read how God has never forgotten God's steadfast love. In taking the two thoughts together, that of God never forgetting God's love and friends remembering their love for those not with us anymore, I came to one conclusion; love surpasses all memory.
I heard a story on the news last night about two men who were best friends in WW2. They had both developed Alzheimer and are very much in the ends of their time on earth. The two families decided to bring them together for one last time. When the two were close to each other one of them reached out his hand and placed it on top of the other's shoulder which brought a smile from both of them. In that moment they both had that definite look of recognition (those of you who have/had close ones with Alzheimer know what I'm talking about). Their love for one another brought back, even if for a moment, a memory which touched their hearts and brought them joy.
The life and memories of those who have moved from this earth goes on in our hearts. God's love is forever and never forgotten.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Zip Code Segregation
Unfortunately, as is probably common in many areas, our state has what I like to call Zip Code Segregation. You know what I'm talking about. Those who live in zip codes which traditionally have higher income families and those who live in zip codes which traditionally have lower income families develop a deep resentment towards one another. I'm sure many, if not all of you know what I'm talking about.
I have friends and family who live in what is traditionally believed to be a lower income area. I can tell you first hand they are far from living in a lower income lifestyle. They have what they need; a nice home, good clothes, good food for the family to eat. They also have what is most important in anyone's zip code - good relationships with their neighbors.
I also have family and friends who live in what is traditionally considered a high income zip code. I can tell you first hand that they, too, are able to provide the same things for their families and share the same level of relationships with their neighbors.
So what's the difference? As far as I can tell it's their zip code. So why do those in one zip code think others in a different zip code to be, well, different? I wish I knew.
In today's reading from Mark 7:24-37 Jesus is traveling between two zip codes. He finds in the one zip code where those who are considered less people (aka the Gentiles) who are just as honest, caring, respectful, hospitable, and love God and each other the same as the zip code he came from. With that discovery he doesn't hesitate to do what is right.
When we're going about our day we often meet people we come to believe are good; who share the same values we do. We never immediately ask, "Where do you live?" Instead we get to know them by who they are and what they do because we know these things to be very defining of the person we're now considering to be a part of our community. Don't let your heart become clouded by where these people are from.
Remember this one thing if you don't remember anything else. We are all neighbors, and we are called to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves.
I have friends and family who live in what is traditionally believed to be a lower income area. I can tell you first hand they are far from living in a lower income lifestyle. They have what they need; a nice home, good clothes, good food for the family to eat. They also have what is most important in anyone's zip code - good relationships with their neighbors.
I also have family and friends who live in what is traditionally considered a high income zip code. I can tell you first hand that they, too, are able to provide the same things for their families and share the same level of relationships with their neighbors.
So what's the difference? As far as I can tell it's their zip code. So why do those in one zip code think others in a different zip code to be, well, different? I wish I knew.
In today's reading from Mark 7:24-37 Jesus is traveling between two zip codes. He finds in the one zip code where those who are considered less people (aka the Gentiles) who are just as honest, caring, respectful, hospitable, and love God and each other the same as the zip code he came from. With that discovery he doesn't hesitate to do what is right.
When we're going about our day we often meet people we come to believe are good; who share the same values we do. We never immediately ask, "Where do you live?" Instead we get to know them by who they are and what they do because we know these things to be very defining of the person we're now considering to be a part of our community. Don't let your heart become clouded by where these people are from.
Remember this one thing if you don't remember anything else. We are all neighbors, and we are called to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
All Things Being Equal
I want to thank all of the Young Adults who sat in conversation with each other last night. I have to honestly say it was one of our best talks around the rectangle table. The conversations about "if we could change one thing in the world, what would it be?" reminded, us that we live with in a world filled with hope. Everything from ending all suffering in the world to the understanding that we each have our own perception on things showed, to me at least, that hope is alive and well in our world.
It was very evident to me that the underlying theme of the discussion was equality in and with everything. It was obvious to me that the people in that room wanted one thing, and one thing only; peace through unity. A unifying peace brought on by true acceptance of people no matter who they are or what they do. A unification of all people, from all walks of life, in all situations brought on by deep conversations and the acceptance of one another's ideas. Something very similar to what we experienced in that room last night.
Now, let's take the ideas we heard into the world and help them become realities. As I said in an earlier post knowing is good, doing is better. It's probably not a coincidence that today's reading from James2:1-17 is reminding me to say that it's not enough to use our words. We also need to bring to action that which we believe in our hearts.
So, you want people to understand their perceptions are not the same as yours; let them know. You want suffering to end in this world, help people understand healing is not always physical. You want the decision-making processes to be completely balanced, ensure those around you have an equal say. What we do, and how we do it says a lot about us as people. The question then becomes, "What do we do?"
As it is written in James, and I'll be paraphrasing, words without actions just don't matter.
It was very evident to me that the underlying theme of the discussion was equality in and with everything. It was obvious to me that the people in that room wanted one thing, and one thing only; peace through unity. A unifying peace brought on by true acceptance of people no matter who they are or what they do. A unification of all people, from all walks of life, in all situations brought on by deep conversations and the acceptance of one another's ideas. Something very similar to what we experienced in that room last night.
Now, let's take the ideas we heard into the world and help them become realities. As I said in an earlier post knowing is good, doing is better. It's probably not a coincidence that today's reading from James2:1-17 is reminding me to say that it's not enough to use our words. We also need to bring to action that which we believe in our hearts.
So, you want people to understand their perceptions are not the same as yours; let them know. You want suffering to end in this world, help people understand healing is not always physical. You want the decision-making processes to be completely balanced, ensure those around you have an equal say. What we do, and how we do it says a lot about us as people. The question then becomes, "What do we do?"
As it is written in James, and I'll be paraphrasing, words without actions just don't matter.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Turn It Completely Around
Yesterday, I talked a little about how putting my trust in God helped to show me that hope is alive and well. Today, our reading from Isaiah 35:4-7a is about what happens after we put our trust in God. Isaiah tells an amazing story of how Israel is in danger because of their disloyalties to God. In Chapter 35 Isaiah brings words of hope to a people who have had their lives completely disrupted by an Assyrian invasion which has taken all their lands and scattered their people.
The words written in Isaiah is something many of us can resonate with. We have all at one time or another - or maybe even in this moment - had a disruption in our lives that make it feel as though our lives have been invaded and is being scattered without hope. Just yesterday I spoke with a student who told me how her parents have separated and are each talking to her about the evils the other has done. This young woman's parents are, in her opinion, being selfish in trying to ensure she takes their side when she honestly wants nothing more than to never have to pick a side. All she wants is to love them both in the way she always has.
Her life is being invaded and her happiness scattered. As we spoke, though, I told her she wasn't alone. I have spoken to many youth in my years and have heard this same story over and over. I agreed with her that what parents do when they are going through a divorce is downright unfair to their children and to each other. I then told her the best thing she could do is be honest with them about how she feels and what it is they're doing to her. Right now she is developing a deep mistrust for both parents; what she needs to do is rebuild that trust through honesty with herself and with them.
Will that be an easy task. No. Will it make her feel immediately better. No. Will her words make a difference in how her parents feel towards each other. Who knows. All I can say for sure is that by finding her inner strength and courage and by being honest with them about her feelings she will begin a healing process for herself.
As Isaiah puts it, when we are strong and do not fear then "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped". We need to find that inner strength, no matter the situation, to stand up for ourselves and for those who cannot stand up for themselves. We need to find a way to be just in a world seeking justice so that joy through peace can finally be what our world will live in.
The words written in Isaiah is something many of us can resonate with. We have all at one time or another - or maybe even in this moment - had a disruption in our lives that make it feel as though our lives have been invaded and is being scattered without hope. Just yesterday I spoke with a student who told me how her parents have separated and are each talking to her about the evils the other has done. This young woman's parents are, in her opinion, being selfish in trying to ensure she takes their side when she honestly wants nothing more than to never have to pick a side. All she wants is to love them both in the way she always has.
Her life is being invaded and her happiness scattered. As we spoke, though, I told her she wasn't alone. I have spoken to many youth in my years and have heard this same story over and over. I agreed with her that what parents do when they are going through a divorce is downright unfair to their children and to each other. I then told her the best thing she could do is be honest with them about how she feels and what it is they're doing to her. Right now she is developing a deep mistrust for both parents; what she needs to do is rebuild that trust through honesty with herself and with them.
Will that be an easy task. No. Will it make her feel immediately better. No. Will her words make a difference in how her parents feel towards each other. Who knows. All I can say for sure is that by finding her inner strength and courage and by being honest with them about her feelings she will begin a healing process for herself.
As Isaiah puts it, when we are strong and do not fear then "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped". We need to find that inner strength, no matter the situation, to stand up for ourselves and for those who cannot stand up for themselves. We need to find a way to be just in a world seeking justice so that joy through peace can finally be what our world will live in.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
When Everything Else Is Gone
The three-day weekend is just what we needed. I caught up on things around the house, got some rest, and just hung out with my wife for an extra day of uninterrupted-by-work time. Life was good. Life is still good. I woke up this morning ready for the day and ready for the week. Of course, the cynic which lives in the far reaches of my soul keeps waiting for the goodness to crumble.
I've lived life long enough to know that eventually all good things come to an end; a fact that today's reading from Psalm 146 reminds me of. Actually, the Psalm reminds me that my happiness really depends on who, or what, I trust to put my happiness in.
There was a time in my life when happiness meant 60-hour work weeks, good paychecks, late nights in clubs, and the knowledge that there were people around me who could supply me with things I needed to continue living in that happiness. In other words, I put my trust in false hope.
I say the hope was false because as I grew older, and wiser, I realized those things weren't making me happy, they were only masking a deep-seeded pain I refused to confront. I was unhappy with who I was and as long as I surrounded myself with people and things who made me feel happy I knew, even if for a few hours, I didn't have to deal with that pain.
Eventually, though, all the things which brought me false happiness disappeared. I lost jobs which paid me well, friends stopped calling, and one by one all the masks I used to hide my unhappiness fell away. I was left with only one way to find my true inner self - God.
I am ready for whatever comes, happy in the knowledge that I am now surrounded by God's love.
I've lived life long enough to know that eventually all good things come to an end; a fact that today's reading from Psalm 146 reminds me of. Actually, the Psalm reminds me that my happiness really depends on who, or what, I trust to put my happiness in.
There was a time in my life when happiness meant 60-hour work weeks, good paychecks, late nights in clubs, and the knowledge that there were people around me who could supply me with things I needed to continue living in that happiness. In other words, I put my trust in false hope.
I say the hope was false because as I grew older, and wiser, I realized those things weren't making me happy, they were only masking a deep-seeded pain I refused to confront. I was unhappy with who I was and as long as I surrounded myself with people and things who made me feel happy I knew, even if for a few hours, I didn't have to deal with that pain.
Eventually, though, all the things which brought me false happiness disappeared. I lost jobs which paid me well, friends stopped calling, and one by one all the masks I used to hide my unhappiness fell away. I was left with only one way to find my true inner self - God.
I am ready for whatever comes, happy in the knowledge that I am now surrounded by God's love.
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