Finally (Sigh)

Luke 2:22-40

I want to stay with my theme of highschoolers (if that's a word) being the Cyrano de Bergeracs, of sort, that rescue their friends from perceived embarrassment, especially at this time of year as boys and girls are looking for that special someone to go with them to their proms. I've heard, "No, you go ask for me" at least a dozen times in the last few weeks.

In most cases these requests are coming from, and to, someone who already knows how the other feels. We all know that feeling - that deep flutter in our gut we only feel when we look into their eyes, or hear their voice, or watch as they pass by. It's what happens when we finally realize our long-held wish to be with the one we have been waiting for.

I'm speaking here from a place of first-hand knowledge. The moment I looked my current wife in the eye I just knew she was the one I've been waiting for. On our first date, which consisted of a 2-hour cup of coffee, I felt a level of comfort I have never felt with anyone before or since. I can honestly say I was ready and willing to give my life for and to her.

The other day we were reflecting on our relationship and we were both astonished that almost 17 years had passed since the first day we met. As we tried to think about where all those years went, we came to a realization; it didn't matter. We had found a way to "work through" the years in order to still be together and that's what mattered. What also mattered is we had both found a life partner and that brought with it a certain peace.

That same peace is what Simeon felt when he saw Jesus in that temple, and his words and actions tell us just how much peace he now has; all because he understood that Jesus is the one he's been waiting for.

Who are you waiting for? Let me say to you, my friends, the wait is over because the love Jesus shows us, the love that comes directly from God, is here, now, to live in you. Just let it in.

Just Like One Of Us

Hebrews 2:14-18

Yesterday I briefly talked about the comfort we receive from someone who is willing to go before us in doing  something we're not comfortable doing. I used the example of high school students asking their friends to ask someone they like if they like them, or if they would go out with them. I mentioned how most times the use of a mediator isn't necessary because we eventually find out for ourselves that everything turned out to be fine.

What does matter is that we had a friend who was willing to go first, and what matters more is that in most cases the person we chose to be our spokesperson is someone we know went through the same rejections we fear; someone who fully understands the emotional and physical discomforts we might be going through. Such is the message our passage from Hebrews gives us today.

Somehow, the knowledge that the person whom we choose to represent us has been through what we went through brings us comfort. We feel better learning from a teacher who is educated specifically in the subject that they teach. We enjoy learning how to cook from a well-respected chef. We like being shown how to lose weight and get healthy by people who are physically fit. We somehow understand that if the person representing us has been through what we've been through and succeeded, then there's hope for us.

God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ to live as we do and to fully understand the pains, suffering, joy and happiness we go through in our lives. Jesus shared in the celebrations as much as he shared in the tribulations of life. He did this in order for us to have someone to put our hope in because we all know, truly know, that there is nobody we trust our hearts more to than the best friend we ask to represent us in matters we think will bring us pain.

The love of God as shown to us through the life of Jesus Christ is my chosen path. What is yours?

You Go First

Malachi 3:1-4

Most of you know I work at a high school. At the age of 50, which is what I am, watching different interactions in today's high school remind me of exactly how it was when I was in high school. None of these interactions is more fun to watch than the , "Go tell him/her for me" one.

You all know what I'm talking about. "What if she turns me down?" "No, I don't want to, what if he laughs at me?" "I can't, I'm too nervous." "Please, you go ask for me." Words we have all heard or said at one time or another between the ages of 13 and 18.

Eventually our friends came to our rescue and as it turned out everything was okay. We could've done it ourselves and everything would've been all right. It's just that at the time we really felt like we needed someone to speak for us about that which we felt unsure; our deepest secrets and emotions.

Even as adults we feel like we need someone to prepare the way for us when it becomes time to expose our deepest emotions. We just never know how someone is going to react, and the last thing we want is to be ridiculed for how we honestly feel. The good news is we have someone who is more than willing to go before us to help prepare not just the situation we'll be going into, but to also prepare us.

The knowledge that we have a God who loves us regardless of what we do or who we are combined with the realization we have a best friend in Jesus who walks at our side through everything we do brings with it the courage we need to face anything. All we need is the faith that God believes in us.

Home Sweet Home

Psalm 84

My wife and I are beginning the discussion about downsizing. We currently live in a 2-story 4-bedroom 2 1/2-bath home with a yard. Much too much for just her and I. Our son and his girlfriend moved out close to 3 years ago, and it's apparent they won't be moving back in, which leaves us with 2 cats and a dog to share our home with.

Of course, as children do when they leave the home, our son and his girlfriend left behind a few items; clothing, a dresser, a TV, their bed, did I mention clothes. I don't mind, honestly, they are in a small place and I know they don't have room for all of their possessions. As a parent I'm honestly delighted that they keep a few things here as it leaves hope that one day they may be back.

As my wife and I discussed what kind of a place we may want to move to the discussion turned to our son and if we needed to continue to provide a place for him even as he went into his thirties and forties. The answer was a non-negotiable yes from both of us. We both agreed that we would always provide somewhere to live for our son and whoever was in his life for as long as we are able. It was our way to know that he would always have a place to stay; a home.

I can't help but feel God does the same for us. When we leave this earth it's nice to know that we have a place to go. A place where we will be forever welcomed and loved. A place we can now and forever call home.

Friday Musings

Once again, poems, quotes, and stories that help put into words my thought(s) for the week.

“A true hero is not someone who thinks about doing what is right, but one that simply does what is right without thinking!” – Kevin Heath - Ceo More4kids

“Be careful of your actions. You never know when you’re creating a memory.” – Ricki Lee Jones (born 1954); Singer, Songwriter

Please Listen - Author Unknown

   When I ask you to listen to me

and you start giving me advice,

you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me

and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way,

you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me

and you feel you have to do something

to solve my problem,

you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen!

All I ask is that you listen.

Don't talk or do - just hear me.

Advice is cheap - 20 cents will get you both

Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.

And I can do for myself; I am not helpless.

Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can

and need to do for myself,

you contribute to my fear and inadequacy.

But when you accept as a simple fact

that I feel what I feel, no matter how irrational,

then I can stop trying to convince you

and get about this business of understanding

what's behind this irrational feeling.

And when that's clear, the answers are obvious

and I don't need advice.

Irrational feelings make sense

when we understand what's behind them.

Perhaps that's why prayer works - sometimes -

for some people, because God is mute.

and he doesn't give advice or try to fix things.

God just listens and lets you work it out for yourself.

So please listen, and just hear me.

And if you want to talk,

wait a minute for your turn,

and I will listen to you.

Paying Attention

Luke 4:14-21

Yesterday I talked about one of the memories I had from my days in a different occupation. However, as I think about that job I held as a manager trainer I really don't think it's so much different from what I do now. I guide, teach, and help people in other ways to realize the goals which they have for themselves. Mentor, teacher, and friend are the requirements of any position within a company where the title "trainer" is given.

Then there's the other name, if you will. that goes along with that title; leader. Not so much "the one in charge who tells others what to do" but more the "everyone is going to watch and follow your examples" kind of leader. As the saying goes, leadership really is just the boat in front followed by all the other boats.

Today's passage brought back another memory from those days. I had just become a trainer and was attending what I believe was my very first executive meeting. In the meeting were vice-presidents of the company, district managers, and ranking officials of the training department. I don't recall the agenda, I don't recall much from 30 years ago, but I do remember the first time I noticed, actually recognized, what it meant to be listened to.

People were discussing something or another and I had something or another to add to the conversation. There must have been a dozen people in that room, all sitting around one of those big meeting tables, and when I began to speak everyone's head turned and all eyes focused on me. I remember stuttering just a little as I took in the fact that everyone in that room was paying attention to what I had to say. That was the first time I can remember being a part of something bigger than me. Needless to say it wasn't the last.

When we call ourselves Christians we invite people to pay attention to us. They will watch our actions and listen to our words and they will decide if the Christ you portray is the Christ they are looking for. As you go about your day today be aware of the things you say and do and ask yourself, "Am I being the Christ others are looking for?"

The Lesser is More

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

There was a time in my life when my job was to train managers for a local restaurant chain. It was a very rewarding job which I did for close to 2 years. I could always tell the difference between someone who came up through the ranks and someone who went to management school when on the very first day of field training they were asked to clean the toilets. Those who have been there did so without reservation and those who learned about how it's done always reneged. It was my most favorite day of training.

After each manger-hopeful had a chance to clean the restrooms from top to bottom we went into the restaurant to take a break and discuss how they felt. The conversation always and eventually steered towards one question; "Is cleaning toilets something we're going to be expected to do as managers?"

Occasionally there would be a manager candidate who began as someone who's primary role was to keep the cleanliness of our restaurant in the class and knew the answer to that question. It was in these classes I would invite them to share their experiences. What they shared was more valuable to the class than anything I could have said. On one one such gathering I recall these words spoken: "If those who are considered to be on the bottom of the ladder to success, as we see it, are not treated as equals in the company, how can we, as a whole, call ourselves successful."

The lesson was continued by myself in the usual way - we are not alone in the duties we perform, it takes all of us doing our part to ensure a positive experience for our guests, it's only in the knowledge by those we work with that if we are willing to do their job side by side that true cooperation is accomplished. As I continued through that day I could see a different energy from the candidates as they picked up rubbish, bussed tables, washed pots and pans, and did various other "janitorial" jobs.

The words spoken by someone who understood what they meant rang loud and clear for more than that day, or the day after. They rang for the 3 months our managers are asked to perform other duties which may or may not be managerial. Needless to say, that class, those  half-a-dozen managers, graduated and took on their jobs with a passion and respect for which that position deserves.

We all learned through this experience that if we take care of the those who are considered the lowest of society we will all benefit.

Even Those Who Understood Were There

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

I want to apologize for taking a day off yesterday. I had no reason to do so except that I had completely forgot to do my devotions yesterday and so didn't have any thoughts to write. I opened my computer, answered email, checked social sites, and listened to music, so my computer was open. I just didn't read my devotions.

I'm not sure if maybe I thought it was a different day as it felt like a weekend due to the celebration of Martin Luther King's life. I'm not sure if because I concentrated on finishing my final paper for school I didn't do any writing that went outside of that purpose. Whatever the reason, I did not come to write my thoughts on anything scripture related.

What I did do yesterday, besides writing my paper, is watch the inauguration of President Obama. In fact, as soon as we woke up the TV was turned on and the tube-watching commenced. (Remember that I live in Hawaii so for us the inauguration ceremonies began at 6:30 am.) We watched as just over 1-million people gathered to watch, listen to, and share in the moment as the President renewed his vows to do his best to take our country forward.

As people watched and listened and shared there was a good sense that those in attendance knew they were in the presence of history. When the cameras showed pictures of the crowd one could not help but notice that people of all color, religion, abilities, and sexual orientation were paying close attention to what the President had to say. As he spoke words of unity, fairness, and cooperation the people cheered, sat quietly and nodded, or wept.

Reading this morning's passage brings with it the same images. Nehemiah 8 is about people gathering for the single purpose of renewing their commitment to their God. If we read the passage we will see that all the people were there, "men, women, and all who could understand". The latter is the author's way of saying everyone was there, regardless of their ability, gender, or age. In the renewing of their covenant to God the Hebrew people stood as one, unified in a single purpose; to profess their love for God and one another.

As we move forward in our lives let us remember to do the same. Let us renew our lives to a single purpose; to love.

Friday Musings

Quotes, stories, and poems which put the week in perspective.

From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, 1600:

JULIET:

      'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;

      Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

      What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,

      Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part

      Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!

      What's in a name? that which we call a rose

      By any other name would smell as sweet;

      So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,

      Retain that dear perfection which he owes

      Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,

      And for that name which is no part of thee

      Take all myself.

Helen Keller

Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain.

Fear of Darkness II - by MARCELO GLEISER

An old man sits in the dark

thinking of his dead lovers.

Night had fallen fast, faster every day…

A star blinks in the distance. An invitation to eternity?

Invisible worlds so far to see.

Do they still love me up there? Are they stardust now?

He dreamed of certainties

where none exists.

Hoping to fill the emptiness,

He looked beyond and saw nothing.

An owl screeches in the distance.

The old man smiles. He is still here.

He picks up the phone. Who should he call?

But "They" Knew

John 2:1-11

In our first Confirmation class a couple Sundays ago we spoke about the different aspects of friendship. Undying support, unconditional acceptance, and the ability to keep certain things private were among the main ideas that came out of that group. It would seem that the knowledge one will not be turned against once   they're accepted into a community is very important to today's youth.

The idea of ensuring the private things in your life stay that way until you're ready to let people know is something we all hold dear, especially those things which you know will bring harm to you. I think of the 26% of LGBT teens who are kicked out of their homes after deciding they no longer wanted to live in the shadows of a false life.

The sharing of certain truths will hurt others and will bring you pain as well, especially those which society deems unacceptable. However, as those who have made the decision to be the true person they are will tell you, the pain eventually goes away and the love get's stronger.

What they will also tell you is that there were people who already knew your secret, either because you shared it with them or they somehow just knew. These are the friends you can, and always have been able to count on to be there through the pain and hurt. These are the friends you can count on to carry you when you can't go on any more. These are the friends that will surround you with the love and care you deserve, regardless of who you are. These are the friends who knew the real you, even before you knew the real you, and decided that you were someone worthy of being in their life.

You never walk alone, please don't forget that.

Did He Really Say That?

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

I, as have most of you, have read this passage at least a hundred times. As most of you have also done I've always focused on the spiritual gifts aspect of this passage. Rightly so, I might add, as that is a very important part of these verses. However, today, I decided to read, actually read, the passage from the beginning as given to us in the lectionary, and there it was, right in the beginning; "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed."

Uninformed!

It would seem that Paul's main idea isn't so much the giving to us of what the spiritual gifts are, but instead to ensure we are informed. I'm impressed by this proclamation more so because of how the intentions behind those words spoken 2000 years ago still ring true today.

I am often surprised by people, both young and old, who do not know what's going on in the world around them. I mentioned in passing yesterday what others thought of France getting involved in the war against the religious extremists in Mali and nobody, not one person, knew what I was talking about. However, as I sat and listened to the conversation a little more everyone seemed to know when the newest Kardashian baby was going to be born. To be fair I didn't even know a Kardashian was pregnant.

I have nothing against knowing the details of our popular culture, it can be very entertaining. I just wish our society could put as much focus into the things around them that really mattered; responsible gun ownership, equal rights for all people, respectful treatment of creation as a whole.

Let's finally take heed of Paul's words and become informed.

Hello My Name Is _____________

Isaiah 62:1-5

There was a time in my life when I honestly wished it could all start over. I was in a place where although I was successful in a good job making decent money, I wasn't happy. I distinctly remember thinking one night, "There has to be more than this." I also remember going forward from that day in search of what that "something better" was.

I had good friends, my family loved me, I just met my current wife, so what else was there. Within a year of meeting my wife we found a church and God soon became a large part of every decision I made. Yet, and still unknown to me, I felt as though I wasn't complete.

It would take a few more years before I began working with youth and young adults and it's in the lessons I learned from them that I finally found what I had been searching for; my self. Every week we would talk about the three-level love of God, one another, and self and on one of those weeks, as I was talking to a youth about how he was okay just the way he is,  it hit me - so am I. I had found me and that completed the circle.

The kids at church began calling me Uncle, a moniker I was proud to carry. To this day, even in school, when I am called uncle I take it as a sign of respect not only from the kids, but for myself. To have a new name, one that we believe to best represent who we are, is to become a new person.

I am happy to be all the names I am: uncle, husband, father, brother, son, friend. Those are names given to me by people who love me, a love shared between myself, those around me, and God. I wonder what my next name will be.

Special Delivery

Psalm 36:5-10

Before Christmas my wife said to me that she wanted to "be in nature". It didn't matter to her if we were at a beach, in a park, or on a mountain trail; she just wanted to be in nature. "I feel the need to be with God." was  the only reason she gave for making that statement.

Soon after Christmas the Young Adults of our church had a sleep over (or non-sleepover) and she was able to join a group as they hiked a trail to watch the sun rise. I stayed back to watch a couple of our kids who decided to sleep in. She called me from the entrance to the trail and told me she was able to do a part of the hike, but she wasn't able to complete it.

I asked her if she was okay, if that was enough to satisfy her need to be with nature and she said it was. She was outdoors, in nice weather, on a trail with the sun peaking over the horizon. She was surrounded by the sound of birds, the feel of a cool breeze blowing against her face, and people she enjoyed being with. To her, that was more than enough.

I get the feeling that today's Psalmist had a similar experience. For no particular reason I believe the Psalmist to be a shepherd sitting on a hillside watching over his flock. As he watches the sheep graze, or laze, I imagine his eyes taking in the beauty of the day. Clear blue skies, gentle wisps of pure white clouds, perhaps the glimpse of sunlight as it sparkles off the endless ripples of a faraway lake begin to fill the shepherds senses.

As he continues to take in the beauty of the day he hears the songs of nearby birds mix with the bleating of his sheep and suddenly he feels his spirit renewed, as though whatever burdens the shepherd may have been carrying is gone, taken away by God's special gifts. The shepherd as well as the sheep, the birds, the trees, the grass, the sky, the hillside, and all other parts of creation in which the shepherd was a part of had been taken away, delivered, from all that could harm them simply because for a moment, one brief moment, they became one - a single entity known as creation.

If only that moment could last.

Friday Musings

I'm going to try something different for Friday's blog. I believe there are voices out there that can say what I want to say better than I ever could in the form of poems or quotes or short stories. I'm going to try and find a few of these voices to wrap up what has come to me through the lectionary.

I hope you enjoy this.

When The Storm Comes Around © Hunter Dasten

Should you find yourself at the captain's helm,

as everyone around you is jumping ship.

Do not lose your stride.

Do not miss a step.

Because I will be right beside you,

braving the storm.

As the cruel dark clouds loom just above the bow,

and the torrential rains begin to fall.

Your nerves may get the best of you,

but that is perfectly natural.

All you must do is reach out and take my hand.

I will calm those panicked thoughts

causing your mind to spin.

I will stand at your side through hurricane force winds,

and together we'll be able to keep our footing.

Life may attempt to send us to the ocean depths,

but together we will survive this hellish night

to see the sun again.

His Voice Cries Out - Jerry Bouey

When this world loudly screams at you

And steals away your song

God's gentle voice whispers deep within,

"To Me, My child, you belong."

When you're overwhelmed by the things you've done

And are haunted by your past

A tender voice cries out and shelters you,

"Mine is a love that will last."

When it seems your heart is hardening

And you sense that there's a blindness

Remember the Lord Himself has called you

And drawn you with loving kindness.

When the hurting is so very real

And the pain seems to touch your soul

Jesus is beckoning so softly,

"Come to Me. I will make you whole."

When the aching inside overwhelms you

And you need a friend who's near

The voice of Heaven keeps on calling out,

"Oh My child, I am here."

When you feel that you're left all alone

And through these tears you can't even see

God's voice still cries out to comfort you,

"My dear child, you are precious to Me."

It Wasn't Me (OK, Maybe It Was)

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

I can't tell you the number of times I had been part of a group that succeeded beyond all expectations a task it was assigned. A few of those times I have even been in charge of the group. I also can't tell you the number of times the opposite has happened. Epic success is always a better feeling than epic failure.

What I can tell you is how many times I took full credit for the results of our group - zero if we did good, all of them if I was in charge and we failed. I can also tell you how many times the group let me take full credit for failing - zero.

I have always been blessed to be part of groups who honestly believe that we were all in it together. However, I'm not so naive to know that all groups and/or people are the same. I know of several incidents in which the group failed and the leader took responsibility and nobody backed her/him up. I also know of several leaders who take all the credit, leaving their group with no recognition at all.

I've always liked John the Baptizer because he reminds me of the one who shouts success without shouting his own name. John was surrounded by people hailing him as the messiah. People came from all corners of the land to listen to him preach and be baptized in this new spirit he was talking about. Yet, through all that John never took credit for being "the one". John always said there would be another, one greater than he who will do far better things.

It takes a lot of humility to not get caught up in the whirlwind that success can bring. Today's society almost begs us to take full credit for all things successful, whether we are the responsible ones or not. Sometimes the person taking the credit wasn't the one in the group who really brought success to the project. Imagine if John had given in to the pressures around him and claimed himself the messiah.

John knew his role. John also knew that his success wasn't achieved alone and was only possible because of those around him and his God. I ask that today, tomorrow, and from this day forward you find ways to be successful for those around you. The blessings are truly rewarding.

Pause For A Moment

Acts 8:14-17

Yesterday was a long day. It was an expected long day, meaning I was prepared for it to be a long day, still it felt longer than what I thought it would be. Let me clarify a little, it's not so much the day that was long as much as it was the drive home. Those of you who live in areas where traffic tops the list of things that stress you out will understand.

On my 1 1/2 hour drive home (to go less than 20 miles, by the way) I found myself becoming restless. I began to fidget in my seat, pick up my phone and quickly putting it down, changing radio stations every few (very few) minutes or so, and constantly look at my mirrors.

My restlessness became most challenging at a merge where the freeway was made more effective by re-striping the road. I have traveled that way on many occasions and at the same time of the day in similar traffic and can tell you there was absolutely no change in the travel time for the positive. As I thought about how the state and city seem to be failing us, my thoughts went to, "at least they're trying."

And to be honest, they are trying. Not only at the city/state level, but also at the federal level. I will be the first to tell you I'm not satisfied with where we are in certain areas of government responsibilities, especially infrastructure. I will also be the first to tell you the problems we face as a nation are many and I can't even begin to imagine how we can best solve our issues; except that government alone cannot do the job.

It was in this pause from my restlessness that another thought came to me, "Why can't we all find a way to work together?" Whether we are the government or the governed, public or private industries, small, medium large, lower, middle, upper, haves, have-nots, have-somes, or anywhere in-between we - no, WE - need to find a way to work together.

The next time you find yourself in a situation that's beginning to challenge you might I suggest you take a pause, maybe say a prayer, then with a new-born spirit find a way to make the situation better for not only yourself but for those around you as well.

Uniting As One

Isaiah 43:1-7

The schedule for school system in Hawaii had most of us going back to school last week. Some of the schools began on Wednesday (yes, the day after New Years Day), a vast majority began on Thursday and the remaining schools began yesterday.

The school I work at began last week Thursday. A few of our kids didn't come until yesterday, mostly due to needing to get over a cold. I always notice when some of our kids are missing, especially those who call me "uncle", and was happy to see them. It felt as though we were finally complete as a community.

I was honored by a few of these kids in their telling me of what their breaks were like; what they did for Christmas, how quiet New Year's Eve was, family gatherings. Most of these kids, even though they are happy for the most parts, do not have happy home lives, so I also listened as they told me how they just tried their best to get through the almost 3 weeks of not being in school.

As these kids went through their school day, I watched as they ran towards friends, hugged and held each other, went to their quiet corners, and got caught up with one another as though they had been separated for years instead of weeks. I must admit it gave me a smile and strength to get through my day.

These kids, the ones who have storms in their lives, came together with one purpose; to love and be loved. It is a blessing to be around that kind of honesty.

Through the Storm

Psalm 29

Hawaii has been experiencing high winds the last few days. The sustained wind speeds were upwards of 30-35 mph with gusts sometimes exceeding 55 mph. We've also been experiencing non-stop rain. At times the rain was nothing more than a light drizzle and at other times it was a heavy down pour. Mixed with the wind and the rain was a cold  feel in the air (for Hawaii). Suffice it to say we all wore jackets, carried umbrellas, and stayed indoors as much as possible.

With this kind of weather it's common to see roofs blown off homes and trees become uprooted. As we drove between here and there, my wife and I saw many tree branches on the side of the road and we spoke with reverence about the power of nature. Both of us were witness to two hurricanes in our lifetime and remember how devastated the communities who were hardest hit were.

What we also remembered was how the people within those communities pulled together to help one another. Those with homes still standing invited their neighbor to sleep with them. People cooked on a gas grill while neighbors brought other food to share. Space in large ice coolers was made for the essentials of others. Anyone who needed the help found it among those around them.

Such is the true power of our God. When we witness the storms around us sometimes we forget to look past the devastation and destruction. Sometimes we think those storms have destroyed all that is important to us. Nothing can be further from the truth because we still have each other.

In this new year we are being asked to recognize that change is an inevitable and necessary thing. Whether we like it or not, the change we go through may be similar to that of a tree whose roots have been pulled from the ground because of a wet and windy storm. Please know that you never go through the storm alone. There will always be people around you willing to help and there will always be a God who offers you comfort in your times of deepest distress. 

In God and those around us we find the umbrellas and jackets we need to keep ourselves warm and dry from the storm.

Back to Reality

Some of you may know I work full time at a local high school as an Educational Assistant, a job which allows me to work with students who may need a little extra help in their classes. Also, as most of you know I really enjoy being around the energy of youth and young adults. I can't explain it, there's just an honesty which comes through them once they accept you into their communities. This honesty is a blessing to be around.

Yesterday was my first day back to work after about 2 1/2 weeks of vacation and I have to say that it was great to be back at school. Yesterday was the beginning of a new semester, the final one before the end of this school year. Last semester we had our challenges with a few students in helping them understand that they are responsible for everything that happens to them. Yesterday, these students, or at least some of them, showed up on time and ready to work. We even had one of those students come after school to do some work in order not to fall behind, and with the help of a few around her, she did more in one afternoon than she did in almost an entire month last semester.

It's a new year, a time to re-invent yourself. What you become is up to you. Change happens regardless of your decisions, where you stand among that change is up to you. What I can tell you is that you will not journey on the road of change alone - ever. There are people around you who are waiting to help guide you, or just travel with you. Let them in, let them walk with you, and together maybe you will be able to do more this year than you have ever done in all the years of your life so far.

We are put in this world to help maintain the life which has been given to us. Not just our lives, but the lives of those around us as well as the life of the earth itself. Let this be the year we do that which we were meant to do; live in balance with all of creation.

I believe it can happen. Do you?

Happy New Year

It feels as though an entire month has gone by since I last wrote my thoughts here. In fact it's only been 10 days, and what a ten days it has been.

The song "12 Days of Christmas" (which is what we're currently in) hails today as the tenth day as well. On this day a true lover is giving a loved one ten lords-a-leaping. What a wonderful gift! Could you imagine ten grown men leaping through your life at this very moment. As I sit here, close my eyes, and think about it I can't help but smile widely, on the brink of a laugh.Maybe that's what the days after Christmas are supposed to be - joyous, peaceful, and filled with love.

As I sit here writing I also have the morning news on the television (some things don't change). According to them there isn't too much joy or peace going on. However, I do see hope and glimpses of love. The children from Sandy Hook are back in school, a new United States Congress is being sworn in, and, more importantly, it feels like more people are paying attention to what is going on around us.

In this new year I pray that we find ways to live as one people, united in one love. It isn't a difficult thing to do if we really want it. Like the song says: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Peace begins with you and lives through your words and actions. This year, let's begin to speak the language and live a life of peace and begin to bring the hope of joy through love to those around us.

We may not be able to give ten lords, but we can give the gift of joyous leaping.