Luke 13:1-9
I want to begin by thanking you for your thoughts and prayers. I seem to have passed the worst part of my cold and am feeling much better today. I am good enough to get up off the couch and do a couple productive things today while still keeping my energy output at a minimum. For that I feel blessed.
Last week I shared a meal and a few hours with 2 of our young adults. We talked about colds and how they can become flus and how that can become something worse, like pneumonia. We talked about our individual experiences with pneumonia and the losses, or close losses, of loved ones because of that virus.
It's not an easy thing to talk about mortality, especially at a young age (them, not me). When we are young we don't see life as something that's going to end anytime soon. Because of that some of the decisions we make as young people might be what I would call experimental. If we don't expand our boundaries we may never know how much we can accomplish.
However, if the decisions we make border on harming ourselves or others we most definitely want to re-examine them. This is where a close look at the reasons for our decisions might be beneficial. Do the reasons for the decision have anything to do with improving relationships with God, others, yourself, or creation? If not, and the eventual outcome of that decision is a separation of those relationships, then please re-think your motives and subsequent actions.
In our story today Jesus points out that not everything grows as it should, no matter how well it's cultivated. Sometimes when something isn't growing as it should we have a tendency to give up on it, pull it out from the ground by its roots, so to speak. Jesus, in his wisdom, makes note that the gardener hasn't quite given up on the plant yet, and feels that with just a little more time and a little more nurturing the tree will bear fruit.
We all make decisions in our lives, sometimes those decisions require quitting before we've tried everything we can in the time it may take to try them. Don't give up, my friends, and know that the gardener is not yet done nurturing you.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
There's Always A Way Out
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
I write this post with a 100 degree fever, clogged nasal passages, headache, and all the other things that come with a cold standing on the precipice of a flu. Why? Because I made myself a promise that I would do these posts through Lent, no matter what. This is my Lenten sacrifice.
I admit, I would much rather be laying on the couch, rolled up under a blanket in a medicated-induced sleep. However, I tell myself I have 15 minutes I can give towards my devotions, then do what needs to be done to push through. It's what I do when I have a strong commitment to others.
I'm glad I did. Today's passage spoke directly to me and what I was struggling with in deciding if I would open the computer or not. You see, I'm one of those people that find it easy to commit things to myself and find it just as easy to say if I don't do it this one time it'll be okay. That "one time" leads to another and another and before I know it my commitment is more of a convenience.
I'm especially that way with eating properly, exercising, and other things I know will benefit me. I will begin an exercise program, let's say walking, and about a week into it I'll feel tired or lazy, make excuses not to walk, and never walk again. I'll tell myself I need to eat less red meat, until I get hungry for a good steak or a good hamburger, then tell myself if I just eat it this once it'll be okay, only to eat steak and hamburger every other day.
The test of doing the right thing for the right reasons doesn't come from God, it comes from within. The ability to pass the test is what comes from God, through Christ. If we remember that Jesus had the ability to walk away from the cross experience at any time and chose not to because he understood that was his path in life, then we can remember to do the things we need to in order to push through our own stumbling blocks along the journey.
Christ walks alongside us as we go through our lives and Jesus fully understands what we're going through because he's been through it as well. I find that a very comforting thought, even as I close my computer and get back to the couch and blanket.
I write this post with a 100 degree fever, clogged nasal passages, headache, and all the other things that come with a cold standing on the precipice of a flu. Why? Because I made myself a promise that I would do these posts through Lent, no matter what. This is my Lenten sacrifice.
I admit, I would much rather be laying on the couch, rolled up under a blanket in a medicated-induced sleep. However, I tell myself I have 15 minutes I can give towards my devotions, then do what needs to be done to push through. It's what I do when I have a strong commitment to others.
I'm glad I did. Today's passage spoke directly to me and what I was struggling with in deciding if I would open the computer or not. You see, I'm one of those people that find it easy to commit things to myself and find it just as easy to say if I don't do it this one time it'll be okay. That "one time" leads to another and another and before I know it my commitment is more of a convenience.
I'm especially that way with eating properly, exercising, and other things I know will benefit me. I will begin an exercise program, let's say walking, and about a week into it I'll feel tired or lazy, make excuses not to walk, and never walk again. I'll tell myself I need to eat less red meat, until I get hungry for a good steak or a good hamburger, then tell myself if I just eat it this once it'll be okay, only to eat steak and hamburger every other day.
The test of doing the right thing for the right reasons doesn't come from God, it comes from within. The ability to pass the test is what comes from God, through Christ. If we remember that Jesus had the ability to walk away from the cross experience at any time and chose not to because he understood that was his path in life, then we can remember to do the things we need to in order to push through our own stumbling blocks along the journey.
Christ walks alongside us as we go through our lives and Jesus fully understands what we're going through because he's been through it as well. I find that a very comforting thought, even as I close my computer and get back to the couch and blanket.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
How Do You Spend Yours?
Isaiah 55:1-9
Recently my wife and I have been talking about where our life is headed. She is close to retiring from a long and good career as a kindergarten teacher and I'm preparing for a new one. Will we be a one-income family, do we want to downsize our home, will we be a one-car family, and do we replace our aging pets are just a few of the questions we're discussing as we approach the time when the decisions of these questions need to be realized.
The more we discuss our options the clearer it becomes that every decision pivots on one main point; what our income will be when that time comes. In other words, what will we be able and willing to spend our monies on?
Last night, in one such conversation, we were talking about what kind of a car we might want to get. We both decided it would make more sense to get a car before we retire so that we don't have a car payment at the same time our income is limited. We also decided that a small, gas-efficient vehicle would make sense. Mortgage, food, and medication were a few things we decided would be better use of our income than a car payment and the monthly upkeep of that car.
Today's passage is a great reminder to place our priorities into what's really important. If the things we spend our time, talents, and treasures on do not benefit our relationships with one another or God, maybe we need to take a look at why we invest in them in the first place.
The relationship my wife and I are having is a good place for us to be. We're not in that place where the decisions we make have to be made, nor are we in a place where the decisions we make are going to be set in place for all time. What's good is that we're talking about it, and a good conversation about priorities for the now and future is a good thing to have.
Recently my wife and I have been talking about where our life is headed. She is close to retiring from a long and good career as a kindergarten teacher and I'm preparing for a new one. Will we be a one-income family, do we want to downsize our home, will we be a one-car family, and do we replace our aging pets are just a few of the questions we're discussing as we approach the time when the decisions of these questions need to be realized.
The more we discuss our options the clearer it becomes that every decision pivots on one main point; what our income will be when that time comes. In other words, what will we be able and willing to spend our monies on?
Last night, in one such conversation, we were talking about what kind of a car we might want to get. We both decided it would make more sense to get a car before we retire so that we don't have a car payment at the same time our income is limited. We also decided that a small, gas-efficient vehicle would make sense. Mortgage, food, and medication were a few things we decided would be better use of our income than a car payment and the monthly upkeep of that car.
Today's passage is a great reminder to place our priorities into what's really important. If the things we spend our time, talents, and treasures on do not benefit our relationships with one another or God, maybe we need to take a look at why we invest in them in the first place.
The relationship my wife and I are having is a good place for us to be. We're not in that place where the decisions we make have to be made, nor are we in a place where the decisions we make are going to be set in place for all time. What's good is that we're talking about it, and a good conversation about priorities for the now and future is a good thing to have.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Seeking It
Psalm 63:1-8
Our church is in the middle of "Thin Places". No, we're not hiding somewhere between two rocks, we're on a Lenten journey to see God in the places we don't normally expect to see God. As an example, we generally expect to see God in church or when we gather as church families, we don't expect to see God in the interactions of people sitting in a business meeting. It's when we realize that the people in that meeting are speaking to each other with respect, listening to one another's opinion to best find a way to resolve any issues to make their lives and the lives of those around them better that we realize God is at work in that meeting.
It's taking a concentrated effort to see God in these thin places. What I'm finding out is that in order to see God at work I have to be at peace. It's only when my self is completely open to receiving the message that God is at work in all situations that I truly see what that work is.
Last week, as I sat in an almost empty classroom correcting papers after school, I listened in on the only two students in there with me. They were talking about their day, the upcoming prom, how they needed better grades in English, and other school-related topics. As I began to pay better attention, I noticed that it was more than just a recap of the day's activities, what they were doing was sharing each other's lives. They trusted in their friend enough to let them in on things that might be considered secret and somehow understood that their friend would not turn against them and expose their weaknesses or downfalls.
As I observed them a little closer I realized that they didn't stop talking when another person came into the room. It was as though the only people that mattered in that moment was the one in front of them. The relationship between the two students was intentional, even if for that moment. You see, as far as I know, these two friends really weren't friends. How I understood the relationship between these two was that they hung out in completely different circles and were on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to academics.
Yet, there they were, the only two people who counted in that moment, sharing a part of their lives they wouldn't normally share with one another. Now, if that's not God at work, I don't know what is.
Our church is in the middle of "Thin Places". No, we're not hiding somewhere between two rocks, we're on a Lenten journey to see God in the places we don't normally expect to see God. As an example, we generally expect to see God in church or when we gather as church families, we don't expect to see God in the interactions of people sitting in a business meeting. It's when we realize that the people in that meeting are speaking to each other with respect, listening to one another's opinion to best find a way to resolve any issues to make their lives and the lives of those around them better that we realize God is at work in that meeting.
It's taking a concentrated effort to see God in these thin places. What I'm finding out is that in order to see God at work I have to be at peace. It's only when my self is completely open to receiving the message that God is at work in all situations that I truly see what that work is.
Last week, as I sat in an almost empty classroom correcting papers after school, I listened in on the only two students in there with me. They were talking about their day, the upcoming prom, how they needed better grades in English, and other school-related topics. As I began to pay better attention, I noticed that it was more than just a recap of the day's activities, what they were doing was sharing each other's lives. They trusted in their friend enough to let them in on things that might be considered secret and somehow understood that their friend would not turn against them and expose their weaknesses or downfalls.
As I observed them a little closer I realized that they didn't stop talking when another person came into the room. It was as though the only people that mattered in that moment was the one in front of them. The relationship between the two students was intentional, even if for that moment. You see, as far as I know, these two friends really weren't friends. How I understood the relationship between these two was that they hung out in completely different circles and were on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to academics.
Yet, there they were, the only two people who counted in that moment, sharing a part of their lives they wouldn't normally share with one another. Now, if that's not God at work, I don't know what is.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday Musing
A Poem which hopes we will take the time to understand one another's life before we pass judgment.
Cranky
Old Man - originally by Phyllis McCormack; adapted by Dave Griffith
What do
you see nurses? … What do you see?
What are
you thinking … when you're looking at me?
A cranky
old man, … not very wise,
Uncertain
of habit … with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles
his food … and makes no reply.
When you
say in a loud voice, …'I do wish you'd try!'
Who
seems not to notice … the things that you do.
And forever
is losing … A sock or shoe?
Who,
resisting or not … lets you do as you will,
With bathing
and feeding … the long day to fill?
Is that
what you're thinking? … Is that what you see?
Then
open your eyes, nurse … you're not looking at me.
I'll
tell you who I am … as I sit here so still,
As I do
at your bidding, … as I eat at your will.
I'm a
small child of Ten, … with a father and mother,
Brothers
and sisters … who love one another
A young
boy of Sixteen … with wings on his feet
Dreaming
that soon now … a lover he'll meet.
A groom
soon at Twenty … my heart gives a leap.
Remembering,
the vows … that I promised to keep.
At
Twenty-Five, now … I have young of my own.
Who need
me to guide … And a secure happy home.
A man of
Thirty … My young now grown fast,
Bound to
each other … With ties that should last.
At
Forty, my young sons … have grown and are gone,
But my
woman is beside me … to see I don't mourn.
At
Fifty, once more, … Babies play 'round my knee,
Again,
we know children … My loved one and me.
Dark days
are upon me … My wife is now dead.
I look
at the future … I shudder with dread.
For my
young are all rearing … young of their own.
And I
think of the years … And the love that I've known.
I'm now
an old man … and nature is cruel.
It's jest
to make old age … look like a fool.
The body,
it crumbles … grace and vigor, depart.
There is
now a stone … where I once had a heart.
But
inside this old carcass … a young man still dwells,
And now
and again … my battered heart swells
I
remember the joys … I remember the pain.
And I'm loving
and living … life over again.
I think
of the years, all too few … gone too fast.
And
accept the stark fact … that nothing can last.
So open
your eyes, people … open and see.
Not a
cranky old man .
Look
closer … see … ME!!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Don't Say I Didn't Warn You
Luke 13:31-35
It's really funny how portions of my memory get recalled by the smallest triggers. Let's take today's passage as an example. The very first verse is a warning to Jesus that something bad is going to happen. Jesus follows up this warning with his version of "don't tell me what to do."
When I was in my mid-late twenties I was part of a group of managers at work that heard about someone we knew who was going to be talked to about, and possibly fired for, words and actions which some of his employees considered abusive. We knew he had anger issues and was one of those people who had to be right all the time. One of our group worked with him before they became managers and told us how he would sometimes yell at coworkers when they got things wrong.
In our meeting we told him he had to tone down his anger and learn to be a better listener and teacher in order for his store and career to be successful. His response was very similar to Jesus'; "You go tell whoever is coming after me that they should listen to me because I'm the only one who really knows what's going on."
Unfortunately, our coworker wasn't Jesus so things didn't turn out well for him. Fortunately Jesus is Jesus and, even though things didn't turn out well for him, in the historical scheme of things we now see he was right. You know what, now that I think about it so was that manager. not more than 2 years after he left the company did it begin to fall apart and eventually it closed.
If only we had listened to the angry and abusive person who, even though he made sense, we all blamed for his own downfall. It would seem that everything he complained about was what caused the company to have problems. Which brings me to a point (I knew there was one in there somewhere); sometimes when we feel like our passion for something is not being respected we become frustrated and eventually angered. When that anger becomes abusive, however, is when we need to listen to the warnings around us.
Passion is a wonderful thing to have. The ability to do something positive with that passion is abundantly more wonderful. Don't let the fact that people don't understand your passion become a stumbling block, instead find ways to effectively communicate that passion with others so that they, too, may become passionate and together be able to accomplish something great.
It's really funny how portions of my memory get recalled by the smallest triggers. Let's take today's passage as an example. The very first verse is a warning to Jesus that something bad is going to happen. Jesus follows up this warning with his version of "don't tell me what to do."
When I was in my mid-late twenties I was part of a group of managers at work that heard about someone we knew who was going to be talked to about, and possibly fired for, words and actions which some of his employees considered abusive. We knew he had anger issues and was one of those people who had to be right all the time. One of our group worked with him before they became managers and told us how he would sometimes yell at coworkers when they got things wrong.
In our meeting we told him he had to tone down his anger and learn to be a better listener and teacher in order for his store and career to be successful. His response was very similar to Jesus'; "You go tell whoever is coming after me that they should listen to me because I'm the only one who really knows what's going on."
Unfortunately, our coworker wasn't Jesus so things didn't turn out well for him. Fortunately Jesus is Jesus and, even though things didn't turn out well for him, in the historical scheme of things we now see he was right. You know what, now that I think about it so was that manager. not more than 2 years after he left the company did it begin to fall apart and eventually it closed.
If only we had listened to the angry and abusive person who, even though he made sense, we all blamed for his own downfall. It would seem that everything he complained about was what caused the company to have problems. Which brings me to a point (I knew there was one in there somewhere); sometimes when we feel like our passion for something is not being respected we become frustrated and eventually angered. When that anger becomes abusive, however, is when we need to listen to the warnings around us.
Passion is a wonderful thing to have. The ability to do something positive with that passion is abundantly more wonderful. Don't let the fact that people don't understand your passion become a stumbling block, instead find ways to effectively communicate that passion with others so that they, too, may become passionate and together be able to accomplish something great.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Do As I Do
Philippians 3:17 - 4:1
Most people around my age (50, just in case you were wondering) and older will remember hearing these words as children: "Do as I say, not as I do." Those words were usually spoken by the adults who were "in charge" of us and was always said after we reminded them that they were breaking their own rules.
Growing up I was often reminded that things like drinking alcohol, watching certain movies, and being with the opposite sex were things that would surely send me to Hades. It's no wonder I was confused about what right and wrong was as a child because these things were normally told to me as these same adults cuddled closely (sometimes too close) on the couch while drinking a beer and watching a racy television show.
Nevertheless, the advice "Do as I say, not as I do" became a phrase most people my age grew up hearing and, for the most part, following. This same advice does not, and will never, work with today's younger generation. Not because youth will do what they want to anyway, especially if they see adults doing it and notice nothing bad really happens, but because today's adults just don't give advice.
Sure, our coaches teach our kids to play sports in a fair and honorable way. Yes, our parents try their best to provide for their children. Okay, our teachers do what they can to stimulate the minds of our young ones. But the giving of advice has fallen to the peers of today's youth.
Yesterday I asked one of my students how she was doing and she told me she felt depressed because she got turned down by a boy she really wanted to go to prom with. As she told the story she looked at me with an almost "please help me" kind of look and I simply said to her that she was loved by good people and she should never forget that she loves herself. That made her smile and and feel a little better about herself.
I'm not writing this to blow my own horn, rather because the advice her friends gave her suggested un-friending the boy which would have caused a division in that relationship. The advice they gave her wasn't wrong, it was honestly what they believed to be best for their friend based on their life experiences, just as the advice I gave was based on mine. My advice wasn't better, it just had deeper insight to what could result from certain decisions.
When we ask people how they are, mean it and listen to their answer. When we see someone who needs assistance, just jump in to help instead of asking if they could use it. When we know of someone being treated unfairly because they are "different" (I really don't like that description), stand up with (not for) that person in solidarity. Maybe when we start doing these things on a more consistent basis others will follow our lead and begin doing as we do.
Most people around my age (50, just in case you were wondering) and older will remember hearing these words as children: "Do as I say, not as I do." Those words were usually spoken by the adults who were "in charge" of us and was always said after we reminded them that they were breaking their own rules.
Growing up I was often reminded that things like drinking alcohol, watching certain movies, and being with the opposite sex were things that would surely send me to Hades. It's no wonder I was confused about what right and wrong was as a child because these things were normally told to me as these same adults cuddled closely (sometimes too close) on the couch while drinking a beer and watching a racy television show.
Nevertheless, the advice "Do as I say, not as I do" became a phrase most people my age grew up hearing and, for the most part, following. This same advice does not, and will never, work with today's younger generation. Not because youth will do what they want to anyway, especially if they see adults doing it and notice nothing bad really happens, but because today's adults just don't give advice.
Sure, our coaches teach our kids to play sports in a fair and honorable way. Yes, our parents try their best to provide for their children. Okay, our teachers do what they can to stimulate the minds of our young ones. But the giving of advice has fallen to the peers of today's youth.
Yesterday I asked one of my students how she was doing and she told me she felt depressed because she got turned down by a boy she really wanted to go to prom with. As she told the story she looked at me with an almost "please help me" kind of look and I simply said to her that she was loved by good people and she should never forget that she loves herself. That made her smile and and feel a little better about herself.
I'm not writing this to blow my own horn, rather because the advice her friends gave her suggested un-friending the boy which would have caused a division in that relationship. The advice they gave her wasn't wrong, it was honestly what they believed to be best for their friend based on their life experiences, just as the advice I gave was based on mine. My advice wasn't better, it just had deeper insight to what could result from certain decisions.
When we ask people how they are, mean it and listen to their answer. When we see someone who needs assistance, just jump in to help instead of asking if they could use it. When we know of someone being treated unfairly because they are "different" (I really don't like that description), stand up with (not for) that person in solidarity. Maybe when we start doing these things on a more consistent basis others will follow our lead and begin doing as we do.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
But, How Will I Know?
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
In a conversation I had with a group of fellow "ministers-to-be" I made the comment that for the first time in my life I have no idea where I am headed or what I am doing. I wasn't just speaking about a career, I was talking about life in general. In the past I've always known where I would live, where I would work, and who my friends and colleagues were. I completely understood how, and with whom, I was going to get to where I was going. Anything less would be unthinkable.
Recently, however, I have allowed the unthinkable to become reality and have given all control of where my life is going, and more importantly where it is, to God. I can't tell you when it happened, or why it happened; all I know is it happened. The amazing thing, to me at least, is that it happened. If you would have talked to me 5 years ago about this same subject I would have been talking to you in a more panicked voice. As I sit here and write this, in the now and here, I can tell you I have no fear.
I don't know if my future holds the possibility of fulfilling my call to be a minister, or if my future holds total destitution. I do know that my life is now, and forever will be, what God wants it to be.
How do I know?
I feel a peace in my heart I know to be absolute.
In a conversation I had with a group of fellow "ministers-to-be" I made the comment that for the first time in my life I have no idea where I am headed or what I am doing. I wasn't just speaking about a career, I was talking about life in general. In the past I've always known where I would live, where I would work, and who my friends and colleagues were. I completely understood how, and with whom, I was going to get to where I was going. Anything less would be unthinkable.
Recently, however, I have allowed the unthinkable to become reality and have given all control of where my life is going, and more importantly where it is, to God. I can't tell you when it happened, or why it happened; all I know is it happened. The amazing thing, to me at least, is that it happened. If you would have talked to me 5 years ago about this same subject I would have been talking to you in a more panicked voice. As I sit here and write this, in the now and here, I can tell you I have no fear.
I don't know if my future holds the possibility of fulfilling my call to be a minister, or if my future holds total destitution. I do know that my life is now, and forever will be, what God wants it to be.
How do I know?
I feel a peace in my heart I know to be absolute.
Monday, February 18, 2013
When All Others Have Gone Away...
Psalm 27
Our Youth and Young adults were visited by a classmate of mine at Sunday School yesterday. He spoke to them about how his near-death experience completely changed his outlook on life from extreme negativity, one filled with anger and hate, to a life of being positive, filled with forgiveness and acceptance. It was a touching story, told by someone who is not a public speaker, and who just had it in his heart to share a part of his life with others.
My friend is, or used to be, a sanitation worker and one day while on his route the driver of the truck he was on took a turn and my friend fell off the truck, splitting his skull which led to a blood clot in the brain. He was in a coma for 3 days and when he came out of the coma he had no recollection of what happened. Immediately after waking the doctors tested him for memory loss beyond the accident and my friend could recall everything; names of friends and family, dates of importance, faces, and things like that. It was determined that his brain was okay, and the only therapy he would need was to retrain it to think in logical steps (this was done with math word problems, so, yeah, something I would fail).
The most important part of the story, to me anyway, was when the driver of the truck came to visit him 4 days after he woke up. According to my friend the driver was a mess, blaming the whole thing on himself. To the driver's surprise my friend simply forgave him, telling him it wasn't his fault, and if he can't get over the fact that it wasn't his fault then he needs to get some counseling to help him work through whatever is going on inside. He told us that the driver did indeed get counseling and in time was able to forgive himself.
Feeling as though we're solely at fault for something as terrible as possibly taking away another's life does eventually lead to a place where we shut out the world and begin to live in a "dark" place. We fail to see that there is a way out of the darkness and that way is to find forgiveness for our self. What my friend did was give permission for the driver to reach out and begin to find a way towards that forgiveness, and my friend did this by simply being forgiving.
It's in the time of our deepest despair we seek that which will shelter us from the fears and uncertainties of life. God is that shelter, and God lives through the Christ in us all. Christ came through a man awaking from his almost-deathbed on that day in the hospital, a man who shone a light as bright as any has ever seen to lead another out of the darkness. We can be that Christ too, if we just let ourselves kindle the flame of God's love brightly so all can see.
Our Youth and Young adults were visited by a classmate of mine at Sunday School yesterday. He spoke to them about how his near-death experience completely changed his outlook on life from extreme negativity, one filled with anger and hate, to a life of being positive, filled with forgiveness and acceptance. It was a touching story, told by someone who is not a public speaker, and who just had it in his heart to share a part of his life with others.
My friend is, or used to be, a sanitation worker and one day while on his route the driver of the truck he was on took a turn and my friend fell off the truck, splitting his skull which led to a blood clot in the brain. He was in a coma for 3 days and when he came out of the coma he had no recollection of what happened. Immediately after waking the doctors tested him for memory loss beyond the accident and my friend could recall everything; names of friends and family, dates of importance, faces, and things like that. It was determined that his brain was okay, and the only therapy he would need was to retrain it to think in logical steps (this was done with math word problems, so, yeah, something I would fail).
The most important part of the story, to me anyway, was when the driver of the truck came to visit him 4 days after he woke up. According to my friend the driver was a mess, blaming the whole thing on himself. To the driver's surprise my friend simply forgave him, telling him it wasn't his fault, and if he can't get over the fact that it wasn't his fault then he needs to get some counseling to help him work through whatever is going on inside. He told us that the driver did indeed get counseling and in time was able to forgive himself.
Feeling as though we're solely at fault for something as terrible as possibly taking away another's life does eventually lead to a place where we shut out the world and begin to live in a "dark" place. We fail to see that there is a way out of the darkness and that way is to find forgiveness for our self. What my friend did was give permission for the driver to reach out and begin to find a way towards that forgiveness, and my friend did this by simply being forgiving.
It's in the time of our deepest despair we seek that which will shelter us from the fears and uncertainties of life. God is that shelter, and God lives through the Christ in us all. Christ came through a man awaking from his almost-deathbed on that day in the hospital, a man who shone a light as bright as any has ever seen to lead another out of the darkness. We can be that Christ too, if we just let ourselves kindle the flame of God's love brightly so all can see.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Friday Musings
A Story About Humility:
Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator,
was an outstanding example of humility. Shortly after he took over the
presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive
section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the
famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few
dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the
moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do
the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs
into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him
and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed
woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized
profusely. "It's perfectly all right, Madam," he replied.
"Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it's always a
delight to do something for a friend." She shook his hand warmly and
assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work
to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some
wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the
Tuskegee Institute.
A Quote from Lori Chidori Phillips :
Soul mates aren't perfect people. They
can come into your life and provide polar emotional experiences from intense
love to intense pain. Growth comes from both. And a soul mate helps you grow.
It isn't just "...and they lived happily ever after" but "...and
they lived!"
The Don’t Quit Poem - Author unknown:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped
down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not
quit.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
24 Hours Later...
Luke 4:1-13
I find it a little amusing that the lectionary would give us the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness the very first week of Lent. I find it amusing because an integral part of Lent is the practice of giving something up. People who participate in this aspect of Lent normally give up things like chocolate, meat, alcohol, and the like. Other people decide that instead of giving something up they'll take something on. In these cases we'll hear about increased devotional time, reconnecting with nature, doing community service, and other such things. Either way, what is given up or taken on is usually something that they would like to improve on to make their relationships with themselves, others, and God better.
Of course, whatever one decides to give up or take they must sustain such for 47 days. Having been, and being, one of those who participate in this practice I can tell you first-hand it is not easy, not at all.
For instance, each year for the last few years I've given up rice. As an island dweller, deeply entrenched in the cultures which brought rice as a food staple in the mid-late 1800's, it is not an easy thing to give up. The decision to give up a lifestyle almost 200 years in the making was one of the most difficult things I have done. Of course, as an overweight diabetic I also know that if I can give up such a lifestyle maybe I will begin to live a healthier life, so the decision to eliminate rice from my diet is made a little easier.
The first week usually goes okay. I eat foods which don't require rice (yes there are foods which require rice - stews, anything with any type of gravy, chili, shoyu-based meats, etc.), but as the second week rolls around I begin to yearn for those foods and in turn yearn for rice. That's when the battle begins and halfway through the third week I sense my resolve growing weaker.
I reach out to friends and colleagues to talk about my battle. I pray harder for the strength and courage to get through Lent without breaking my promise. Before I know it Palm Sunday is here and I realize I only have one week to go. The strength is renewed, the courage returns until Easter morning when I feel a sense of immense relief that I can finally eat rice - and so I do.
In truth, the temptations to give up the fight and just give in to eating rice got strong, very strong. If not for those around me and my faith I don't think I would've made it through those 47 days. This, I suspect, is the reason the lectionary gives us this passage so early in the Lenten season. It's meant as a reminder that the days ahead will not be easy, but if we put our trust in God and in those around us we'll get through them just fine and come out the other end stronger and closer in our relationships.
I find it a little amusing that the lectionary would give us the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness the very first week of Lent. I find it amusing because an integral part of Lent is the practice of giving something up. People who participate in this aspect of Lent normally give up things like chocolate, meat, alcohol, and the like. Other people decide that instead of giving something up they'll take something on. In these cases we'll hear about increased devotional time, reconnecting with nature, doing community service, and other such things. Either way, what is given up or taken on is usually something that they would like to improve on to make their relationships with themselves, others, and God better.
Of course, whatever one decides to give up or take they must sustain such for 47 days. Having been, and being, one of those who participate in this practice I can tell you first-hand it is not easy, not at all.
For instance, each year for the last few years I've given up rice. As an island dweller, deeply entrenched in the cultures which brought rice as a food staple in the mid-late 1800's, it is not an easy thing to give up. The decision to give up a lifestyle almost 200 years in the making was one of the most difficult things I have done. Of course, as an overweight diabetic I also know that if I can give up such a lifestyle maybe I will begin to live a healthier life, so the decision to eliminate rice from my diet is made a little easier.
The first week usually goes okay. I eat foods which don't require rice (yes there are foods which require rice - stews, anything with any type of gravy, chili, shoyu-based meats, etc.), but as the second week rolls around I begin to yearn for those foods and in turn yearn for rice. That's when the battle begins and halfway through the third week I sense my resolve growing weaker.
I reach out to friends and colleagues to talk about my battle. I pray harder for the strength and courage to get through Lent without breaking my promise. Before I know it Palm Sunday is here and I realize I only have one week to go. The strength is renewed, the courage returns until Easter morning when I feel a sense of immense relief that I can finally eat rice - and so I do.
In truth, the temptations to give up the fight and just give in to eating rice got strong, very strong. If not for those around me and my faith I don't think I would've made it through those 47 days. This, I suspect, is the reason the lectionary gives us this passage so early in the Lenten season. It's meant as a reminder that the days ahead will not be easy, but if we put our trust in God and in those around us we'll get through them just fine and come out the other end stronger and closer in our relationships.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Eh, Brah...No Ack
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
First and foremost - Happy Ash Wednesday! The beginning of Lent, a season of the Church which is becoming my favorite - not because I get gifts and can go around town looking at amazing decorative displays, but because it gives me a chance to take an honest look at where my relationships are and what it is I need to do in order to make those relationships stronger.
Lent is a time when we are asked to be introspective about our Christian lives. It's also a time when we are asked to do so without fanfare. The discernment of where you are on your journey with Jesus towards God is meant to be an inward look at you and nobody else. If you're in the middle of a troubled marriage, what can you do to make it better? If you're not liking yourself, what can you do to find that self-respect? If you haven't spoken to a family member in 10, 20, or maybe 50 years, what can you do to reach out and say "I love you"? If you don't believe God is in the world because of disasters, inequity, injustice, genocide, and all of the other things people blame on a Godless world, what can you do to begin believing again?
The most difficult part of Lent is how we are asked as Christians to not, I repeat, not act in an outward, look-at-me-I'm-doing-something-good, way. We are simply called to do. The challenge, then, is to go into the season of Lent as an active observer to look at exactly where we are. I, for one, am up to the challenge.
First and foremost - Happy Ash Wednesday! The beginning of Lent, a season of the Church which is becoming my favorite - not because I get gifts and can go around town looking at amazing decorative displays, but because it gives me a chance to take an honest look at where my relationships are and what it is I need to do in order to make those relationships stronger.
Lent is a time when we are asked to be introspective about our Christian lives. It's also a time when we are asked to do so without fanfare. The discernment of where you are on your journey with Jesus towards God is meant to be an inward look at you and nobody else. If you're in the middle of a troubled marriage, what can you do to make it better? If you're not liking yourself, what can you do to find that self-respect? If you haven't spoken to a family member in 10, 20, or maybe 50 years, what can you do to reach out and say "I love you"? If you don't believe God is in the world because of disasters, inequity, injustice, genocide, and all of the other things people blame on a Godless world, what can you do to begin believing again?
The most difficult part of Lent is how we are asked as Christians to not, I repeat, not act in an outward, look-at-me-I'm-doing-something-good, way. We are simply called to do. The challenge, then, is to go into the season of Lent as an active observer to look at exactly where we are. I, for one, am up to the challenge.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Aliens Too?
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Yesterday I lamented, if you will, on how parts of the bible seemed to be exclusive while my heart absolutely understood God to be inclusive. It was a struggle for me all day, my heart and my head were at odds as to which was right. I watched people as they interacted, listened as they talked, and smiled as they said hello.
The students had a project due in social studies class yesterday, and the major part of that project was an oral presentation of some kind. The subject was the overthrow of Hawaii's Kingdom and they either had to draw a poster and explain what it meant, write and recite a poem, or perform a song which was original in words and music, all of which had to relate to the subject.
We have a new girl in our class. She is not from Hawaii and is finding it a little difficult to fit in and find friends. People have tried to befriend her, it's just that she is honestly in a culture shock as most people are when they come to Hawaii for the first time. In time I'm sure she'll be fine, for now we're all engaging her at a pace she is comfortable.
This new girl decided she would sing a song; not the easiest of the three choices. Imagine being in a new place, maybe a friend or two to support you, and you have to stand before 100 people to sing a song, solo and acapella.
As she began to sing the room quieted, really quieted. She had a great voice and the tune she sang was what I would describe as folksy. The words she wrote told a compelling story and she honestly had everyone in that room listening. Then, from a corner of the room, one of the boys let out a muffled laugh to which he received glares of disapproval and a few comments of, "That's messed up, just wrong".
When the song was over the entire class applauded with hoots and howls and a little more than half even stood in a robust ovation. The new girl smiled as wide as I have ever seen someone smile and I swear her eyes showed a glimmer of joy. She had given to those in the room an offering of her first fruits and in return she was blessed with an abundance of love and acceptance.
The last verse in today's passage reads, "Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house." Nothing showed that point more than what happened in that classroom in that moment.
Today
is Shrove Tuesday. I hope that you will find time today to reflect on your
relationships and find a path for your journey through Lent.
Yesterday I lamented, if you will, on how parts of the bible seemed to be exclusive while my heart absolutely understood God to be inclusive. It was a struggle for me all day, my heart and my head were at odds as to which was right. I watched people as they interacted, listened as they talked, and smiled as they said hello.
The students had a project due in social studies class yesterday, and the major part of that project was an oral presentation of some kind. The subject was the overthrow of Hawaii's Kingdom and they either had to draw a poster and explain what it meant, write and recite a poem, or perform a song which was original in words and music, all of which had to relate to the subject.
We have a new girl in our class. She is not from Hawaii and is finding it a little difficult to fit in and find friends. People have tried to befriend her, it's just that she is honestly in a culture shock as most people are when they come to Hawaii for the first time. In time I'm sure she'll be fine, for now we're all engaging her at a pace she is comfortable.
This new girl decided she would sing a song; not the easiest of the three choices. Imagine being in a new place, maybe a friend or two to support you, and you have to stand before 100 people to sing a song, solo and acapella.
As she began to sing the room quieted, really quieted. She had a great voice and the tune she sang was what I would describe as folksy. The words she wrote told a compelling story and she honestly had everyone in that room listening. Then, from a corner of the room, one of the boys let out a muffled laugh to which he received glares of disapproval and a few comments of, "That's messed up, just wrong".
When the song was over the entire class applauded with hoots and howls and a little more than half even stood in a robust ovation. The new girl smiled as wide as I have ever seen someone smile and I swear her eyes showed a glimmer of joy. She had given to those in the room an offering of her first fruits and in return she was blessed with an abundance of love and acceptance.
The last verse in today's passage reads, "Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house." Nothing showed that point more than what happened in that classroom in that moment.
Monday, February 11, 2013
What About Everyone Else?
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
I'm coming to this post from a sad place, having just found out a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend has left this earth. I also come to this post from a place of joy in knowing she is with God and the earthly pain she has been living with is now gone, replaced by the strength given us by God's promise of a long life with God. So, yes, I come to this post from going between one place in my heart and another.
Today's Psalm reminds us that God is our protector and it's by God we will be rescued from the trials and failings of this earth. However, the Psalm also says that only those who love and know God will be privy to this divine treatment.
What about everyone else?
Lent is a mere 2 days away, beginning this week with Ash Wednesday and continuing for 6 weeks until Easter morning. It will be my Lenten journey this year to understand that very question because I believe, deep in my heart, that God does not discriminate between those who know God and those who don't. I know, without exemption, that God loves everyone, but do I believe just as strongly that God welcomes everyone into God's heaven? If so, why do I read in the bible that God might not?
Maybe it's because of where my heart is at the moment or maybe it's because of the shortcomings in my own faith, but either way these are questions I want to explore over the next few weeks in the hopes I will find the answers, at least the answers God wants me to find.
Because I understand in my heart, mind, and soul that God speaks to us through many things, I will continue to read the lectionary and connect it to the world around me as I travel this Lenten trail. I will also do my best to be more attentive to how God is helping me find the answers to my questions through those around me.
My self is telling me this will not be an easy journey to go on. I will need to pull on the strength of God as much as the strength of friends, colleagues, and strangers. It might not be fair to ask you to go on this journey with me but still, if you are willing, take my hand and come along.
I'm coming to this post from a sad place, having just found out a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend has left this earth. I also come to this post from a place of joy in knowing she is with God and the earthly pain she has been living with is now gone, replaced by the strength given us by God's promise of a long life with God. So, yes, I come to this post from going between one place in my heart and another.
Today's Psalm reminds us that God is our protector and it's by God we will be rescued from the trials and failings of this earth. However, the Psalm also says that only those who love and know God will be privy to this divine treatment.
What about everyone else?
Lent is a mere 2 days away, beginning this week with Ash Wednesday and continuing for 6 weeks until Easter morning. It will be my Lenten journey this year to understand that very question because I believe, deep in my heart, that God does not discriminate between those who know God and those who don't. I know, without exemption, that God loves everyone, but do I believe just as strongly that God welcomes everyone into God's heaven? If so, why do I read in the bible that God might not?
Maybe it's because of where my heart is at the moment or maybe it's because of the shortcomings in my own faith, but either way these are questions I want to explore over the next few weeks in the hopes I will find the answers, at least the answers God wants me to find.
Because I understand in my heart, mind, and soul that God speaks to us through many things, I will continue to read the lectionary and connect it to the world around me as I travel this Lenten trail. I will also do my best to be more attentive to how God is helping me find the answers to my questions through those around me.
My self is telling me this will not be an easy journey to go on. I will need to pull on the strength of God as much as the strength of friends, colleagues, and strangers. It might not be fair to ask you to go on this journey with me but still, if you are willing, take my hand and come along.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Friday Musings
My
hope and prayer is that the body of Christ in America will awake with holy
boldness, a boldness content neither with silence nor mere words but that backs
up those words with action and results. – Frank R. Wolf
Shining
Through the Poverty – By Anjie Kokan
My
poverty is a two-week late child support check,
a
food stamp account in the form of a credit card,
and
an SSI deposit for my son's autism. It's energy
assistance
for gas and electric and a cell phone bill
for
safety. My poverty is a possibility that I won't get
paid
for the job I love because the funding isn't guaranteed,
but
my poverty is faithful and keeps on working anyway.
It
twists $5 from the nowhere of my arm because
my
10-year-old daughter's needs will be fulfilled,
she
convinces me, with a cool shade of mahogany hair dye.
My
poverty sparkles in the satin bluegrass eyes of my small
boy
when the state food card buys him strawberry ice-cream.
It
rattles everywhere we go in that cute, clunky car that runs
on
prayers I sometimes forget to say. My poverty is backyard
lit
by the flicker of the yellow finch feeding on the seeds
of
the drooping lemon queen. I dress my poverty in a light
crocheted
sweater from Good Will over a long, faded skirt
handed
down from a friend of a friend of a friend. From the bargain
bin
at Walgreen's, my poverty colors my mouth peasant pink,
and
I say to the children, Smile with me, as I tilt their little faces past
the
tomatoes and toward the camera. They are good children
and
do as they are told, and we gloss over the secret most people
don't
know because, damn, do we wear our poverty well.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
And I Thought Yesterday Was Bold
Luke 9:28-43a
Yesterday I lamented on how words to describe what I was thinking escaped me. After reading today's passage I don't even know what to think. Let's try our best to follow the events as described in the reading to see if anything comes to mind. First, Jesus and 3 of his disciples are going up a mountain to pray. Okay, mountaintop moment coming, check.
Second, Jesus starts to shine while praying and the figures of Moses and Elijah appear out of nowhere and the disciples want to build tents. We should take note here that the disciples were very tired but were not yet sleeping, therefore they saw what was going on. Hmmm, witnesses to a great event and passion to do something about it, check.
The disciples get excited about building tents for the figures but their plans are foiled by a dark cloud and an ominous voice. Let's put this down as divine intervention, check. So far I'm doing okay. We have the makings of a great story; mountaintop moment, excitement and a fire of passion to do God's work, uhoh, maybe it's not quite the right thing. This line of thinking would be followed by an explanation of might be the right thing, or a sermon on proper motives.
But, and oh what a but, the lectionary continues on and gives us a story which does not take place on a mountaintop but still involves passion and witnesses, the only difference being that the passion is anger and the witnesses are seemingly inactive, albeit in awe. In fact, and here's the bold part, Jesus is heard saying, "you idiots, argh, really?! This is getting old!" (I hope you know that was a paraphrase) as he heals the boy while people stand around in astonishment.
Interesting...Jesus heals the boy anyway, regardless of his personal feelings. And it's in that act I see our thought for today. No matter what, no matter why, no matter who, we are Christians and sometimes must find a way to put our selves aside and do the work of God solely for God's glory.
Today, look for moments of boldness, moments when you can shine, and do the work of God, just as Christ did, so that the glory of God can be known.
Yesterday I lamented on how words to describe what I was thinking escaped me. After reading today's passage I don't even know what to think. Let's try our best to follow the events as described in the reading to see if anything comes to mind. First, Jesus and 3 of his disciples are going up a mountain to pray. Okay, mountaintop moment coming, check.
Second, Jesus starts to shine while praying and the figures of Moses and Elijah appear out of nowhere and the disciples want to build tents. We should take note here that the disciples were very tired but were not yet sleeping, therefore they saw what was going on. Hmmm, witnesses to a great event and passion to do something about it, check.
The disciples get excited about building tents for the figures but their plans are foiled by a dark cloud and an ominous voice. Let's put this down as divine intervention, check. So far I'm doing okay. We have the makings of a great story; mountaintop moment, excitement and a fire of passion to do God's work, uhoh, maybe it's not quite the right thing. This line of thinking would be followed by an explanation of might be the right thing, or a sermon on proper motives.
But, and oh what a but, the lectionary continues on and gives us a story which does not take place on a mountaintop but still involves passion and witnesses, the only difference being that the passion is anger and the witnesses are seemingly inactive, albeit in awe. In fact, and here's the bold part, Jesus is heard saying, "you idiots, argh, really?! This is getting old!" (I hope you know that was a paraphrase) as he heals the boy while people stand around in astonishment.
Interesting...Jesus heals the boy anyway, regardless of his personal feelings. And it's in that act I see our thought for today. No matter what, no matter why, no matter who, we are Christians and sometimes must find a way to put our selves aside and do the work of God solely for God's glory.
Today, look for moments of boldness, moments when you can shine, and do the work of God, just as Christ did, so that the glory of God can be known.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wow! Now That's Bold
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
I honestly don't know how to react to the thoughts I have about today's passage. I began writing something about a television show I was watching and when I was 2 sentences from being done I erased the whole thing as it didn't make sense. I began writing about how disrespectful people can be to each other, but I didn't like the feel of where that might have led. The truth is I honestly don't know how to put into words what I'm feeling or thinking. Maybe if I just keep writing words it'll come to me.
I can't put what I'm thinking into words because I've never been in a situation like the one Paul is describing. Here he is, speaking to a church mixed with Jews, Christians, and Judeo-Christians about not being afraid to live in the new life brought to them through Christ. Paul then decides to try and put away, once and for all, the divisions the church in Corinth are developing.
Earlier in the chapter Paul says, in not so pretty words, our new life doesn't come to us in words written by a chisel in stone, but written on our hearts by the Spirit. Then, as described in today's passage, Paul makes me take a step back and says, "we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses." Okay, is it just me or did Paul just call out one of the greatest leaders of Jewish history as being a coward.
Doesn't Paul know Moses hid behind a veil in order for the Hebrew people to not be afraid. Wasn't Moses protecting them by not revealing God's glory to th.....Ohhhhhhhh.
God's love is not meant to be hidden but is to be shown in all it's beauty to all people. It's through Christ we are able to receive and share in God's love. So let's not hide it and find a way to show everyone, all of creation, that God's love makes us shine.
Okay, maybe not so hard to put into words.
I honestly don't know how to react to the thoughts I have about today's passage. I began writing something about a television show I was watching and when I was 2 sentences from being done I erased the whole thing as it didn't make sense. I began writing about how disrespectful people can be to each other, but I didn't like the feel of where that might have led. The truth is I honestly don't know how to put into words what I'm feeling or thinking. Maybe if I just keep writing words it'll come to me.
I can't put what I'm thinking into words because I've never been in a situation like the one Paul is describing. Here he is, speaking to a church mixed with Jews, Christians, and Judeo-Christians about not being afraid to live in the new life brought to them through Christ. Paul then decides to try and put away, once and for all, the divisions the church in Corinth are developing.
Earlier in the chapter Paul says, in not so pretty words, our new life doesn't come to us in words written by a chisel in stone, but written on our hearts by the Spirit. Then, as described in today's passage, Paul makes me take a step back and says, "we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses." Okay, is it just me or did Paul just call out one of the greatest leaders of Jewish history as being a coward.
Doesn't Paul know Moses hid behind a veil in order for the Hebrew people to not be afraid. Wasn't Moses protecting them by not revealing God's glory to th.....Ohhhhhhhh.
God's love is not meant to be hidden but is to be shown in all it's beauty to all people. It's through Christ we are able to receive and share in God's love. So let's not hide it and find a way to show everyone, all of creation, that God's love makes us shine.
Okay, maybe not so hard to put into words.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Peek-A-Boo
Exodus 34:29-35
One of my absolute favorite games to play with toddlers is peek-a-boo. You know the game; an adult (usually an adult) hides their face with both hands and quickly opens them, usually making some kind of a goofy face to the child at which she/he bursts into laughter. The game is repeated until, well, until it stops. If you've ever watched the game being played you can't help but laugh along with the faces being made by the adult or the laughter of the child, or both.
There's another phenomena that is associated with this game. If you look real close you'll see something you may or may not have noticed before; the face of the one hiding behind the hand usually begins to shine - it really does. The shine isn't from embarrassment because I don't know a single adult who gets embarrassed playing this game. The shine isn't from breathing into their own face for a few seconds at a time (at least I don't think so). So why does the face shine?
If I may venture a guess I would say that as the game is played a very close bond between the child and the adult is being formed and this bond touches deep within the soul which creates a feeling of peace joy, the kind of joy that only happens when we are at absolute peace with who we are and what we're doing. Joy is something we yearn for, especially the kind of joy that comes from being able to just be yourself without judgement; such as it would be with making goofy faces to a child.
I would like to think that Moses felt this same joy as he faced God (I don't think he made faces at God, though) and whenever he left the presence of God that joy was so great his face continued to shine brightly for all to see. Unfortunately the people gathered with Moses could not understand this joy, not yet anyway, so Moses had to hide his face so as not to frighten them.
There is no joy greater than that of knowing we are accepted and loved unconditionally. This knowledge allows us a freedom to live a life that will eventually allow us to begin loving others in the same way, and to begin loving God in the same way God loves us.
Just one more thing...peek-a-boo!
One of my absolute favorite games to play with toddlers is peek-a-boo. You know the game; an adult (usually an adult) hides their face with both hands and quickly opens them, usually making some kind of a goofy face to the child at which she/he bursts into laughter. The game is repeated until, well, until it stops. If you've ever watched the game being played you can't help but laugh along with the faces being made by the adult or the laughter of the child, or both.
There's another phenomena that is associated with this game. If you look real close you'll see something you may or may not have noticed before; the face of the one hiding behind the hand usually begins to shine - it really does. The shine isn't from embarrassment because I don't know a single adult who gets embarrassed playing this game. The shine isn't from breathing into their own face for a few seconds at a time (at least I don't think so). So why does the face shine?
If I may venture a guess I would say that as the game is played a very close bond between the child and the adult is being formed and this bond touches deep within the soul which creates a feeling of peace joy, the kind of joy that only happens when we are at absolute peace with who we are and what we're doing. Joy is something we yearn for, especially the kind of joy that comes from being able to just be yourself without judgement; such as it would be with making goofy faces to a child.
I would like to think that Moses felt this same joy as he faced God (I don't think he made faces at God, though) and whenever he left the presence of God that joy was so great his face continued to shine brightly for all to see. Unfortunately the people gathered with Moses could not understand this joy, not yet anyway, so Moses had to hide his face so as not to frighten them.
There is no joy greater than that of knowing we are accepted and loved unconditionally. This knowledge allows us a freedom to live a life that will eventually allow us to begin loving others in the same way, and to begin loving God in the same way God loves us.
Just one more thing...peek-a-boo!
Monday, February 4, 2013
And Justice For All
Psalm 99
I just read a blog from one of my friends who found a way to link the singing of America the Beautiful by the Sandy Hook Elementary children at yesterday's Super Bowl to the gun control debate. It took me a couple of reads but I think I understand where he may be coming from. In his opinion we, as Americans, understand that we are able to sing patriotic songs and celebrate the flag and all it represents because of the freedoms allotted by our Constitution.
My only argument with his reasoning is how the rights to own any kind of weapon one wishes promotes freedom, but those are his thoughts and as long as his actions don't impede on the safety of himself, others, or society he is entitled to think and say what his beliefs are. Another right guaranteed by our Constitution.
As Americans we sometimes forget that what we consider to be our "rights" may in fact be "wrongs" to another. We take a stand and sometimes refuse to listen to other's thoughts and opinions. One sees this refusal to compromise to some degree or another in all aspects of our lives. Where to eat lunch, how to raise children, what television show or movie to watch, and so much more is affected by people's decisions and refusal to compromise.
Then there are the events in and around the world that truly impede on our rights as individuals. Whether a woman has the right to keep an unwanted child, gender marriage choices, who should be allowed to carry guns and what kind of guns they are allowed to carry are all the current arguments that Americans, and others around the world, are entrenched in at the moment.
A quick reminder that at some point in our history women could not vote, African-Americans had little to no rights, people with disabilities were unable to hold jobs or gain easy access to restaurants, and gender equality was a term people only spoke if they wanted to be hung to a fence. Humanity has come a long way, but we still have a way to go. As a woman of African-American descent said recently in a commercial on equality, "It's only when we no longer speak of having equal rights that equality for all is truly achieved."
God wants nothing more than all of creation to live in harmony with one another. Let's start doing our part by taking care of each other and respecting our earth.
I just read a blog from one of my friends who found a way to link the singing of America the Beautiful by the Sandy Hook Elementary children at yesterday's Super Bowl to the gun control debate. It took me a couple of reads but I think I understand where he may be coming from. In his opinion we, as Americans, understand that we are able to sing patriotic songs and celebrate the flag and all it represents because of the freedoms allotted by our Constitution.
My only argument with his reasoning is how the rights to own any kind of weapon one wishes promotes freedom, but those are his thoughts and as long as his actions don't impede on the safety of himself, others, or society he is entitled to think and say what his beliefs are. Another right guaranteed by our Constitution.
As Americans we sometimes forget that what we consider to be our "rights" may in fact be "wrongs" to another. We take a stand and sometimes refuse to listen to other's thoughts and opinions. One sees this refusal to compromise to some degree or another in all aspects of our lives. Where to eat lunch, how to raise children, what television show or movie to watch, and so much more is affected by people's decisions and refusal to compromise.
Then there are the events in and around the world that truly impede on our rights as individuals. Whether a woman has the right to keep an unwanted child, gender marriage choices, who should be allowed to carry guns and what kind of guns they are allowed to carry are all the current arguments that Americans, and others around the world, are entrenched in at the moment.
A quick reminder that at some point in our history women could not vote, African-Americans had little to no rights, people with disabilities were unable to hold jobs or gain easy access to restaurants, and gender equality was a term people only spoke if they wanted to be hung to a fence. Humanity has come a long way, but we still have a way to go. As a woman of African-American descent said recently in a commercial on equality, "It's only when we no longer speak of having equal rights that equality for all is truly achieved."
God wants nothing more than all of creation to live in harmony with one another. Let's start doing our part by taking care of each other and respecting our earth.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Friday Musings
A few thoughts from others to help say what's in my heart.
I
have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more
hurt, only more love. – Mother Teresa
“Do
not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in
anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in
anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not
believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not
believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with
reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it
and live up to it.” – Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism,
563-483 B.C.
What
If God Was One Of Us - Joan Osbourne (Partial Lyrics)
If
God had a name, what would it be
And
would you call it to his face
If
you were faced with him in all his glory
What
would you ask if you had just one question
And
yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah
yeah yeah yeah yeah
What
if God was one of us
Just
a slob like one of us
Just
a stranger on the bus
Trying
to make his way home
If
God had a face what would it look like
And
would you want to see
If
seeing meant that you would have to believe
In
things like heaven and in Jesus and the saints and all the prophets
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