Time To Enjoy The Results

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

At Sunday afternoon's study group we watched a short video which showed how the travel conditions for Mary and Joseph might have been as they journeyed between Nazareth and Bethlehem. The host of the video took us onto the road that the couple might have traveled. The path went through olive tree orchards, next to bubbling streams, and through dry and arid lands. There were parts of the road that were flat and easy to travel and parts that went through deep valleys and over steep hillsides. The host commented that on parts of the journey they would have been part of a great caravan and on other parts they would have been alone.

The story we were told brought to mind how my personal journey is extremely similar. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes not so much. Sometimes I travel with many and sometimes with nobody. But, just as Mary and Joseph trusted in God and focused on God's purpose for them, So have I learned to trust.

One of the topics the video touched on was how Joseph and Mary sacrificed a lot of themselves to find a way to fulfill God's purpose. The host eventually lead the conversation into sacrificing ourselves for others, especially at Christmas time. He pointed out that there was a church congregation he knew of that gave a matching gift to the church on Christmas Eve based on how much they spent on gifts for their family. If they spent $500 on gifts, they gave $500 to the church. The church would then donate the money to one local cause, such as a homeless shelter, and one international cause, such as building wells in Africa.


Our group picked up on that theme and discussed different ways we could sacrifice some of ourselves, not just during Christmas, but as often as we can. We recognized that there are many times when we forget to harvest what we plant, or don't take the opportunity to speak up instead of being silent. A lot of the time we feed the hungry only during the holidays, or donate our old clothes to simply get a tax break, or close our eyes as we see social injustice happen right before our eyes.

As Christians I think we're called to know what to do and when to do it; through and with the guidance of God.

With the new year upon us maybe we, too, could start to build that trust in God to know the right time to do the things which will eventually bring goodness into the world - even if it's just one life at a time. Joseph and Mary had that trust, and when it was time they got to enjoy the results of the work they were given: raising the infant Christ to become a strong, young man.

Let's find a way for all people to eat, drink, and enjoy the results of their hard work.

And Then There Was Light, Again

John 1:1-14

I was in a conversation about the theologies (yes, plural) which helped to shape the Bible. The conversation soon centered around a Jewish belief I was told about in seminary that when the light which was created in Genesis 1 is the life force that runs through and connects all things. It is more than luminescence, it is the one thing which all of creation shares; the spirit of the one God which all of creation is a part of. This is why light is the very first thing we are told is created; nothing could have been created without God first giving it life.

I've been told that the Jewish people believe that somehow the light had become shattered and all living things became separated, but that within each living creature shines a sliver of that light. Thus it is the goal of Judaism to reconnect the light which shines within all of creation in the way which God intended the light to be connected - within, through, and a part of all of creation.

When I was enlightened (sorry) by this story I held an all too different view of the bible and how I would now approach its stories. For me, the understanding that we were created to be one people, unified by the life-force of God, pretty much formed my personal theology. It has become the words I talk about as often as I can and the way I choose to live my life. Christianity, to me, is to follow the teachings of Jesus and find a way, just as he tried, to bring people together through the unconditional love and acceptance of God's shining light.

So, on the day when Jesus was born, when God said to the world, "Here is the light which will shine forth in this time of darkness and oppression and find a way to bring all people together." I take to heart all which that involves. Not just the shepherds gathering or the angels singing or the shining star, but the sacrifices made by God, Mary, and Joseph. You see, God gave us God's only child in the hopes that humanity would see in him the shining life force meant for all, all, people. Mary's life was uprooted, as was Joseph's, in their decision to have this illegitimate child, and to raise him as their own, regardless of what others say or think about them, or do to them.

Christmas is that time when I not only completely accept the Christ-child into my life, but also a time when I move closer to being Christ-like in spreading the good news of a God who loves us all, and does so because of our diversities. God put God's son into the loving care of 2 people who weren't rich, or powerful, or important. Mary and Joseph did not have any plans to advance an agenda of any kind. They simply promised to take care of one another and the child which they were entrusted with as best as they could and to bring each other through any difficulties that would come their way.

Such is the promise we accept at Christmas time. To love one another by embracing our diversities, and to do the utmost best we can to take care of one another regardless of the situation or sacrifices we have to make for ourselves.

But, How?

Luke 1:26-38

Today was the last day of school for this year. The end of the first semester is now official and the beginning of our winter break begins.

YAY!

It was an interesting day, which came at the end of an interesting week. Our high school has a finals week, much like a college would. We schedule only a few classes each day - 2 or 3 - and the kids can go home once they're done with their testing. This leaves a lot of time for any students to catch up with work they might be missing or redo work that is sub-par in order to bring their grades up. It also gives the teachers time to correct the piles of work that have been building up over the past few weeks.

I have to be honest and say we had fewer students who took advantage of this extra time to get themselves out of the bottom tier of grades than I would have liked to see. However, we also had students who didn't take advantage of the time given who, if they had come in, could have come through with a passing grade. Those who did make the effort were rewarded.

One of the students who did come in brought himself out of an F grade and into a D. I know, it's not much to cheer about, but given how much work this student had to do and how much determination it took to get him there, I have to say it was amazing. So much so, that when we were verifying grades today the teacher actually cheered out loud when that D was announced.

Sort of how I think Mary cried out, "But how can this happen?" to the angel who visited her. I think that her exclamation/question is at once wonder and awe that she, of all the women in Jerusalem, would be the one chosen to carry the Christ-child. I also believe that it's because of her dedication and perseverance that God chose her in the first place.

We, too, are chosen by God to show that same diligence and determination to develop the gifts he has given us. Our task, and I'm not only talking about Christians, but all of humanity, is to be caretakers of those gifts and to develop them in such a way as so when it's time, when God sends us out to do the work, we are ready. We are ready to make the lives of those around better.

Advent has been that journey for me. It's been a time of discerning what path God is showing me to prepare my gifts for and to know that I am the one whom is being sent to shine the love of God for everyone around me. It has truly been a time to open myself up more completely to let the love of God pour out so that through it hope, peace, and joy can be found.

Houseless, And Liking It That Way

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

I find today's passage very interesting, especially after recent conversations with our youth group in church.

We've been discussing how to prepare the way for the coming of Christ into our lives and the lives of those around us. It's been an interesting journey, with the outcome of our conversations so far recognizing that to bring the things which would spread hope, joy, and peace we sometimes have to step outside our comfort zone.

Take for instance this example: one of the suggestions we had was to bond with those who may not have anyone to spend the holidays with. It was suggested that we partner with groups like Meals On Wheels to not only deliver food to the home-bound, but to also spend a few moments with them to let them know people care. Doing such a thing would mean that we would have to sacrifice our time and energy which might otherwise be spent with family or friends during this time of year.

But, you know, living outside his comfort zone, and enjoying it there, is exactly what God shows us by his own actions.

King David finally has some time to rest from everything that's been going on around him. After all, battles with neighboring rulers, settling the Hebrew people into a new land, and building a palace takes a lot out of a person. While he takes a moment to reflect on his life, David notices that while he lives in a mighty palace built of the finest wood available in their region, God lives in a tent.

"Well," says David, "that just won't do."


That night, the prophet Nathan, who is also a good friend to David, has a vision in which God says, "Tell that silly king I don't need a home, I'm quite comfortable where I am. In fact, tell him that instead of making me a fancy shmancy place to live I will make him the greatest leader of all time. While I'm at it I'll also make a really good place for the people to live. That'll show him who's boss."

Okay, maybe I paraphrased a little, but you get the message. God didn't need comforts, God only wanted to keep giving to David and the Hebrew people the things which would continue to bring them peace and joy. God only wanted to continue to bring to realization the hope of life abundant to his people. God's only mission was, and still is, to love so abundantly that we, his children, should never want for anything.

It's through God's example that we should learn to live for others, and not so much for ourselves. So, this holiday season (yes, I use holiday as an all-inclusive term for this time of year) stop for a moment to simply enjoy that which you already have, and as much as it is within you, step outside your comfort zone and give abundantly to someone else's life.

How Magnifying!

Luke 1:46b-55

On Tuesday our high school Academy held the first of our biannual mock interviews. It's where we bring in real people from the real world to hold actual job interviews for the juniors and seniors in our Academy. This first round of interviews is the culmination of an entire semester's work in preparing the students for everything from proper sitting posture to positive word choices to the best way to format a resume when it comes to finding a job and, most importantly, getting hired.

This year we utilized several different interviewers from organizations such as The Rotary Club and The Military. These interviewers go from campus to campus on our island during the school year and volunteer their time to help our youth improve their interviewing skills. When we gathered in the morning for coffee and donuts a few of the interviewers said to us how much they enjoy doing these interviews, but lately it would seem that the schools aren't doing a good job in preparing their kids.

That wasn't what they said to us as the day progressed.

Youth after youth sat across from these interviewers and did nothing except impress them. They told us about how our kids were mature, had solid plans for after high school, was open to any criticism, was dressed professionally, and put forth a positive attitude with both their presence and their answers.

I don't want to come across as bragging, but...I have to agree that our kids did very well; impressing even us, their teachers.



When we talked to a few of them about their experience they said they wanted to do good, that they wanted to represent themselves and the Academy in a positive light. They wanted people to see them in the positive light they knew they were. In the words from Mary in today's passage, "Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me."

Mary says this as part of her Magnificat, a sort of self-exaltation proclaiming that now she is revered as one of the great ones, even though she is still counted among the lowly. In other words, Mary has become an equal with all things, and she's done this because she has been blessed to bear the Christ-child.

Christians are asked to carry the Christ-child as well. We are to carry him within us, allowing him to grow until the day he is ready to be shown to the world. Meanwhile, we are asked to prepare ourselves and do the work necessary so that when the Christ we carry is revealed we, too, can be celebrated as one of the few who stand out in magnified light against the darkness of the world.

As teachers, we felt proud for our young men and women, just as I'm sure Mary felt proud for her son. And just as Jesus grew to be a strong man, ready to bring the news of God's love to the world in which he lived, I know those we prepare can and will do the same.

And This Little Piggie...

Psalm 126

One of my favorite childhood memories is playing "This Little Piggie" with just about anyone who would play. You know the game; someone grabs your big toe and says, "This little piggie went to market", then captures the toe next to your big one and says, "and this little piggie stayed home." The game would continue until the tiniest toe was gently pinched between two fingers and the words, "and this little piggie went wee, wee, wee all the way home." were squealed in playful teasing. At this point a grouping of fingertips would travel up your leg and land on your ribs, tickling you until you couldn't help burst into hysterical laughter.

At least that's how I remember it.

I also remember the pure joy I felt when the wee, wee, wee's were finally squealed because I knew a good tickling was soon to follow. However, what I honestly remember most is the look on the face of the person reciting the travels of the 5 little piggies and their anticipation of finally being able to squeal and tickle; bringing the joyful sound of a child's laughter into the room.

Such joy. Such simple joy.

This week in Advent we celebrate that feeling of joy. The joy promised to us by God that when we finally learn to live as God intended - in harmony as one people, under one love - we will fully understand. Like our Psalmist says today, "When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.

When a life lived with the love of God finally comes to realization, We will know such joy.

Sent Forth

Isaiah 61:1-11

We had a good discussion with the youth of our church this past Sunday about what we could do to help others get ready for Christmas. We talked about what Advent meant (the preparation to receive the love of God through Jesus Christ) and how we could bring Christmas to others.

We shared about how the things we do for Christmas today - decorating, gathering with family, bonding with people, preparing food, giving gifts - were probably the same thing people did to prepare or celebrate for a big event in Jesus' time as well. Then we took a look at how we could do these same things for people who just don't have the opportunities or for whom the holidays bring too much personal sadness.

Lots of ideas came from that discussion. We suggested looking for one of those Angel Tree outlets where we could select people or families who are asking for gifts of necessities at this time of year (as opposed to toys or more personal items). There's also Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and most likely a local program (in Hawaii we have the Laulima Drive) near you where you can do the same.

We suggested going to an elder care home and helping decorate the common area for Christmas, or doing something similar at a shelter for the homeless. We suggested serving a meal with one of the many organizations who do such things, such as Meals on Wheels, or The Salvation Army. We even suggested Christmas caroling for the street people.

I have to admit that my heart became filled with joy as these young people thought of different ways they could go out to prepare the way which would allow the Spirit of God to live among and within others. Such is the joy our world seeks. Such is the joy we can accomplish. All we need to do is allow ourselves to shine bright with the love of God in order for the lights around us, which may have gone out, to be re-lit and brightly gather together as one.

We, too, are called to go forth and bring God's joy to the world.

Gift Returns

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

One of the least favorite things for me while I was working in retail sales was the gift return. I would begrudgingly approach customers as they walked into the store, holding one of our store-logo bags with that obvious look of "I'm really not happy with what's in my hand."

These returns would make me less happy whenever it took place after the holiday season. How I got paid was two-fold, with a decent salary enhanced through commissions, so every return of one of the products I sold literally took away money from my bank account. Since we normally made good sales during the days leading up to Christmas, I could usually count on the first paycheck of the new year to be a good one, but not if there were a lot of returns.

These returns would not only hurt me financially but also put a nick in my ego. I honestly worked hard to ensure the purchase my customers made were exactly what they wanted. Unfortunately, however, there were just some purchases that weren't meant to happen.

So, when our Psalmist makes the case that God has made changes in the lives of the Hebrew people in times past, changes that brought about forgiveness and the ability to move forward with productive lives, then pleads for the leaders of the Jewish communities to not allow them to return to their foolish ways I know exactly how he feels.

The Psalmist understands that what God had done is very difficult work. He understands that the Hebrew people haven't been as faithful as they should have been and as a result their lives have been torn apart. As a result our Psalmist begs God to show the people of his day the same mercies; to once again bring forgiveness and prosperity to their lives.

God has worked hard to ensure we are given the gifts we need to make the choices which will in some way make our lives and the lives of those around us better. It would really be a shame to return those gifts.

Getting Comfortable

Isaiah 40:1-11

I hadn't realized until this moment that it has been 4 weeks since my last post. That's been 4 weeks of my not being able to express myself in response to my daily devotions. I'll have to be honest and say that I haven't been completely faithful in my devotions either, and maybe that's why I haven't been regular in my writings.

Just before setting fingertips to my keyboard today I asked myself, "Why has it been so long?" No one answer came forward - I was busy, I've been tired, I had other things to do, I've had no energy. The truth, if I take an honest look at it, is simply because I allowed other things to fill the space I usually spend with my God.

This is something I consistently teach to my students in church. "Always make time for God, Find the time necessary to be with God so you can work on your relationship with God." And yet, I had somehow allowed my time with God to slip away.

With the exception of this weekend (including the Thanksgiving holiday), my recent days have seemed scattered and awkward at best. I would say it was somewhat of a progression over the past month and, yes, I will say that it's because I've allowed myself to become disconnected from my God. You see, spending 30-45 minutes each day reading, praying, and writing brings to me a certain peace, especially after a full day of work.

One could say that for the past 4 weeks I've allowed my path to become bumpy and traveling an uneven path such as that has brought me discomfort.


A few weeks ago one of the high school students told me about her attempted, albeit extremely unsuccessful, overdose. I had been worried about her, watching her for any changes in her demeanor that might show a hint at whether she would get to that point again. I always asked how her day was going and she always said it was ok, but showed no interest in talking any further.

Today she came to sit with me to talk. We didn't talk about anything deep, mostly about her work, school projects, a little about family. She told jokes and smiled and it was good to see her back to her normal self. There was a pause in the conversation where she simply looked at me and I took that look to mean it was time to ask the question. "How are you doing?"

She replied, "Much better than a few weeks ago." I followed up with, "I know you don't really believe these things, but I'm praying for you every day." She smiled and gave me a friendly punch to the shoulder.

That simple 5-minute visit reminded me that sometimes on our journeys we lose contact with the things that are important to us. Sometimes we have to go astray in order to know we're going astray. It's in the moments when our paths are at their unevenest that we take the steps necessary to rediscover the straight, smooth paths on which we belong.

It's also in those moments I find myself longing to be with my God so that my hand can be held and my spirit calmed.

I've missed you, God.