Today's Lectionary continues the Christmas story with the flight of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus into Egypt to escape Herod's murderous intentions. My mind is drawn back to how this adventure began for Mary, "Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you!" While these are words most of us think we'd like to hear coming from an archangel's mouth, the truth is, they heralded a future most of us would shrink from.
Mary and Joseph said 'yes' to God and embarked upon a grand adventure. But it wasn't easy on any level. If it wasn't enough for them both to endure the speculation and rumors that had to surround Mary's pregnancy, they had an arduous trek to Bethlehem. Then there was no room in the inn, so Mary was forced to deliver her child in an animal's stall.
The wonder of the shepherds' and Magis' visits had to make them feel better. These visitors confirmed that something special - something big was happening. Maybe that's why God sent them. If I was Mary, I would probably have been wondering if I'd imagined the archangel's visit... Shouldn't things go more smoothly when you're following God's will?
Well... as the saying goes, "There's no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need one." No sooner do the Magi leave, than Joseph is told in a dream to flee into Egypt. It's hard enough traveling when your really pregnant, but traveling with a baby or toddler is much more challenging. Saying 'yes' to God is a dangerous thing to do if you're looking for easy street...
There are people who will tell you that favorable circumstances are a sign of God's favor toward you. The biblical witness doesn't really support that notion, however. More often than not, those whom God favors live God-sized adventures. So... if things aren't going your way, don't assume it's because you're not favored by God. Your troubles may be evidence that you are.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
What I Love About Bob
I have a friend named Bob who continually inspires me to be a better person, a better Christian. I received his Christmas letter today. It made me think of him - appreciate him. Bob's in his early eighties, a retired UCC pastor. He worshipped at our Presbyterian church (he said hoping to convert us all) for many years.
Bob moved to a retirement community in a city about an hour away from Danvegas a couple of years ago. Before he left, Bob lead the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He played on the church's golf team (yes, that's right, golf team). When on the golf course, however Bob was really more interested in finding balls that folks had lost on the course. He collected them, bagged them, and sold them - with the proceeds going to Habitat. That's the kind of person he is. Any good work that presents itself, Bob embraces.
He recounts his 2007 travels in his letter. Bob was on the road 7 out of 12 months last year. He began the year leading a team to Orlando to receive training as Stephen ministers, spent a week as a camp counsellor this summer, and managed this fall to make it to New Orleans to see what he could do to help. The rest of the time Bob was visiting family and friends. This guy is active!
In 2006 Bob joined my kids and me in a short mission trip to Colombia, South America. We built a road. Heavy work for a guy in his eighties, but Bob joined right in. Because of his age, experience, and obvious wisdom, he finds himself asked to take on leadership roles - praying, preaching, offering fatherly advice.
Bob ends his letter with: "Once again I wish for you all the hope and joy that are part of our celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace and pray that the coming year will be filled with opportunities to reach out to others in His name and to find ways to help make this battered world a more livable and lovable habitation."
I'm certain that Bob's prayer will be answered in the affirmative: we all will be given a year filled with opportunities to serve and love others. My prayer is that we will jump on those opportunities with the same gusto and faithfulness that Bob does.
Bob moved to a retirement community in a city about an hour away from Danvegas a couple of years ago. Before he left, Bob lead the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He played on the church's golf team (yes, that's right, golf team). When on the golf course, however Bob was really more interested in finding balls that folks had lost on the course. He collected them, bagged them, and sold them - with the proceeds going to Habitat. That's the kind of person he is. Any good work that presents itself, Bob embraces.
He recounts his 2007 travels in his letter. Bob was on the road 7 out of 12 months last year. He began the year leading a team to Orlando to receive training as Stephen ministers, spent a week as a camp counsellor this summer, and managed this fall to make it to New Orleans to see what he could do to help. The rest of the time Bob was visiting family and friends. This guy is active!
In 2006 Bob joined my kids and me in a short mission trip to Colombia, South America. We built a road. Heavy work for a guy in his eighties, but Bob joined right in. Because of his age, experience, and obvious wisdom, he finds himself asked to take on leadership roles - praying, preaching, offering fatherly advice.
Bob ends his letter with: "Once again I wish for you all the hope and joy that are part of our celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace and pray that the coming year will be filled with opportunities to reach out to others in His name and to find ways to help make this battered world a more livable and lovable habitation."
I'm certain that Bob's prayer will be answered in the affirmative: we all will be given a year filled with opportunities to serve and love others. My prayer is that we will jump on those opportunities with the same gusto and faithfulness that Bob does.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Clarity vs Luminosity Revisited
My meeting with the Committee for the Preparation for Ministry last week offered a chance to experience luminosity. Not clarity, but luminosity. I meet with this committee once per year to review my status as (for now) an 'inquirer'. I went into the meeting feeling that I really had nothing to report. I am sure of God's call on my life (for something). Though I'm leaning toward pastoral ministry, I couldn't articulate why.... I'm just becoming more certain...
Seminary is going slowly because of my life circumstances. We actually spent most of the time talking about my work/life/family situation. That's when I had a moment of luminosity. 2007 was difficult in a number of ways:
- I've found myself dealing with the health and end-of-life issues of family members.
- I've been in the place of mediator with my siblings - something as the oldest, that has not been my function within the family historically.
- I have suffered some of the worst loneliness of my life.
I thought these issues were distracting my focus from seminary and my call. But in talking with the committee I realized that all of these circumstances are helping me to love people better - preparing me for ministry to hurting people.
At 45 I am keenly aware that I can't fix things or people. I know that I don't have a lot of answers, and I'm okay with it. I've resisted the idea of pastoral ministry for a really long time. I don't want people to look to me for answers. As usual Eugene Peterson has something to say about that too, "The vocation of pastor does not permit trafficking in either miracles or answers. Pastors are in the awkward position of refusing to give what a great many people assume is our assigned job to give...We are asked to pray for an appropriate miracle, we are called upon to declare and authoritative answer. But our calling equips us for neither. In fact, it forbids us to engage in either the miracle business or the answer business."
So... out of my own mouth, came some enlightenment for myself... The meeting benefited me. I'd been praying for answers, and God shed some light for me. Do I totally get it - i.e. clarity? No. But the Lord has given me a glimpse of some of what He's up to in my life. That's enough for now...
Seminary is going slowly because of my life circumstances. We actually spent most of the time talking about my work/life/family situation. That's when I had a moment of luminosity. 2007 was difficult in a number of ways:
- I've found myself dealing with the health and end-of-life issues of family members.
- I've been in the place of mediator with my siblings - something as the oldest, that has not been my function within the family historically.
- I have suffered some of the worst loneliness of my life.
I thought these issues were distracting my focus from seminary and my call. But in talking with the committee I realized that all of these circumstances are helping me to love people better - preparing me for ministry to hurting people.
At 45 I am keenly aware that I can't fix things or people. I know that I don't have a lot of answers, and I'm okay with it. I've resisted the idea of pastoral ministry for a really long time. I don't want people to look to me for answers. As usual Eugene Peterson has something to say about that too, "The vocation of pastor does not permit trafficking in either miracles or answers. Pastors are in the awkward position of refusing to give what a great many people assume is our assigned job to give...We are asked to pray for an appropriate miracle, we are called upon to declare and authoritative answer. But our calling equips us for neither. In fact, it forbids us to engage in either the miracle business or the answer business."
So... out of my own mouth, came some enlightenment for myself... The meeting benefited me. I'd been praying for answers, and God shed some light for me. Do I totally get it - i.e. clarity? No. But the Lord has given me a glimpse of some of what He's up to in my life. That's enough for now...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
I was driving home this evening craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That sparked a chain reaction of thinking about stuff I just love. I guess tonight a PBJ would be at the top of the list. It could be on any bread, but I really like them on 7+ grain bread with some Fritos and a nice glass of tea. Yum!! There was a time in my life when I couldn't go to bed at night until I'd had at least one PBJ (we used to call them 'choke' sandwiches). Now that I'm almost grown up, I can manage up to a couple of days without one...
Other things that really ring my bell*:
- My kids are at the top of the list. They are both really interesting, funny, sweet people.
- The rest of my family. I have to give special mention to my sis Jeanette. She's like my other half. We can complete each other's sentences. Our minds tend to make some leaps that other people can't follow, but we track right along together. Jeanette knows precisely who I am and what makes me tick - and she loves me better than anyone. I'm crazy about the rest of my family too, but she holds a special place in my life and my heart. She is an indescribable gift.
- The serendipitous.
- Adventure of all shapes and sizes
- Music - most genres. The exceptions would be Country Music and Metal. I heard a commercial on TV where parents were describing some of their kids' music as a paper cut on their ears... yeah... I don't like that music.
- Mysteries - both the kind in books and the kind in life.
- Love stories. I kind of hate to admit this one. I don't read Romances, but I do like movies about love.
-Long walks - strenuous or leisurely. I like a nice hike too (as long as I don't have to sleep on the ground).
- The mountains
- The ocean - my territory for work is Eastern NC and SC. The lines for me have fallen in pleasant places.
- FOOTBALL! I like to play and watch. This year I've even watched college ball. Maybe this is the yin to my love story yang...
- I really dig doing the liturgy at church. I believe this is where I feel most alive in ministry.
- Charleston, SC - I don't have a lot of favorites, but this is hands down my favorite city.
- Crossword puzzles, Word Mojo, Cubis 2, Hearts, Spider Solitaire.
There's a lot more stuff I love. But it's 10:41 at night and the shades are lowering on my brain. I'll add more later. Maybe.
*God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (it goes without saying) is numero uno.
Other things that really ring my bell*:
- My kids are at the top of the list. They are both really interesting, funny, sweet people.
- The rest of my family. I have to give special mention to my sis Jeanette. She's like my other half. We can complete each other's sentences. Our minds tend to make some leaps that other people can't follow, but we track right along together. Jeanette knows precisely who I am and what makes me tick - and she loves me better than anyone. I'm crazy about the rest of my family too, but she holds a special place in my life and my heart. She is an indescribable gift.
- The serendipitous.
- Adventure of all shapes and sizes
- Music - most genres. The exceptions would be Country Music and Metal. I heard a commercial on TV where parents were describing some of their kids' music as a paper cut on their ears... yeah... I don't like that music.
- Mysteries - both the kind in books and the kind in life.
- Love stories. I kind of hate to admit this one. I don't read Romances, but I do like movies about love.
-Long walks - strenuous or leisurely. I like a nice hike too (as long as I don't have to sleep on the ground).
- The mountains
- The ocean - my territory for work is Eastern NC and SC. The lines for me have fallen in pleasant places.
- FOOTBALL! I like to play and watch. This year I've even watched college ball. Maybe this is the yin to my love story yang...
- I really dig doing the liturgy at church. I believe this is where I feel most alive in ministry.
- Charleston, SC - I don't have a lot of favorites, but this is hands down my favorite city.
- Crossword puzzles, Word Mojo, Cubis 2, Hearts, Spider Solitaire.
There's a lot more stuff I love. But it's 10:41 at night and the shades are lowering on my brain. I'll add more later. Maybe.
*God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (it goes without saying) is numero uno.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
From an early age we hear bells ringing. Alarms tell us it’s time to wake up. We know it’s time for school to begin or end when a bell rings. Morning announcements at school used to be signaled by the tones of bells. We know someone’s at our door when we hear the doorbell ring, or that someone wants to talk to us when we hear the telephone ring.
At one time it was common for churches to ring bells on the hour, allowing folks to keep up with the passing of the day. Some churches today still ring bells on the hour. Bells were rung to call the faithful to gather at church for worship. Before the days of mass media, bells also signaled that something important was happening. This might be a marriage, the birth or death of some important person or another event that affected the lives of many people. Bells alert us to pay attention.
Bells are rung during Christmas to announce the arrival of the season, to proclaim the birth of Christ. The ringing of bells at Christmas is actually a holdover from pagan midwinter celebrations. Long ago people believed that they could use bells to frighten away evil spirits. Bells were a simple form of noisemaking. They could be easily obtained or made and everyone knew how to use them.
The tradition of using noisemakers like bells during these times carried over into the celebration of Christmas. But instead of making noise to keep away evil things, folks made noise to celebrate something happy. Kids then, like kids today, believed that making noise was just a part of Christmas. Bells were an easy way to make that noise. They were inexpensive and could be taken caroling or wassailing and almost every family had one or more. Bells also provided a bright and cheery sound and were acceptable to parents as proper tools to celebrate and make noise at Christmas.
The ringing Christmas bells serve all of the functions that I listed earlier. They are rung to wake us up. They tell us that we need to pay attention – that something significant is happening. Christmas bells announce the arrival of the One who came to save us. They signal an important hour –the appointed time of our visitation. God Himself has come among us. This is reason for joy – for the ringing of bells and celebration.
Do you hear the Christmas story with the wonder that is proper to it? Have you heard the story so many times, that it fails to thrill you? Has your attention been diverted by crowds and noise, and the purchase of gifts? Have you decorated your home, but failed to prepare your heart? Christmas bells are ringing! It’s time to wake up, be alert, and make ourselves ready for the coming of our Savior.
At one time it was common for churches to ring bells on the hour, allowing folks to keep up with the passing of the day. Some churches today still ring bells on the hour. Bells were rung to call the faithful to gather at church for worship. Before the days of mass media, bells also signaled that something important was happening. This might be a marriage, the birth or death of some important person or another event that affected the lives of many people. Bells alert us to pay attention.
Bells are rung during Christmas to announce the arrival of the season, to proclaim the birth of Christ. The ringing of bells at Christmas is actually a holdover from pagan midwinter celebrations. Long ago people believed that they could use bells to frighten away evil spirits. Bells were a simple form of noisemaking. They could be easily obtained or made and everyone knew how to use them.
The tradition of using noisemakers like bells during these times carried over into the celebration of Christmas. But instead of making noise to keep away evil things, folks made noise to celebrate something happy. Kids then, like kids today, believed that making noise was just a part of Christmas. Bells were an easy way to make that noise. They were inexpensive and could be taken caroling or wassailing and almost every family had one or more. Bells also provided a bright and cheery sound and were acceptable to parents as proper tools to celebrate and make noise at Christmas.
The ringing Christmas bells serve all of the functions that I listed earlier. They are rung to wake us up. They tell us that we need to pay attention – that something significant is happening. Christmas bells announce the arrival of the One who came to save us. They signal an important hour –the appointed time of our visitation. God Himself has come among us. This is reason for joy – for the ringing of bells and celebration.
Do you hear the Christmas story with the wonder that is proper to it? Have you heard the story so many times, that it fails to thrill you? Has your attention been diverted by crowds and noise, and the purchase of gifts? Have you decorated your home, but failed to prepare your heart? Christmas bells are ringing! It’s time to wake up, be alert, and make ourselves ready for the coming of our Savior.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The O Antiphons
These are absoulutely beautiful. The are the Antiphons used to pray the hours in the days before Christmas:
O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth. Come Lord Jesus!
O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power. Come Lord Jesus!
O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay. Come Lord Jesus!
O Key of David, Scepter over the house of Israel, you open and no one can close,you close and no one can open: Come to set free the prisoners who live in darkness and the shadow of death. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: Come, shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Ruler of the nations, Monarch for whom the people long, you are the Cornerstone uniting all humanity: Come, save us all, whom you formed out of clay. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Immanuel, our Sovereign and Lawgiver, desire of the nations and Savior of all:Come and save us, O Lord our God. Come, Lord Jesus!
O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, that animals might see the newborn Lord lying in a manger.
Blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Christ!— O magnum mysterium
O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth. Come Lord Jesus!
O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power. Come Lord Jesus!
O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay. Come Lord Jesus!
O Key of David, Scepter over the house of Israel, you open and no one can close,you close and no one can open: Come to set free the prisoners who live in darkness and the shadow of death. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: Come, shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Ruler of the nations, Monarch for whom the people long, you are the Cornerstone uniting all humanity: Come, save us all, whom you formed out of clay. Come, Lord Jesus!
O Immanuel, our Sovereign and Lawgiver, desire of the nations and Savior of all:Come and save us, O Lord our God. Come, Lord Jesus!
O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, that animals might see the newborn Lord lying in a manger.
Blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Christ!— O magnum mysterium
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Wise Man Changes His Mind
I grew up hearing, "A wise man (or woman) changes his mind, but a fool, never." I can't begin to count the times I've heard it - and now say it - to my own children.
These are true - and very biblical words. A wise man does change his mind. In fact, the Greek word for repentance is 'metanoia' which means a change of mind. When we repent we change the way we've been thinking - about our desires and actions and motivations. This change of mind leads to life - the abundant kind of life that Jesus came to open to us.
My mom recently changed her mind. She has been in declining health for a number of years. She's not been feeling or looking well recently as a result of her kidney failure. Mom's an RN. Old school. She's seen lots of patients in kidney failure. She's witnessed many folks on dialysis, and decided - in advance- that it wasn't for her - no way, no how.
My brother in law is Mom's Nephrologist. Earlier this week he had my sister Jean call to say that dialysis NOW is a matter of life and death for Mom. After some talking and pondering Mom chose to give it a whirl, even though it required an admission to the hospital (something she vehemently opposed at Christmas time).
Mom chose life. She's feeling better too, and looking alive. There's color back in cheeks that prior to dialysis had a gray pallor - the color of death. A wise woman does change her mind. Dialysis isn't so bad. A good cleaning of the blood can do wonders for a person.
Along with the dialysis there's a diet to be followed - the renal diet. It's pretty restrictive. Basically a patient can comply with it or jeopardize their health. There are foods for her to avoid all together and some foods she needs more of to ensure she stays healthy. She'll be taking a special vitamin that has no potassium at all (bad for someone in renal failure) but concentrations of folate (and something else I can't remember) that dialysis tends to remove.
I don't want to push the analogy too far, but it's irresistible for me to make a connection to life in Christ... From the beginning the Bible makes it clear that there are two choices - life or death. Choosing life always requires a change of mind. How often? If you're like me - daily! Every day I'm given the opportunity to choose abundant life or a living death. I can choose to be cleaned up (by the blood of Christ- sorry I can't help myself with this analogy!) or not. I choose life. I choose to be surprised again and again by the grace of God.
There's a diet for me to follow too. It involves avoiding somethings all together and focusing on others. It's pretty obvious what I mean here...
Choosing life means a change of mind. Every day.
These are true - and very biblical words. A wise man does change his mind. In fact, the Greek word for repentance is 'metanoia' which means a change of mind. When we repent we change the way we've been thinking - about our desires and actions and motivations. This change of mind leads to life - the abundant kind of life that Jesus came to open to us.
My mom recently changed her mind. She has been in declining health for a number of years. She's not been feeling or looking well recently as a result of her kidney failure. Mom's an RN. Old school. She's seen lots of patients in kidney failure. She's witnessed many folks on dialysis, and decided - in advance- that it wasn't for her - no way, no how.
My brother in law is Mom's Nephrologist. Earlier this week he had my sister Jean call to say that dialysis NOW is a matter of life and death for Mom. After some talking and pondering Mom chose to give it a whirl, even though it required an admission to the hospital (something she vehemently opposed at Christmas time).
Mom chose life. She's feeling better too, and looking alive. There's color back in cheeks that prior to dialysis had a gray pallor - the color of death. A wise woman does change her mind. Dialysis isn't so bad. A good cleaning of the blood can do wonders for a person.
Along with the dialysis there's a diet to be followed - the renal diet. It's pretty restrictive. Basically a patient can comply with it or jeopardize their health. There are foods for her to avoid all together and some foods she needs more of to ensure she stays healthy. She'll be taking a special vitamin that has no potassium at all (bad for someone in renal failure) but concentrations of folate (and something else I can't remember) that dialysis tends to remove.
I don't want to push the analogy too far, but it's irresistible for me to make a connection to life in Christ... From the beginning the Bible makes it clear that there are two choices - life or death. Choosing life always requires a change of mind. How often? If you're like me - daily! Every day I'm given the opportunity to choose abundant life or a living death. I can choose to be cleaned up (by the blood of Christ- sorry I can't help myself with this analogy!) or not. I choose life. I choose to be surprised again and again by the grace of God.
There's a diet for me to follow too. It involves avoiding somethings all together and focusing on others. It's pretty obvious what I mean here...
Choosing life means a change of mind. Every day.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Shooting the Moon
A few days ago my sister Jeanette and I had a discussion about the meaning of the phrase 'shooting the moon'. I don't remember how we got on the topic, but as we discussed it, I was struck by how shooting the moon (or not) is illustrative of how we live our lives.
Jeanette looked up the phrase on-line and found this:
"The meaning of 'shoot the moon' or sometimes 'shoot for the moon' is to go for everything or nothing, to go whole hog, to pull out the stops, to go for broke, to make an all-out effort..." You get the picture.
"The term 'shoot the moon' is also used in the card game 'hearts.' Hearts is a points based game and most of the time the goal is to acquire the least number of hearts possible. But if one chooses to risk 'shooting the moon' and wins all the hearts and the queen of spades in the course of play, the player may deliver a crushing blow to their opponents....So this card game strategy follows directly from the above meaning."
I am an avid and fairly skillful hearts player. I shared with Jeanette that when I play a hand, sometimes I know from the outset that I can shoot the moon, and other times the possibility slowly dawns on me. During these times I must make the decision to be daring or timid. While it's possible that one can make the attempt to take all the tricks and fail, the exhilaration of shooting the moon is undeniable.
Going for broke is a scary proposition for many people. Much effort and anxiety are spent to maintain the status quo. "Don't rock the boat." "No news is good news." Sentiments like these may sound attractive when change seems scary, but they never turned the world upside down.
The mystery of the Incarnation is the ultimate expression of "shooting the moon." There could certainly be nothing more bold or risky than god sending his Son in the form of an infant into our dark world. The status quo was the last thing on the Almighty's mind! Instead, He set out to ransom our hearts - to restore our fellowship with Him.
There is something in us (no matter how risk averse we are) that longs to shoot the moon. Life is really a grand adventure. "For you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good works that God prepared for you in advance, that you should walk in them (Eph 2:10). God's kingdom is going forward, and we are invited to share in His work. Just as the Incarnation was marked by boldness and daring, we are invited to boldly follow. Though shooting the moon involves some risk, like in the card game, success delivers a crushing blow to our opponent.
In the coming year it is my prayer that you shoot the moon whenever you're dealt a hand that will allow for it. Make it count for the One who "went for broke" to achieve our redemption.
Jeanette looked up the phrase on-line and found this:
"The meaning of 'shoot the moon' or sometimes 'shoot for the moon' is to go for everything or nothing, to go whole hog, to pull out the stops, to go for broke, to make an all-out effort..." You get the picture.
"The term 'shoot the moon' is also used in the card game 'hearts.' Hearts is a points based game and most of the time the goal is to acquire the least number of hearts possible. But if one chooses to risk 'shooting the moon' and wins all the hearts and the queen of spades in the course of play, the player may deliver a crushing blow to their opponents....So this card game strategy follows directly from the above meaning."
I am an avid and fairly skillful hearts player. I shared with Jeanette that when I play a hand, sometimes I know from the outset that I can shoot the moon, and other times the possibility slowly dawns on me. During these times I must make the decision to be daring or timid. While it's possible that one can make the attempt to take all the tricks and fail, the exhilaration of shooting the moon is undeniable.
Going for broke is a scary proposition for many people. Much effort and anxiety are spent to maintain the status quo. "Don't rock the boat." "No news is good news." Sentiments like these may sound attractive when change seems scary, but they never turned the world upside down.
The mystery of the Incarnation is the ultimate expression of "shooting the moon." There could certainly be nothing more bold or risky than god sending his Son in the form of an infant into our dark world. The status quo was the last thing on the Almighty's mind! Instead, He set out to ransom our hearts - to restore our fellowship with Him.
There is something in us (no matter how risk averse we are) that longs to shoot the moon. Life is really a grand adventure. "For you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good works that God prepared for you in advance, that you should walk in them (Eph 2:10). God's kingdom is going forward, and we are invited to share in His work. Just as the Incarnation was marked by boldness and daring, we are invited to boldly follow. Though shooting the moon involves some risk, like in the card game, success delivers a crushing blow to our opponent.
In the coming year it is my prayer that you shoot the moon whenever you're dealt a hand that will allow for it. Make it count for the One who "went for broke" to achieve our redemption.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Recovering Eternity
"Hurry means that we gather impressions but have no experiences, that we collect acquaintances but make no friends, that we attend meetings but experience no encounter. We must recover eternity if we are to find time, and eternity is what Jesus came to restore. For without it, there can be no charity." — D. T. Niles, The Preacher's Calling to be a Servant.
Advent calls us to move more slowly; to take time to visit with people. We often hear from friends that live far away at this time of year, and fellowship with those who live close by. Families gather. It is a time to be present. To pay attention. To listen. To say things that need to be said: things like, "I love you." "Remember when...?" "I'm glad I know you."
Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the Lord's coming: to be present with Him. To pay attention. To listen. To reflect with gratitude on God's presence in our lives. Let's recover eternity in this Advent season.
Advent calls us to move more slowly; to take time to visit with people. We often hear from friends that live far away at this time of year, and fellowship with those who live close by. Families gather. It is a time to be present. To pay attention. To listen. To say things that need to be said: things like, "I love you." "Remember when...?" "I'm glad I know you."
Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the Lord's coming: to be present with Him. To pay attention. To listen. To reflect with gratitude on God's presence in our lives. Let's recover eternity in this Advent season.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Second Sunday in Advent
This week I was watching a show (I think it was on one of the Disney channels) about one of the places you can swim with dolphins (something I definitely want to do). At this place they brought the dolphins over and had them lie on their sides and folks put their hands on them as an instructor taught them about dolphins and what goes into training them, etc.
As the dolphins lay on their sides in a very vulnerable and trusting position, it struck me anew how 'right' that it is for animals and humans to be in that kind of relationship. There have been times when I've felt sorry for them because they're living in captivity. But maybe these dolphins (and whales too) are really the lucky ones. They get to experience the kind of relationship that was intended by God all along:
"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. "
One day there will be no more snarling dogs, screeching cats, no more prey and predator. No more violence of any kind. One day there will be peace. Advent is a time to celebrate it! When you think about it, although we focus on hope, peace, love, and joy on separate Sundays, these concepts are really inseparable. They're all bound up in the great and glorious future we will enjoy.
Maranatha!
As the dolphins lay on their sides in a very vulnerable and trusting position, it struck me anew how 'right' that it is for animals and humans to be in that kind of relationship. There have been times when I've felt sorry for them because they're living in captivity. But maybe these dolphins (and whales too) are really the lucky ones. They get to experience the kind of relationship that was intended by God all along:
"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. "
One day there will be no more snarling dogs, screeching cats, no more prey and predator. No more violence of any kind. One day there will be peace. Advent is a time to celebrate it! When you think about it, although we focus on hope, peace, love, and joy on separate Sundays, these concepts are really inseparable. They're all bound up in the great and glorious future we will enjoy.
Maranatha!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Being Happy
My sister and I had a conversation about happiness last week. She was telling me that she used to have all kinds of resources but no time to enjoy herself. Now she has lots of time, but no resources. It's always something, isn't it?
During my growing up years I spent most of my time being unhappy. We have a pretty large family, and what happens when you're one of many is that things rarely go your way. I truly thought during that time in my life that I would be happy if things would only go the way I wanted them to. Interestingly, though, even when things did go my way, they never quite lived up to my expectations.
Meeting Christ put an end to my unhappiness. Somehow (it must be the magic of God's work ) happiness came into my life and has pretty much stayed. One thing that growing up in a large family taught me was that though things would rarely go my way, I found that I could enjoy myself even when things went someone else's way.
I don't jump out of bed saying, "I can't wait to _________." That's probably because (as I mentioned above) those things we can't wait to do never satisfy the way we think they will. Usually God has things in mind for the day that keep me interested, busy and challenged until bed time.
In the end, maybe expectations play a large role in whether someone is happy or not. I do not expect ideal circumstances. Shoot, I might even fear circumstances that were too good. But I know that my Heavenly Father has things planned for me that are good - whether I recognize it or not. His plans not only live up to expectations, but they far exceed anything I could ask or imagine.
During my growing up years I spent most of my time being unhappy. We have a pretty large family, and what happens when you're one of many is that things rarely go your way. I truly thought during that time in my life that I would be happy if things would only go the way I wanted them to. Interestingly, though, even when things did go my way, they never quite lived up to my expectations.
Meeting Christ put an end to my unhappiness. Somehow (it must be the magic of God's work ) happiness came into my life and has pretty much stayed. One thing that growing up in a large family taught me was that though things would rarely go my way, I found that I could enjoy myself even when things went someone else's way.
I don't jump out of bed saying, "I can't wait to _________." That's probably because (as I mentioned above) those things we can't wait to do never satisfy the way we think they will. Usually God has things in mind for the day that keep me interested, busy and challenged until bed time.
In the end, maybe expectations play a large role in whether someone is happy or not. I do not expect ideal circumstances. Shoot, I might even fear circumstances that were too good. But I know that my Heavenly Father has things planned for me that are good - whether I recognize it or not. His plans not only live up to expectations, but they far exceed anything I could ask or imagine.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Happy New Year
The Christian year began today with the first Sunday in Advent. Christians end the year by affirming Christ as King: King of All and King for Ever. We begin the church calendar with a focus on HOPE: the coming and second coming of Jesus. Today's Lectionary readings describe Jesus' Second Coming and admonish us to be ready because we do not know the day or hour. It's hard to imagine living without hope. I know that many do, and frankly don't know how they get out of bed in the morning.
We wait with hope for the time when the rule of God is fully manifested among us. When all will be made right.
Check out what Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Through all the Advents of our life that we celebrate goes the longing for the final Advent, where it says, 'Behold, I make all things new' (Rev. 21:5). Advent is a time of waiting. Our whole life, however, is Advent - that is, a time of waiting for the ultimate, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth, when all people are brothers and sisters and one rejoices in the words of the angels, 'On earth peace to those on whome God's favor rests.' Learn to wait because he has promised to come. 'I stand at the door...' We however call to him, 'Yes, come soon, Lord Jesus.'"
Maranatha!
We wait with hope for the time when the rule of God is fully manifested among us. When all will be made right.
Check out what Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Through all the Advents of our life that we celebrate goes the longing for the final Advent, where it says, 'Behold, I make all things new' (Rev. 21:5). Advent is a time of waiting. Our whole life, however, is Advent - that is, a time of waiting for the ultimate, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth, when all people are brothers and sisters and one rejoices in the words of the angels, 'On earth peace to those on whome God's favor rests.' Learn to wait because he has promised to come. 'I stand at the door...' We however call to him, 'Yes, come soon, Lord Jesus.'"
Maranatha!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Good Endings
As previously mentioned, I like to read the last few pages of a novel first. I need to know that everything turns out well. But there are authors I trust enough to save the ending for the end. I don't trust them because they write predictable books. I trust them because they write with integrity. They and the books they write are trustworthy.
Sometimes, like in the case of Jan Karon who writes a series, there are loose ends. I trust that at some point down the line, those loose ends will be tied up.
Why is this on my mind tonight? Because last night my ex-husband stood with his wife and told me that he's losing his battle against cancer. This is a man who after years of anguish has finally pulled his life together. He's serving God faithfully after fighting against him. He's found love again with a wonderful woman. He's been an intentional father.
My heart is breaking for my kids and his wife. He's dealing with the situation heroically. There's no self pity. No bitterness. He may be afraid, but he's not showing any fear. But I could see last night that his wife was beside herself with fear that she's going to lose him. My kids don't know yet, but they will be devastated.
The end of this story doesn't make sense to me. I think that Mike and Deb should live happily ever after. I think that Mike should have many years ahead to love and serve God. I think that he should be an on-going part of my kids lives.
This is where the trustworthiness of the Author comes in. We know the ending of the Metanarrative is glory. Love wins out. Justice is served. Tears are wiped away. In this smaller narrative, somehow one day everything will make sense. Rather than mystification and grief we will be praising God for his perfect, loving plans. Until we get to that day, we'll just have to trust in the trustworthiness of the Author.
Sometimes, like in the case of Jan Karon who writes a series, there are loose ends. I trust that at some point down the line, those loose ends will be tied up.
Why is this on my mind tonight? Because last night my ex-husband stood with his wife and told me that he's losing his battle against cancer. This is a man who after years of anguish has finally pulled his life together. He's serving God faithfully after fighting against him. He's found love again with a wonderful woman. He's been an intentional father.
My heart is breaking for my kids and his wife. He's dealing with the situation heroically. There's no self pity. No bitterness. He may be afraid, but he's not showing any fear. But I could see last night that his wife was beside herself with fear that she's going to lose him. My kids don't know yet, but they will be devastated.
The end of this story doesn't make sense to me. I think that Mike and Deb should live happily ever after. I think that Mike should have many years ahead to love and serve God. I think that he should be an on-going part of my kids lives.
This is where the trustworthiness of the Author comes in. We know the ending of the Metanarrative is glory. Love wins out. Justice is served. Tears are wiped away. In this smaller narrative, somehow one day everything will make sense. Rather than mystification and grief we will be praising God for his perfect, loving plans. Until we get to that day, we'll just have to trust in the trustworthiness of the Author.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Living
"When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular, and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,or full of arguments. I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world."— Mary Oliver
Nor do I want to find myself full of regrets because I lived in the house of fear rather than the house of love. I want to live and love boldly. There's every reason to be full of active, seeking - and yes, vulnerable loving. In the words of the Heidelberg Catechism, I belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ who preserves me so perfectly that without the will of my Heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head.
Often, it seems, God is calling us to be open to one another in relationship, worship, and service, in ways that are frightening. They leave us vulnerable to rejection, pain, and misunderstanding. We're called to lay our cards on the table and offer ourselves to others with no strings attached and no hidden agendas. Only when we shake off our fears and open ourselves to love can we do more than simply visit this planet.
The ultimate irony is that only by becoming empty, can we experience the fullness of abundant life.
Nor do I want to find myself full of regrets because I lived in the house of fear rather than the house of love. I want to live and love boldly. There's every reason to be full of active, seeking - and yes, vulnerable loving. In the words of the Heidelberg Catechism, I belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ who preserves me so perfectly that without the will of my Heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head.
Often, it seems, God is calling us to be open to one another in relationship, worship, and service, in ways that are frightening. They leave us vulnerable to rejection, pain, and misunderstanding. We're called to lay our cards on the table and offer ourselves to others with no strings attached and no hidden agendas. Only when we shake off our fears and open ourselves to love can we do more than simply visit this planet.
The ultimate irony is that only by becoming empty, can we experience the fullness of abundant life.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Mary
Though Reformed in my church membership (PCUSA) and theology, I was raised Roman Catholic. I think that RCs are perhaps more right than wrong to emphasize Mary's role (I never remember being asked to worship her - though admit that the Hail Mary could be considered worship).
Though Advent hasn't begun yet, I find myself pondering Mary this morning. It could be argued that she was given the most important biblical assignment other than Jesus' own. She was trusted to bear and raise God's own Son. Gabriel was sent to announce God's plans to Mary. Though troubled, her response was, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."
I don't know what went through Mary's mind in the days, weeks, and months that followed, but I'd be wondering if I had really seen and heard what I thought I'd seen and heard... I'm sure that it helped when Joseph was visited too, but the two of them had to wonder what they'd gotten themselves into. Though they had children together later, the trajectory of their lives was changed dramatically by their radical openness to God's plan.
I don't know about you, but I want to be radically open to God's plans. I'm certainly not a fit mother for God's Son, but providentially, that job's been done already. So what is it that God is asking of me today? What's He asking of you today? Do we have the heart to respond, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."??
Though Advent hasn't begun yet, I find myself pondering Mary this morning. It could be argued that she was given the most important biblical assignment other than Jesus' own. She was trusted to bear and raise God's own Son. Gabriel was sent to announce God's plans to Mary. Though troubled, her response was, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."
I don't know what went through Mary's mind in the days, weeks, and months that followed, but I'd be wondering if I had really seen and heard what I thought I'd seen and heard... I'm sure that it helped when Joseph was visited too, but the two of them had to wonder what they'd gotten themselves into. Though they had children together later, the trajectory of their lives was changed dramatically by their radical openness to God's plan.
I don't know about you, but I want to be radically open to God's plans. I'm certainly not a fit mother for God's Son, but providentially, that job's been done already. So what is it that God is asking of me today? What's He asking of you today? Do we have the heart to respond, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."??
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Christ the King
Tomorrow is Christ the King Sunday - the end of the church year. It's fitting that we crown :) the year by proclaiming Christ as King. Lectionary readers know that the New Testament readings have been in John's Revelation - today was the last reading from the book.
I'm one of those weird folks that generally likes to read the last few pages of a book first. I need to know that alls well that ends well... I'm not one who bothers with a story that ends badly. Truth must win out. Love must have the final word.
Christians end the year with a focus on Christ as King because Jesus is King, and that fact ensures that all will end well. No, not 'well', rather things will end gloriously!
If you did an image search for Christ the King on Google, you'd find several pictures of Jesus holding the world in his hand. It's easy to lose site of the loving sovereignty of God when we see so much that's wrong in the world. Christ the King Sunday reminds us that though there seems to be so much darkness, the light and love of Jesus will prevail. As the Christian year draws to a close may we rest in the wonderful knowledge that he's got you and me in his capable and loving hands!
I'm one of those weird folks that generally likes to read the last few pages of a book first. I need to know that alls well that ends well... I'm not one who bothers with a story that ends badly. Truth must win out. Love must have the final word.
Christians end the year with a focus on Christ as King because Jesus is King, and that fact ensures that all will end well. No, not 'well', rather things will end gloriously!
If you did an image search for Christ the King on Google, you'd find several pictures of Jesus holding the world in his hand. It's easy to lose site of the loving sovereignty of God when we see so much that's wrong in the world. Christ the King Sunday reminds us that though there seems to be so much darkness, the light and love of Jesus will prevail. As the Christian year draws to a close may we rest in the wonderful knowledge that he's got you and me in his capable and loving hands!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Always Taking Aim
Jan Karon has blessed me again! For the last few years, right before Advent, Karon has released a book that is precisely the medicine I need. In Home to Holly Springs, Father Tim returns home to Mississippi for the first time in almost 40 years. As one would expect, there's a lot to confront and resolve from his childhood and young adult years.
Jan Karon wonderfully depicts a God whose love is always taking aim. Father Tim has been mystified by some things from the past, and misunderstood others. God brings Timothy home to Mississippi at just the right time (its fullness) for healing - his and others.
Central to Father Tim's woundedness are his mother, father, and second mother (Peggy). As Father Tim discovers truths and achieves a measure of understanding, he finds peace and healing.
Home to Mississippi reminds us that our lives are interconnected by God's grace and mercy. When we're privileged to get a glimpse of the tapestry that God's weaving, we're taken aback by the breathtaking beauty of His plan and the depth of His love and care for us.
Father Tim's an apt pupil. He's learned in his old age to surf the waves that God sends. It's a lesson we can all benefit from learning, isn't it? When we trust God and His plans and purposes for us, we can not only surf the waves He sends, but have a fine time doing it!
Jan Karon wonderfully depicts a God whose love is always taking aim. Father Tim has been mystified by some things from the past, and misunderstood others. God brings Timothy home to Mississippi at just the right time (its fullness) for healing - his and others.
Central to Father Tim's woundedness are his mother, father, and second mother (Peggy). As Father Tim discovers truths and achieves a measure of understanding, he finds peace and healing.
Home to Mississippi reminds us that our lives are interconnected by God's grace and mercy. When we're privileged to get a glimpse of the tapestry that God's weaving, we're taken aback by the breathtaking beauty of His plan and the depth of His love and care for us.
Father Tim's an apt pupil. He's learned in his old age to surf the waves that God sends. It's a lesson we can all benefit from learning, isn't it? When we trust God and His plans and purposes for us, we can not only surf the waves He sends, but have a fine time doing it!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Catching Up
1. My daughter and I went to Charlotte this weekend for a girls night with my sister (celebrating my 45th B-Day). We saw had dinner at a Spanish grill and saw the movie Bella. Neither the movie nor the dinner disappointed! Bella is image and metaphor rich - a story that is definitely worth any one's consideration.
2. On Saturday morning I was at my desk checking email when the phone rang. The caller ID gave the name of a church similar to the name of the church my ex-husband attends. I thought it might be him or my son (who was spending the weekend with his dad) so I answered. It was a recorded message from a different church inviting me to attend the grand opening of their new family life center today. The message promised Brunswick Stew after the service - and a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Myrtle Beach! The message ended with the church's name, "where your dreams become a reality."
Wow! If this isn't the pinnacle of consumerism,I don't know what is. Not only will they feed me lunch, and I could maybe win an all-expense paid trip to Myrtle Beach, but my dreams will become a reality!
What about God's dreams? I wonder why we feel we have to lure people into church with a promise that their dreams will come true? When I read the Bible, I don't see a God who makes people's dreams come true. I see a God moving His plan forward inexorably. I see a God who implants His dreams into the hearts of men and women - dreams that often lead them down roads they would never choose for themselves.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." If you delight yourself in the Lord, what will your desire be?? The Lord Himself , and He will give Himself to you.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching this church's message hits hard. This is the season when folks either feel gratitude or grief. Gratitude is the secret of happiness. Gratitude in an acknowledgment of what is. God really has blessed me beyond anything I should expect or anticipate, but I miss the reality if all I can see are my unfulfilled dreams for myself.
May God grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand the abundance of His grace and the greatness of His dreams for us.
2. On Saturday morning I was at my desk checking email when the phone rang. The caller ID gave the name of a church similar to the name of the church my ex-husband attends. I thought it might be him or my son (who was spending the weekend with his dad) so I answered. It was a recorded message from a different church inviting me to attend the grand opening of their new family life center today. The message promised Brunswick Stew after the service - and a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Myrtle Beach! The message ended with the church's name, "where your dreams become a reality."
Wow! If this isn't the pinnacle of consumerism,I don't know what is. Not only will they feed me lunch, and I could maybe win an all-expense paid trip to Myrtle Beach, but my dreams will become a reality!
What about God's dreams? I wonder why we feel we have to lure people into church with a promise that their dreams will come true? When I read the Bible, I don't see a God who makes people's dreams come true. I see a God moving His plan forward inexorably. I see a God who implants His dreams into the hearts of men and women - dreams that often lead them down roads they would never choose for themselves.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." If you delight yourself in the Lord, what will your desire be?? The Lord Himself , and He will give Himself to you.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching this church's message hits hard. This is the season when folks either feel gratitude or grief. Gratitude is the secret of happiness. Gratitude in an acknowledgment of what is. God really has blessed me beyond anything I should expect or anticipate, but I miss the reality if all I can see are my unfulfilled dreams for myself.
May God grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand the abundance of His grace and the greatness of His dreams for us.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Second-hand Toke?
Check out this "Quick Take" from World Magazine:
"A Bradenton, Fla school bus driver said there could only be one reason why a recent urine test showed she tested positive for marijuana: second-hand smoke. She told a Florida radio station that up to nine of her students routinely smoked marijuana during rides to and from school. But school district officials don't seem to be buying her story, saying the woman never reported the drug-using teens."
You have to hand it to the lady... it's a clever 'explanation'. It kinda makes you smile, and on the one hand, cheer her ingenuity. On the other hand, she thinks it's OK to tell a whopper - even a funny one- to cover up her bad behavior.
Also in World this week - a story on Mitt Romney, and why his Mormonism is a problem. Joel Belz points out that Mormons have changed their tunes on 'the facts' when it's been convenient for them (golden tablets of fonder Joseph Smith - real or not? It depends on whether it's a problem for whomever they're talking to...). The Mormon tendency to play a bit loosey goosey with the truth explains Mitt's flip-flopping on issues in terms of his religious upbringing.
Telling the truth is important - and I don't mean just from a religious perspective. We have to be able to trust that others are fairly representing who they - are or what they think - or what they intend to do, etc. Too often we're willing to latch on to what sounds good because we want the security of believing that everything's OK. But I'd personally rather disagree agreeably with someone's genuine thoughts, actions, convictions than be deceived. How about you?
"A Bradenton, Fla school bus driver said there could only be one reason why a recent urine test showed she tested positive for marijuana: second-hand smoke. She told a Florida radio station that up to nine of her students routinely smoked marijuana during rides to and from school. But school district officials don't seem to be buying her story, saying the woman never reported the drug-using teens."
You have to hand it to the lady... it's a clever 'explanation'. It kinda makes you smile, and on the one hand, cheer her ingenuity. On the other hand, she thinks it's OK to tell a whopper - even a funny one- to cover up her bad behavior.
Also in World this week - a story on Mitt Romney, and why his Mormonism is a problem. Joel Belz points out that Mormons have changed their tunes on 'the facts' when it's been convenient for them (golden tablets of fonder Joseph Smith - real or not? It depends on whether it's a problem for whomever they're talking to...). The Mormon tendency to play a bit loosey goosey with the truth explains Mitt's flip-flopping on issues in terms of his religious upbringing.
Telling the truth is important - and I don't mean just from a religious perspective. We have to be able to trust that others are fairly representing who they - are or what they think - or what they intend to do, etc. Too often we're willing to latch on to what sounds good because we want the security of believing that everything's OK. But I'd personally rather disagree agreeably with someone's genuine thoughts, actions, convictions than be deceived. How about you?
Friday, November 9, 2007
Finding Balance
Sometimes I have a hard time knowing when it's OK to rest. For the last several days I've come home from work, done the absolute bare necessities at home and headed to my room. This retreat to veg in front of the TV briefly before going to sleep is accompanied by troubling feelings of guilt.
Why? Because there's still so much that needs to be done. I have at least two books to read for the class that I'm finishing up - and three papers to write (and the reading that goes along with them). My house could use a top to bottom, nothing overlooked, thorough cleaning. I could probably think of other things too...
Why am I unmotivated to do these things? Am I hopelessly lazy? That's my underlying fear. The fact of the matter is, I've been over-extended, especially intellectually, and I'm tired. I wish I had an unlimited capacity to produce, but I don't. So now I'm resting - almost against my own will to push on. I say "almost against my own will" because if my will was strong enough I would push every available minute - or maybe I'd be wise enough to plan my inactivity, so that I could make the most of it and also make the most of my work. Aye, aye, aye the inner conflict!
Why? Because there's still so much that needs to be done. I have at least two books to read for the class that I'm finishing up - and three papers to write (and the reading that goes along with them). My house could use a top to bottom, nothing overlooked, thorough cleaning. I could probably think of other things too...
Why am I unmotivated to do these things? Am I hopelessly lazy? That's my underlying fear. The fact of the matter is, I've been over-extended, especially intellectually, and I'm tired. I wish I had an unlimited capacity to produce, but I don't. So now I'm resting - almost against my own will to push on. I say "almost against my own will" because if my will was strong enough I would push every available minute - or maybe I'd be wise enough to plan my inactivity, so that I could make the most of it and also make the most of my work. Aye, aye, aye the inner conflict!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Need Clarity?
'Clarity' is something we want. Maybe we're just a product of our times, but there is a great desire to have clarity. The definitions of 'clarity' mainly relate to diamonds and wine - not understanding or enlightenment. In wine it means that there's no cloudiness. In diamonds clarity refers to the absence of flaws. With these definitions in mind, it would seem that when we want clarity, we're desiring complete comprehension - without cloud or flaw.
If that's what clarity means (and I think it is), I don't know if I've ever achieved it - or ever will until I get to heaven (and then it won't matter). So what's a person who wants to understand to do? Let me lay some Eugene Peterson on you. This is from his commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel published by Westminster John Knox:
"Story, and the longer the better (and the Bible is long), forces us to inhabit the community of sinners and saints, with no one exempt from the process. Story prevents us from assuming that we can get God coming down a rope ladder and pulling us out of history. Storytelling, and especially biblical storytelling, trains us in patient submission to the process of holy history. Von Hugel, one of the preeminent spiritual guides of this century, used to say that when we get to the heart of life, things are not 'clear but vivid'. Luminosity, not clarity is the distinctive mark" (p. 217).
Peterson's talking about the biblical story, the holy history. But he's also talking about us. We're not part of the biblical story, but we are part of the on-going holy history of God.
So how's luminosity different from clarity? I've been chewing on that for a few days now. I think that luminosity has to do with enlightenment. When the light bulb proverbially comes on for us, it doesn't necessarily mean that we understand without cloud or flaw, but it does mean that we 'get it'. God's plans for us are so interconnected with His plans for others, that there's simply no way to figure out exactly why or how or even when... The simply astounding thing is that God has plans for us - that in the really BIG thing He's doing, that He's bothered with us at all.
So, maybe clarity's not what you need or what I need. What we need is to be patient with the story, in awe that God's included us, and ready to 'get it' when it's revealed. Maybe we also need to understand that 'getting it' doesn't mean that we understand every detail with no clouds or mystery. Maybe luminosity is preferable after all.
If that's what clarity means (and I think it is), I don't know if I've ever achieved it - or ever will until I get to heaven (and then it won't matter). So what's a person who wants to understand to do? Let me lay some Eugene Peterson on you. This is from his commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel published by Westminster John Knox:
"Story, and the longer the better (and the Bible is long), forces us to inhabit the community of sinners and saints, with no one exempt from the process. Story prevents us from assuming that we can get God coming down a rope ladder and pulling us out of history. Storytelling, and especially biblical storytelling, trains us in patient submission to the process of holy history. Von Hugel, one of the preeminent spiritual guides of this century, used to say that when we get to the heart of life, things are not 'clear but vivid'. Luminosity, not clarity is the distinctive mark" (p. 217).
Peterson's talking about the biblical story, the holy history. But he's also talking about us. We're not part of the biblical story, but we are part of the on-going holy history of God.
So how's luminosity different from clarity? I've been chewing on that for a few days now. I think that luminosity has to do with enlightenment. When the light bulb proverbially comes on for us, it doesn't necessarily mean that we understand without cloud or flaw, but it does mean that we 'get it'. God's plans for us are so interconnected with His plans for others, that there's simply no way to figure out exactly why or how or even when... The simply astounding thing is that God has plans for us - that in the really BIG thing He's doing, that He's bothered with us at all.
So, maybe clarity's not what you need or what I need. What we need is to be patient with the story, in awe that God's included us, and ready to 'get it' when it's revealed. Maybe we also need to understand that 'getting it' doesn't mean that we understand every detail with no clouds or mystery. Maybe luminosity is preferable after all.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Being Human
I’m writing a paper for a Leadership class I’m taking. It’s on King David –specifically his humility. This summer, I read a book entitled, Humble Leadership: Being Radically Open to God’s Guidance and Grace. At the same time, the Lectionary (which I read devotionally) was working its way through 1 & 2 Samuel. It was natural that I would read David’s story with the rubric of humility superimposed. I truly believe that David’s humility was an integral part of his effectiveness as a leader, and as a man after God’s own heart.
Three weeks ago I preached at a nearby Presbyterian church. One of the elders asked me who my favorite Bible character is. I promptly replied, “David” (though I’m not one to usually have just one favorite, so it’s subject to change). He found my choice odd, since I’m a woman and David was a scoundrel and a womanizer.
While David did have these aspects to his personality, he was also a humble man. I love that about him. When David did wrong, he admitted it, repented and moved on. He was prepared to accept from God’s hand whatever it pleased God to give him. Check out what Eugene Peterson says about David in his commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel:
“In the long history of Israel, ‘king’ is not a term that excites admiration. Except for David. David’s life is narrated as pivotal in the history of salvation…. Notice the way the story keeps us immersed in and attentive to our human condition. For it is not easy to attend to ourselves; it is more attractive to try to rise above our human condition (like the angels?); it is easier to sink below our human condition and live like animals. But ‘human is unique, and we require a long growing up to realize who we are and the way we are before God (p.137).”
I’m not a scoundrel or a man-eater (isn’t that what you call the female version of a womanizer?), but like David, I’m far from perfect. My leadership at home, church and at work is affected by my sin and brokenness. But the great news is, that I can still be a woman after God’s own heart. So can you.
God has a preference for human agency, even though he knows how sinful and broken we are. Why? 2 Corinthians 4: 7 holds the answer: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” All praise to God, who uses vessels of clay like me and you to serve Him on this earth.
Three weeks ago I preached at a nearby Presbyterian church. One of the elders asked me who my favorite Bible character is. I promptly replied, “David” (though I’m not one to usually have just one favorite, so it’s subject to change). He found my choice odd, since I’m a woman and David was a scoundrel and a womanizer.
While David did have these aspects to his personality, he was also a humble man. I love that about him. When David did wrong, he admitted it, repented and moved on. He was prepared to accept from God’s hand whatever it pleased God to give him. Check out what Eugene Peterson says about David in his commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel:
“In the long history of Israel, ‘king’ is not a term that excites admiration. Except for David. David’s life is narrated as pivotal in the history of salvation…. Notice the way the story keeps us immersed in and attentive to our human condition. For it is not easy to attend to ourselves; it is more attractive to try to rise above our human condition (like the angels?); it is easier to sink below our human condition and live like animals. But ‘human is unique, and we require a long growing up to realize who we are and the way we are before God (p.137).”
I’m not a scoundrel or a man-eater (isn’t that what you call the female version of a womanizer?), but like David, I’m far from perfect. My leadership at home, church and at work is affected by my sin and brokenness. But the great news is, that I can still be a woman after God’s own heart. So can you.
God has a preference for human agency, even though he knows how sinful and broken we are. Why? 2 Corinthians 4: 7 holds the answer: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” All praise to God, who uses vessels of clay like me and you to serve Him on this earth.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Entertainment
How Sweet the Sound: The company I work for sponsored a celebration of church music in Memphis on October 6. It's pretty interesting to me that VZW decided to sponser a church choir competition, but I'm glad about it. If you have VCAST you can watch clips of the 3 winners. The choir from the medium sized congregation won from the perspective of the audience (which voted via TXT message). You can hear all six minutes of their song, and it sounds great! To view the clips go to Get It Now > Picture & Video > V CAST Video > Showcase > How Sweet the Sound-Memphis
Bella: I just read a review of the movie Bella in World Magazine. It stars Eduardo Verastegui (the Latin American version of Brad Pitt) as a Latino man with character. You don't see that too often in movies - typically they're either the bad guy (bandito) or the Don Juan (womanizer). A Latino man who wants to do the right thing and is a normal, understated guy seems interesting. The movie's produced by Metanoia Films, which aims to produce Christian themed films that are uplifting and inspiring. It's a love story, and I admit that I'm a sucker for a love story... It's only playing in 30 cities...Nashvegas is a relatively inexpensive plane ride. I may have to treat myself for my birthday...Then again, I guess I could wait for DVD.
Charlie Dodrill - playing in Statesville, NC in November. A much more reasonable BDay treat. I've never seen him live, but want to. I went to Columbia S.A. with his dad last summer. If Charlie's anything like his dad Randy, he's got to be a great guy, and his music is very fine.
Andrew Petersen & Sara Groves - in Charlotte on December 12! I'm probably most excited about this one. I saw Andrew Petersen a few years back when he traveled with Nicole Nordeman. He's a terrifically quirky, and very bright, poetic soul (right up there with Chris Rice). I've never seen Sara Groves live, but wow!!
OK, so not much is on my mind, but entertainments. Oh, well...
Bella: I just read a review of the movie Bella in World Magazine. It stars Eduardo Verastegui (the Latin American version of Brad Pitt) as a Latino man with character. You don't see that too often in movies - typically they're either the bad guy (bandito) or the Don Juan (womanizer). A Latino man who wants to do the right thing and is a normal, understated guy seems interesting. The movie's produced by Metanoia Films, which aims to produce Christian themed films that are uplifting and inspiring. It's a love story, and I admit that I'm a sucker for a love story... It's only playing in 30 cities...Nashvegas is a relatively inexpensive plane ride. I may have to treat myself for my birthday...Then again, I guess I could wait for DVD.
Charlie Dodrill - playing in Statesville, NC in November. A much more reasonable BDay treat. I've never seen him live, but want to. I went to Columbia S.A. with his dad last summer. If Charlie's anything like his dad Randy, he's got to be a great guy, and his music is very fine.
Andrew Petersen & Sara Groves - in Charlotte on December 12! I'm probably most excited about this one. I saw Andrew Petersen a few years back when he traveled with Nicole Nordeman. He's a terrifically quirky, and very bright, poetic soul (right up there with Chris Rice). I've never seen Sara Groves live, but wow!!
OK, so not much is on my mind, but entertainments. Oh, well...
Sunday, October 28, 2007
I Cannot, I Will Not
Happy Reformation Sunday!
"I cannot, I will not recant..." Martin Luther, tormented by an awareness of his own sinfulness rediscovered the wonder and miracle of grace for all of us. Once he knew the truth, there was no going back. Thankfully, we are made right with God by grace through faith. Knowing that changes everything. We're left to live out of gratitude rather than fear.
Grace us getting what we don't deserve. It's unmerited favor. All of us need grace. Those of us who have received it, should dispense it as generously and freely as it was given to us. Grace leaves us free to love God and our neighbor with a whole heart.
We live in a performance based world. At work perhaps, it has to be that way. But in our relationships, grace is what we need to give and receive. May God grant us hearts to love Him and others with the generous grace with which we've been loved.
And thanks, Martin Luther, for the courage of your convictions.
"I cannot, I will not recant..." Martin Luther, tormented by an awareness of his own sinfulness rediscovered the wonder and miracle of grace for all of us. Once he knew the truth, there was no going back. Thankfully, we are made right with God by grace through faith. Knowing that changes everything. We're left to live out of gratitude rather than fear.
Grace us getting what we don't deserve. It's unmerited favor. All of us need grace. Those of us who have received it, should dispense it as generously and freely as it was given to us. Grace leaves us free to love God and our neighbor with a whole heart.
We live in a performance based world. At work perhaps, it has to be that way. But in our relationships, grace is what we need to give and receive. May God grant us hearts to love Him and others with the generous grace with which we've been loved.
And thanks, Martin Luther, for the courage of your convictions.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Simple Pleasures
Thank God for simple pleasures! The autumn is typically a time when I focus on simple pleasures. Maybe that's because the Fall is when it becomes clear to me how over-extended I am (and my kids too). October has been especially busy - the last two weeks exceptionally so. There's still been time for fun -- there's always time to have fun. But sometimes you can even over-extend yourself with fun (last weekend I carved 10 pumpkins for nieces and nephews).
This weekend's different. My sister came in from Charlotte for a visit. It's great just to sit around and talk. My daughter and I spent the day together. The weather was perfect, the clouds amazing, the moon gorgeous! I couldn't have asked for a simpler or better day.
Don't forget to savor the simple things!
This weekend's different. My sister came in from Charlotte for a visit. It's great just to sit around and talk. My daughter and I spent the day together. The weather was perfect, the clouds amazing, the moon gorgeous! I couldn't have asked for a simpler or better day.
Don't forget to savor the simple things!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Being Certain
Certainty is helpful when you're facing a tough time. My daughter is 'pledging' a high school sorority. This week she's a 'rat'. She's joining the cerebral sorority, so there's nothing too terrible (in terms of messiness or dirtiness) that she has to do, but it is testing her resolve.
Here's some of what she has to do:
- Give the current members candy.
- Dress however they tell her too - which usually involves looking silly.
- Provide 'entertainments', by which they mean songs, dances, skits, etc.
- Refrain from talking to boys at school.
- No make-up.
- Projects - like writing something on each sheet of a roll of toilet paper and each marshmallow in a bag of marshmallows.
The current members of the sorority give (and take away) points for 'rats' that either please or displease them. Apparently, there's also yelling.
I'm going to admit that I don't get it. I wouldn't subject myself to even this mild (by comparison) initiation. Girls who like you ask you to join their club and then mistreat you for a week... Somehow, my daughter is convinced that it's worth it.
But what I do get is that there are many things that we decide to do - we're certain of - that require us to endure hardship. If you're a Christian, discipleship will sometimes lead down roads that you probably wouldn't choose for yourself. Though I'm not sure that my daughter's sorority experience will be worth the trouble in the end, I'm certain than whatever discipleship requires will be.
Here's some of what she has to do:
- Give the current members candy.
- Dress however they tell her too - which usually involves looking silly.
- Provide 'entertainments', by which they mean songs, dances, skits, etc.
- Refrain from talking to boys at school.
- No make-up.
- Projects - like writing something on each sheet of a roll of toilet paper and each marshmallow in a bag of marshmallows.
The current members of the sorority give (and take away) points for 'rats' that either please or displease them. Apparently, there's also yelling.
I'm going to admit that I don't get it. I wouldn't subject myself to even this mild (by comparison) initiation. Girls who like you ask you to join their club and then mistreat you for a week... Somehow, my daughter is convinced that it's worth it.
But what I do get is that there are many things that we decide to do - we're certain of - that require us to endure hardship. If you're a Christian, discipleship will sometimes lead down roads that you probably wouldn't choose for yourself. Though I'm not sure that my daughter's sorority experience will be worth the trouble in the end, I'm certain than whatever discipleship requires will be.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Girl in the Other Room*
When I was a little girl, I would sometimes look into the mirror - not at myself per se - but into the other room. The girl (myself) would be the girl in the other room. It was a room where everything was 'backward' or 'opposite'. I would imagine what life was like in that room. How was it different? In a similar way, sometimes I would lie on my back and imagine what it would be like if the ceiling was the floor. What would that be like? It would still be my house, just different.
Do you ever have dreams about houses? I do, fairly frequently. Psychologists will tell you that in dreams, houses (as well as cars ) are metaphors for the self. Sometimes I dream that I'm in my house - only there are rooms I didn't realize were there. Usually, they're really fantastic rooms - rooms that I'd like to live in all the time, if only I could remember how to get there... I wonder if these dreams are related to the 'other room' in the mirror.
I suspect that there is one way that they're related. We all know on some level (Christians in a very specific way) that there is more to life and reality than meets the eye. There's also more to us than appearances suggest. The truth is, there are many 'other rooms' where things are even more 'real' than the rooms we normally inhabit. Sometimes (like in our dreams or imaginations) we get an inkling of some part of that reality. Occasionally, God chooses to give us a glimpse of His Kingdom. Sometime God chooses to give us a glimpse of ourselves as we really are - or are becoming. Either way it's a glimpse of glory.
Do you ever have dreams about houses? I do, fairly frequently. Psychologists will tell you that in dreams, houses (as well as cars ) are metaphors for the self. Sometimes I dream that I'm in my house - only there are rooms I didn't realize were there. Usually, they're really fantastic rooms - rooms that I'd like to live in all the time, if only I could remember how to get there... I wonder if these dreams are related to the 'other room' in the mirror.
I suspect that there is one way that they're related. We all know on some level (Christians in a very specific way) that there is more to life and reality than meets the eye. There's also more to us than appearances suggest. The truth is, there are many 'other rooms' where things are even more 'real' than the rooms we normally inhabit. Sometimes (like in our dreams or imaginations) we get an inkling of some part of that reality. Occasionally, God chooses to give us a glimpse of His Kingdom. Sometime God chooses to give us a glimpse of ourselves as we really are - or are becoming. Either way it's a glimpse of glory.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A God Sized Adventure
Any good story - even a good love story (maybe especially a love story) - has an element of adventure in it. My sister is living that kind of adventure right now. It's a great story, really.
She became reacquainted with a man she dated (and broke up with) 20 years ago. The truth is, she always wondered if she missed Mr. Right - by breaking off her relationship with Vince the Prince (we've always called him that - and he is, a prince of a guy). They got married almost two years ago. That's the romantic part.
The adventure part is that he has 5 kids that he has custody of. After the second set of twins - that's right - 2 sets of twins - his first wife decided that she didn't want to be married any more, or be responsible for raising 5 kids. When the marriage broke up the youngest twins were still in diapers. Vince entered survival mode. He quit work to take care of his kids - something few men would do. Still, it was survival mode.
Some of the finer points, like well balanced meals and sitting together at the dinner table went by the wayside. It had to. It's also difficult to have quality time with 5 kids when you're the only stable influence in their lives. But they made it through. God brought my sis and Vince the Prince together. Now there are two adults in the house, and truly, no one is better suited to love Vince and the kids than my sister.
She has the patience of Job. She listens - really listens. She doesn't like to cook but she does it anyway so that the kids will learn to eat well-balanced meals. She's bringing the finer points back into their lives. But it's slow going. Today my sister was tired and frustrated. She's an introvert who needs time alone to recharge her batteries, and today her batteries were running low.
Though it's hard going sometimes, this God-sized adventure is making a profound difference in the lives of 6 people for sure. Those 6 influence the lives of others, and on and on... So, my sweet sister, hang in there. Keep at it. Beyond, behind, and below the fatigue and frustration there is glory.
Always, Joyce
She became reacquainted with a man she dated (and broke up with) 20 years ago. The truth is, she always wondered if she missed Mr. Right - by breaking off her relationship with Vince the Prince (we've always called him that - and he is, a prince of a guy). They got married almost two years ago. That's the romantic part.
The adventure part is that he has 5 kids that he has custody of. After the second set of twins - that's right - 2 sets of twins - his first wife decided that she didn't want to be married any more, or be responsible for raising 5 kids. When the marriage broke up the youngest twins were still in diapers. Vince entered survival mode. He quit work to take care of his kids - something few men would do. Still, it was survival mode.
Some of the finer points, like well balanced meals and sitting together at the dinner table went by the wayside. It had to. It's also difficult to have quality time with 5 kids when you're the only stable influence in their lives. But they made it through. God brought my sis and Vince the Prince together. Now there are two adults in the house, and truly, no one is better suited to love Vince and the kids than my sister.
She has the patience of Job. She listens - really listens. She doesn't like to cook but she does it anyway so that the kids will learn to eat well-balanced meals. She's bringing the finer points back into their lives. But it's slow going. Today my sister was tired and frustrated. She's an introvert who needs time alone to recharge her batteries, and today her batteries were running low.
Though it's hard going sometimes, this God-sized adventure is making a profound difference in the lives of 6 people for sure. Those 6 influence the lives of others, and on and on... So, my sweet sister, hang in there. Keep at it. Beyond, behind, and below the fatigue and frustration there is glory.
Always, Joyce
Monday, October 15, 2007
Welcome to the World
Happy Birthday James! Welcome to the world. Welcome to the family! We've been waiting for your arrival with lots of anticipation. You're a big 'un - 10 lbs 10 ozs! I'm sure your mom is worn out. I wish I could be there to see you tonight, but when I get home Wednesday, your house will be my first stop!
You're a lucky young man. Your parents are loving, bright people who'll do their best by you. Your aunts and uncles (if I do say so myself) are lots of fun! So are your cousins. You've been born into a close family that loves to have fun. We're going to have a great time getting to know you!
With much love,
Tia Alegria (Aunt Joyce)
You're a lucky young man. Your parents are loving, bright people who'll do their best by you. Your aunts and uncles (if I do say so myself) are lots of fun! So are your cousins. You've been born into a close family that loves to have fun. We're going to have a great time getting to know you!
With much love,
Tia Alegria (Aunt Joyce)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
My Father Was a Wandering Aramean
"My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and sojourned there ...(Deut 26:5)" Not really. Actually, my father is a Cuban doctor who came to the USA and sojourned. His father immigrated from Spain to Cuba and then to the USA and sojourned here. Though my father assimilated very well, my grandfather never learned to speak English (and he lived in Miami over 20 years). He always felt himself an alien here.
In many ways it's sad that Abuelo never felt at home in the USA. But it's also understandable. He left a life that he loved, land that he owned, a business that he ran. For him (as well as countless other Cubans), the promised land was 90 miles away, but may as well have been on the moon. He was not a man of faith. Otherwise, perhaps his time of sojourning here could have been different.
My grandfather stands in stark contrast to my great grandmother Luz Divina ("Divine Light" a.k.a Tita). Tita was a woman of faith - and she lived up to her name in every way. She was a Pentecostal, and once she came to the USA, my grandparents (who did not approve of her Pentecostalism) didn't allow her to go to church. I remember visiting once, and coming upon Tita standing on the balcony looking out. She was wearing a beatific expression, and it was clear that she was communing with the Almighty. She was a "wandering Aramean" but she was OK with it. She knew that she was a stranger and alien on a far deeper level than being an old Cuban woman in the USA at the end of her life.
I'm related to Luz Divina by more than simply blood (though I'm deeply honored to share that too). I am also a "wandering Aramean" sojourning here as a stranger and alien. And for me too, it's OK. In fact, it's better than OK, it's an adventure. And I love adventure.
In many ways it's sad that Abuelo never felt at home in the USA. But it's also understandable. He left a life that he loved, land that he owned, a business that he ran. For him (as well as countless other Cubans), the promised land was 90 miles away, but may as well have been on the moon. He was not a man of faith. Otherwise, perhaps his time of sojourning here could have been different.
My grandfather stands in stark contrast to my great grandmother Luz Divina ("Divine Light" a.k.a Tita). Tita was a woman of faith - and she lived up to her name in every way. She was a Pentecostal, and once she came to the USA, my grandparents (who did not approve of her Pentecostalism) didn't allow her to go to church. I remember visiting once, and coming upon Tita standing on the balcony looking out. She was wearing a beatific expression, and it was clear that she was communing with the Almighty. She was a "wandering Aramean" but she was OK with it. She knew that she was a stranger and alien on a far deeper level than being an old Cuban woman in the USA at the end of her life.
I'm related to Luz Divina by more than simply blood (though I'm deeply honored to share that too). I am also a "wandering Aramean" sojourning here as a stranger and alien. And for me too, it's OK. In fact, it's better than OK, it's an adventure. And I love adventure.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Individualism & Interrelatedness
I'm reading a book entitled Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther. In it, Tim Laniak, the author, points out that the Japanese word for "myself" is jibun, which means "my part", i.e. of the larger whole. It's an interesting insight for a person with a Western perspective.
In the West (especially the USA - the land of the rugged individualist), we emphasize the individual - his or her life, accomplishments, and rights. In the East that's not the case. The book I'm reading concerns the Ancient Near East, but many of the constructs still hold true in the Middle East as well as the Far East today.
We're often horrified by what those in the East will do to satisfy their notions of shame and honor as well as their apparent (by our Western standards) disregard for the individual. We cannot imagine that they would have anything to teach us. But I wonder...
Certainly, suicide bombers are pretty scary - and a result of the Eastern disregard for the individual. But anything when taken to extremes is unhealthy - even individualism.
For Christians, it's really not an option. 1 Corinthians makes our interrelatedness clear with the analogy of the body. What I do has an effect on the whole. Not only does it affect the whole, however, my part only makes sense in the context of the whole. For an American (rugged individualist) born into the "me generation" it's a thought that makes me go, hmmmm....
In the West (especially the USA - the land of the rugged individualist), we emphasize the individual - his or her life, accomplishments, and rights. In the East that's not the case. The book I'm reading concerns the Ancient Near East, but many of the constructs still hold true in the Middle East as well as the Far East today.
We're often horrified by what those in the East will do to satisfy their notions of shame and honor as well as their apparent (by our Western standards) disregard for the individual. We cannot imagine that they would have anything to teach us. But I wonder...
Certainly, suicide bombers are pretty scary - and a result of the Eastern disregard for the individual. But anything when taken to extremes is unhealthy - even individualism.
For Christians, it's really not an option. 1 Corinthians makes our interrelatedness clear with the analogy of the body. What I do has an effect on the whole. Not only does it affect the whole, however, my part only makes sense in the context of the whole. For an American (rugged individualist) born into the "me generation" it's a thought that makes me go, hmmmm....
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
On Politics and Disillusionment
A young man running for the VA House of Delegates came to my door this evening to ask for my vote. He had a brochure in his hand that outlined his (I guess the word is) "platform". He asked me if I was aware of the upcoming election - who the candidates were, etc. I had to admit that, though I knew there was an upcoming election (it's almost November after all),that I did not know who was running or what they considered the "issues" to be.
He was a nice fellow - seemed very earnest. We had a very civil - even friendly conversation, even though he knew that I was not of his political party. His brochure gave some very general statements about what he would do if elected. I told him that I would be more likely to vote for him if along with those general objectives, that he would include some specific action items.
He said, "What do you mean?" I explained that as a business woman, I have objectives that I'm required to meet. It's not enough, however, for me to simply say that I'm going to meet or exceed them. I have to provide a plan - and sometimes a contingency plan explaining how I'm going to meet the objectives.
That's one of the things about politics generally that bothers me. There's plenty of talk about what needs to be done, but not a lot of disclosure about how those things will be accomplished. I don't get the sense that very much actually does get accomplished - though I'm willing to admit that I may be ignorant on that front.
Another problem I have is the question of motivation. I believe that the fellow who knocked on my door this evening truly wants to make a difference. Perhaps most - maybe all- politicians begin this way. I suspect, however, that once someone decides to become a career politician, that their motivation changes - at least to some degree.
I would describe myself as fairly apolitical. I'm not against politics per se, but find it hard to believe that any important answers are found in government. Maybe I'm a product of my generation. Nixon was impeached during my formative years. President Reagan was a brief 8 year period when I believed that politics could provide answers to important problems. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the USA and the freedom I enjoy. But I don't believe that God is terribly invested in our form of government - including our freedom.
I will do my civic duty and vote as responsibly as I can. I always do. However, it'll be as one choosing the lesser of two evils, rather than a great good. I'll also work for justice and peace as a private citizen - in the sphere in which I have influence - inviting God to do His work, expanding His Kingdom and His agenda in me and through me.
He was a nice fellow - seemed very earnest. We had a very civil - even friendly conversation, even though he knew that I was not of his political party. His brochure gave some very general statements about what he would do if elected. I told him that I would be more likely to vote for him if along with those general objectives, that he would include some specific action items.
He said, "What do you mean?" I explained that as a business woman, I have objectives that I'm required to meet. It's not enough, however, for me to simply say that I'm going to meet or exceed them. I have to provide a plan - and sometimes a contingency plan explaining how I'm going to meet the objectives.
That's one of the things about politics generally that bothers me. There's plenty of talk about what needs to be done, but not a lot of disclosure about how those things will be accomplished. I don't get the sense that very much actually does get accomplished - though I'm willing to admit that I may be ignorant on that front.
Another problem I have is the question of motivation. I believe that the fellow who knocked on my door this evening truly wants to make a difference. Perhaps most - maybe all- politicians begin this way. I suspect, however, that once someone decides to become a career politician, that their motivation changes - at least to some degree.
I would describe myself as fairly apolitical. I'm not against politics per se, but find it hard to believe that any important answers are found in government. Maybe I'm a product of my generation. Nixon was impeached during my formative years. President Reagan was a brief 8 year period when I believed that politics could provide answers to important problems. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the USA and the freedom I enjoy. But I don't believe that God is terribly invested in our form of government - including our freedom.
I will do my civic duty and vote as responsibly as I can. I always do. However, it'll be as one choosing the lesser of two evils, rather than a great good. I'll also work for justice and peace as a private citizen - in the sphere in which I have influence - inviting God to do His work, expanding His Kingdom and His agenda in me and through me.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Steven Covey came up with that simple yet brilliant statement. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. It seems to be easier said than done for most of us - myself included.
We know it when we see it. Jesus' life was marked by a relentless focus on keeping the main thing the main thing. It kept him continually at odds with the religious leaders of his day who would rather ride hobby horses than truly follow the Living God. Mother Teresa and Gandhi also seemed to be able to keep the main thing primary in their lives.
More often than not, keeping the main thing the main thing leads to conflict. Folks are more comfortable with peripheral things. They're easier to do and easier to comprehend. They're also more about us and less about - well, the main thing. Maybe that's the crux of the matter.
At the deepest level - en lo mas hondo de mi ser - in my marrow - I want the focus of my life and energies to be on the Main Thing.
We know it when we see it. Jesus' life was marked by a relentless focus on keeping the main thing the main thing. It kept him continually at odds with the religious leaders of his day who would rather ride hobby horses than truly follow the Living God. Mother Teresa and Gandhi also seemed to be able to keep the main thing primary in their lives.
More often than not, keeping the main thing the main thing leads to conflict. Folks are more comfortable with peripheral things. They're easier to do and easier to comprehend. They're also more about us and less about - well, the main thing. Maybe that's the crux of the matter.
At the deepest level - en lo mas hondo de mi ser - in my marrow - I want the focus of my life and energies to be on the Main Thing.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
UK and Diana Krall
Thursday night I was watching theUniversity of KY vs. South Carolina and talking to my mom on the phone. I noticed that there were a lot of Kentucky fans in South Carolina and commented to my mom that it seemed like a long way to travel. She responded, "It doesn't seem any farther than Nashville is from South Central VA."
She's referring to my trip to Nashvegas to see Diana Krall in concert this summer. Yeah, and I drove. To mom (obviously), that seemed a bit extreme. The thing is, I had an extreme desire to see Diana Krall in concert- I've wanted to see her live for years. The truth is, I probably would have traveled farther than Nashville.
I guess it's a matter of priorities. I'm not a KY or a SC fan, I just wanted to watch some football. I probably would travel a fair distance to see the Steelers play (and regularly drive to see them when they're in Charlotte). Folks are willing to go the distance for whatever's important to them.
Christine Dente sings a song entitiled How Far, How Much where the question is posed, "How far would I go to show I love you so, I wonder?" I think it's an excellent question to ask. The "you" in this particular song is God. For me, God is priority #1 and the question is apt.
God in Christ went the distance for me (and you too) -- all the way to the cross. He willingly laid down his life. How far would I go to show I love Him so?
She's referring to my trip to Nashvegas to see Diana Krall in concert this summer. Yeah, and I drove. To mom (obviously), that seemed a bit extreme. The thing is, I had an extreme desire to see Diana Krall in concert- I've wanted to see her live for years. The truth is, I probably would have traveled farther than Nashville.
I guess it's a matter of priorities. I'm not a KY or a SC fan, I just wanted to watch some football. I probably would travel a fair distance to see the Steelers play (and regularly drive to see them when they're in Charlotte). Folks are willing to go the distance for whatever's important to them.
Christine Dente sings a song entitiled How Far, How Much where the question is posed, "How far would I go to show I love you so, I wonder?" I think it's an excellent question to ask. The "you" in this particular song is God. For me, God is priority #1 and the question is apt.
God in Christ went the distance for me (and you too) -- all the way to the cross. He willingly laid down his life. How far would I go to show I love Him so?
Friday, October 5, 2007
Smelly Music?
In some ways, music is like a smell.
They say that the sense of smell is linked in some very basic way to memory. Certain odors will prompt the memory of an event. For instance, perfumes may remind you of certain people. Smells can also evoke emotions, positive or negative that relate to our memories of events. Yesterday, I was taking a walk and smelled a cigar. Not a malodorous, cheap cigar, but a fairly decent one. The smell of good cigars reminds me of my father. I like the smell. It reminds me of the feeling of safety and security I had as a child.
Music does the same sort of thing. I've got Sirius radio, and love the 70's station. There's just nothing like music from the 70's, is there? My kids are amazed that I seem to know every song. Many of those songs carry memories. Many more evoke feelings: the feeling of the world opening up in new and exciting ways, feelings of confidence (and sometimes of insecurity), feelings of love - or rejection. Overwhelmingly, though music from this era makes me feel great.
It's an amazing power, isn't it? The power of words and music together forming part of the framework of someone's life?
They say that the sense of smell is linked in some very basic way to memory. Certain odors will prompt the memory of an event. For instance, perfumes may remind you of certain people. Smells can also evoke emotions, positive or negative that relate to our memories of events. Yesterday, I was taking a walk and smelled a cigar. Not a malodorous, cheap cigar, but a fairly decent one. The smell of good cigars reminds me of my father. I like the smell. It reminds me of the feeling of safety and security I had as a child.
Music does the same sort of thing. I've got Sirius radio, and love the 70's station. There's just nothing like music from the 70's, is there? My kids are amazed that I seem to know every song. Many of those songs carry memories. Many more evoke feelings: the feeling of the world opening up in new and exciting ways, feelings of confidence (and sometimes of insecurity), feelings of love - or rejection. Overwhelmingly, though music from this era makes me feel great.
It's an amazing power, isn't it? The power of words and music together forming part of the framework of someone's life?
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The sky is beautiful at this time of year. Whether it's the moon at night or the clouds during the day. The sky is dramatic in the Fall. Sunrise and sunset are equally lovely. This morning there was a rainbow shooting up in the west.
My daughter (adjusting to her 1st year of high school) said, "Maybe the rainbow's a sign that I'm going to have a good day." Wouldn't it great if we could see a sign in the sky and know with certainty that it portends a good day!
Though we can't tell by rainbows or stars or anything else we see on our way to work or school that things are going to go our way, we can know that God is with us. And as the Creator of ALL, he'll guide us through every circumstance "good" or "bad"and use it all as a means of guiding our lives and shaping our hearts.
My daughter (adjusting to her 1st year of high school) said, "Maybe the rainbow's a sign that I'm going to have a good day." Wouldn't it great if we could see a sign in the sky and know with certainty that it portends a good day!
Though we can't tell by rainbows or stars or anything else we see on our way to work or school that things are going to go our way, we can know that God is with us. And as the Creator of ALL, he'll guide us through every circumstance "good" or "bad"and use it all as a means of guiding our lives and shaping our hearts.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Did You Know
Did you know:
- In Louisiana biting someone with your natural teeth is "simple assault" but biting someone with your false teeth is "aggravated assault"?
- The banana is the world's largest herb?
-Unlike love and warranties, pollen actually does last forever?
-According to marine biologists, whale songs are said to rhyme?
- A group of tigers is known collectively as a "streak".
- In Louisiana biting someone with your natural teeth is "simple assault" but biting someone with your false teeth is "aggravated assault"?
- The banana is the world's largest herb?
-Unlike love and warranties, pollen actually does last forever?
-According to marine biologists, whale songs are said to rhyme?
- A group of tigers is known collectively as a "streak".
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
He's Feelin' So Fly
I had a conversation with my friend Patrick today. I've known Patrick for about 8 years. We're work buddies. We've shared lots of life over the years we've been friends. I've cried at his dad's funeral and at his wedding. We've fought together in the trenches at work. Patrick is an amazing fellow and an inspirational follower of Jesus Christ.
A few weeks ago Patrick blew out his ACL playing basketball. To fully understand the impact of something like this, you need to know that "Basketball jones, I got a basketball jones, I got a basketball jones oh baby oooheeooh" was written about him.
But rather than be devastated and drown in self-pity, Patrick decided to discover what God had for him. He worked hard in physical therapy before surgery, came through surgery like a champ, and now is in physical therapy again - working hard to regain mobility. Patrick's doing his part, and God is faithfully doing His.
I asked him how he's doing today and he said:
- "God is encouraging me as I'm praising Him."
- "I feel so triumphant, so liberated, and I will never forget leaning my crutch up against the wall and walking away from it. It has to be a taste of what those people that Jesus healed felt like."
- "If I had wings I could fly."
It puts me in mind of Toby Mac's song "Feelin' So Fly":
There ain't a day that goes by
That I'm not singing Your praise
There ain't a day that goes by
That I'm not completely amazed
A supernatural high
Your love is simply insane
You got me feeling so fly
It's amazing how God blesses beyond our thoughts or expectations in all things - if only we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand.
A few weeks ago Patrick blew out his ACL playing basketball. To fully understand the impact of something like this, you need to know that "Basketball jones, I got a basketball jones, I got a basketball jones oh baby oooheeooh" was written about him.
But rather than be devastated and drown in self-pity, Patrick decided to discover what God had for him. He worked hard in physical therapy before surgery, came through surgery like a champ, and now is in physical therapy again - working hard to regain mobility. Patrick's doing his part, and God is faithfully doing His.
I asked him how he's doing today and he said:
- "God is encouraging me as I'm praising Him."
- "I feel so triumphant, so liberated, and I will never forget leaning my crutch up against the wall and walking away from it. It has to be a taste of what those people that Jesus healed felt like."
- "If I had wings I could fly."
It puts me in mind of Toby Mac's song "Feelin' So Fly":
There ain't a day that goes by
That I'm not singing Your praise
There ain't a day that goes by
That I'm not completely amazed
A supernatural high
Your love is simply insane
You got me feeling so fly
It's amazing how God blesses beyond our thoughts or expectations in all things - if only we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand.
Monday, October 1, 2007
On the Closing of a Church
It's pretty darn sad when a church closes its doors. Yesterday I attended the final service of a small Presbyterian church in my town. It began as a mission of a larger Presbyterian church, planted in a mill neighborhood in 1919. Ideally, the church would have been there as a beacon of hope and proclaimer of grace. Maybe it was.
Over the years the neighborhood changed, as neighborhoods are wont to do. It became integrated, perhaps even predominately black. The congregation did not change. It did not integrate. Why? I picked up one of the visitors cards from the pew yesterday. It originated from the 60s, and depicts clean cut smiling folks - women in hats and gloves. The families on the visitor card do not reflect the demographic of the neighborhood.
I attend the largest Presbyterian church in town. We once boasted a congregation of close to 1,000. I think there may be 300-400 on the church rolls today. Our church is located near downtown. In our case too, the demographics of the church do not match the demographics of the neighborhood. The church does reach out to the neighborhood, serving lunch every Saturday (the only day of the week the week the Salvation Army does not offer a meal). But in worship on Sunday morning, most of the faces are white.
I sit on the session of the church, and the decline in membership is a concern. I can imagine session meeting from the church that just closed sounding similar. How much of a concern is it truly? Are we willing to change the demographics of the church? Are we willing to integrate? How 'bout changing worship, sharing power, opening up to CHANGE?
Part of God's great charm is that he always calls us into a wider place. But getting there means being open to change, discomfort, and pain. The alternative is a long, slow death. May God grant us all the grace to follow where his Holy Spirit leads.
Over the years the neighborhood changed, as neighborhoods are wont to do. It became integrated, perhaps even predominately black. The congregation did not change. It did not integrate. Why? I picked up one of the visitors cards from the pew yesterday. It originated from the 60s, and depicts clean cut smiling folks - women in hats and gloves. The families on the visitor card do not reflect the demographic of the neighborhood.
I attend the largest Presbyterian church in town. We once boasted a congregation of close to 1,000. I think there may be 300-400 on the church rolls today. Our church is located near downtown. In our case too, the demographics of the church do not match the demographics of the neighborhood. The church does reach out to the neighborhood, serving lunch every Saturday (the only day of the week the week the Salvation Army does not offer a meal). But in worship on Sunday morning, most of the faces are white.
I sit on the session of the church, and the decline in membership is a concern. I can imagine session meeting from the church that just closed sounding similar. How much of a concern is it truly? Are we willing to change the demographics of the church? Are we willing to integrate? How 'bout changing worship, sharing power, opening up to CHANGE?
Part of God's great charm is that he always calls us into a wider place. But getting there means being open to change, discomfort, and pain. The alternative is a long, slow death. May God grant us all the grace to follow where his Holy Spirit leads.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A Tweener in a Hinge Point
I recently finished Reggie McNeal's book A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders. The book was required reading for a class that I'm taking at GCTS, and was one of those surprise gifts that God gives occasionally that leaves you speechless. It was an answer to prayer. A gift of encouragement. I've had plenty of cud to chew thanks to McNeal. Here's some of what I'm pondering:
God's arrangement of the universe and the timing of HIS story is perfect and elegant. Check out this quote from McNeal:
"You have entered human history at a hinge point. Be assured that God is not caught off guard by the cultural upheavals that characterize this period of transition. Neither is he surprised by your intersection with the planet. It is not accidental that you live and lead at time when the decisions you make, especially in regard to culture, will affect generations."
McNeal sees what Walter Ong also recognized as a seismic shift in the way humans perceive reality. McNeal talks about the collapse of the Newtonian world view, Ong secondary orality. The bottom line is that we are in the hinge of a historic shift - in Ong's terms like the shift that occurred when we shifted from an oral to a literary society (the renaissance and reformation happened during this era).
Ong describes how technology has influenced the changes. Think of something as simple as reading - a left to right (or right to left) exercise, verses TVs and computers which refresh top to bottom. Watch a commercial from the 1960s and compare it to one today. In the 60s commercials were longer, slower and typically showed one image. Today, images are flashed in quick succession creating an impression, a feeling. Ong said that we are entering a period of secondary orality. Folks today are more ready to hear and see and feel than read and reason. One might say that for the first time in over 500 years people are ready to HEAR the Gospel again.
McNeal's book obviously reaches folks of several "generations." Builders and many Boomers are not at all comfortable with what is going on in the world today. Gen Xers are for the most part, fully emerged in whatever this new thing is. Interesting for me, is that I'm not a Boomer or a Gen Xer. I'm a Tweener. I'm standing with a foot on each side of the hinge.
So what does the above mean for my life and ministry? I'm not entirely sure. Interestingly I find myself in a mainline denomination (PCUSA) and an aging congregation. I wonder about the future of the denomination and congregation. Without fundamental changes, the congregation won't make it in the future. Maybe having one foot on each side of the door puts me in a position to offer perspective to Builders and Boomers as well as Gen X and Y. May God give me the wisdom to discern my call in this time and place.
God's arrangement of the universe and the timing of HIS story is perfect and elegant. Check out this quote from McNeal:
"You have entered human history at a hinge point. Be assured that God is not caught off guard by the cultural upheavals that characterize this period of transition. Neither is he surprised by your intersection with the planet. It is not accidental that you live and lead at time when the decisions you make, especially in regard to culture, will affect generations."
McNeal sees what Walter Ong also recognized as a seismic shift in the way humans perceive reality. McNeal talks about the collapse of the Newtonian world view, Ong secondary orality. The bottom line is that we are in the hinge of a historic shift - in Ong's terms like the shift that occurred when we shifted from an oral to a literary society (the renaissance and reformation happened during this era).
Ong describes how technology has influenced the changes. Think of something as simple as reading - a left to right (or right to left) exercise, verses TVs and computers which refresh top to bottom. Watch a commercial from the 1960s and compare it to one today. In the 60s commercials were longer, slower and typically showed one image. Today, images are flashed in quick succession creating an impression, a feeling. Ong said that we are entering a period of secondary orality. Folks today are more ready to hear and see and feel than read and reason. One might say that for the first time in over 500 years people are ready to HEAR the Gospel again.
McNeal's book obviously reaches folks of several "generations." Builders and many Boomers are not at all comfortable with what is going on in the world today. Gen Xers are for the most part, fully emerged in whatever this new thing is. Interesting for me, is that I'm not a Boomer or a Gen Xer. I'm a Tweener. I'm standing with a foot on each side of the hinge.
So what does the above mean for my life and ministry? I'm not entirely sure. Interestingly I find myself in a mainline denomination (PCUSA) and an aging congregation. I wonder about the future of the denomination and congregation. Without fundamental changes, the congregation won't make it in the future. Maybe having one foot on each side of the door puts me in a position to offer perspective to Builders and Boomers as well as Gen X and Y. May God give me the wisdom to discern my call in this time and place.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
On Football and Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Or There's no Fool Like an Old Fool
2 Things:
On Football - I saw my brother in law last night for the first time since Labor Day. My aunt and uncle invited a bunch of us out for a picnic, and after we ate we decided to play a little football. I have to say that though tennis is probably my "life sport", I love football better. It's really not possible to be a girl and have football be a serious part of your life as a player for very long - the onset of puberty put an end to my regular football playing... Anyway my son, my cousin and his kids, and all three of my brother-in-laws and I played some football (two hands anywhere). Three of us ended up limping off of the field of battle. The brother-in-law mentioned above wound up with a stress fracture in his leg. My mom's assessment: "You all are too old to be out there running around like that!" The problem is, that inside I'm still about 10 years old. I still want to play.
On Elizabeth Barrett Browning - I recently saw Chris Rice in concert. He asked the audience who was an EBB fan. I think alot of those kids had maybe never even read a single poem, though probably all would be familiar with the line, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Mores the pity. What's not to love about EBB (her life and her poetry)?! The really interesting thing is that "How do I love thee..." line is far from the best line in that particular poem:
Sonnets from the Portuguese #43:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints!---I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!---and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death
At the mid point of my forties, I still aspire to a love like that! And to a continuation of my football career. Oh well, you know what they say, "There's no fool like an old fool."
On Football - I saw my brother in law last night for the first time since Labor Day. My aunt and uncle invited a bunch of us out for a picnic, and after we ate we decided to play a little football. I have to say that though tennis is probably my "life sport", I love football better. It's really not possible to be a girl and have football be a serious part of your life as a player for very long - the onset of puberty put an end to my regular football playing... Anyway my son, my cousin and his kids, and all three of my brother-in-laws and I played some football (two hands anywhere). Three of us ended up limping off of the field of battle. The brother-in-law mentioned above wound up with a stress fracture in his leg. My mom's assessment: "You all are too old to be out there running around like that!" The problem is, that inside I'm still about 10 years old. I still want to play.
On Elizabeth Barrett Browning - I recently saw Chris Rice in concert. He asked the audience who was an EBB fan. I think alot of those kids had maybe never even read a single poem, though probably all would be familiar with the line, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Mores the pity. What's not to love about EBB (her life and her poetry)?! The really interesting thing is that "How do I love thee..." line is far from the best line in that particular poem:
Sonnets from the Portuguese #43:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints!---I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!---and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death
At the mid point of my forties, I still aspire to a love like that! And to a continuation of my football career. Oh well, you know what they say, "There's no fool like an old fool."
Friday, September 28, 2007
Rie y Llora
I was listening to Celia Cruz sing "Rie y Llora" yesterday and pondering. People respond to life altering (or ending) events like terminal cancer in different ways. This song talks about the value of the moment - "the perfect present". Whatever the moment calls for, whether laughter or tears can be embraced without fear. Celia Cruz, facing the end of her life, decided to live right up until the very end. Anyone familiar with her music would expect nothing less than the indomitable spirit that she displayed.
I hope that I live my life with as much consistency and gusto as she did. My style is certainly very different, and I would imagine my priorities a world away from hers. But I'd like to think that I'm learning to embrace all that life holds - tears as well as laughter and recognizing in them the "perfect present."
I hope that I live my life with as much consistency and gusto as she did. My style is certainly very different, and I would imagine my priorities a world away from hers. But I'd like to think that I'm learning to embrace all that life holds - tears as well as laughter and recognizing in them the "perfect present."
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Too Much of Anything...
Too much of anything is - well too much. For instance, did you know that summers on Uranus last for 21 years? Yep. I love Summer, but I'd have to say that after 21 years I'd be ready for Fall.
It seems like we've been wired to enjoy things in their season. When you're hungry, you want something to eat. But even if you're ravenous, once you've had enough, if you continue to eat, you're miserable in a totally different way. Pregnancy is something that can be enjoyed for a season, but once it's time for the baby to be born all you can think of is getting that bundle of joy OUT. You're ready to trade a crying baby for an enormous stomach.
We've definitely been made to live life in a rhythm of ups and downs - ebbs and flows - all leading us toward maturity and wholeness.
May God help us to ebrace all of our seasons (in their season) and recognize His heart shaping presence in each one.
It seems like we've been wired to enjoy things in their season. When you're hungry, you want something to eat. But even if you're ravenous, once you've had enough, if you continue to eat, you're miserable in a totally different way. Pregnancy is something that can be enjoyed for a season, but once it's time for the baby to be born all you can think of is getting that bundle of joy OUT. You're ready to trade a crying baby for an enormous stomach.
We've definitely been made to live life in a rhythm of ups and downs - ebbs and flows - all leading us toward maturity and wholeness.
May God help us to ebrace all of our seasons (in their season) and recognize His heart shaping presence in each one.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sometimes You Need to Slow Down
Lately I've been pondering the need to slow down and listen. Listen to God, listen to my own heart, listen to what others are saying - and not saying.
When our lives become filled with too much activity and too many words and too much noise we're in danger of losing our center. So - slow down. Embrace silence. Find some space. Be quiet and listen. Don't be afraid of what you'll hear. The Lover of the Universe has things to say to you. You can't hear, if you're not listening.
When our lives become filled with too much activity and too many words and too much noise we're in danger of losing our center. So - slow down. Embrace silence. Find some space. Be quiet and listen. Don't be afraid of what you'll hear. The Lover of the Universe has things to say to you. You can't hear, if you're not listening.
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