God does work in mysterious ways! My wife had a hair appointment this morning, and while she was getting her haircut, in walked two members of the church. We chatted about how they were doing and so forth. When her cut was done, he got into the chair for a quick trim and my wife got into a deep conversation with his wife about the latest effects of his stroke. She had tears in her eyes as she related the frustrations of trying to care for him. On the surface, he's doing remarkably well, but his own frustrations make it easy for the private life to be less than perfect.
That seems to be the way a lot of us are, with a public face that seems sunshine and roses, and a private face that isn't nearly so pretty. Something to do with being human, no doubt. Yet, part of what our Savior calls us to is discovering that the public face needs to be more honest, and the private face nicer, more compassionate. We are to become more and more like Jesus' example. We need to push ourselves in all those comfortable areas that, truth be told, are just not what God wants from us. It isn't always comfortable, but then growth usually isn't all that comfortable.
When we need to remind ourselves of that, we need only watch a small child learning to walk or ride a bicycle or skate. They fall down, they skin knees and hands, they get bloody noses, they cry and wail in pain and frustration. We tell them they need to get up and try again - then we forget as we grow that the same is true of us when we are learning something we need. Life isn't easy, but we have so much to ease our way that we have forgotten what our great-grandparents understood. Each day is another chance to live, to struggle against the things that would keep us down, to be inventive about solutions. Each day will bring its own struggles and disappointments. Each day will afford us another opportunity to reach out in love and compassion - or push someone away that God brings to us for help.
The choice is always ours, and with the choice the burden of living with our choices. When we learn a new way of doing something, we should be cautious about throwing it away before we see if it will work or not. As life comes at you, strive to face it like the tenacious tyke who refuses to stay on hands and knees, the little girl who decides she is every bit as good at sports as the boys, the cancer or AIDS patient who refuses to simply roll over and die so people will feel more comfortable. Get those sleeves rolled up, and grit your teeth in determination to grow into the person God intends, and may the Spirit give us the courage to begin!
Peace!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Let the itch begin!
I'm experiencing something now that has definite theological connotations! I'm in the last week of having my wrist immobilized after the excision of a ganglion cyst and carpal tunnel release surgery on January 11. The itching has attacked aggressively in the last two days. I know it means that it's healing, but it is maddening!
Theological connotations, you ask? Yes! The work of God's Spirit on us should be an itch that cannot be scratched! We should constantly find ourselves pushed, prodded, itched into growth, growing understanding, new practices that show our faith and the love of God for those left out or actively pushed out by "the ruling opinion." We need an itch we cannot overcome, nor ignore!
Make no mistake, Jesus was such an itch for the disciples and his world. When they couldn't scratch the itch to stop it, they killed him. We might, if we cause enough itch, face the same reaction - witness what has happened to Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. No, I don't think either was perfect, but I can sure wish we had a few of them in the church!!!
May God create an itch in you that leads to a passionate pursuit of your faith on behalf of God's hated children everywhere! You know them when you can't stand them! Or when you see or hear others pushing them away in scorn or hatred.
Peace!
Theological connotations, you ask? Yes! The work of God's Spirit on us should be an itch that cannot be scratched! We should constantly find ourselves pushed, prodded, itched into growth, growing understanding, new practices that show our faith and the love of God for those left out or actively pushed out by "the ruling opinion." We need an itch we cannot overcome, nor ignore!
Make no mistake, Jesus was such an itch for the disciples and his world. When they couldn't scratch the itch to stop it, they killed him. We might, if we cause enough itch, face the same reaction - witness what has happened to Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. No, I don't think either was perfect, but I can sure wish we had a few of them in the church!!!
May God create an itch in you that leads to a passionate pursuit of your faith on behalf of God's hated children everywhere! You know them when you can't stand them! Or when you see or hear others pushing them away in scorn or hatred.
Peace!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Learning About Disabling Conditions
I've received yet another reminder of how blessed I am to have all my limbs and senses. I'm currently recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and the removal of a cyst on my right wrist. That cast makes things very interesting! You don't really think about how much you miss things, until you don't have it! Now I am reminded yet again of how persons with "disabling" conditions go through. I'll try to be more understanding and reach to shake with my left hand when my friend Lynn approaches me with his prosthetic hook on his right arm. I'll try to be more sympathetic when someone is dealing with something similar. And I'll thank God for having a good doctor, a loving and helpful wife, and understanding friends.
I'm also dealing with an elderly gentleman from the church I serve who has had a recurrence of cancer, as so often more voracious and aggressive than ever before, and is in the latter stages of dying. I've been to have a talk with him in his home, and he was ready to face what would happen, comfortable with his relationship with God, but willing to try the therapy suggested. I've visited him in the hospital last Thursday and we had a fairly good talk, with a promise of another - but the next time I was called to see him, he was unresponsive and slipping. I shared a releasing moment with him today, knowing he wouldn't want to lay there and cause suffering to his family or closest friends.
In the words of my Amerind heritage, the cycle of life leading to death, which leads back to life. We are born, we live and try to improve ourselves and our world, we die, which allows another to live and attempt to improve life. "Make me worthy!" was the final prayerful words of a Amerind prayer I learned at one time. Indeed, may we all be made worthy!!
Peace!
I'm also dealing with an elderly gentleman from the church I serve who has had a recurrence of cancer, as so often more voracious and aggressive than ever before, and is in the latter stages of dying. I've been to have a talk with him in his home, and he was ready to face what would happen, comfortable with his relationship with God, but willing to try the therapy suggested. I've visited him in the hospital last Thursday and we had a fairly good talk, with a promise of another - but the next time I was called to see him, he was unresponsive and slipping. I shared a releasing moment with him today, knowing he wouldn't want to lay there and cause suffering to his family or closest friends.
In the words of my Amerind heritage, the cycle of life leading to death, which leads back to life. We are born, we live and try to improve ourselves and our world, we die, which allows another to live and attempt to improve life. "Make me worthy!" was the final prayerful words of a Amerind prayer I learned at one time. Indeed, may we all be made worthy!!
Peace!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Difficulty of Staying Positive
Alright, I admit to having just gone through one of those times where it is very hard to stay positive. Someone came in to talk to me about concerns for our church - though not once recognizing any personal contribution or responsibility for those concerns. Offense was taken at my personal opinion and almost a challenge to return the favor. I refused to rise to the bait, simply saying ok, I will defend your right to have your opinion. I find that the years have done little to help me understand the mentality that when problems develop in churches, it is the professional leadership that must change.
I continue to read in the Bible that Jesus said we are all short of the mark, all in need of doing the will of God shown in the life and teaching of Jesus. Yet, I continue to run into the attitude that says, only some of the teachings, and only the wonderful comforting parts of the life, please. I knowingly challenge people, and I find that in the area of faith development, more people do not want, will not accept challenge. They want comfort, they want entertainment, they want good feelings.
Jesus calls us to transform a world, to fill it with attitudes of concern for the downtrodden, to make Biblical justice the order of the day. Is that easy? Absolutely not! Will it end wars? No, just look at Israel's history. Will it end poverty, disease, suffering? No, because there will always be those who will allow greed to supercede the stated willingness to live together with fair distribution. But slowly and surely it will begin to change, and those persons will become fewer - if we are willing to start the process, and to suffer a little ridicule or suffering to stand with our Savior.
Jesus clearly tells us to count the cost. Jesus clearly says it will NOT be easy, that we can expect nothing less or more than he experienced. Israel found a comfort zone, and it broke them in their relationship with the liberating God that brought them out of Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and freed them from oppressors. Are we repeating their mistakes? It just might be the case.
I will continue to know that this person came from what were the best of intentions from that perspective, and that it came, not easily, from a genuine concern for the body of people here that are enjoyed and comfortable. I'll look for ways I can reach out, and try to find some different ways to communicate the message. But I refuse to give up my beliefs, my hopes, my understanding that comes from study, prayer and experience.
May the God of all people, the God of new Creation, the God of Jesus and other important, powerful and godly teachers be with us on this unending, difficult, yet rewarding journey. Peace!
I continue to read in the Bible that Jesus said we are all short of the mark, all in need of doing the will of God shown in the life and teaching of Jesus. Yet, I continue to run into the attitude that says, only some of the teachings, and only the wonderful comforting parts of the life, please. I knowingly challenge people, and I find that in the area of faith development, more people do not want, will not accept challenge. They want comfort, they want entertainment, they want good feelings.
Jesus calls us to transform a world, to fill it with attitudes of concern for the downtrodden, to make Biblical justice the order of the day. Is that easy? Absolutely not! Will it end wars? No, just look at Israel's history. Will it end poverty, disease, suffering? No, because there will always be those who will allow greed to supercede the stated willingness to live together with fair distribution. But slowly and surely it will begin to change, and those persons will become fewer - if we are willing to start the process, and to suffer a little ridicule or suffering to stand with our Savior.
Jesus clearly tells us to count the cost. Jesus clearly says it will NOT be easy, that we can expect nothing less or more than he experienced. Israel found a comfort zone, and it broke them in their relationship with the liberating God that brought them out of Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and freed them from oppressors. Are we repeating their mistakes? It just might be the case.
I will continue to know that this person came from what were the best of intentions from that perspective, and that it came, not easily, from a genuine concern for the body of people here that are enjoyed and comfortable. I'll look for ways I can reach out, and try to find some different ways to communicate the message. But I refuse to give up my beliefs, my hopes, my understanding that comes from study, prayer and experience.
May the God of all people, the God of new Creation, the God of Jesus and other important, powerful and godly teachers be with us on this unending, difficult, yet rewarding journey. Peace!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
What a difference a baby makes
We've just returned from our first visit with our new grandson, our son and daughter-in-law. Aren't babies a wonder? So small and vulnerable that it really doesn't take much to harm them, yet in that very vulnerability they draw out the most protective side of most people. Those tiny long fingers, the cute little pursing of the lips, that serious little look they get as newborns when they open their eyes and look at you. We took some pictures, and I assure you there will be many more. But looking into Justin's eyes as he rested in my arms was an amazingly uplifting time.
Yes, listening to my son and daughter-in-law brought back a lot of memories of our turn for the new babies. And I'm glad, at my age, that I'm doing it again. I made an intentional commitment to try to turn my outlook around and be more positive, more upbeat in my day to day contacts and activities. This because I want my son, daughter-in-law, grandson, daughter and wife to have a more positive world to live in. There is enough negative out there because we have become so cynical about this world and its leaders. There is so much sarcasm because experience is teaching us that people don't seem to care about one another anymore. But add a baby in the mixture and it's amazing how interested and happy people can become.
So, my friends, I challenge you to join me, because I know how tough this walk will be, in making a more positive difference in our world. How? By a more positive outlook on life, by a more caring attitude toward the people around us, by working for leaders who will act with integrity and caring - who will be more interested in building up people than conquests.
Peace and grace in the new year!
Yes, listening to my son and daughter-in-law brought back a lot of memories of our turn for the new babies. And I'm glad, at my age, that I'm doing it again. I made an intentional commitment to try to turn my outlook around and be more positive, more upbeat in my day to day contacts and activities. This because I want my son, daughter-in-law, grandson, daughter and wife to have a more positive world to live in. There is enough negative out there because we have become so cynical about this world and its leaders. There is so much sarcasm because experience is teaching us that people don't seem to care about one another anymore. But add a baby in the mixture and it's amazing how interested and happy people can become.
So, my friends, I challenge you to join me, because I know how tough this walk will be, in making a more positive difference in our world. How? By a more positive outlook on life, by a more caring attitude toward the people around us, by working for leaders who will act with integrity and caring - who will be more interested in building up people than conquests.
Peace and grace in the new year!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2008 Begins
And so another year begins. What are we to make of it? Well, that is really our choice, plain and simple. We can see this as an unspoiled canvas on which to paint our deepest desires, or a treasure chest to be plundered until it is empty, or a load of trouble we'll never be free from. The path that I believe God wants us to take is to see the first choice I mentioned. Some will think this is Pollyanna speaking, but it truly is NOT. Enough research has been done to show that when we set our minds to find the good and augment it, there is little life can do to change that or to bring our world down on our heads. the only thing that can accomplish that is our own change of mind and attitude.
Several years ago, I heard the story of a man extremely successful in his business that bought into the second of the choices I offered above. Soon he was away from home more often than not, drinking and living the high life - until he found his business bankrupt, his family gone. He sunk lower into the dregs of life, until one night he offered a prayer apologizing to God for the mess he made of his life, asking for help to get it back, and promising 10% of his profits. He changed his attitude, changed his faith source and indeed climbed back to success - success so great he gave the vast bulk of his profits to charities like hospitals, schools and human aid organizations.
I continue to wonder what would happen if we get even 10% of the members of mainline churches to believe that, even 10% of all people of faith? Think of it! Jews, Christians, Muslims, Native Peoples, Buddhists, Sihks, Hindus, and others all living with an understanding that we will give to our diety the piety we should, live toward others with care, love and concern and offer back from the bounty we are given even such a small amount as that 10%.
Yes, I truly know how difficult it can be. I have struggled with medical bills, prescription medicines, debt and wondering how in God's name I am to be able to give that money. Interestingly, we found while still in seminary that when we gave God 10% first, there was always enough. Not necessarily an amount that allowed us to splurge a lot, but enough - just what God promises us. And we were happy!
So here's to a new year, filled with possibilities, filled with hope, and for us, new life through our new grandson Justin! Peace!!
Several years ago, I heard the story of a man extremely successful in his business that bought into the second of the choices I offered above. Soon he was away from home more often than not, drinking and living the high life - until he found his business bankrupt, his family gone. He sunk lower into the dregs of life, until one night he offered a prayer apologizing to God for the mess he made of his life, asking for help to get it back, and promising 10% of his profits. He changed his attitude, changed his faith source and indeed climbed back to success - success so great he gave the vast bulk of his profits to charities like hospitals, schools and human aid organizations.
I continue to wonder what would happen if we get even 10% of the members of mainline churches to believe that, even 10% of all people of faith? Think of it! Jews, Christians, Muslims, Native Peoples, Buddhists, Sihks, Hindus, and others all living with an understanding that we will give to our diety the piety we should, live toward others with care, love and concern and offer back from the bounty we are given even such a small amount as that 10%.
Yes, I truly know how difficult it can be. I have struggled with medical bills, prescription medicines, debt and wondering how in God's name I am to be able to give that money. Interestingly, we found while still in seminary that when we gave God 10% first, there was always enough. Not necessarily an amount that allowed us to splurge a lot, but enough - just what God promises us. And we were happy!
So here's to a new year, filled with possibilities, filled with hope, and for us, new life through our new grandson Justin! Peace!!
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