Christmastime is upon us... that wonderful, joyous, busy, holy time of year. The children at our church did a super job of sharing the Christmas story with us all this morning. Anna and Will were shepherds, and Evan was the cutest donkey ever (though I may be a little biased).
Anyway, it was a great reminder of the meaning of the season. Of how God Almighty humbled himself and came to us, to live among us. There was no room in the inn. How could all the vastness of the Creator squeeze into a Bethlehem inn anyway? Even more, how could he fit into the size of a tiny babe sleeping in a manger? It reminds me of the scene in Aladdin where the Genie, describing his own situation, says "phenomenal cosmic powers... itty bitty living space."
But there he is, our God, in a stable among the dirt and livestock and humble folk. The Creator stepping into his creation. More powerful and wonderful than any genie, he seeks us, pursues us, transforms us. He could raise up the rocks to praise and glorify his name, but he wants us. He chooses us. Do we have room for him?
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
What If We Could Change The World?
It's Christmastime, and the race to get more stuff for our loved ones is on. There are traffic jams around the malls and long check-out lines at the popular stores. As I consider what sort of goodies might make my little ones smile, I look around our home and see the bounty they already have, and I wonder...
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is upon us again, and visions of pilgrims and natives and turkeys dance through my head. I suppose it all started with a simple, undeserved act of kindness, extended across cultural bounds, that proved to be life-saving and life-changing. With that in mind I offer up my thanks to the Giver of every good and perfect gift:
for the seasons that remind me that everything has its time,
for the little yellow and orange leaves that crunch beneath my feet,
for your Word that speaks your love to me,
for your people whose lives have pointed me to you,
for my precious children who teach me so much about myself even as I try to teach them,
for my failures as a mother that cause me to marvel at your perfection as a Father,
for my loving husband who makes me smile,
for beautiful music that stirs the soul,
for the vast sky that reminds me I am small,
for family and friends who surround us with love,
for children's giggles and bear hugs,
for furry wiggles and wagging tails,
for blessings numbered like the stars,
for freedom,
for love,
for life.
Yes, it all started with that undeserved act of kindness, extended across cultural bounds, that proved to be life-saving and life-changing... Thank you for the cross.
for the seasons that remind me that everything has its time,
for the little yellow and orange leaves that crunch beneath my feet,
for your Word that speaks your love to me,
for your people whose lives have pointed me to you,
for my precious children who teach me so much about myself even as I try to teach them,
for my failures as a mother that cause me to marvel at your perfection as a Father,
for my loving husband who makes me smile,
for beautiful music that stirs the soul,
for the vast sky that reminds me I am small,
for family and friends who surround us with love,
for children's giggles and bear hugs,
for furry wiggles and wagging tails,
for blessings numbered like the stars,
for freedom,
for love,
for life.
Yes, it all started with that undeserved act of kindness, extended across cultural bounds, that proved to be life-saving and life-changing... Thank you for the cross.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Lessons From a Corn Maze
If I had my own corn maze, I'd call it The Amazing Maize Maze. Really, I can't believe I've never seen a corn maze with that name. There must be one somewhere.
I went to a corn maze twice last week, having never been to one before, and it was interesting. Looking at the map, it seems like a lot of fun. The paths are cleverly arranged to make a picture. You get to walk around through corn, which just doesn't happen every day. And the days I went to the maze were beautiful and sunny, with cheerful skies. What's not to like?
But, the whole point of a maze is to try to find your way out, which necessarily implies that there are lots of ways that do not lead out. And I happen to have some issues with getting lost. I don't like it. Not even the thought of it, really. But if my kids were up for the maze, then I was, too.
As we went through the maze (happily following a guide, which I think is kind of like cheating), we passed through an intersection and my son asked why we didn't take a different route. I explained that not all the paths lead back out. He asked why not. I asked him how much fun it would be to do a maze if we knew every path would lead out, so there was no way to "lose." He thought about it, and answered that it wouldn't be any fun.
Exactly. It's a paradox: without the chance of losing, winning is meaningless. Why even bother unless you just like walking around in the corn (which, in itself, is interesting for a certain amount of time)?
Another thing about the maze is that there are lots of paths people can choose to follow. But not all of them will take you where you aim to go, no matter how sincere you may be. Some of them are simply dead ends. And so it is in life, on so many levels.
Life is truly amazeing! (Yeah, that was bad, but I just couldn't resist!)
I went to a corn maze twice last week, having never been to one before, and it was interesting. Looking at the map, it seems like a lot of fun. The paths are cleverly arranged to make a picture. You get to walk around through corn, which just doesn't happen every day. And the days I went to the maze were beautiful and sunny, with cheerful skies. What's not to like?
But, the whole point of a maze is to try to find your way out, which necessarily implies that there are lots of ways that do not lead out. And I happen to have some issues with getting lost. I don't like it. Not even the thought of it, really. But if my kids were up for the maze, then I was, too.
As we went through the maze (happily following a guide, which I think is kind of like cheating), we passed through an intersection and my son asked why we didn't take a different route. I explained that not all the paths lead back out. He asked why not. I asked him how much fun it would be to do a maze if we knew every path would lead out, so there was no way to "lose." He thought about it, and answered that it wouldn't be any fun.
Exactly. It's a paradox: without the chance of losing, winning is meaningless. Why even bother unless you just like walking around in the corn (which, in itself, is interesting for a certain amount of time)?
Another thing about the maze is that there are lots of paths people can choose to follow. But not all of them will take you where you aim to go, no matter how sincere you may be. Some of them are simply dead ends. And so it is in life, on so many levels.
Life is truly amazeing! (Yeah, that was bad, but I just couldn't resist!)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Reformation Day Challenge
Today we celebrate Reformation Day (and you thought it was Halloween!), remembering Martin Luther's nailing of his "95 Theses" to the Wittenberg church door in an attempt to start a dialogue with the Catholic Church. This act changed the course of history and Christianity as Luther challenged powerful church officials by rightly asserting that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, rather than by good deeds and work.
Luther did not set out to start a new church, but was concerned about specific ways the church of the time had strayed from biblical teaching. He held up the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, higher than church doctrine and teachings. Martin Luther was passionate about the Bible, and translated it into the German vernacular (as opposed to Latin), making it accessible to everyday people.
You and I are blessed today to have so many English translations of the Bible available. But what if we only had access to the Bible in Latin? Or Russian? Or Swahili? How well would we understand it? How would our faith flourish?
In honor of Reformation Day, I invite you to check out the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org), a Christian organization busy making God's Word accessible to the everyday people of the world. There are currently more than 2000 languages in the world, spoken by about 350 million people, that have no part of the Bible in their native tongue. Of the 6800+ languages in the world, only 471 have the entire Bible available to them in the language they best understand.
The task is great. The workers are few. Consider how you might play a part in bringing God's Word - and the message of salvation by grace, through faith - to the everyday people of the world so the truth may set them free. Let freedom ring! Happy Reformation Day!
Luther did not set out to start a new church, but was concerned about specific ways the church of the time had strayed from biblical teaching. He held up the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, higher than church doctrine and teachings. Martin Luther was passionate about the Bible, and translated it into the German vernacular (as opposed to Latin), making it accessible to everyday people.
You and I are blessed today to have so many English translations of the Bible available. But what if we only had access to the Bible in Latin? Or Russian? Or Swahili? How well would we understand it? How would our faith flourish?
In honor of Reformation Day, I invite you to check out the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org), a Christian organization busy making God's Word accessible to the everyday people of the world. There are currently more than 2000 languages in the world, spoken by about 350 million people, that have no part of the Bible in their native tongue. Of the 6800+ languages in the world, only 471 have the entire Bible available to them in the language they best understand.
The task is great. The workers are few. Consider how you might play a part in bringing God's Word - and the message of salvation by grace, through faith - to the everyday people of the world so the truth may set them free. Let freedom ring! Happy Reformation Day!
Friday, October 19, 2012
A Communion Surprise
It was Sunday morning at church a couple weeks ago, just as Jon and I began to make our way up to communion, when Will decided to come with us. But first, let me set the stage.
I know there are a lot of different ways for churches to carry out the Lord's Supper... passing it around, walking up to the altar, common cup, individual cups, etc. Our church proceeds to the altar for communion, and typically our own children remain in their seats.
Under our previous pastor it was the custom for children to remain in their seats for whatever reason while the adults went forward for communion. Last year a new pastor came to town, and there has been a shift toward having the children come forward, too, and receive a little blessing. But our family has not really made that change yet.
So Will suddenly decided he wanted to come up front with us and see what it was all about. Great, no problem. In the back of my mind I kind of wished I had a bit of time to explain the details more to him, but it was fine.
All the adults received communion and then our pastor came back around to the kids. He stood in front of Will and raised his hand over him in blessing. Will looked at him, assessed the situation, and promptly responded with a high five. I did all I could to keep my laughter from bursting forth!
Our pastor hardly missed a beat, but it took Jon and me several minutes to get over the communion high five.
I know there are a lot of different ways for churches to carry out the Lord's Supper... passing it around, walking up to the altar, common cup, individual cups, etc. Our church proceeds to the altar for communion, and typically our own children remain in their seats.
Under our previous pastor it was the custom for children to remain in their seats for whatever reason while the adults went forward for communion. Last year a new pastor came to town, and there has been a shift toward having the children come forward, too, and receive a little blessing. But our family has not really made that change yet.
So Will suddenly decided he wanted to come up front with us and see what it was all about. Great, no problem. In the back of my mind I kind of wished I had a bit of time to explain the details more to him, but it was fine.
All the adults received communion and then our pastor came back around to the kids. He stood in front of Will and raised his hand over him in blessing. Will looked at him, assessed the situation, and promptly responded with a high five. I did all I could to keep my laughter from bursting forth!
Our pastor hardly missed a beat, but it took Jon and me several minutes to get over the communion high five.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Fundraising Blues
Oh how I hate fundraising! It may be necessary to many programs, but I despise it just the same. For the past few weeks, between my two school-age kids, we've been obligated to four fundraisers. Four. At the same time. I'm sure the neighbors were hiding in their homes when they saw our little troop walking down the street!
There was one fundraiser for Anna and another one for Will, and then one that they were both having to do. It was quite the challenge for me to try to make sure the sales for each of them pretty much balanced out to win the same prizes (since no one was especially motivated to sell).
And don't even get me started about those prizes they dangle before our unsuspecting children. "Sell 500 items and win your very own iPod!" That one really had Anna going. Sadly (or lucky for me) she still was not sufficently motivated to actually go door to door to achieve the coveted prize. But she did moan about what could have been. Thanks, fundraiser! Everyone needs a little more complaining around the house.
I spent several hours online setting up my kids with accounts so they could sell online. We sent out emails and postcards to innocent family and friends in the hope that someone would take pity on us and buy something. Apologies to all of you (we actually got some kind of credit just for handing over your information whether you bought anything or not)!
I would be just as happy (happier, really) to simply write a check for a donation to the organization and then pick up a couple cheap toys at the dollar store for my kids' amusement. It would definitely save me money compared to, say... spending $100 on fundraiser items I don't really need so my kids could "win" some stickers or a plastic toy.
I'm sure some studies have probably shown that fundraising is the way to go (versus asking parents for straight donations). But I hate it because I always feel so conflicted during a fundraiser. On the one hand I feel compelled to do our best for "the team" and to do our fair share. On the other hand I feel like a nuisance for pestering friends, family, and neighbors in order to sell our stuff. It really is a great relief when the selling ends.
So here's a huge "thank you" to everyone who bought something from us over the past few weeks! And the good news is that we are down to just one fundraiser, which we have actually been fairly successful with, so I think we're in the clear for a while. Of course, before I know it, it will be cookie-selling season. But who doesn't love cookies?
There was one fundraiser for Anna and another one for Will, and then one that they were both having to do. It was quite the challenge for me to try to make sure the sales for each of them pretty much balanced out to win the same prizes (since no one was especially motivated to sell).
And don't even get me started about those prizes they dangle before our unsuspecting children. "Sell 500 items and win your very own iPod!" That one really had Anna going. Sadly (or lucky for me) she still was not sufficently motivated to actually go door to door to achieve the coveted prize. But she did moan about what could have been. Thanks, fundraiser! Everyone needs a little more complaining around the house.
I spent several hours online setting up my kids with accounts so they could sell online. We sent out emails and postcards to innocent family and friends in the hope that someone would take pity on us and buy something. Apologies to all of you (we actually got some kind of credit just for handing over your information whether you bought anything or not)!
I would be just as happy (happier, really) to simply write a check for a donation to the organization and then pick up a couple cheap toys at the dollar store for my kids' amusement. It would definitely save me money compared to, say... spending $100 on fundraiser items I don't really need so my kids could "win" some stickers or a plastic toy.
I'm sure some studies have probably shown that fundraising is the way to go (versus asking parents for straight donations). But I hate it because I always feel so conflicted during a fundraiser. On the one hand I feel compelled to do our best for "the team" and to do our fair share. On the other hand I feel like a nuisance for pestering friends, family, and neighbors in order to sell our stuff. It really is a great relief when the selling ends.
So here's a huge "thank you" to everyone who bought something from us over the past few weeks! And the good news is that we are down to just one fundraiser, which we have actually been fairly successful with, so I think we're in the clear for a while. Of course, before I know it, it will be cookie-selling season. But who doesn't love cookies?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Where Can I Find a Classic Movie? Or a Kid Show? Or...?
Okay, what is it with all these television networks changing up their formats? Most recently Nick Jr, known for its preschool programming, added an adult-themed NickMom line-up that starts at 10:00 pm complete with stand-up comedy and "reality" shows. Granted, there probably aren't too many preschoolers up that late watching tv, but family circumstances can vary greatly, and wouldn't it be nice to know you can count on a kid channel to have kid programming? Maybe that's just me.
This isn't the first case of station identity crisis. AMC (American Movie Classics) proudly boasts its series, The Walking Dead (among others). Movie? No. Classic? No. I guess it's at least American? Travel Channel features food shows; Food Network promotes travel shows. And when is the last time anyone has seen music videos on MTV? Dire Straits is left wondering why they wanted their MTV to begin with.
Does any of this matter? Not so much really, in the big scheme of things. And some of these cross-overs have resulted in some truly fine entertainment. But still it leaves one asking, "what's in a name?" Why even have a name and a self-proclaimed genre if you then abandon it as you please? Some may call it progress or an evolution of sorts. Or maybe it's just an identity crisis resulting from trying too hard to chase the money.
This isn't the first case of station identity crisis. AMC (American Movie Classics) proudly boasts its series, The Walking Dead (among others). Movie? No. Classic? No. I guess it's at least American? Travel Channel features food shows; Food Network promotes travel shows. And when is the last time anyone has seen music videos on MTV? Dire Straits is left wondering why they wanted their MTV to begin with.
Does any of this matter? Not so much really, in the big scheme of things. And some of these cross-overs have resulted in some truly fine entertainment. But still it leaves one asking, "what's in a name?" Why even have a name and a self-proclaimed genre if you then abandon it as you please? Some may call it progress or an evolution of sorts. Or maybe it's just an identity crisis resulting from trying too hard to chase the money.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Looking Up
This evening I was out in the neighborhood with my kids, selling popcorn for the Cub Scouts' fundraiser. It had been one of those days. Actually it has been about two weeks' worth of "one of those days" and I'm quite ready to move on to a different kind of day already.
Our kind neighbors were happy to support the Scouts as we made our way from house to house. At the designated last house for the day, while the friendly man was making his selection, Will asked me why the sky was red. I looked up to see the red clouds stretching across the sky as the sun hid behind the treeline in its pursuit of the horizon. It was beautiful. And peaceful. And somehow hopeful.
"The sun is setting. It's time to head home," I told my son. And I was thankful for the reminder to look up. There is a bigger picture, a bigger purpose. Sometimes it gets clouded by the crazy details that crowd me. But if I can lift my eyes and find the great sky and remember the greater One who hung it there, then am I settled in my heart and renewed in my spirit. Thanks, little Scout, for reminding me to look up.
Our kind neighbors were happy to support the Scouts as we made our way from house to house. At the designated last house for the day, while the friendly man was making his selection, Will asked me why the sky was red. I looked up to see the red clouds stretching across the sky as the sun hid behind the treeline in its pursuit of the horizon. It was beautiful. And peaceful. And somehow hopeful.
"The sun is setting. It's time to head home," I told my son. And I was thankful for the reminder to look up. There is a bigger picture, a bigger purpose. Sometimes it gets clouded by the crazy details that crowd me. But if I can lift my eyes and find the great sky and remember the greater One who hung it there, then am I settled in my heart and renewed in my spirit. Thanks, little Scout, for reminding me to look up.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Little Turtles, Big Ocean
Yesterday evening my family went out to the beach to watch a sea turtle nest excavation with the Tybee Sea Turtle Project. About five days after a nest hatches, the turtle people are allowed to dig it up to see what's left. The volunteers count the number of hatched shells, unhatched shells, live babies, and dead babies. At the end, everything is put back into the nest and recovered with sand except, of course, the live babies. They are carried to the water's edge and released, hopefully to make their way to the Sargasso Sea, grow up, and continue the cycle.
So we stood, with a small crowd of other interested people, on the beach in the rain watching the nice lady scoop sand out of the loggerhead nest. Each scoop was quickly sorted: sand, shell fragments, dead babies, live babies. Our nest yielded up 18 live little turtles, each one just a few inches long, and about eight unfortunate turtles who failed to make it. The crowd delighted in each baby who waved its little flippers at us.
After the nest was completely excavated and everything was counted, the bucket of babies was carried down to the water line. The volunteers lined up the little guys facing the ocean and we all watched them go, cheering them on as the waves toppled and turned them.
It was a moment ripe with meaning and metaphor. The little turtles, so small and vulnerable, embarking on their epic voyage against incredible odds because that is what they were born for. They consider no alternatives. They do not shrink back in fear. They crawl across the sand, tumble through their first waves, and press on to swim. And swim. And swim. Across hundreds of miles of open ocean.
They are so tiny as they step off into the seemingly limitless horizon. I want to scoop them up and take care of them, protect them from all kinds of hazards. But that is no good. I'm sure there is no sea turtle who would willingly forfeit his chance in the sea. They do not seek safety. They seek their destiny. May it be the same for us.
So we stood, with a small crowd of other interested people, on the beach in the rain watching the nice lady scoop sand out of the loggerhead nest. Each scoop was quickly sorted: sand, shell fragments, dead babies, live babies. Our nest yielded up 18 live little turtles, each one just a few inches long, and about eight unfortunate turtles who failed to make it. The crowd delighted in each baby who waved its little flippers at us.
After the nest was completely excavated and everything was counted, the bucket of babies was carried down to the water line. The volunteers lined up the little guys facing the ocean and we all watched them go, cheering them on as the waves toppled and turned them.
It was a moment ripe with meaning and metaphor. The little turtles, so small and vulnerable, embarking on their epic voyage against incredible odds because that is what they were born for. They consider no alternatives. They do not shrink back in fear. They crawl across the sand, tumble through their first waves, and press on to swim. And swim. And swim. Across hundreds of miles of open ocean.
They are so tiny as they step off into the seemingly limitless horizon. I want to scoop them up and take care of them, protect them from all kinds of hazards. But that is no good. I'm sure there is no sea turtle who would willingly forfeit his chance in the sea. They do not seek safety. They seek their destiny. May it be the same for us.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
About Frenchness
I have a confession: I love all things French. Okay, maybe not all things. I'm not so crazy about their politics or their reputation for rudeness. But I love the culture, the language, the beauty.
Ever since I was a little girl I have felt this affinity. It was nurtured when my mom would teach me French words like "bonjour" and "fleur" or when my neighbor traveled there and brought back a poster of the Tour Eiffel.
It was even more special to me because it was personal. Having been adopted as an infant, I knew nothing about my heritage or family history. Nothing... except that my birth mother had a French last name. (Yes, I illegally knew the last name of my birth mother. How crazy is that? That I knew it. And that it was illegal.) And so I loved Frenchness all the more because it was part of me in some unknown way.
Over the years I have studied the French language and visited French-speaking countries, although I have not managed to visit France itself. (That is definitely a bucket list trip that I hope to take!) I play French music in our home, and relish the fact that my kids love to dance to it. I have not eaten much French food, though, which brings me to my point for today.
There is a coupon for a local French restaurant. Curious, I pulled up the menu online to see what exactly I might eat there. To my great disappointment, I am less than thrilled by the menu options. Apparently, based on this particular menu, the French eat lots of seafood (which I'm not too crazy about, except for shrimp) and there are the more exotic items like foie gras, which mentally I find entirely disgusting (and a large part of enjoying food is definitely mental). So I don't feel as though I can wholeheartedly embrace this French cuisine, which is a bit disappointing. However, there is chicken! And I do like chicken, so perhaps we shall go see what the French can do with le poulet. Wish me bon appetit! A bientot!
Ever since I was a little girl I have felt this affinity. It was nurtured when my mom would teach me French words like "bonjour" and "fleur" or when my neighbor traveled there and brought back a poster of the Tour Eiffel.
It was even more special to me because it was personal. Having been adopted as an infant, I knew nothing about my heritage or family history. Nothing... except that my birth mother had a French last name. (Yes, I illegally knew the last name of my birth mother. How crazy is that? That I knew it. And that it was illegal.) And so I loved Frenchness all the more because it was part of me in some unknown way.
Over the years I have studied the French language and visited French-speaking countries, although I have not managed to visit France itself. (That is definitely a bucket list trip that I hope to take!) I play French music in our home, and relish the fact that my kids love to dance to it. I have not eaten much French food, though, which brings me to my point for today.
There is a coupon for a local French restaurant. Curious, I pulled up the menu online to see what exactly I might eat there. To my great disappointment, I am less than thrilled by the menu options. Apparently, based on this particular menu, the French eat lots of seafood (which I'm not too crazy about, except for shrimp) and there are the more exotic items like foie gras, which mentally I find entirely disgusting (and a large part of enjoying food is definitely mental). So I don't feel as though I can wholeheartedly embrace this French cuisine, which is a bit disappointing. However, there is chicken! And I do like chicken, so perhaps we shall go see what the French can do with le poulet. Wish me bon appetit! A bientot!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Driving to Goodbye
Today I drove to Goodbye. The best friends of my two older kids are moving away tomorrow. We drove over to their house to bid our final farewells, and it was just not good. There are easy goodbyes and hard goodbyes, and this was definitely a hard goodbye.
It made me wonder what's really the best way to deal with Goodbye. Is it better to keep it casual, letting it simply slip away like another day? Or to face it head on, driving right up to it, and engaging it? When it's important, like today's goodbye, I lean toward making sure everyone feels like they had sufficient goodbyeing time complete with hugs, well wishes, and hopes of meeting again.
But it sure is messy that way. Is it just too hard? Or is there just no good way around it? At least the direct approach minimizes the risk of things left unsaid. I hate the regret of things never spoken and hugs not given. And so I drove to Goodbye.
As we drove home from our friends' house, my children sat in tears asking why. They had said their goodbyes, but their hearts had not reconciled it yet.
Later my daughter asked if we could go to the pool this evening so she could just forget. It seems to me a certain amount of forgetting is a good thing. It helps take the edge off Goodbye anyway. So we headed to the pool, and laughed and splashed and played like it was any other day.
It made me wonder what's really the best way to deal with Goodbye. Is it better to keep it casual, letting it simply slip away like another day? Or to face it head on, driving right up to it, and engaging it? When it's important, like today's goodbye, I lean toward making sure everyone feels like they had sufficient goodbyeing time complete with hugs, well wishes, and hopes of meeting again.
But it sure is messy that way. Is it just too hard? Or is there just no good way around it? At least the direct approach minimizes the risk of things left unsaid. I hate the regret of things never spoken and hugs not given. And so I drove to Goodbye.
As we drove home from our friends' house, my children sat in tears asking why. They had said their goodbyes, but their hearts had not reconciled it yet.
Later my daughter asked if we could go to the pool this evening so she could just forget. It seems to me a certain amount of forgetting is a good thing. It helps take the edge off Goodbye anyway. So we headed to the pool, and laughed and splashed and played like it was any other day.
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Gift of Inconvenience
Tonight I receive a gift. My evening plans have been thwarted so that the work I would normally do cannot be done. I work remotely from home, but today there is a new server in town and I cannot log on yet. The urgent has been silenced by the inconvenient.
Perhaps I should be annoyed as my work papers sit untouched in their pile. No progress being made. Falling further behind. But the work will wait for me without ceasing, loyal as my trusty dog.
Instead I find in the inconvenience an opportunity and the anticipation of possibilities. Sometimes inconvenience is a gift of redirection... a chance to step back, take a look around, and see more clearly. A time to do something different, unplanned, unexpected. A little space for reading a good book, relaxing with my soulmate, planning summer adventures. Or maybe even... doing absolutely nothing.
Perhaps I should be annoyed as my work papers sit untouched in their pile. No progress being made. Falling further behind. But the work will wait for me without ceasing, loyal as my trusty dog.
Instead I find in the inconvenience an opportunity and the anticipation of possibilities. Sometimes inconvenience is a gift of redirection... a chance to step back, take a look around, and see more clearly. A time to do something different, unplanned, unexpected. A little space for reading a good book, relaxing with my soulmate, planning summer adventures. Or maybe even... doing absolutely nothing.
Friday, April 6, 2012
What's so Good about Friday?
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) That's the problem right there. It's what brings us to this day, Good Friday. The day that Jesus, the perfect and holy Lamb, was nailed to the cross. It can be too easy to say the words of what happened without feeling the weight of it.
Think about it. He was tortured and tormented, and nailed up to die for all to see. Far worse than being gunned down in cold blood or many other ways to die. Look at your own hands. Can you imagine the nails?
But He was truly innocent. Even Pilate found no guilt in Him. Rather He died for the guilt, the sins, the offenses of us all. He offered Himself to satisfy the demands of Justice in our place.
Why? Because "God so loved the world..." He loves us so much that He died our death, that we deserved, so that we can have true life.
That's what makes this Friday so Good. And so we remember and ponder in our hearts the darkness and horror of this holy day. And we are thankful as we wait in anticipation...
Think about it. He was tortured and tormented, and nailed up to die for all to see. Far worse than being gunned down in cold blood or many other ways to die. Look at your own hands. Can you imagine the nails?
But He was truly innocent. Even Pilate found no guilt in Him. Rather He died for the guilt, the sins, the offenses of us all. He offered Himself to satisfy the demands of Justice in our place.
Why? Because "God so loved the world..." He loves us so much that He died our death, that we deserved, so that we can have true life.
That's what makes this Friday so Good. And so we remember and ponder in our hearts the darkness and horror of this holy day. And we are thankful as we wait in anticipation...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Size Matters... In a Relative Sort of Way
So there I was this morning at the grocery store... dashing around on my hands and knees with my two grocery bags and purse sitting on the floor near me. I was in the entryway where the shopping carts stand ready to haul food around the store. It's fairly secluded, and I was hoping no one would notice me.
Then I heard the Voice of Concern from behind me, "Are you okay?" I looked up briefly to see the nice man I had chatted with earlier concerning the price of pears. He was clearly puzzled by the sight of me crawling around the shopping carts.
My explanation: "I'm trying to catch this lizard."
"Oh. Lizard. Well, have a good day!" He proceeded on his way as I, hastily grabbing my bags, chased the little anole out through the automatic doors.
The lizard was outside, but as I scanned the surroundings I realized that just wasn't good enough. There was nothing but concrete for huge distances (relative to lizard size). I dropped my stuff again, determined to actually catch the little reptile this time. I did catch him - he didn't even get to bite me - and carried him across the parking lot to a grassy area that had some trees, too. The little guy happily scurried through the grass.
It might have been kind of a silly thing to do... taking time out of my life to save the anole trapped in the grocery store. But for him, it was huge.
And Anna wonders why the new pears have bruises on them.
Then I heard the Voice of Concern from behind me, "Are you okay?" I looked up briefly to see the nice man I had chatted with earlier concerning the price of pears. He was clearly puzzled by the sight of me crawling around the shopping carts.
My explanation: "I'm trying to catch this lizard."
"Oh. Lizard. Well, have a good day!" He proceeded on his way as I, hastily grabbing my bags, chased the little anole out through the automatic doors.
The lizard was outside, but as I scanned the surroundings I realized that just wasn't good enough. There was nothing but concrete for huge distances (relative to lizard size). I dropped my stuff again, determined to actually catch the little reptile this time. I did catch him - he didn't even get to bite me - and carried him across the parking lot to a grassy area that had some trees, too. The little guy happily scurried through the grass.
It might have been kind of a silly thing to do... taking time out of my life to save the anole trapped in the grocery store. But for him, it was huge.
And Anna wonders why the new pears have bruises on them.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Importance of Friendly
Friendly. I love it when people are Friendly. Everything just works better. One of my pet peeves is unfriendly people. We can disagree and have different ways of doing things, but at least be Friendly.
As the old saying goes, "Friendliness is next to godliness." Okay, that's not quite it, but it's close. Friendliness is closely related to kindness, and God is most certainly kind. But even if you're not concerned about God at all, you can still be Friendly, and the rest of us will greatly appreciate it.
Sure you may hate your job or feel awful today, but please try not to take that out on innocent bystanders. Set your issues and attitudes aside, and for the sake of your fellow humans, do even just the bare minimum, and be Friendly. Maybe not Happy or Enthusiastic or Sugary Sweet. Just a basic Friendly. It's kind of like Courteous.
A smile, a wave, a helpful tip... Friendly creates community. Friendly makes the world a happier place. Friendly encourages, cheers up, and quickens the step. Sometimes Friendly even saves lives.
Save the whales. Save the planet. Save common decency. Friendly can do all this and more. Encourage Friendly wherever you find it.
As the old saying goes, "Friendliness is next to godliness." Okay, that's not quite it, but it's close. Friendliness is closely related to kindness, and God is most certainly kind. But even if you're not concerned about God at all, you can still be Friendly, and the rest of us will greatly appreciate it.
Sure you may hate your job or feel awful today, but please try not to take that out on innocent bystanders. Set your issues and attitudes aside, and for the sake of your fellow humans, do even just the bare minimum, and be Friendly. Maybe not Happy or Enthusiastic or Sugary Sweet. Just a basic Friendly. It's kind of like Courteous.
A smile, a wave, a helpful tip... Friendly creates community. Friendly makes the world a happier place. Friendly encourages, cheers up, and quickens the step. Sometimes Friendly even saves lives.
Save the whales. Save the planet. Save common decency. Friendly can do all this and more. Encourage Friendly wherever you find it.
Just Start
So Christmas came and went, along with the month of January. It's a whole new year, month number 2. How are those resolutions coming?
My resolution of sorts for 2012 comes from the ever-insightful Seth Godin. I resolve to start and keep starting. Attaining a goal is the culmination of a thousand starts. Take action and keep on with it. Start every day. Over and over until you arrive (or "ship" in Seth's lingo).
So I'm actually faring rather well with my resolution. I'm working on a little secret project, learning new things and making progress. If I keep at it long enough, I'll have a product to ship. Then I get to see what happens with it.
How exciting! Go out and start something!
My resolution of sorts for 2012 comes from the ever-insightful Seth Godin. I resolve to start and keep starting. Attaining a goal is the culmination of a thousand starts. Take action and keep on with it. Start every day. Over and over until you arrive (or "ship" in Seth's lingo).
So I'm actually faring rather well with my resolution. I'm working on a little secret project, learning new things and making progress. If I keep at it long enough, I'll have a product to ship. Then I get to see what happens with it.
How exciting! Go out and start something!
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