Never really thought of myself as having much in common with a basset hound, but after reading Amy's blog posts about their basset hound "Belle", I think I may have a lot in common with Belle anyway. Seriously, check out Amy's blog (... think about such things) which is linked to the right here. She is one of the most creative writers that I know whether she is talking about her relationship with her husband, the insights their kids provide or Belle's latest lessons, she paints an incredible picture of God for me.
Apparently not only do I have a lot of similarities with basset hounds, but I also had a conversation last night with a friend that as he explained where he was at in life right now I had this feeling like I was having a conversation with myself (I wasn't because there was another friend there as well). This is a rare occurrence for me (I can have those conversation with my friend Jeff, but those don't happen quite as frequently right now as it is a little more difficult to get together and hang out with him half way around the world.) See most of my friends' personalities or the way they process things aren't anywhere close to me. I love them and those differences expand my perspective and challenge me, but rarely does it make explaining something easy and I often doubt that they can really even understand me. I don't know that I was able to help my friend much last night, but for me it was so encouraging to just have that conversation. To hear someone verbalize the things that I struggle with and to realize that I am not the only one was so good for me. I think we all want to know that we are in this thing called life together. We may not verbalize it very often, but to know that we have other people to support us, listen to us, encourage us and challenge us is so important.
Who plays that role in your life? Do they know how important they are to you? Why not tell them today? They probably don't seek that out, but man, it could make their day.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Seeking...hearing...adapting
It's been one of those days where I can't seem to follow one thought all the way through. I catch a thread of an idea and then my mind wanders (or sometimes collides) into a totally different one. So a couple brief thoughts... well, really more questions than thoughts... for today.
Do you seek out input from others? It seems a lot of times that we disguise wanting to affirm our ideas as seeking input, but when we receive something that challenges our thoughts we reject it. That is not the kind of input we were wanting. People also seem cautious of giving real input when it is asked for. They seem to try to figure out what answer you are looking for and then give that as their input. Wonder if these two things are related? Just so you know, if I ask for input it is because I want it. I don't always like the things that challenge me, but I would much rather have that as an answer than what you think I might be looking for. People who challenge my thoughts help me grow. Not that I always like the process, but it gives me a new perspective to see from.
Hearing is not the same as doing. Matter of fact even saying something is not the same as doing it. Ever walked away from a conversation were someone understood what you were saying, but absolutely nothing changed? Or maybe even they promise to do such and such, but then there is no follow through. The default response I often get is "that is just the way I am". Also meaning accept it because I am not changing. We buy into the lie that we can't change who we are. Or is that we easily accept that because that means we don't have to do the hard work involved in changing? It might be tough, but if we understand a change is needed and it is a priority to us, shouldn't we be willing to actually attempt to change instead of just giving it lip service?
We have an amazing ability to adapt. I was thinking the other night about some different things and people that have crossed through my life and how I have adapted to those changes quite easily. Oh, it didn't feel easy at the time, but looking back it really didn't take that long to adapt. I was at a job for several years that added tremendous stress to my life. I adapted to that lifestyle. Then when I switched jobs a couple of years ago, I quickly adapted to a better work environment and to having a lot less stress. I had a friend I was really close to when they moved. We spent lots of time with them for several years and didn't know how things would look when they moved. We adapted. We changed and they changed. I have had some changes recently in my routine and the friendships I have. They have been difficult to adjust to, but if I can step back far enough from the situations I think I might be able to see that I will be able to adapt to those changes as well. Sometimes a look back at where we've been and what we've experienced gives a much needed perspective on the here and now.
A little disjointed in my thoughts, but randomness is a good thing right?
Do you seek out input from others? It seems a lot of times that we disguise wanting to affirm our ideas as seeking input, but when we receive something that challenges our thoughts we reject it. That is not the kind of input we were wanting. People also seem cautious of giving real input when it is asked for. They seem to try to figure out what answer you are looking for and then give that as their input. Wonder if these two things are related? Just so you know, if I ask for input it is because I want it. I don't always like the things that challenge me, but I would much rather have that as an answer than what you think I might be looking for. People who challenge my thoughts help me grow. Not that I always like the process, but it gives me a new perspective to see from.
Hearing is not the same as doing. Matter of fact even saying something is not the same as doing it. Ever walked away from a conversation were someone understood what you were saying, but absolutely nothing changed? Or maybe even they promise to do such and such, but then there is no follow through. The default response I often get is "that is just the way I am". Also meaning accept it because I am not changing. We buy into the lie that we can't change who we are. Or is that we easily accept that because that means we don't have to do the hard work involved in changing? It might be tough, but if we understand a change is needed and it is a priority to us, shouldn't we be willing to actually attempt to change instead of just giving it lip service?
We have an amazing ability to adapt. I was thinking the other night about some different things and people that have crossed through my life and how I have adapted to those changes quite easily. Oh, it didn't feel easy at the time, but looking back it really didn't take that long to adapt. I was at a job for several years that added tremendous stress to my life. I adapted to that lifestyle. Then when I switched jobs a couple of years ago, I quickly adapted to a better work environment and to having a lot less stress. I had a friend I was really close to when they moved. We spent lots of time with them for several years and didn't know how things would look when they moved. We adapted. We changed and they changed. I have had some changes recently in my routine and the friendships I have. They have been difficult to adjust to, but if I can step back far enough from the situations I think I might be able to see that I will be able to adapt to those changes as well. Sometimes a look back at where we've been and what we've experienced gives a much needed perspective on the here and now.
A little disjointed in my thoughts, but randomness is a good thing right?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
3 conversations
Funny how three short conversations can energize me. Last night I had three distinct conversations, none of which lasted more than 5 or 10 minutes, that continue to impact my thoughts today. I didn't really say a whole lot, but mainly listened. Heard people speaking from their heart about what is impacting their lives at this point. Basics of those conversations were as follows:
- One talked about the discovery of what true joy looks like for him. He was talking about an experience he had recently that allowed him the to be selfless, to learn to follow instead of lead, to be surrounded by community and to love and be loved. The question he had was - so how do I bring that to my everyday life now? I've experienced it, now so what? (One of my favorite questions and one of the toughest to answer.)
- Another conversation was about following the prompting of the Holy Spirit even when you don't know why exactly. I love when people do this. Risk the unknown to experience what God has planned. It can be scary, but man, it can also be exciting. Love to hear that mix of fear with excitement of the possibilities. Isn't that really where we should be living most of the time anyway? Waiting to see what God is going to do next.
- The other conversation was about laying down the baggage he is carrying around. Knowing he is loved as he is. No additional clean up needed before he is good enough to be loved. The fact his past doesn't define who he is. We all have a history. It shapes us and our life experiences are part of the process of molding who we are becoming, but we don't have to have arrived to be loved. I told him I don't think we ever arrive during our life. We continue to grow, to wonder what is in store next, to make mistakes, to learn and to keep chasing after Jesus. I wonder how much ego someone must have to think they have arrived and have it all figured out? I think I continue to learn more of just how much I don't know.
Three conversations, none of them probably registered as life changing for the people, but for me... it gave me hope. Hope in the fact that people care. There are others who crave community. Others who have doubts and baggage to deal with. People willing to risk being real and more importantly willing to pursue a life chasing after Jesus. A much needed night for me. A small glimpse of what energizes me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
For or against?
What are you known for? Is it what you believe in or what you are against? I have a couple of friends that I could tell you what they are against, but I wonder what they are for? I wonder if people know what I am for or rather what I am against? One says this is how I live my life, the other says this what I criticize in others. Just wondering aloud this morning.
I read on Anne Jackson's blog sometime last week her list of "instead of" statements. I like this idea and have been thinking about it since then. These are some of the characteristics I want to be know for:
I read on Anne Jackson's blog sometime last week her list of "instead of" statements. I like this idea and have been thinking about it since then. These are some of the characteristics I want to be know for:
- Generous instead of entitled
- Patient instead of demanding
- Understanding instead of judgemental
- Honest instead of popular
- Serving instead of self focused
What "instead of" statements would you like your life to say?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is one of those things that looks good when someone else does it, but isn't as wonderful when it is something personal. We look at athletes who are able to slam dunk a basketball or hit a home run with one sweet swing and wish we could do the same. We see the incredibly talented musicians who seem to be able to play anything and pick up instruments easily. We see the results, but we ignore the sacrifice it takes to get there. The long hours of practicing the same things over and over, the things passed up so that they could concentrate on doing this one thing well, the frustrations involved as they learned.
We do the same thing in the Church. We see the person who goes on the mission trips and think how incredibly gifted they are. If only we could do something like that. We see the person who starts an outreach to their community and makes a huge impact. If only we were that talented and had their resources. Some things I might not be able to do (I don't think I will ever be able to slam dunk), but most things can be accomplished if I am willing to personally sacrifice. The problem isn't that we can't accomplish some incredible things in chasing after Jesus, the problem is we aren't willing to sacrifice anything for them. Well, at least not much that would make us uncomfortable. Wonder if we would still want to watch March Madness as much the next couple of weeks if the athletes didn't put in the effort and sacrifice they have over the years? Wonder what God thinks with the effort we put into His plan? What are you willing to sacrifice?
We do the same thing in the Church. We see the person who goes on the mission trips and think how incredibly gifted they are. If only we could do something like that. We see the person who starts an outreach to their community and makes a huge impact. If only we were that talented and had their resources. Some things I might not be able to do (I don't think I will ever be able to slam dunk), but most things can be accomplished if I am willing to personally sacrifice. The problem isn't that we can't accomplish some incredible things in chasing after Jesus, the problem is we aren't willing to sacrifice anything for them. Well, at least not much that would make us uncomfortable. Wonder if we would still want to watch March Madness as much the next couple of weeks if the athletes didn't put in the effort and sacrifice they have over the years? Wonder what God thinks with the effort we put into His plan? What are you willing to sacrifice?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Pushing through the normal
Working out this morning was an effort. Not so much physically, but mentally. It has reached the point that I feel like it is the same routine every time I go. Hit the cardio, then work the stomach, some weights and then repeat the last two. It has become the normal at the gym.
I was in a meeting the other day where it seemed like there were no new ideas. Oh, there were some variation of ideas that we've done before, but nothing really new. No really throwing out the box and doing something completely different. It was productive, but not really that much different than the meetings before.
Conversations with people that seem to cover the same ground. No new insights, no arguments (not that I am looking for those), a comfortable pace... almost like the replay button has been hit on those conversations.
This week at home has been about managing schedules, who needs to be where and when, doing the typical chores that need to be done, and figuring out what needs to be paid this week. A normal week. No crisis, nothing exciting, just the normal.
So how do you push through the normal? The routine, the predictable, the normal... I don't like those very much. I know most people long for those, but I want something different, something that moves me beyond the normal. I want to physically go farther than I have before, I want meetings that energize me and stretch me creatively, I want relationships that are always moving forward and molding me, I want more than a schedule at home... I want more than normal. How do you move beyond normal and have a sense of wonder and awe of what the day will hold?
I was in a meeting the other day where it seemed like there were no new ideas. Oh, there were some variation of ideas that we've done before, but nothing really new. No really throwing out the box and doing something completely different. It was productive, but not really that much different than the meetings before.
Conversations with people that seem to cover the same ground. No new insights, no arguments (not that I am looking for those), a comfortable pace... almost like the replay button has been hit on those conversations.
This week at home has been about managing schedules, who needs to be where and when, doing the typical chores that need to be done, and figuring out what needs to be paid this week. A normal week. No crisis, nothing exciting, just the normal.
So how do you push through the normal? The routine, the predictable, the normal... I don't like those very much. I know most people long for those, but I want something different, something that moves me beyond the normal. I want to physically go farther than I have before, I want meetings that energize me and stretch me creatively, I want relationships that are always moving forward and molding me, I want more than a schedule at home... I want more than normal. How do you move beyond normal and have a sense of wonder and awe of what the day will hold?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What would it look like if...
I was watching my two youngest boys play last night. I watched as they played something sort of like football. What the rules were I couldn't really tell, but they seemed to be having a blast making up the game as they went. At some point when I stepped out of the room and came back, it had switched to a variation of baseball. Again the rules were a little fuzzy to me, but it sure looked like an exciting game. One of those games where they were cracking up frequently for no apparent reason. I love when the laugh so hard and can't seem to quit. It is a pleasant sound even though it is definitely a noisy experience.
Wonder why people don't more frequently see the church that way? A place that is fun and full of laughter even when they don't totally get all of the "rules". What would it look like if we weren't known so much for the rules... the "you can't", "you don't", etc... but known for our creativity. Or known for the laughter involved in pursuing Jesus. Or the love involved. What stops us from making it look a whole lot different than what it is? Stop and imagine what it could look like, not what it is, but what it could be. I wonder what it would look like if we...
Wonder why people don't more frequently see the church that way? A place that is fun and full of laughter even when they don't totally get all of the "rules". What would it look like if we weren't known so much for the rules... the "you can't", "you don't", etc... but known for our creativity. Or known for the laughter involved in pursuing Jesus. Or the love involved. What stops us from making it look a whole lot different than what it is? Stop and imagine what it could look like, not what it is, but what it could be. I wonder what it would look like if we...
Monday, March 8, 2010
What do they have in common?
Thinking about a couple of different words this morning and wondering if they share a common ground.
I don't know if you have ever been repelling or not, but I've been a couple of times over the years and love it. The hardest part of repelling though isn't going down the side of the rocks. The hardest part of the climb is leaning back and taking that first step over the edge. Two things about that make it scary. One is that you have to trust the person down below you who is belaying your rope (or the pin if you don't have someone below). And the second thing is that it doesn't feel very natural to lean back over a ledge. You want to to step down and go that way, but it requires you to lean back laying almost flat out over the edge and then start walking down the side. Every part of you is screaming that you are going to fall or that you shouldn't do it that way. You think you know better and this just doesn't seem right. It comes down to how much are you willing to trust someone else. That can be tough sometimes. I was talking to friend last night who I have a hard time trusting sometimes. He doesn't always follow through on what he says he will do at times. So it comes down to if I am willing to let go of my insecurities and just trust him. It can be awkward and not feel natural because I don't want to let go and trust. It doesn't seem like the way I should do it, but I have to trust if I am going to step over the edge and have a friendship.
Trust is one word. The other word is forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn't come naturally for me either. I want to hold on to the pain (Why in the world would someone want to do that? I have no clue, but I do at times.) and not forgive. I used to hold major grudges and not let things go. I would remember a slight from months before and not truly forgive someone. That is ingrained in me and something I still struggle with.
The common ground to me between trust and forgiveness is that it requires me to let go. If I am holding on tightly to my doubts, my fears, my hurts, whatever, then I can't let go. To trust means letting go of the illusion of control. To forgive means to let go of the wrongs (real or perceived) done to me. Both actions require me to let go. Both are my choice. Can you let go and trust? Can you let go and forgive?
The tough question is this... so what? So what are going to do in risking trust? So what are going to do about forgiving those in your life you need to forgive? Life isn't a theory exam. It requires us to take action. Hope you struggle throughout the day with this. I don't want to feel like I am the only one struggling to lean back over the ledge. What are you willing to let go of?
I don't know if you have ever been repelling or not, but I've been a couple of times over the years and love it. The hardest part of repelling though isn't going down the side of the rocks. The hardest part of the climb is leaning back and taking that first step over the edge. Two things about that make it scary. One is that you have to trust the person down below you who is belaying your rope (or the pin if you don't have someone below). And the second thing is that it doesn't feel very natural to lean back over a ledge. You want to to step down and go that way, but it requires you to lean back laying almost flat out over the edge and then start walking down the side. Every part of you is screaming that you are going to fall or that you shouldn't do it that way. You think you know better and this just doesn't seem right. It comes down to how much are you willing to trust someone else. That can be tough sometimes. I was talking to friend last night who I have a hard time trusting sometimes. He doesn't always follow through on what he says he will do at times. So it comes down to if I am willing to let go of my insecurities and just trust him. It can be awkward and not feel natural because I don't want to let go and trust. It doesn't seem like the way I should do it, but I have to trust if I am going to step over the edge and have a friendship.
Trust is one word. The other word is forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn't come naturally for me either. I want to hold on to the pain (Why in the world would someone want to do that? I have no clue, but I do at times.) and not forgive. I used to hold major grudges and not let things go. I would remember a slight from months before and not truly forgive someone. That is ingrained in me and something I still struggle with.
The common ground to me between trust and forgiveness is that it requires me to let go. If I am holding on tightly to my doubts, my fears, my hurts, whatever, then I can't let go. To trust means letting go of the illusion of control. To forgive means to let go of the wrongs (real or perceived) done to me. Both actions require me to let go. Both are my choice. Can you let go and trust? Can you let go and forgive?
The tough question is this... so what? So what are going to do in risking trust? So what are going to do about forgiving those in your life you need to forgive? Life isn't a theory exam. It requires us to take action. Hope you struggle throughout the day with this. I don't want to feel like I am the only one struggling to lean back over the ledge. What are you willing to let go of?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Knowing what you don't know
What is it that you don't know? Wait... you mean you can't tell me what you don't know? I know that isn't a very fair question, but isn't that basically what we are doing when we say we can do it on our own. I wonder if when we approach life thinking we can handle it all by ourselves, how much do we miss?
These areas we don't see are our blind spots. We fool ourselves into thinking just because we don't see a problem, there isn't one. Sometimes it is by choice we don't see things, other times it is because we just don't recognize it. What happens when you are driving and decide to switch lanes and there happens to be another car in your blind spot? A wreck will most likely happen. The same can be true in our lives. We don't see the problem in what we are doing. We are moving along at high speeds and not even aware that we may be headed towards a lot of potential pain and trouble.
Fortunately I have people in my life who are willing to help me see those areas in my life. It may be a little painful to hear sometimes, but a little correction now is a whole lot better than the wreck that may be around the next curve. Why do we insist on trying to do it on our own? Pride maybe? Selfishness possibly? I honestly can't think of a good reason not to have others around to help us. Have you bought into the lie that you can do it all on your own? Maybe you can do it right now and maybe you miss the huge wreck waiting to happen, but why take the chance? Are you willing to seek and listen to the input of others? It may mean the difference between a little discomfort now versus the possibility of trying to pick up the pieces after a wreck.
These areas we don't see are our blind spots. We fool ourselves into thinking just because we don't see a problem, there isn't one. Sometimes it is by choice we don't see things, other times it is because we just don't recognize it. What happens when you are driving and decide to switch lanes and there happens to be another car in your blind spot? A wreck will most likely happen. The same can be true in our lives. We don't see the problem in what we are doing. We are moving along at high speeds and not even aware that we may be headed towards a lot of potential pain and trouble.
Fortunately I have people in my life who are willing to help me see those areas in my life. It may be a little painful to hear sometimes, but a little correction now is a whole lot better than the wreck that may be around the next curve. Why do we insist on trying to do it on our own? Pride maybe? Selfishness possibly? I honestly can't think of a good reason not to have others around to help us. Have you bought into the lie that you can do it all on your own? Maybe you can do it right now and maybe you miss the huge wreck waiting to happen, but why take the chance? Are you willing to seek and listen to the input of others? It may mean the difference between a little discomfort now versus the possibility of trying to pick up the pieces after a wreck.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Really? It is not about you
Really? I have my IPod turned up and my noise reducing ear buds in. There is probably 20 people around on the cardio equipment. Lots of white noise and I can still hear you talking. I really don't need to hear about your daughter's high school drama (by the way, she would probably be horrified to know that you are unintentionally sharing it with 20 complete strangers). Not everyone cares about your thoughts and opinions. It is not about you.
Really? You have somewhere that important to be. You fly by me to make it through the yellow light, only to be sitting beside me at the next one. You dodge and weave as if you are making great progress in getting there. Wait, you are stopping at Starbucks? That was the rush. Not a dire emergency? Your coffee wouldn't be there if you arrived 30 seconds later (I understand that some people need coffee to get going in the morning, but does it have to be at the risk of my life?) It is not about you.
Really? We haven't talked in months and after the customary "How are you?", you start talking about yourself. I... blah, blah, blah... and then my... blah, blah, blah... me... blah, blah blah... me, me, me. Yeah, I am interested in the things goings on in your life, but it isn't all about you.
Really? Again with what you want? You do realize that things don't revolve around you, right? There are other people who exist. They have problems... probably bigger than most of yours. There are people who have real needs, not just more wants. You do realize it is not about you... wonder how many times God thinks this about me? I can be amazingly selfish. Wrapped up in my own little world without a thought about others. Seems like if I can get that simple command (simple to understand, a heck of a lot harder to live) to love Him and love others then maybe I won't be so obsessed with myself. Really it is not about me.
Really? You have somewhere that important to be. You fly by me to make it through the yellow light, only to be sitting beside me at the next one. You dodge and weave as if you are making great progress in getting there. Wait, you are stopping at Starbucks? That was the rush. Not a dire emergency? Your coffee wouldn't be there if you arrived 30 seconds later (I understand that some people need coffee to get going in the morning, but does it have to be at the risk of my life?) It is not about you.
Really? We haven't talked in months and after the customary "How are you?", you start talking about yourself. I... blah, blah, blah... and then my... blah, blah, blah... me... blah, blah blah... me, me, me. Yeah, I am interested in the things goings on in your life, but it isn't all about you.
Really? Again with what you want? You do realize that things don't revolve around you, right? There are other people who exist. They have problems... probably bigger than most of yours. There are people who have real needs, not just more wants. You do realize it is not about you... wonder how many times God thinks this about me? I can be amazingly selfish. Wrapped up in my own little world without a thought about others. Seems like if I can get that simple command (simple to understand, a heck of a lot harder to live) to love Him and love others then maybe I won't be so obsessed with myself. Really it is not about me.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Comparison - the great demotivator
I've been trying to get back into a more normal workout routine (thanks Shanna for that inspiration). I believe that discipline often leads to desire. I can't say that I look forward to getting up at 4:30 to go to the gym, but I do like how I feel after working out instead of just talking about it or thinking it would be a good idea.
As I was working out this morning, I noticed how ripped most of the people there looked. I also noticed that when I get to a machine and start adjusting the height, etc. that I almost always have to lower the weights from the person that was on it before me. The person running beside me on the cardio equipment seems to still be going strong at the 45 minutes mark without breaking much of a sweat while I am hoping to finish strong at 30 minutes. The comparison to those who are faster, stronger, better built, and more disciplined can wreck the desire to workout. I want to look like that now, not 6 months from now. Comparison and instant gratification can be the enemy of discipline.
The truth of the matter is that comparison and instant gratification can be demotivating in our Christian life as well. I am way more messed up than that person. That is the sin they are concerned about? They would be devastated by the things I struggle with. They read their Bible for an hour while I struggle to get in a solid 10 minutes. They manage to pray for everyone and spend hours doing it. I am doing good some days to spend a few minutes with God. They seem to have their life all together, while mine feels like it is barely holding together some days. Comparison to others can wreck our desire to be like Jesus. Jesus didn't seem to be concerned that we look like the person next to us, he just wanted us to love him and love others. I can do that. It doesn't come with the expectations that I have it all together right now, just that I am trying. Kind of like my workouts, it doesn't matter that I won't be competing in the next Olympics. It matters that I am moving forward and trying to be disciplined. What comparisons are robbing you of moving forward? Honestly, they are your hang-ups and not God's. He loves you as much when you are the 98 pound weakling as when you can bench press 500 pounds.
As I was working out this morning, I noticed how ripped most of the people there looked. I also noticed that when I get to a machine and start adjusting the height, etc. that I almost always have to lower the weights from the person that was on it before me. The person running beside me on the cardio equipment seems to still be going strong at the 45 minutes mark without breaking much of a sweat while I am hoping to finish strong at 30 minutes. The comparison to those who are faster, stronger, better built, and more disciplined can wreck the desire to workout. I want to look like that now, not 6 months from now. Comparison and instant gratification can be the enemy of discipline.
The truth of the matter is that comparison and instant gratification can be demotivating in our Christian life as well. I am way more messed up than that person. That is the sin they are concerned about? They would be devastated by the things I struggle with. They read their Bible for an hour while I struggle to get in a solid 10 minutes. They manage to pray for everyone and spend hours doing it. I am doing good some days to spend a few minutes with God. They seem to have their life all together, while mine feels like it is barely holding together some days. Comparison to others can wreck our desire to be like Jesus. Jesus didn't seem to be concerned that we look like the person next to us, he just wanted us to love him and love others. I can do that. It doesn't come with the expectations that I have it all together right now, just that I am trying. Kind of like my workouts, it doesn't matter that I won't be competing in the next Olympics. It matters that I am moving forward and trying to be disciplined. What comparisons are robbing you of moving forward? Honestly, they are your hang-ups and not God's. He loves you as much when you are the 98 pound weakling as when you can bench press 500 pounds.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bright days
What brightens your day? This week for me, the following statement in an e-mail did it... "Just checking in". Nothing profound or something that took a lot of time or energy, just the simple fact that a friend practically loved me. He cared enough about me to continue to invest in my life. Out of the 24 hours he was given that day, he chose to spend part of it on me.
The big things may get our attention, but out in the margins is where life happens for me. The margin in my life is where relationships happen. My relationship with God, my wife, my friends... all of those happen in the margin. If I run at full speed with no room or time for others then I miss out. Busyness doesn't allow me to love or be loved, it just keeps me busy with things. The next thing on my never-ending list, the thing that will promptly be forgotten in 24 hours, the project I want to get done... all of those have a place, but they shouldn't push me to the limit. I can't sustain the pace of living life at the limit. It crowds out the important and it happens oh so easily. We convince ourselves that we are busy, maybe even busy doing good things, and that what we are doing is important. It may be true, but if we don't have margin for our relationships, then what does it matter?
So what brightens your day? Maybe the more important question is how are you going to brighten someone else's day? If you are at the limit, then it might be pretty tough to allow either.
The big things may get our attention, but out in the margins is where life happens for me. The margin in my life is where relationships happen. My relationship with God, my wife, my friends... all of those happen in the margin. If I run at full speed with no room or time for others then I miss out. Busyness doesn't allow me to love or be loved, it just keeps me busy with things. The next thing on my never-ending list, the thing that will promptly be forgotten in 24 hours, the project I want to get done... all of those have a place, but they shouldn't push me to the limit. I can't sustain the pace of living life at the limit. It crowds out the important and it happens oh so easily. We convince ourselves that we are busy, maybe even busy doing good things, and that what we are doing is important. It may be true, but if we don't have margin for our relationships, then what does it matter?
So what brightens your day? Maybe the more important question is how are you going to brighten someone else's day? If you are at the limit, then it might be pretty tough to allow either.
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