Thanks Dad

As I was sweating through a sunny, 80 some odd degree, Father's Day eve walk this morning, I was thinking about my old man. Traditionally, I'd be searching for a card today, and looking forward to spending time with my Dad tomorrow. Relaxing with a cold beer, some good food, a decent sports viewing on the tube, and just being with him. My heart and mind thought I should mix it up a bit this year and get a little deeper regarding my pop. So Dad, the below is for you.

Dad,

I want to share with you some of the many ways you've fathered and influenced me.

Dad as Constant: We used to have a family joke that if Dad were a color, he'd be beige. Originally this was due to clothing color choice and an incredibly subdued nature, but as I look a little deeper here, I recognize that Dad was always there in a beige-like capacity. He'd sit back and more or less observe. I believe that this is where he received some of his greatest parental joy—watching his sons (I am one of three) in varied interactions while enjoying mild interaction, and really resting in the joy of simply taking it all in.

Dad as Caretaker: Dad really has a passion for quiet caretaking. I have seen this over many years as his child. Dad was a car dealer who owned a few dealerships throughout his time in the industry. Dad would work Monday through Saturday and NEVER bring home (to my knowledge) business issues or concerns. He quietly provided for his family, almost as though it was avowed. As I grew on through college, I saw Dad wrap his paternal wings around various young men who were in need of counsel, financial support, and even a roof over their heads. Dad's "fatherhood" stretched far.

Dad as Selfless Leader: Dad had many men in his life, but some I had the opportunity to uniquely experience was when I worked in the Service Department of his Chrysler dealership for a year after high school and the summer's through college. Here is where I observed what people said about him. I got to see his interaction with those on his payroll and how he communicated with and lead them. I listened to some guys who'd worked for him for years speak of him as a "good man". I've also seen him give second chances to some hardship cases and be gracious in all professional areas. Dad put his folks first.

Dad as Defender: In what was most likely Dad's most unbeige-like moment, I had the incredible opportunity to see him in a temple-table-turning instance. I sat behind the Parts Department counter and witnessed a guy, who'd brought his car in for some service, berate the Service Manager in a way that was beyond simply being disgruntled about a bill. My Dad walked into the discussion and listened to this guy rant on a little further, then proceeded to tear up the guys bill and vigorously tell him to get out. If looks could kill, I don't know what sort of shape that guy would be in as I glared at him from behind the counter as he huffed out the door. Dad would not allow for his team to be belittled and insulted.

Now I've seen you change over the years as your reliance upon our Heavenly Father, your faith in our Lord Jesus, and your trust in a life of prayer, has grown. I have seen a quiet and reserved man stand in church with his hands opened (in your uniquely beige-like manner) place himself under God's control and grace.

Dad, while the above are merely glimpses of your life and of your influence I want to say that now, as a father of two boys, I cannot appreciate you more. You are a shining example of a man, and a shining example of a dad. I love you. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

As for tomorrow, I look forward to a couple of cold beers, some brats, and just being beige.

Your son,

Rick

In Not Of

In The Godfather III, Michael Corleone stated "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in". I can empathize. Not from the mob family perspective, and particularly the Corleones, but from an out-of-this-world perspective. There are day to day, moment by moment occurrences, feelings, and issues which challenge the Christian life experience within this world.

Most certainly prayer, Bible reading, and the church body are paramount combatants against this world's challengers, but I would argue that dialogue and engagement with this world are large components—to keep our own faith challenged and true.

All too often, I believe that "Christians" are isolated from this world (at least in my neck of the woods). Tucked into churches, over-scheduled with christian to-dos, christian sports leagues, and study groups. Let us not wear blinders to those walking around this land with us. Or even worse, think less—poor little non-Christians.

We are called to live in this world, and not of it. The ability to be a participant is critical, not only for the sharing of the Gospel, but for having an understanding of the society and culture in which we live, and being able to communicate and love within it.

Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". Keeping in step with the Spirit is crucial as engagement with this world can be deadly. But there is a battle waging for hearts and allegiance, and we need to be participants. Perhaps Michael Corleone said had a point in Godfather II, "My father taught me many things here - he taught me in this room. He taught me - keep your friends close but your enemies closer."

Size Matters Part 2

As I considered in yesterday's entry that there are things (a lot) that are not known about God, I wanted to dig a little deeper into the aspect of knowing Him. I have had a two conversations over the last few days which have me considering the actuality of knowing God.

1. Conversation One surrounded the fact (yes, fact) that we can know God. And that there are a lot of things which we can believe and have ideas about but there is a concreteness to God. He can be known.
2. Conversation Two surrounded the aspect of knowing more about God. This was driven around the idea that through age comes wisdom and life experience that allow for us to know things. Our experience has allowed us to provide counsel and encouragement.

1. Regarding Conversation One: There was a girl I knew who lost a battle with Neuroblastoma. At her memorial service her father shared a story of how, sitting at her bedside, he wanted to ensure that his little girl knew how much he loved her. He told her that his love for her was great and that he wanted her to make sure that she knew that. To which she replied "I know you love me, Daddy, but I also know God loves me more". This young girl was ten. She'd battled cancer for 9 years of her life and she knew God in an intimate way. A concrete way. She KNEW God!
2. Regarding Conversation Two: Many consider C.S. Lewis a spiritual giant. Certainly a well schooled man who had a deep viewpoint on who God is. I read he was once asked about how he and others can have such a knowledge about God to which he shared “Think of me as a fellow patient in the same hospital who, having been admitted a little earlier could give some advice.”

Okay, back to the Big God that we looked at yesterday. I was thinking of both conversations described above and thought of God like the ocean. The ocean is freaking huge and that there are areas like the Bering Sea which (witness The Deadliest Catch) are very tumultuous and fierce. In contrast, there are beach-like areas which are placid, warm and inviting.

So, can we know God? Can we understand Him? As the ocean, God is vast. And some have been thrown into mighty waters and experienced a God a lot won't ever understand. And others have waded into the ocean a bit further than others and can turn back and say. "When you get out this far it warms up a bit".

We must wade in further—even swim—scary and undiscovered as the ocean may be—to find out more about it. God only knows what is lurking beneath the waves.

Size Matters

The older I get, the more I realize what I don't know. And that is something that I find oddly comforting. I don't have to have all the answers, I don't have to fully comprehend things, I don't always say and do the right thing. Because, when I believe I got it figured out, I am consistently shown otherwise.

I used to think (and sometimes still do) that I had a lot of answers when it came the "Christian Faith" and living therein. I have read a lot of books, heard a lot of sermons, been in a lot of discussions, and experienced a good bit of Faith-walk in my life. By contrast, I have failed a ton, experimented too much, hurt many people, and generally screwed up a lot along the way.

I also used to quite think that I had God himself figured out. I've come to realize that I hardly do at all. Perhaps a fingertips worth (until I am shown otherwise)—and there's a lot of body beyond the tip of a finger.

One thing I think I've figured out is that God is big. Really big. Beyond anything I could imagine big. I like Him big. And I believe He wants us to be amazed by how big He is. Because that's what He is. Big. Huge. Out-of-this-world.

In The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Lucy asks Beaver about Aslan inquiring if he is "safe", to which Beaver replies "safe—no, but he is good". I love this interpretation of what God could be like. Monstrous, Powerful, Clawed, Saber-toothed, Muscular, Mighty....but good.

I am gonna steal from Steve Martin here.... Let's get small, and keep God big.

Stand Corrected

Do I stand corrected?

Will I stand corrected?

Have I stood corrected?

Do you stand corrected?

Will you stand corrected?

Have you stood corrected?

None of us have it all figured out yet.

Attitude Amazing

When I come across someone who, under tremendous circumstances, embraces an incredibly positive attitude, I am inspired, humbled, and a bit ashamed. Inspired by their conscious decision to take a certain stance or belief given a heavy state of affairs. Humbled by my own life situation and how I can lose sight of the incredible blessings I hold on a daily basis. And ashamed to think of the sort of attitude I can take under certain "trials" I face each day.

We all have heard great stories of triumph and amazing attitudes, but when we are exposed to them in our own individual lives—with people we have seen and touched. It has a deeper impact.

1. My Aunt battled cancer in a few forms over the last years of her life. This lady was a true angel. A shining example of attitude and faith. Amid her battle, she'd been asked "Do you ever ask God, why me?" to which she replied "Why not me."
2. A buddy of mine was out of work for over a year. I know there were internal battles he waged with himself, but he made the decision to "embrace it, and find out what God desired for me to learn from this" and now employed and digging back out from under states he "wouldn't have changed a thing" because there was so much to learn.
3. At seven months old, Hailey Trainer was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Amid incredible sorrow and questions, her parents embraced an attitude of prayer and trust, and leaned heavily on family, friends and the church body. Hailey is now a miracle child who at 2-years old, is the oldest living survivor of her form of cancer.

We all find so much to complain about moment-by-moment throughout our day. It could be a remark made about us, someone taking credit for something we feel was ours, or if someone simply just looks different. Shame on us when we do so. And it is a shame that through trivial (or even tremendous) circumstances we can loose sight of opportunities at hand, and attitudes to take.

Take time today to reflect on those you know whose amazing attitude has impacted your life. And check your own attitude. I know I need to.

Father Figure

Being a father reminds me on many occasions about what being a child is. Yesterday at church, our Sr. Pastor Crawford Loritts considered part of a child's perspective*, and the comfort and confidence a child has in their father (or mother)—The bills are paid. There is gas in the car. Food is coming. There will be clean clothes. That most needs will be met—and that we should share the same confidence in our Heavenly Father.

In 1 John 2:13, the author writes "...I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. " We need to know the Father. And trust Him as the child described above does. Trusting that he is aware of our bills, the car, the food, the clothes. And will provide for us as we need.

As a grown(er) person, and somebody who has been in a growing relationship with our God for a while, I have seen many times where the bills make a borderline untimely payment, the car is filled one quarter tank at a time, we're hitting the pantry, and Macy's is surely not shopped.

Just as we want our kids to learn that there is hard work and patience required for our needs being met, often times God's desire has been for me to learn through a time of trial or want. And I have always seen my Father deliver. Not always as expected, or I even desired at the time, but in a sufficient (sometimes beyond sufficient) manner.

Now this is a perspective I don't keep daily. So often I try to take matters into my own hands and lose track of the relationship, wisdom and support I can receive from my Father each day. I need to remember who's roof I live under—and the price paid for me to live there.

*Certainly there are many children who don't share this exact perspective due to environmental circumstances, poverty, etc, but I believe the theory is the same, the vehicles of a father, or The Father's support may look different.

Calibrators

Back when I was a single guy, I had a roommate, Jim. He and I would frequent the local establishments for a few beverages with the hopes of some sort of engagement with the fairer sex. I recall there were seasons when this engagement proved more "successful" than others—shall we say, one of us for some reason would have better "luck with the ladies"* with a greater frequency. I can recall having conversations with Jim which would typically pan out to a dude, you are on a roll these days. Oddly enough, it seems that whenever this roll was identified, and one of use would try to take advantage of it, that roll would end. The simply fact of awareness seemed to set things straight. We were not nearly as cool, suave, etc. as we thought we were.

Obviously the effect of awareness does not solely come to play when it comes to the guy/girl thing. I know that I am in need of some sort of awareness on a daily basis. There are many things that can puff me up and make me loose sight of who I am (or Why I Am—see March 5, 2010 posting). Things such as:

• Success
• Experience
• Appreciation
• Validation
• Knowledge

Now these by no means are bad things—and often are wonderful things which may be used for great purposes—but they easily can (at least in my case) step in and remove some necessary perspective. In order to keep myself aware of how I need to truly consider myself, it is necessary for me to keep calibrated through relationships such as:

• My spouse
• Honest and trusted friends
• Prayer
• God's Word
• ...even this blog

It is important to identify calibrators in our lives and seek them out continually. We need to be disciplined in these relationships and see that they are nurtured, communicative, and trusted. This allows us to keep our antenna up to identify those things which cause us to consider ourselves different than God intended. And also create an awareness of areas where we are available to apply ourselves at a deeper level—as God intended.

Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". So often I will lose sight of my step with the Spirit. Thank God for the relationship I have with Him, through Jesus, and thank God for all of the relationships and calibrators in my life.


*When I refer to "luck with the ladies", I don't mean getting lucky, I mean simply moderate engagement—don't over think this, y'all.

In Discipline

I have been reading a book by Scott Belsky entitled "Making Ideas Happen". In a nutshell, the book is about organizing ideas and projects, and the discipline of pushing them through execution. Belsky has made it very clear that creatives battle discipline and the ability to see ideas through fruition (I can attest this to be true). I am about halfway through the book and have been applying some of the organization methodologies and oddly enough enjoying it. I am interested to see if I can keep this up—as I've always battled the ability to sustain organization—but that what this book is about. Time will tell if I remain disciplined to the process.

Considering the importance of discipline, today I am in need of a post Memorial Day jump start. So I have forced this blog out. Or rather, disciplined myself to scribe it. Brief as it is, I believe that, once written and published, it will have created some inertia to dial back in to work.

I hope to remain in discipline.

See Me

Now I normally am an office coffee machine drinker, but this morning I thought I'd treat myself to a Starbucks. As I walked to the counter, I saw this guy lounging on the couch. He had a few days of growth on his face, shorts, zippy hoodie jacket over a tee, and wore one of those Fidel Castro style military baseball caps. I ordered my coffee, paid, and turned to go out, and I saw that this guy was now leaning up from the couch with his Bible spread open and was in a deep conversation with this other guy. I could see that this guy was one of those mellow, laid back, Christian hipster, Bible study dudes. Of course I am judging from an initial visual of someone. And perhaps he could be completely different than my first impression of him, but it got me thinking. How much does our visual representation truly represent who we are? And, does it matter?

I have been sporting a trimmed beard for over a year or so. I wear jeans or shorts most everyday of my life (thankfully my vocation and congregation allow for it). Today, I am in a white linen button down, long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Jeans. And flip flops. What does that say about me? Does that mean I am laid back? Does that mean I am a lot more casual than most? Does that mean I am not too concerned with making a sparkling first impression on others? I would say that yes, that is me. Of course this is based on my own impression, but what about someone else? Would they say that I am sloppy. Or I am unprofessional. Or I am lazy. Or whatever.

The fact remains that we do have a first impression of others. And we do leave an impression on others. I recall when my brother graduated from college and had hair down to the middle of his back. I counseled him to get a hair cut for any pending job interviews. He said "People should except me for who I am.". That is right. People should. But we don't. We make an immediate "call" on who people are. Right or wrong.

Santa God

I am convinced that there are many in the church who have a list of behaviors which define what is required to be a "good Christian". Almost as though God is overly concerned with who is naughty and who is nice. Now I am not advocating being naughty by any means, but what I am talking about is the weight that can be placed on words like reputation, stewardship, self-control, etc. While admirable and good traits, these words can too easily change to pretense, control, rigidity, and the like.

I believe we can lose track of Jesus in these instances. Or at least place him second to our own quest to be a "good Christian". The Bible contains so many stories of wonderful men and women of God who are by no means these "good Christians". David slept with another man's wife, Jonah disobeyed God and wouldn't go to Nineveh (and met with a fish's belly), Peter denied Jesus three times, to name a few.

Lets not strive to be a "good Christian" and measure ourselves by a listing of character traits or self-goals. Lets strive to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul mind and strength—and love our neighbors as ourselves. Then let the list take care of itself.

Ears First

As someone who is pretty confident in conversation (unless of course I am not). I have learned (and continue to relearn) the importance of listening. How often do we enter into a conversation, or walk into a meeting with so much to say. While I probably have many colleagues and friends who would say that Rick can be quite a talker, I hope they'd also say the guy can listen pretty well too.

Too often we have an agenda where we'd like to "tell somebody something" or "let them know what we think" (air quotes inserted here—thank you Chris Farley). But I continue to learn that, even though I may truly have something to say, I am best served to insert my ear first. Surely I am not recommending entering into a meeting and staring at the person across from you, but if you are trying to accomplish something, you are best to engage the person you are with. Ask questions.

Now I know this isn't real ground breaking stuff, but I believe and have experienced that it is an all too forgotten art in communication. We all know it when we experience it. We've all entered into and sat and listened to a one-sided meeting or dialogue—not fun. And we've all experienced a truly engaging dialogue where both parties participate and share.

Even as parents, too often we can neglect to listen to our kids. Most have learned that kids are smarter, or at least more intuitive, than we give them credit for (after all...WE are the adults). It is too easy for us to proceed along with OUR agenda for the conversation that we miss out on some incredible communication with our kids.

I have been surprised at things I've learned when I enter ears first. Things like:

• I am wrong from the get-go
• There is a lot going on outside of my agenda
• We are already ahead of where I thought
• I may need to pull out of this conversation quickly
• We see eye-t0-eye
  
• Etc.

Within James 1:19, it states "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..." I believe we are most effective in friendship and leadership when we can make listening a priority. Too often I/we do not.

Village People

During her time as First Lady, Hilary Clinton wrote a book entitled, It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us, in which she examines the impact of folks outside of the family and their impact on children. Now I haven't read this book, but the title alone warrants discussion. Let's consider the reality of our communities and what is essentially the community's message.

I've shared in the past that I come from a relatively affluent (incredibly affluent if you consider global societies) upbringing. I grew up in a "nice" town in Connecticut. Went to college at a "nice" university in Florida. And now reside in a "nice" area of the north Atlanta suburbs. Okay, when I say "nice", what I mean is: predominantly white; fairly wealthy; kids with nice cars; kids with Mom and Dad's checkbook; kids wanting for little; parents that hugely consider the Jones and how they can keep up with them; etc. Got the picture?

Indulge me in taking a quick, and perhaps opinionated, glance at my current Village.

I was riding from lunch with a friend and we passed some construction going on on a local road. A thin, tanned, sweaty, hard hatted young man was walking nearby our car. My friend commented, "There's a hard working young man". A moment later we passed by a "nice" neighborhood where there was a banner displayed across the subdivision entry sign which shared the names of all those in the neighborhood who were graduating Seniors from high school and the logos of which colleges they were attending (most of which were "nice" schools). The conversation then moved to a discussion of how much a community can essentially brand what the expectations are for kids. Sort of a "hey, Johnny, you know you need to go to a nice school or you may end up digging ditches"—As though there is anything ignoble about digging a ditch.

Clearly achievement, goal-setting, and success are fine. But if we really look at our own Village, could we use words like: Inviting, excepting, uplifting, considering, honoring, caring, communicating, supporting. You get my drift....

Okay, so this may be another one of my blog/rambles, but I guess I just want myself and anyone else to think about these things. Do we take our daily Village opportunity to consider:

• What message do we share with our kids?
• What message do we transmit to our neighbors, our colleagues?
• Am I practicing what I preach? (I often fall short)
  
• Is my preach appropriate?
  

Or maybe I'm just a new-school hippie who has smoked too much in the past....

* NOTE:

1. Certainly my quick "glance" does not encompass everyone. There are many wonderful people (and perhaps you are one) in all of the "nice" places I've lived. And hopefully those who've read my blog, or know me personally, would say I am not too jaded, but actually have a decent outlook on life, its challenges and prejudices, a solid faith foundation, and an overall grasp of right and wrong (I could be wrong). But I am speaking from and about a generalized perspective.
2. The words above do not exclude the church from the Village. Clearly there are many churches and faith institutions which place too much emphasis in wrong places and are an active participant in making a place too "nice".

Another Small Step

Last night we had the first parent introduction to Middle School. My first born went with the other kids to the gymnasium to have their own Middle School introduction to activities available, etc. He didn't want me to walk him to the gym door. Part of me was happy to let the guy go on his own—the other really wanted to walk him to the door.

Another small step in letting go of my boy. Another small step to, once again, test the actuality of my faith.

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

American Idiot?

A while ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about American Idol. I recall there was a contestant (though her name slips me) who was always very happy. Smiling and agreeing with Simon, Paula (yes, that long ago), and Randy whenever there was constructive criticism. She had an of attitude of joy and everything's gonna be okay and I'll chalk this as a learning experience. I don't know why, but this annoyed me. In speaking with my neighbor, I was taken aback at my I'm over her happiness vibe. Holy smokes, what an idiot I can be.

Our culture today is so permeated with negative or slacker humor-driven that we are so used to celebrating others misfortune and we lose sight of the wonderfulness of good. The continued influence of the web, YouTube and other viral activity only strengthens this celebration. You don't have to go very far to see mocking parody, or joy in another's pain online—or on TV for that matter. Innocently enough, I get a kick out of watching the flubs on America's Funniest Home Videos, but I can also see myself in a not-so-positive light when the humor in others misfortune and sometimes even the annoyance I can feel towards the others gain so easily gets the best of me. This is so wrong (with the exception of a Red Sox loss).

When you really think about it, it is amazing at what annoys us. The next time you're annoyed, dig into the "why". Really look at it. Is it because it's not fair? They don't deserve it? Or are you/we just so infiltrated by our culture that it just annoys us?

Let me start today looking for the good, debating the "bad", and checking my progress over the course of the day.

Stay Out of the Way

I think as parents we try so hard to figure our kids out. I mean, both of my boys are so uniquely different, and I suppose it is only natural that I look at each and envision what they will become and what I can try to shape them toward.

Certainly there are fundamental things we need to instill in our kids. Right and wrong. Kindness. Faith. Selflessness. And others. But I am not talking about this sort of raising/training. I am talking about crafting them to be something I myself envision.

Throughout my kids lives, they have surprised me. Even at their young ages I've seen tremendous changes in their attitudes, talents, efforts, and personalities. Why is it then that I continue to craft or change them into something they may not be created to be. Who am I to cast that vision.

I was having a conversation with my wife the other morning, and through the discussion I realized that I had to ask myself "what right do I have in this". I believe God has created and will shape these guys into exactly as He's intended. I just need to do my best to train them and stay out of God's way. Also providing they'll allow God to grow and influence themselves.

Throughout my own life, I have been amazed at how God has built me—even much differently than I'd intended or imagined. And the unexpected vehicles He's used to do so. Therefore, let me stay out of His way when it comes to my kids. Not to be unsuitably uninvolved as a dad, but suitably allowing God to have the lead.

Löwenbräu

Here's to good friends, good counsel and great partner's in life. Celebrate today, those in your life who are support to you, ears to you, mentors to you, strength to you, perspective to you!

This blog title definitely shows my age, as well as the impact of a good jingle....

What Standards

This morning, on the drive to drop off my boys at school, from the back seat came the question, "If you could go back in time, would you?". My initial thought was, yes. Things seemed a lot easier "back then", whenever it was...as a kid I suppose. But, as I thought about it, I thought otherwise. I wouldn't change anything.

Now I haven't lost a spouse or child to cancer. I am employed at a job I like. I have (or at least the bank does) have a home. I have a decent grasp on my position in the universe. And there are many shoes I haven't walked in. But, life as I know it—I would not go back for a redo.

Okay, so life for me is decent enough for no redoing. But there are plenty of places where the course of life demands perspective and foundation. And these perspectives, or standards, determine our life joy, and well being. But what perspective—or who's standards do we validate our life?

Over the course of my 43 young years there have been many:

• My Dad's
• My Mom's
• My Teacher's
• My Friend's
• My Peer's
• My Culture's
• My Employer's
• My Professional Peer's
• My Kids'

But it is God's standards that are the only that matter. I so often lose sight of this. And, not so amazingly enough, when I do, I struggle. Boy, do I struggle. I become very judgmental, pious, a know-it-all, a gossip, unforgiving, a regular a-hole. And not a very good example to my boys and anyone else.

Regarding God's standards, when Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment (read standard) in Matthew 22:36-40, he replies, "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

By "hang on these two commandments" I believe he means that the list above, or any additions, becomes moot. If we can focus on God's standards outlined by Jesus. The rest should take care of itself. And our answer to the time travel question should be "of course not."

Taking Time

I remember as a child that I had an English teacher who used to say, "take your time, you are rushing". This same teacher used to tell me that I could do much better if I only applied myself (and I believe she wasn't the only one). I know that I now see this taking time concept not living itself out in the lives of my boys—particularly as it relates to homework. Certainly, taking our time, allowing for attention to detail, and ensuring we are doing a good job is great, but what about the concept of actually taking time? I am talking about stealing minutes from our days. We need to grab hold of some time.

Last night, I lay awake with a boatload of thoughts running through my head. Most of them of the professional sort. These nighttime mind whirlwinds can make us tired (ergo, the energy drink on my desk this morning), cause us confusion, and allow for worry. Amid my time awake, I was determined to take time today. Take time to participate in things which were not running through my head and keeping me awake. I am not encouraging irresponsible negligence of that which I need to accomplish, but ensuring my head is on straight through thought, prayer, and relationship with others.

Some time ago when I was sharing with a friend that I was "too busy" to work out, this friend responded with "Even the President has time to exercise.". Good point. Now I know I am still not good about working out and should more (a topic for another day, perhaps), but the point was clear. We need to be intentional with our days. Not just intentional about "getting work/stuff done".

Lets not make time. Lets take it. Steal it. Grab it. Own a piece of it.

Get Wise

I know, Dad. I hear that response a lot from my boys—typically with some sort of sing-song whine—when I am trying to do some sort of course correcting, or teach them something new . Sometimes they listen and come to actually know something I've shared. And sometimes the "I know" is their perceived exit from the discussion.

On a good communication day, I will try to make them aware that I am teaching them something that my 42 years have allowed me to experience. And that this experience has made me wise to some things. And even though they think they know something, they ought to listen intently and try to remember what I am saying. (Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.) because they won't really be wise to something until they've experienced and applied what it is they know.

I heard a story once about a helicopter pilot who shared the experience of his first test-flight with an instructor. He had studied diligently about how to fly a helicopter, and to his understanding, knew how to fly one. All was well aboard his first test flight under the steering of his instructor. However, when he was handed the joystick and told to fly the copter, his inexperienced hands nearly wrecked it.

I believe the older we get, the wiser we get. As I age I see:

• there are plenty of things I don't know
• that I still may only know things, and not be wise to them
• there are some things I wish I didn't know, and was not wise to
• people who think they know things
• people who actually are wise to things
• that I could be wrong

I know....a bit of a ramble....