On Earth

"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

A tall order. On EARTH as it is in heaven.

I frequently take a couple of different approaches to this concept of "thy will be done on earth". Either a "My will be done or earth", or a hands-off, "Hey, thy will be done on earth, Lord".

Clearly doing my will on earth is off target. But all to often the case. I will try to own a lot of things here on earth. Be it professionally, personally or even things surrounding my activity with God. We can try to craft things. Well intentioned, but not exactly Thy will being done. Sometimes we are too smart for our own good. Too planning. Too driving.

Conversely, the hands-off approach—while altogether a pretty good thing—can often times turn into passivity. Now there is a good bit to consider here. I don't believe God wants us to simply be inactive and more or less simply just let His will be done. And I don't believe God wants us to force His issues. But I do believe sometimes we can be, more or less, along for the ride.

We sometimes consider this life our "Christian walk" (when I hear this I think of Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks skit). And we can concentrate too much on specific guidelines or ways of living that will therefore equivocate with being a Christian. But a walk is an active thing. There is movement. And WE are the one's doing the walking. Doing the work. Not a stroll—but making strides.

I wonder. Am I setting my own course? Simply strolling along? Or actively engaged in movement?

Everymoment. Everyday.

Grace Space

Have you ever been at a social gathering and met anyone for the first time, and felt that guarded space between you and the person? How much do I share/not share. Us guys typically fall back onto the "what do you do" or weather conversation. I suppose there are some social etiquettes which have us keep this buffer. I am not a very good buffer keeper. I tend to want to dig right in, and sometimes will showcase some of my more personal goings on that may breach the social acceptance—perhaps sharing something about how my boys clogged the toilet bowl and held of reporting to Dad for a plunge for two days (TWO DAYS—needless to say it was pretty bad. I mean how could the continue to go about there business without making mention of this—but I digress). So maybe I am a social space cadet.

But what about the space of grace? The space that says its okay to be open. Its okay to share. Come into my space and life. I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. 

What about the "churched", the "believer", the "christian", the "saved". Is our space littered with closed ears, impatience, piety, over-education, judgment, political or personal opinion?

Or do we provide "grace space". A space that is less a buffer and more a a sponge—where story, issue, problem, strength, need, gift, can be held between two (or many). And the sponge can be absorbed in honesty—and be wrung out in encouragement, supply, forgiveness, support, strength, shelter. A space that speaks— "When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged...", Acts 11:23.

Oftentimes I don't think the Church behaves this way—even with our own. We keep our private things private. We don't share. I know folks who live in two worlds. All the while grace provides the space to erase the need to keep our world's separate.

Full disclosure is risky. You've got to have trust, hope, faith, vulnerability. You've got to receive grace. And give it.

Too much risk management going on—and not enough unmanaged grace.

Thinking and Knowing

I have a friend who's dad was once in a conversation with a friend, lets call her Glenda. And Glenda was going on and on about "Well, I think such and such" and "I think that fill in the blank" and "I think we need to blah, blah, blah." To which my friends dad interjected "Glenda, what do you KNOW." "Tell us what you KNOW."

There's nothing wrong with thinking. I think a lot. I also know some. I wish I knew more. It is our heart in our thinking, and the source of our knowledge, which impacts the effectiveness and truth of our thoughts and knowledge.

When thinking, where is your heart? When knowing, what is your source?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

Something for all of us to think about...

Over Anal-ysis

I have had the pleasure (and I do truly mean that) of having my mother-in-law in for a visit for a bit. She is a sewer (read so-er, not sue-er). Every time she comes to visit, there is some sort of sewing project on the docket. Usually I will stash away a shirt in need of a button.

So,—or should I say sew—this evening she is hunkered deep into a project and makes the point that "Some day, when in heaven, do you think you'll say of me, "My don't you think she was anal about those drapes?"". To which I responded, "When we get to heaven, there probably is a lot we'll look back on and say that there really wasn't a need to be quite so anal."

When we are too exacting, do we lose out on mystery and excitement? Do we determine, or do we detriment our impact?

Overthought Leadership

There has been a growing trend on the topic and focus of "Thought Leadership". Many in the social, digital, business, and church communities are searching for, or becoming "Thought Leaders".

Someone recently shared (can't recall where I noted it from) that we need to "Be careful of making leadership more complicated than God intended. Listen to God, do what he says, in the way He wants it done.". Though life and leadership can be complicated, I believe sometimes there is a focus away from the simplicity of things like:

• Listening to one another
• Looking at history
• Meditating on relevant subject matter
• Utilizing each others gifts
• and Action

I am all for deep, progressive thinking, as well as analytical study. Nothing wrong with it. But sometimes—at least I know its true of me—we can overthink and potentially paralyze ourselves from action.  There can be overcaution, or the pursuit of perfection.

Additionally some give too much credence to those "Thought Leaders". We gotta be careful who we tag with that title. Some may not be as correctly leading as we think. The Ancient of Days can provide some pretty "leading thought". And there's a book about it.

Maybe I am just OVER "Thought Leadership"....

Public Awareness Campaign

Yesterday I was talking with a few guys about the subject of Reputation. Particularly looking at reputation as a goal or focus, and that of reputation as a result. The consensus was that when we look too closely at reputation as an end game we are not rightly focused. Our behavior determines our reputation.

So I got to thinking. What if we all made a top 10 list of what we believe people (friends, acquaintances, colleagues) think of us? What would it come out to be?

• Caring?
• Encouraging?
• Leading?
• Good Listening?
• Intuitive?
• Quiet?
• Etc.

And what if those people were required to make a list of what they truly thought of us?

• Giving?
• Nurturing?
• Fearless?
• Lying?
• Self-absorbed?
• Over indulgent?
• Etc.

What if we took a page out of the Scarlet Letter, and actually wore "our" list on the front of our shirts, and unbeknownst to us, the "people's" list was plastered across our backs? What chuckles would be heard from behind? Who would want to avoid us? Who would want to befriend us?

And what about God? What would His list look like? We are BEYOND fortunate that Jesus restored our relationship with God through His shed blood. Yet clearly the action of the cross does not erase the impact of our behavior choices, as Romans 6:2 states "How can we who died as far as sin is concerned go on living in it?". Therefore we need treat our behavior and choices seriously.

Our behavior speaks loudly. Perhaps more loudly that we even realize. Those of us who are parents have an incredible mirror towards our behavior in our children. But there are so many others affected by our behavioral choices. Moment by moment. Conversation by conversation. Email by email. Smile by smile.

Other Shoes

I stole some time on Sunday to listen to a podcast of an interview with Chuck Swindoll. I've been a fan for a while—mostly due to a piece he wrote on "Attitude" wherein he describes life as 10% of what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it. Therefore, our attitudes, play a key role in how we are affected by, and can impact life. Anyway, in this interview, he is asked "How do we stay authentic?". Sort of a funny question if you think about it, but I understand the interviewers question. Sometimes our authenticity can become unauthentic—more presumed upon or egocentric.

Swindoll answers, "Stay teachable.", "I am not caught up in what I am. I try to put myself in the shoes of the other person.".

I know I can get bogged down in what I'd like to say in given situations that I can lose focus on what should be shared, and can easily lose sight of the state of affairs of my audience. A while back I wrote Consider Consider discussing how we don't take time to stay teachable, or imagine another pair of shoes.

Frankly, we don't put ourselves in other's shoes... We are reactive, inconsiderate, vengeful, opinionated, and can so often just act the donkey. We must find pause to respond well—and through the appropriate vehicles. 1 Timothy 4:12 shares "...but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.". Let us do so. Let me do so.

Experience Learning

I figured I need to write something about this snow, ice and wintry experience in Southtown. It truly has been unique. Schools closed. Businesses closed. Streets shutdown. Families shut in.

Some highlights:

• Shoveling my driveway with a wire shelf
• Sledding down the icy roads
• The flushed faces of boys coming in from playing in the snow
• The smell of wet "snow gear" and therefore the din of the clothes dryer
• The hard drive on my laptop crashing
• My ensuing drive downtown "braving the elements"to get it fixed
• Slipping on the ice and wrenching my knee (diagnosis TBD)
• Picking up a couple of great, hot pizzas on the way home
• The heightened Facebook interaction with a good bit of down time
• Moms and kids figuring out "what to do"

When the hard drive went, I had the option of braving the icy roads of Atlanta and getting to my "Mac Guy's" house so he could take a peak. Or stay home and wonder if I would ever recover what I'd potentially lost (Yes, potentially, the Guy's a genius and was able to come to my data rescue). I decided to take the drive. On my way to the car, I slipped on the ice and twisted my knee. I felt like a complete dork. I felt old. I literally asked God "Okay, is this a sign of you wanting me to stay here and not risk the road? Or is it another thing that just sort of "happens"?"

I have a good friend who says (mostly about his kids) that we need to make sure we use things as a "learning experience". This holds true in SO much of what occurs. All too often, I don't think that way. Or, I refuse to learn anything from it, and therefore, don't change anything about it. I believe God continues to bring us‚ again and again, to certain places (literally and figuratively) in life. And won't stop bringing us there until He's accomplished, or we've learned, His intention. We just have to ask the question of Him when we find ourselves in certain places and situations. That and make time to hear His answer.

So what was I to learn from the whole knee thing? I dunno. Perhaps that I need to be more careful when walking on icy roads. Perhaps to remember that God is with me. Regardless of the the situation. Big or small. Or perhaps it was an opportunity for me to remember God.

Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Unlike Cynicism

As I've written in the past, I have sort of a love/hate relationship with social media. Facebook and Twitter specifically. I use both. Some might say that's hypocritical, but it is a love/hate.

The love side leans towards my output and some of what I believe is great, inspired, insightful input or direction. The hate side (gosh, hate seems pretty dramatic)—lets just say "not like" side, or "wonder why they say that" side—plays out in the seemingly monotonous moment-to-moment, "I am here", "I am there", "I did this", "I did that" update. But, who am I to play judge and jury. Simply because I find its use one way, and others another, why can I be such a cynic. Its only Facebook, Rick.

The reality is I can all to often be such a cynic. WAY too often.  Freedefinition.com hit my nail right on the head with its definition: "An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others". Certainly there are beliefs formed within me, and general knowledge of my "friends" which can correctly provide perspective on some of this (posts) from which I form an opinion. But I know that I frequently have knee-jerk condemnation. 

Someone had driven me towards Isaiah 1:17 via a tweet. Conveniently enough, I hopped on my Bible app, scrolled on my touchpad to the verse and read it. (This is when I love the media and technology of it all*. Something sparked me, and within and instant, I am in.) As I scrolled further down to verse 18 it states "Come, let's consider your options," says the LORD. "Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow;"**. The concept of God coming alongside us and asking us to Consider Our Options is quite a thought.

We need to ensure we are considering our options and checking our attitude as stuff comes our way. Be it a status update, a child's request, a friend's comment, a neighbor's dog, a stranger's glance, a task ordered, etc.. 

Too often I am not. Too often I am the cynic. 

So if you are reading this blog, and have connected via Facebook or Twitter, please look beyond any hypocrisy you may feel, and understand that I am just a....well, a dude....trying to get better at being a husband, a dad, a friend, a counselor, a storyteller, a Child of God.



*Clearly there can be negatives to this sort of instant information, gratification, and reaction.

**Now, within Isaiah, this is not a kinder gentler God coming alongside someone. Moreover a life and death-weighing, mighty fear-inducing God. But for my purposes above, I have toned this down to something more attainable for the subject matter. Yet still retaining relevance as it was the source of inspiration.

Ego Away

Proverbial New Year's resolutions come in the forms of weight loss, organization, fitness, etc.. I am not a big fan of resolutions as I often have trouble keeping any of them. I've even gone as far as setting an alternative "start date" to see if that'll help. But, I seem to always fall short. Or too long. Or whatever the alternative to my resolution may be. Nevertheless, I am giving it another whack. One I believe is attainable. Not on my own doing. But with the Grace of God. I want to become less. Not weigh less—although that would be great—but become egoless, selfless, othersmore, others-serving, unconditionally others-loving.

According to Merriam Webster, "ego" is defined as : the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world.

Ego as a default will rear its ugly head in the form of pride, self-indulgence, sarcasm, cynicism, etc.. However it all to often shows its uglier side with piety, sack cloth, closed ears, non-grace and holier than thouness. 

Matthew 6:16-18 states "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

My intention (though my intentions sometimes go the way of my resolutions) is to examine some of these "self" words mentioned above. This I believe will be a good exercise for me—as lessening my Ego/Self is always a major struggle.

My prayer for this year is Less of me. More of Thee. As I state in my blog bio "May any words in here about me, never be about "me"." I hope this holds true. Let me know if you see otherwise.

Are You Good with That?

The following was written by a friend, neighbor, and brother, and is posted with his permission. This caused me to pause, and think—which is most likely an intention of anyone who writes (I know it is with me). He'd shared this with me, and I wanted to do the same. Very good stuff. Enjoy.


ARE YOU GOOD WITH THAT?

The last few years I've noticed an increase of "prophetic word". Folk (mostly clergy) saying this is the year of...Overflow, or Harvest, or Increase, or Favor. Invariably someone at the end of that year, who by the way received and believed that word, had the year from HELL (real or imagined). For them it appeared at times, that there was a decline in their finances, disorder in their lives, unimaginable pain. For them their latter was not nearly as great as their past.

• What do you do when GODS delay is denial? I can no more tell you what to do than the man in the moon. I can ask however; Are you good with that?

Increasingly I've come to realize that I better be sure that my declarations are mine and not an extension of someone else’s trending. Some people are having some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Father Time, The New Years Baby, 2011, nor some trending catch slogan is going to change that.

• What do you do when the Harvest is not ripe and the laborers are many? I can no more tell you what to do than the man in the moon. I can ask however; Are you good with that?

I take issue with the lack of balance in this new age "Dr Phil School of Absolute Prohecy" messaging. Not because it is thin, or not rightly attenuated to the nefarious ways of man. No, I take issue with the oft practiced avoidance of the, "Not Your Year" Clause. The “If I can’t sell it, I won’t espouse it” Clause. I guess there is no market for "I'm glad I didn't go through that" messages.

• What do you do when the grass is greener on the other side? I can no more tell you what to do than the man in the moon. I can ask however; Are you good with that?

Make no mistake about it; for every great, wonderful, miraculous story there is the polar opposite. There is that message of blessing that the Pontiff, Pastor, or Prophet told you, was on the way, just before their condition changed and the message went to "Warfare".

• What do you do when you are told the "enemy is attacking"; but things couldn't be better for you? I can no more tell you what to do than the man in the moon. I can ask however’ Are you good with that?

There are going to be those who say this is food for thought, sadly profound, or an early morning diatribe. And others who will say they can hear frustration and pain. And I say....In everything give thanks.......In all my ways acknowledge.....

I’m good with that.
©Stephen D. Kee-Author

If this is something you enjoy, please check out his book "I Head What You Said, But I Saw What You Did"

Merry Convictmas

In a community group my wife and I visit on Sunday mornings we were discussing Christmas. From pre-Christ winter solstice celebrations, through His birth, to original Mardi Gras-like Christmas celebrations, to Santa, to the Americanization. And even covered the financial impact of the Christmas Holiday in America—I believe it was said to be $30 Billion industry—that's just Christmas stuff, not even the gifts!

After we'd looked at the timeline of historical Christmas, the question was posed to the group. "What are you going to do to celebrate the birth of Jesus?". The room was silent for a bit. Thoughts were swirling through my head.

Christmastime causes me to think a lot, and I have been quite intentional with some thought in this blog (Wack Friday and Holiday Obligations). This time of year I am whelmed with thoughts of overcommercialization, focus on the needy, helping your fellow-man, giving and serving, and sharing the Gospel.

That said, I was convicted pretty heavily in two areas:

1. What am I going to do to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
2. Why does this others whelming come so much only at the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season?

Regarding #1, clearly I/we get focused on getting a lot of the Christmas Holiday "right". Doing the right things. Finding the right gifts. Running around to parties. Creating time to celebrate with family—to give and share.  Now my own household has diminished a lot of the extravagance of the season but we continue to figure out which Christmas Eve service we are going to attend to that will play into our other plans for the Eve.

Conviction #1, I truly want to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  And celebrate we should. Perhaps not Mardi Gras, but we really ought to celebrate THIS occurrence which perhaps Simeon summed it up best in Luke 2:30-32 "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” THIS occurrence need celebration—through praise and honor, through warmth and family, through joyful telling of stories and song!

Regarding #2, perhaps its the "feel good" stories, Christmas Carol, etc. that can bring a focus toward fellow man and redemption. The cold weather as we're nestled in under our blankets with cocoa vs. the thoughts of the homeless on the street. The Holiday and the loss of loved ones. Or the lonely.

Conviction #2, this consideration and attitude needs to take place year-round. We do our best, but we all lose the vision. The priority of reaching, communicating with and reforming others—through the redeeming power of Jesus—needs to be our #1 focus 365 days a year. Not just around the 25th of December. Now, a lot of folks may be good at this. I just know I should always try to do better than I have.

I hope this makes sense. There is a lot on my mind and heart about this....

Holiday Obligations

This Christmas as with every Christmas, I find that I am busy, cynical toward the commercialization, trying to keep the family joyful, and working hard up until some time off. All the while, trying to remember the Christ child. Last night I was smacked in the face by a couple of verses.

• "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:14-16
• "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him." Deuteronomy 8:1-6

Not only is this a time of reverence for Christ's birth, but additionally, a reminder of our place in the world. A world that needs us. Greeks and non-Greeks. Jew and Gentile. Haves and Have-nots. Friends and Enemies. Haters and Hatees. The Successful and the Failures. The Straight and the Gay. The Cheater and the Cheated. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

We are obligated to open our homes—without worry as to the pomp and experience—just open them. We are obligated to open our hearts. We are obligated to open our wallets. We are obligated to open our mouths. We must remember how the Lord your God...

Faith and Flying

Hebrews 11:1 shares "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hoping and Not Seeing. Not exactly a concept which can instill a lot of confidence in the day and age. In the professional landscape, we must ensure ROI.  And establish the pathway to success and move along it accordingly.

But what about us. What about us with our lives. Should we live our lives Hoping and Not Seeing? Doesn't seem to make all the sense in the world, does it?


I flew in to Atlanta from Minneapolis last night. Now flying to me is always a little odd. A big heavy metallic tube with wings that launches me and my fellow passengers up into the air and brings us back down safely, quite a ways away from where we started. You get on. The door is shut. It's crowded. A metallic voice shares status updates as to your whereabouts. And you just sit there—perhaps every once in a while getting up to pee—then right back to your seat. I hope this plane is gonna do as I believe it will. Get me where I want to go.

So, I had been dialed in to a couple of USA Today crosswords from the past couple of days, and took in some airline TV entertainment. Then the metallic voice shared that we were approaching our destination and to please check the security of your seat belt. At this point I am always reminded of the big, heavy, metallic tube with wings thing and check my seat belt. It was a bit of a rocky decline. Probably due to the weather. Swaying side to side. Back and forth. I tightened by seat again and again. Though I couldn't see the ground, I hoped we got there safely. And as I tightened my seat belt, I was more and more latching myself on to this plane.


Now if faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, then am I tightening my belt to Jesus? Do I fully entrust Him to bring me safely to a destination which is a ways away from where I started? Tested faith is quite a definer of that which you have faith in. And the Lord has historically proven flight-worthy. Honestly though, I am a little scared of a tested faith—when all we can do is tighten our seat belt to that (or whom) which we trust. And this is a life full of faith tests.

Don't Think I Can

The question is not,"Can someone lead a good life without Christianity?" The question is, "Can I?" - CS Lewis 

I don't believe so...

Grind? Really.

The first day back after a long weekend is always a tough one. After few days away from the office—time with family and friends, and a good bit of rest—dialing back into the grind of work is not always an easy thing to do. My first born didn't even want me to mention the word "school" yesterday. And I don't think I am quite ready to think about marketing, retail communication, and design.

I have a friend that had a death in his family over the Thanksgiving weekend. May God be with him and his family, provide a new-found peace, and may they be surrounded with support and love.

Life is a lot more than we often consider. May I keep a good perspective on what a grind really is. And hold an awareness of a bigger picture than my own.

Whack Friday

So this morning after the meal (Thanksgiving that is), I am sufficiently still full. And frankly a little remorseful. What was started as some settlers thanking God for their bountiful harvest and sharing a time of peace with their new neighbors (my early AM understanding of it’s origin)—has turned into a glutenous celebration of food, family, and football. Nothing against the three “Fs”. I am a big fan. But you know what I mean.

I did enjoy a marvelous meal with my folks, some in-laws, my wife and kids. We did thank God for what we have and played a dinnertable game to offer additional thanks—and I am deeply thankful for a lot. But I gotta tell ya, this morning after the meal, as I sit in an Atlanta Bread Company, still belly full, watching the cars tear around and fill up the Kohl’s parking center for pre-dawn sales opportunities, I am quite in a contemplative mood.

First of all, why do we eat so much? I’ve heard that we get three days worth of our optimal caloric intake in the span of three hours. When do our appetites say “uncle”? And even when they do, why do we override that voice?

Secondly, when did we decide that we need to grab another day (all 24 hours of it) after this feast to shop? I don’t understand this experience. Perhaps its to simply save a few bucks—perhaps its simply the lunacy associated with it. However, it does seem a nauseatingly appropriate activity for our society and culture. Why not spend a day eating and sitting around, then go and buy a bunch of stuff for ourselves or those really close to us. Probably a lot of which is using credit (you know, the money that we don’t even have). You could argue that the gift is in the giving, but I really doubt the legitimacy of a lot of that speak. Its to get the stuff, y’all.

Then there is the stress. Some of which comes from our internal battle to rationalize or justify our glutenous behavior—after all, we’ve earned this money. Some of which comes from our self indulgent desire to have our kids have what other kids have. Or ourselves having what the Jones’ have. And not being perceived as less than, or unthankful in our gifting.

What if this Holiday Season we focused outside of ourselves. What if we took the money designated to our kids and told them that we were gonna use it to help a couple of children stay alive and eat for a year. Or that we were gonna help keep some young preteen girls from being sold into the sex slave market. Or that we were gonna help find a cure for childhood cancer. Or that we really don’t have the kind of money to buy all of the stuff.

What if this Holiday Season we focused on Jesus. The God/man who had ownership on true perspective. The One who could answer all of the “whys” that we ask. The One who provided the ultimate example of gift giving.

What if this became a season of appetite control, sacrifice and honor due. Clearly, I am no shining star in the battle to overcome appetite and don’t continually give sacrificially. I fall way short. But with God’s help, and and as I consider Him and His desires for me, and respond to that help and consideration, I can move further that way.

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” " 1 Peter 1:13-16


Of course there are exceptional folks who are exceptions to some generalizations above, but I think you know where I am coming from....

The Art of Art

There's a young guy at Quick Trip that has the early shift. Outside of the "thank you see you soon" type of communication that you receive at every quick trip, he wished me "Have a great Thanksgiving". This guy is consistent. I see him a good deal of mornings when I stop in for a knock-off Red Bull. He is always pleasant. And even memorable.

Seth Godin would call this art. How we do things. Not why or for what we do things, but simply how. Particularly the little things.

I believe this takes a simplification mentality, a self-awareness, and an honest desire to make the world a better place. Clearly there are things which influence our abilities to do this. Our beliefs, attitudes, and energy play key roles.

You could argue I was an artist by trade, but that is what I do. It's when we apply art to what we do—and perhaps more particularly, the moments we do—that makes it more meaningful, and arguably more impactful. I think I'd rather be known for my art. Might I create art today.

Thanksgiving

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

I am thankful for:

• Each day being new
• Forgiveness
• A wife who loves me, listens to me and I get to love!
• Children to love and influence
• Friends of all styles, shapes and sizes
• A Savior
• Perspective
• A steady paycheck
• The little things
• A voice
• Gratitude
• The ability to change
• Joy in pain
• Example and influence
• The Word of God
• Good music and song
• Laughter
• Community
• Discovery
• The glory of nature
• Expression
• Giving
• Learning
  
• Course correction
• Folks who put up with me—warts and all
• A good book
• A nice India Pale Ale
  
• And more...

Not necessarily in that order :)

Another Angel

Well, another Rally Kid is now with her Creator. Hailey Trainer passed away on Sunday morning. She was the oldest living survivor of her form of solid brain tumor. Oldest at some 2.5 years. I wrote about her a few of months ago (Not Again). Once again the questions of "why" will plague many around Hailey. At this point, logic flees. Certainly you could put a clinical hat on and explain the effect of cancer, but many of us are not that clinical. But logic escapes. In any sort of place where logic resided it is replaced. Replaced with grief, anger, sorrow, faith, peace, frustration, clinging, support, escapism, compassion, sympathy, confusion and understanding.

We were discussing pain and suffering the other day in a class. We talked about how we can very easily throw a well intentioned Bible verse out with the hope to help provide some support and clarity. All too often, that doesn't help much for the recipient of said verse. I don't think we can ever fully understand the ways and means of God. Not here. Not now.

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." - John 21:25

Please pray for the Trainer family once again. Their perspective and receipt of God's grace has been amazing to experience.