Common-undrum

Andy Stanley tweeted (or retweeted) the other day "What if God doesn't owe us an explanation? What if He ....is God?"

What if we surrendered our rights. Our right to know why God does things. Our right to think we deserve this or that. Our right to determine our roles.

Romans 9:12 states, "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" Am I okay with that? What if I am of "common use". Clearly I'd like to be one of the noble ones. And additionally, would I like to have "purpose", or just "use".

As an adjective, and according to Dictionary.com, "common" is defined as follows: 1) belonging equally to, or shared alike by, two or more or all in question 2) pertaining or belonging equally to an entire community, nation or culture 3) joint; united. 4) lacking rank, station, distinction, etc.; unexceptional; ordinary

Servants are common folk, right? Yet, we know when we've experience uncommon service.

Man in the Mirror

“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves” (Galatians 6:3).

Quite a Monday morning self-gut check courtesy of Wisdom Hunters blog. Oh, and Paul to the Galatians.

Justified, solely by faith.

Who's the Boss

I was in a conversation with a friend yesterday and we were discussing that there are things everyone either believes in or hopes for or knows (or doesn't know). And that we choose which things that have authority over us. (Now, I am not talking cops and scientific laws, etc.) As a matter of fact, if we so allow, there can be many authorities in our lives. Authorities can take the form of our neighbors, our circumstance, our boss, our reputation, our addiction, our self-sufficiency, our faith, our pastor, our children, our spouse, you name it.*

Authorities are in charge. They have power. They reign over our thoughts, words, and deeds. But we define for ourselves to whom we give authority on any given day. I have heard kids shout "You're not the boss of me!" to an annoying older brother or friend who has told them to do something. Clearly these kids have determined who is NOT in charge. I have also heard things like "I am NOT going to let this cancer beat me!" or "They're not gonna tell me what I can and cannot do." or  "I'm not gonna let them talk to me that way" and various forms of "Oh no you didn't."

Things happen to us. Job loss. Illness. Financial distress. Family issues. An incapacitated car. A seemingly slighted reputation. And we clearly can't control a lot of this stuff. But do these have authority over us?

I believe (or I guess, personally give authority to) that there is a God which governs over all and has absolute authority. And even so, He has chosen to allow us to choose our own authorities. Nice of Him.

I guess it would be easy for me to say that I would proclaim "He has authority over my cancer" when I don't have the disease. However, I have had hardships (job issues, financial woes, addictions, a miscarriage, personal issues of all sorts) and have chosen God to have authority over them. It hasn't taken away all of the pain and struggles. But I have put Him in charge. And I am confident in His authority. I pray I continue to do so—it is my choice after all.

Who or what is/are the authorities in your life?

*Obviously we need to recognize position and respond accordingly. For example, I am not gonna tell my boss "you have no control over me or what I do", while he may not, I am going to honor his position.

Out of Control

How often does something enter in to your life that makes you realize your utter lack of control over things. Not necessarily "will I get this presentation done on time", but "will I make it through the day". Our lives are so much driven by our desire for our own outcomes. What we think is right.

Now I am not saying we shouldn't plan or set goals and what not. Let me share a couple of things.

One. My wife, youngest son and I were sitting in the church balcony on Sunday and our Pastor was teaching out of James 3:13-14 which reads "Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." And our Pastor continued with a teaching around the audacity of control. As he was closing out his sermon, the videographer sitting next to us, passes out. Practically in my wife's lap. She was fine, but given the sermon topic, it added a bit of punctuation to our true control in life.

Two. My wife and I were having a conversation with our babysitter. A young lady going into her senior year of high school. She was sharing how she see's herself a little different than her peers. The things she likes differ from the crowd. I shared a conversation that my wife and I had about how all too often we try to determine things for our children. And that "who are we to determine such outcomes for the wonderful individuals that God has made."

I believe we get so focused on what we think we need to be and do. And that focus so easily gets placed on others—our kids, our neighbors, our spouses, our bosses, our community, our government—what we believe they need to be and do.

Seth Godin recently had a blog posting the other day which kind of gives a different take to this topic which I believe is quite relevant when it comes to control, or determining outcomes. There is a bit of a "hippie" nature to living out of control. And I know those folks smoked a lot of pot.

James 4 continues in verse 17 "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Do we know the good we ought to do? Then let's do that. And live more out of control.

Rigid Wisdom

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Is the old dog dumb? Too set in his ways? Or too wise for the young dogs.

A lot of young dogs think they're smart. Some may have experienced a good bit over their brief life. Things which may have afforded them wisdom. Some may have had a good master who trained them (the master plays a big role here, but that's a topic for another day). Some may just be born a little smarter in some respects.

A lot of old dogs have done stuff. Experienced stuff. Learned stuff. Landed-upon stuff. And perhaps become a little rigid.

I think when Solomon was asked by God what he wanted if he could have anything in the world, his reply was "Wisdom". 1 Kings 4:34 shares, "From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." So Solomon was a wise guy. Folks revered him for his God-given wisdom. But was Solomon an old dog? I don't know. He was wise, though. Perhaps wise beyond his years. Perhaps wise in an only-Godly sense.

I believe wisdom is flexible, dynamic, adaptable. Wisdom, while it may not necessarily be taught a new trick, clearly could perform one. Perhaps wouldn't an unwise one, but would look into it, and not just right it off.

As we age, we do know more and more. Perhaps even get wiser. But does it become a stumbling block? Or a wall that we can't seem to overcome? Even when there's wonderful new grass or areas

of

influence and areas

to

influence on the other side.

I believe that God's wisdom, when humbly sought and humbly applied would have: The look and activity of a new dog —á la a wag of the tail and a potential new trick or two; with the confidence and patience of a dog whose run around the block a good bit.

I can get stuck in my ways, and in what I think I know (and I know some old dogs in this kennel as well). Some of which are probably okay, or even good. However, hope I can remain "new dog" enough to have impact and still enjoy a new trick.

Father's Day: View from a Father

I went to a YouTube video that a friend of mine posted about British athlete Derrick Redmond being assisted across the finish line by his dad after blowing out his hamstring. As I roll into a Saturday morning, this video is pretty intense. But with Father's Day being tomorrow, it makes my position as Father all the more top of mind—all the more important.

As a Dads, we have such a unique view of our children. Not altogether different from that of the Moms, but different none the less. Perhaps particularly as fathers of boys. Or at least that's the perspective I can draw from—'cause that's the one I got.

Having grown up and experienced a good bit (though a ton more to come, I am sure). I know I've dealt with a good bit of trials and tribulations, good times and bad, joys, and pains, over the course of things. When I look at my two boys, whom I adore, and realize that they are gonna go through things I wanna protect them from—as well as things I want them to experience, I can feel a little helpless. Not helpless from having influence and providing wisdom and direction, but I just know there is so much that is out of my hands that they will experience:

• joy
• love
• broken hearts
• addiction
• pride
• pain
• helplessness
• victory
• defeat
• sickness
• health of mind and body
• regret
• ego
• failure
• success

All of this on their own—for themselves. I just pray that I have done, and am living a right role along the way.

I guess I am having more or less an experiential moment as a Dad. Wherein we take a moment to draw back and look at our role. And look at the incredible joys, and deep emotion and potential for pain ahead. A look ahead that is not as a direct participant (or the headliner), but as a role player.

I could imagine (in my finite way) what it must have been like for God to send His Son out into the cold dark world we live in (as a baby none the less). A world that has it fair share of wonderful joy. But also a seemingly unfair share of pains. Jesus had a relation with his Father. Realizing that He (Jesus) was to be the direct participant with this world—knowing his Father was with him.

Creature Comfort

Yesterday I wrote about specific roles in relationships, but I wanted to remind myself that all the defining and understanding of roles is almost pointless if we are not acting in that role. This is not role-playing wherein I would essentially pretend, but moreover role-fulfilling. I spoke of genuineness yesterday. Relationships are truly genuine when you can see the fruit from a fulfilled role.

For example. When discussing things like behavior, respect and boundaries with my sons, often times I hear "okay", "I will", "I understand". Now these words all to often prove a bit hollow—or not genuine. As I have heard them before. However, if I hear these words (or even better, if I don't) and I see the behavior, respect and boundaries play out—see the fruit itself, I can see that it truly is a right relationship. And roles are being fulfilled.

The same holds true with my relationship with God. Now, God loves relationship. He makes them. He fulfills them. He enjoys them. Scripture is clear about this—The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” I need to continuously check my genuineness of my relationship with God. And see if I see fruit. If I don't, I am not in my role of the relationship.

We can't get comfortable in our roles. That is not as God intended relationship. We can find comfort in relationships, but we gotta be careful not to get too comfortable. Too much comfort is not from God. Our relationships must have activity and momentum—our world craves this. Each must be lived out with intention to truly receive the reward (whatever that looks like) intended.

Role in Relation

My oldest son's facebook status states that he's "in a relationship". For his age perhaps that's too young to be in a relationship. Or maybe I'm just too old.

I was in a conversation with a friend the other day and we were discussing the difference between culture and relationship. Culture is defined as "the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group".  Relationship, "a connection, association, or involvement." With these definitions in mind—regarding culture, I think we can believe things and have behaviors, but I am not sure we can create or develop culture, it more or less happens. But with relationship, there is more proactivity. We can pursue relationship. We can start a relationship. We can leave a relationships (most of 'em). We can nurture relationship.

Relationships require people to have a position—a role. I am a husband. I am a Dad. I am a friend. A son. A colleague. A member. An employee. A child of God. Each of these relationships require me to play a certain part. And for each of these relationships to best function, those in them need to understand and fulfill their part.

The Father. The Son. The Holy Spirit. These Guys have it right. Perhaps being all in one is a help. Perhaps being perfect is another. Easy for Them, eh? There must be some sort of otherworldly pulse that goes on as they go about Their business of omnipotence, redemption and wisdom.

So what is my role in my relationships. Different in each, but I must understand and embrace it. I must play it out. With genuineness. If not understood and not genuine, I will not receive from, or bring to the relationship, that which is fullest.

John 1:18 says "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." 

Our relationships should make known, or give honor to the others within them. Do I make God known in my relationship with Him and my role as child? Do my actions in public showcase my marriage and my role as a husband. Do my efforts at work prove trustworthy and faithful honoring my role as employee? Does my servitude show my leadership? Does my stewardship and counsel reflect a good dad? 

Philippians 2:5 states "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus".

I suppose this is the only way I could possibly live each out. Or want to.

Strategery

"Paralysis by analysis". In business we can spend days, even weeks, strategically visiting an opportunity. I personally have over-visited issues on many occasions. Now, don't get me wrong, strategic thinking is a good thing. But I am convinced that it can prove stalling if momentum and work are not ready and waiting with baited breath—knocking at the door—pounding. In business, but mostly in life.

I did a quick search in Biblegateway.com for the word strategy. It turned up once. Isaiah 8:10 states "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." Now the Bible is laden with wisdom, and work.

I am not sure Jesus strategized. Perhaps when He was a boy working alongside his dad in the carpenter shop, they planned out a project. Determining which would be the best size board, and which wood should be used for project X. Then they had to hit the nail with the hammer. Vocationally we should plan, think, and perhaps strategize—then hit the nail. Additionally, when it comes to life, sometimes we become so darn paralyzed by our own planning. I think Jesus was so rooted in God's strategy and His wisdom, that all He could do was act, or move, or go about the work of teaching, healing, loving.

I know the wrist band of the WWJD thing is a bit overused, but during the strategy/planning areas of our work and life, let's make sure we are thinking like Jesus and recognize where its time to know what we know, then act, move, work, teach, heal, love.

Open House

I have become a major Donald Miller fan. He's an author/blogger. He wrote a book entitled A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Could be the best book I've read. I actually have been rereading it via my ears. And have found that a listening to an audio book is altogether a different experience than the printed page. I can't reread a great sentence, but I can get lost in a book in a different way. Anyway, in Million Miles I was introduced, through Don, to a man by the name of Bob Goff, who's a pretty amazing and creative familyman. Bob has a unique way of creating memorable experiences through the act of hospitality. Inspired by this, last weekend I was determined to make something special out of what had the potential to be a run-of-the-mill Saturday.

Last weekend my wife was away with some college girlfriends and it was just me and the boys. I wanted to figure out some sort of Goffian experience for the day. Some imagination later, we decided we'd open a restaurant for the evening where we'd play host, chef and sous-chef to the neighborhood.

Figuring we wanted to keep this pretty simple (we are guys after all), we thought we could grill up some burgers and some dogs, fill a couple of bowls with chips, some bottled water in an icy cooler, and call it a menu.

We wrestled with names, but landed on Three Guys Burgers and Dogs (we are three guys after all). The invitation was designed. Neighborhood mailboxes were stuffed Ground beef was spiced Patties were formed The garage was transformed into a makeshift front-of-house Music was cued. And we waited.

It's hard to wait for a couple of hours when you're excited.

My oldest invited a couple of friends from his bus route. My youngest—a key player amongst the neighborhood kids (and by player, I mean the kid really likes to play)—was on and about ensuring the best attendance from the community.

Now it was an interesting experience for my oldest. He really enjoys cooking and playing host. But on the cusp of being a teenager, this sort of event sits on the border of "embarrassing" and pretty darn cool. To ensure we staved off the "embarrassment", when his friends arrived, I immediately put them to work—pulling them into the event. One was on chip duty. The other bun duty.

In total we had about 15-20 people show up over the course of the evening. And, it turns out it was pretty cool. There was laughter from the kids. Some great conversation amongst the adults who dropped by. A good bit of eating. And a memorable day.

Outside of the enjoyment of watching and participating in others' enjoyment (which was very evident) was the final moments of the day when I was asking my "guys" if they had fun. They both said, yeah, let's do that again.

I plan to.

Hopefully there will be no cease and desist letter coming from the folks at Five Guys....

Where've I Been?

I guess you can say I've been busy. But busy isn't it. I mean, I have been busy, my mind and body that is. But my spirit has not—at least not as it ought. Not in the Word. Not in a great book. Not in prayer. At least, not much. A lot has gone on—some very good, positive stuff. But the good, dialed-in, state of affairs has been on vacation a bit.

I guess we all (I know I have before) go through these seasons. Times where we are preoccupied with work and other things. But I've always discovered that the more dialed-in I am, the better things go along. Or better yet, the more consistent. I've been existing a lot on my own strength. It's been going fine. But I know and feel the difference.

I've shared before about a piece Chuck Swindoll wrote on Attitude, wherein he writes, "I am convinced that life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it." I have found that the 90% has had to be more forced, more deliberately called upon. When I am "dialed-in", it shows up more naturally. Sometimes like breathing.

Gotta get my breath back.

Simply Put

God's call—then our response. Sometimes sizable. Sometimes moment-by-moment.

Could it be that simple?

Do we hear the Gospel, then just choose to believe it or not? Do we see a need, then just choose to act or stand still? Do we see an opportunity, then just choose to invest or pull back?

"The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." - John 21:17

Only three times, Peter?

I am glad God has been so very patient with me. Definitely more patient than I'd have been.

Enter In

The other night I watched Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" with my first born. He's 12. I am not a fan of sitting through an R-rated film with him, but obviously this one is not a Will Ferrel fraternity romp. For those of you who've seen Gibon's flick it is pretty intense. Pretty brutal. I wanted to share the story of Christ in a different way with my boy. We've spoken about it. He's heard some at church. He even adds the marshmallow Peeps to resurrection Sunday. I think he sort of understands the Jesus crucified for our sins thing—to the degree he could.*

We sat on the couch and watched the movie. There were moments of eyes closing, volume turning down, and other methods of trying to cover up what was going on on screen—but we couldn't.

There were times over the course of the movie where I would give my perspective on what was going on, to try to tie some of it in to what we've learned, Bible stories, etc. One of the most impactive things was when they would pull away from the brutality of the cross and bring you into the upper room as Jesus is sharing his bread and body, and wine and blood. There is a unique storytelling that goes on from the blood of Calvary to the grace of the Supper.

One of the things which stuck out most to my son was when the bruised, bloodied, nailed, Christ asks his Father to "forgive them". My son could not believe this. Well, I think he believed it, but couldn't fathom it. It placed the people who'd abused Christ to the point of death as those who were forgiven—which I believe they were.

And I am in the same "them" which Jesus was grieving for.

Then the curtain tore in two.

Forgiveness. There is such power in it—Through Christ to us, the power to enter in.

Forgiveness. There is such power in it—From ourselves to others, a power to enter in in a different sense.

A Power to enter in to relationship. Enter in to relief. Enter in to conversation. Enter in to building. Enter in to healing. Enter in to change. Enter in to becoming something different.

Can we truly forgive "them" (whoever them is?) if they don't know what they do?  Or even if they did?

And through our forgiveness, offer the activity of entering in?

*I believe that none of us fully get the crucified for our sins thing—at least not here on earth. I know I fall way short of full understanding, but I try my best to "get it".

Fail Safe

Today's culture is so entrenched in finger pointing and blame. Its even come to the point of joy in others' calamities. We have "fashion police" who point at, tease, and mock those who may have worn something odd or simply out of style. We have pundits chomping at the bit to report upon political misfortune. And more and more we are seeing the joy in others accidents or major "Fails". Viral video, Tosh.0, and the like saturate our market with face plants, crotch kicks, and a platform to glorify and laugh at the perceived stupidity of others. I'll admit, I find it funny in a painful way to see someone wipeout on their sled into a small pine tree. But we've almost become numb to misfortune. Unaccepting in a holier-than-thou mockery of people.

With culture skewed this way, our attitude toward failure is skewed—our attitude toward failure is wrong. We have to have the freedom to fail. In relationship, marriage, business, parenting, and with ourselves.

Failure means something was tried.

Failure can be a result of inappropriate decision-making, selfish behavior, and overall poor effort. Additionally, it can be a result of trying something, good intention, and an effort to improve.

Failure begets change.

The change begotten may simply be an obvious decision to not try and skateboard down that flight of stairs again. Outside of urban parkour, in a more common arena, the change is accomplished using attitude, forgiveness, support, initiative, etc.

• Has the spouse forgiven the other and do they decide to seek support and rebuild a marriage
• Has the entrepreneur decided to reevaluate a business process and reconstruct some methodologies
• Has the child made the efforts to put in the extra time to elevate their game to win next time
• Has the dad changed his behaviors to leave a better example for his children
• Has the employee realized that in order to achieve the promotion next year they may have to spend more time building a business instead of their resume
• Has the leader realized a need to serve instead of speak from a soap box

And those observing, supporting, and directly effected by the failure of others play a key role and must visit their attitudes and activities as well.

Nothing meaningful is fail-safe. And it must be safe for ourselves and others to fail.

No Know

I think its best when we recognize that we don't know it all. Or even better. When we realize that we don't even come close. When we realize that we only know some things. And that those things are subject to change.

Certainly we can have held truths. But when we recognize that we have whole lot to learn, life can begin again and again. And that's cool. I think if I knew too much, things could be pretty boring. And I'd have less reason to lean on a Savior.

Result or Reason

Yesterday I heard the phrase "Reputation Management". I have recently considered reputation a good bit.  I am reading a book which has brought up the importance of having a "good reputation" on more than one occasion. And that a Christian should be a person with a "good reputation". I am not sure if that is altogether true. As Christians we are called to be like Jesus. To love. To serve. To honor. To humble ourselves. To move. These are activities. Reputation is not an activity. Activities produce results. Our reputation shouldn't be a reason to do anything. Our reputation—whatever it may be—is a result of our activities. When we place our reputation as the driver, our focus is off and we can miss things along the way as we set to achieve our goal. Our reputation is what people think. Webster online defines Reputation as " a : overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general b : recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability".

In 1Timothy as Paul (I think) outlines considerations for church leadership, he speaks that one must have a "good reputation with outsiders". I believe Paul, a radical, a prisoner, a former killer, and a self described "chief of sinners", most likely was talking about the results of actions. As his reputation (a good one I might add) was engrossed in activity.


If someone has a reputation for being an a-hole, he is probably quite selfish. If someone has a reputation for being very clever, he is probably smart-witted. The activities of these folks most likely have created their reputation. I doubt an a-hole would set out to be an a-hole, or a clever person would set out and say "I am going to be clever".

Why do we do things? Do I deliver? Or do I want to be thought of as a guy who delivers? Am I kind? Or do I want to be thought of as kind?


If we set out to be a "good Christian", I think we'll miss the mark. Consider our activities, and for what reason do we do things. Am I doing this to serve others? To honor God? To be selfless as Christ was selfless? Or am I looking to have an unblemished reputation? 

Lip Service

A while back I wrote about my experience with a guy at Quick Trip (The Art of Art). Let's call him Ted. Ted was an engaging young man who, in the spirit of pleasant communication and well, a quick trip, shared the art of customer service. This morning, it was a bit different. The young man behind the counter (let's call him John) certainly said some things that would be constituted as customer service, or engagement, but it did not ring of authenticity. Again, John's words, were near the same as Ted's, but they were not felt. At least not by me.

When solely lip service is paid (or appears to be), and someone seems to be simply going through the motions, is this worse than no communication at all? Perhaps this sort of communication is the best one can do in accordance with their job, their standards, or their environment.

While words do mean things, the spirit behind them means more. It validates. Or points a finger towards what is behind the words—their inspiration.

What is behind our words:

• Ourselves?
• Others' interests?
• Our perceived best interest for others? 
• Selfishness?
• Career advancement?
• Our wisdom?
• Love?

Relationship plays out in the words we use, I guess. It may simply be a transactional relationship like John's which wouldn't necessarily cause me to come back. Or it can be an authentic engagement which can have a positive experiential impact—creating a desire for more.

Maybe this is a little heavy when all I was doing was getting a Red Bull...

Idle Worship

In the not too distant past, I removed the Facebook application from my smart phone. Nothing against Facebook, its just that I was spending way too much time checking in on things. I soon found that I actually was able to occupy thoughts in my down time in a different capacity. I found time for contemplation, conversation, etc. Well recently, I'd taken up an online word-play game which while very fun and creative, soon for me became overly competitive and a bit addicting. It started filling what little white space in my life there was—encompassing a good bit of my thought first thing in the morning and continuing throughout the day.

I had to throw in the towel. I've found that when I fill any hint of white space in my life up with busyness or just plain stuff, I lose opportunities to live a life of worship. I used to think that worship is mostly the music, closed eyes, and hand-raising thing. As I've grown, I realize that worship truly shows itself in how I live. I can't have this type of worship sit idly by while I numb myself with whatever the white-space-sucker-of-the-day is for me.

A couple weeks ago, a friend who'd just spent a good bit of time with a Brazilian missionary spoke as to how, upon seeing all this missionary was doing, he realized he was living in a Movie About Me. Man, that is so true! I live in Movie About Me a lot. I don't need that starring role. I need to push more and more for the best supporting actor performance in Movies About Others. And I need to use time to do this. Not waste my time.

"We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11

Peak Performance

I was in conversation with a dear friend last week—discussing parenting and faith. We began talking about the energy that we must put forth into relationships. With God, children, spouses, friends, and colleagues. And it does take energy (as those with kids can surely attest).

I think that sometimes my faith in God can turn lazy. I can have a relatively "hands off" approach to my faith walk. Not an "I don't care" hands off, but an "I do care, but I trust God more than I trust myself, so I'll just leave this one alone"*. This can become a Pontius Pilatesque-out of my hands washing, which is not appropriate when action or participation needs to take place. Conversely, some can become too meddlesome with their faith walk, and not leave enough room for chance experience, or for God's intentions to differ from theirs.

Now there is a fine line we need to walk in faith. Its takes energy. And core strength. And balance. The below illustration came to mind as I imagined the struggle to maintain the right path in faith.

When we balance across the "peak", we realize how quickly things can shift if we are not paying attention to where we are going or what we are doing. A little leaning can turn into quick careening.

God calls us to walk along the peak. Matthew 7:14 shares "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."And in order to do this we have to recognize those things which will cause us to lean over to far and have our momentum carry us. As well as keep our antenna up to those things which will grab hold and pull.

For me, when I start to "lean lazy", I may not be participating at a level I need to as a Dad to my boys. Conversely, when I start to "lean controlling", I can have my own conclusions begin to differ from what God may have in mind in a given situation.

We have to perform at the peak—the narrow road.

May we stay energized through communication and community. Keep our core strong through prayer and time in the Word. And keep our lives open and available to be counterbalanced when needed.



*I do believe that an abandoned faith is a good thing, and that when we relinquish control to God we are in a good place, however, clearly God calls us to and for action, and not to simply stay put.

No Solo

Another tweet from Bob Goff that grabbed me: "God brings us together to be a symphony, not just soloists. Independently capable; collectively unbelievable."

Do we allow a concert of community into our lives?

• Do we go it alone?
• Do we embrace transparency?
• Do we seek out others' strengths?
• Do we find joy in our shortcomings?
• Do we keep our ears open?
• Do we make time for others?

And do we really ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" and mean it? And if we figure out the answer, do we act on it? And by we, I mean me.