Adventures

I am currently finding myself about waist-deep in an ever unfolding adventure. Humbled to be participating in the first multi-site expression of church in the Churches of Christ, I'm finding very little to be unfolding as predicted. I love adventures, always have.

Ever since I was a little kid, I've preferred the "unknown." Given the opportunity to hear something, read something, experience something where the final "chapter" is unknown, I'll take it every time over the predictable. I've always been spontaneous and love "taking turns" at speed.

I have been known to simply "drop in" on my friends (much to the consternation of my wife) with little or no notice. This tendency likely has some genetic moorings that I'm now watching regenerate in at least one of my own children (the other is more like her mom... "let's be on time and spare me the surprises" would be her mantra).

One of my favorite things to do is to get on my motorcycle (preferably with another friend also on their motorcycle, though I have gone it alone), pick a navigational direction and just "go." For several days at a time with no idea for what we'll see, or what we'll eat or where we'll sleep or whatever. It has proven to be one of the most liberating experiences of my life and I'll likely keep doing it as long as I'm able.

Right now, ministry is like one of those trips. We're launching a new church site this coming Sunday and we have no idea how many people are going to show up for the first worship service in our new location or what to expect other than we will be gathered to lead people to a deeper walk with Christ.

We've extended the invitation to over 20,000 people (if they all show up, it will be a real adventure, for sure) and we are scurrying around making all the preparations so the day goes as smoothly as possible. However, building renovations won't be concluded and there will surely be some loose ends that we can't begin to even forecast. But I am confident God is going to show up in even greater force than those who come to worship Him and it will be an amazing time.

Isn't it great to follow the Creator who can build a universe out of "nothing?" Keep us in your prayers, we have no idea how wonderful this trip is going to be, but I can assure you, it will be exciting!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Simple Things

Thinking back over my years thus far I have to confess I've been quite fortunate. So many incredible blessings beyond counting have been mine and still I'm amazed by the things I experience every day.

I've been fortunate to sit at the feet of some incredibly talented and well-known (famous) people, I've seen some amazing things and traveled to locations some will only see on the pages of magazines (though there is still so much more I want to see and experience) and still I remain staggeringly amazed by the "simple" things.

I have found it is not the famous, the picturesque or the exotic in life that finds its deepest meaning for me, but rather it is in the simple. Catching the eye and the smile of a 5 month old child during the last song of today's worship, noticing the grandeur of an old oak tree, or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood. Sometimes the most "amazing" experiences are found in the "simple" things.

What will that little 5 month old boy become one day (I prayed he already feels the power of God's presence in his life)? How long has that old oak tree been growing next to the freeway exit (I guarantee it has been there much longer than the freeway)? How many crickets, frogs and birds are contributing to nature's chorus in my own backyard (listen closely to their music, it is magnificent)? Simply amazing, really.

If you are willing, look for the "simple" things and share what you experience over the next few days.

Culture of Abundance

Much is often said of the abundance in our culture. Fortunate or not, we find ourselves living in the wealthiest nation in the world at what is arguably the height of its riches. Sociologists make much of the ever increasing distance between the wealthy and poor and that this distance will ultimately be the downfall of our "success." I don't know what to make of such things, though it seems plausible when I consider how abundance influences my own life.

Earlier today, I continued pondering the expanse of my own abundance. Yesterday, I began culling through my closet of clothes because I simply can't stand the thought any longer of having so much and consistently wearing so little (not that I wear "skimpy" clothes, but I tend to wear the same things with frequency). So, I'm planning on donating a bunch of clothes to our local benevolence ministry.

The ironic thing in this great culture of abundance is considering the things I lack. The things I lack are not of a material nature, but are rather things like the discipline to spend even more time in quiet reflection before the Lord. Things like taking the time to call my sister more often and catch up on her life. Things like stopping long enough to watch birds bathe themselves in puddles (or take dirt "baths" in piles of loose dirt -- that's always been a mystery to me as to why they do that -- there is nothing about a dirt bath that I find inviting).

I suppose my problem with the whole thing is that I live as though there will always be "enough" of everything in my life -- a culture of abundance. For example, I tend to live like there will always be time to do these things I mentioned I don't seem to have "enough" time to do. I try to be disciplined with my time and maximize the effort I invest in my life, but perhaps the culture of abundance deceives me. Maybe there is a better way...

To think of time as a precious commodity... rather than one of abundance, makes me wonder how my life would change (I realize this cognitively, but emotionally and spiritually there are new depths to plumb). Would I become even more "possessive" of my time and treat people or projects with disrespect if I didn't deem them "worthy" of my time? Would I become even more liberal with my time and allow for even more intrusion than I do now? I don't know. But it seems to me there must be a better balance in there, somewhere. Don't you think?

What are your thoughts about our "culture of abundance" and how do you think it influences our life? I'm curious to know your thoughts.

How about taking a little time, giving it a little thought and then sharing what you discover about it? If you have the time... of course.

Wild Fire

Most people are quick to proclaim which element of their physical being for which they have little if any affinity. For some, they might declare it is their hips that could benefit from some renovation (now that I think of it, I don't believe I've ever heard a man complain about his hips). For others it might be their hair (and then I've heard a "mess" of men complain about their hair -- or typically the lack thereof). I am, however, most certain I've never heard anyone complain about their tongue. That is simply something you don't hear people talking about! "Eeewww... I hate my tongue," does not roll off the lips of body-conscious teenage girls. While hormonally-driven teenage boys who will brag all day about their biceps or "six-pack" abs will never be heard bragging about how awesome their tongue is (at least I'd hope not). It just doesn't happen (at least it shouldn't -- that'd be just a little too weird).

Perhaps this explains the relative lack of maintenance the human tongue receives. Do you brush your tongue with regularity (kind of a personal question, I know)? My dentist told me long ago vigorously brushing of the tongue was a way of preventing what he determined as "unsightly breath." (Now, I'm still trying to figure out just how "unsightly breath" would smell and it seems to me that if one's breath has deteriorated to the point of being even "sightly" (let alone "unsightly") it would likely be time to consider a new oral hygiene regimen).

I've always had a unique relationship with my tongue. I recall wiling away hours in school, training my tongue to do various "tricks." The standard "nose touch" and the typically routine "half-pipe" roll was an early accomplishment along with the "barrel-rolls" both to the right and to the left. After some practice, I got to the point of being able to fold my tongue over backwards, sticking it "front over back" (think taco laying on its side, long edge facing you) and keeping it there for as long as I pleased. This won the acclaim of many grade school counterparts. I was one of only two kids in my entire school whom I knew could even come close to that trick. My crowing achievement in "tongue tricks arena" however was when I was in graduate school. Suffering from a serious sinus infection, one day I was scratching the back of my throat with my tongue when I accidentally swallowed my whole tongue (while driving a car I might add). Instantly I began gasping for breath, thinking this would be an inexplicable way to die! I could hear the officers asking my wife, "Just how long was he epileptic?" and her replying, "I don't know, he never shared that fact with me!"

Shocked nearly beyond recovery at the time, I finally had the presence of mind to reach my own finger back into my throat and boldly "rescue" myself. I thought, "I really have heard of people dying from this!" So... I did the most logical thing a 22-year-old guy would do and.... I did it again, only intentionally this time! Within a week, I could swallow my tongue (without the instinctive gag reflex kicking in) at will. What fun, I thought! Dry graduate school lectures would never be the same!!! I had another "trick" in the repertoire! Throughout the years since, it has served as a great "party gag" and in particular social settings I could have probably earned some extra spending money with that tongue trick -- which isn't really my point.

While I've spent years being aware of what "tricks" my physical tongue can accomplish, I'll confess I've not always appreciated the harm it can render as well. What mighty "fires" can be started by the "spark" of the tongue (see James 3:1-13).

When I think of the power of the human tongue it is surprising to me it doesn't get the attention it deserves. These days, both men and women pierce their tongues for various "decorator purposes." While people will install all kinds of interesting implements in their tongues, I wonder if we humans are equally aware of how "disguised" our tongues can be. The subtle veils of deception our tongues will garner often betray the true heart within. We may speak with "designer" tongues, but the language is as impostor as fake jewels.

Lately I've been working on my tongue, not to accomplish any more tricks, but merely trying to make it more presentable in the image of the Savior to whom I try to devote my days and nights. Consistency, accuracy, sensitivity, leniency are all things with which I'm trying to tame my tongue. If I get those things figured out, maybe my tongue will be more presentable and I won't have to rely on the "tricks" anymore.

How about you? How are you working on your tongue? If you are working on it, what are you discovering?

Distance

Even casual or recreational writing is a demanding discipline. Time, energy, attention are stern taskmasters and must be respected and heeded appropriately. What is there to say when one refuses to submit the time, energy and attention to accomplish the task? Best to keep quiet, I suppose.

June 9 was the last date of entry to my blog. Obsessively moved at times by many things in my life, blogging had become one and yet I found myself growing scattered, weary and taxed for the time to devote to it. I also found myself drifting as with what words to choose. A hiatus was therefore in order.

If there were any who read this blog with frequency, my hunch is they have since moved on. If you are one of those and happen to find yourself returning to this particular entry, I apologize for the unexcused absence. Perhaps this cliche may suffice, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." I would want this to be the case, at least.

Some distance from the discipline of writing I believe has refreshed me. Who would want to read something of someone who feels as if they have little of nothing to say? Frequently, I read others who seem to write simply because they have to not because it is something which flows from within them. I have at times allowed my blogging to take time from my wife and children and even if there was content worth considering (and I hesitate to suggest there really was), at what price should it come? I have to wonder.

The distance over the past few weeks has been blessed. I'm prayerfully considering wading back into the blog water again. There are fascinating things happening in the world around me and perhaps these will stoke the flame to write a bit more. It is with anticipation the content will merit the return.

Thank you for reading. I'm humbled by your presence.

Peace be with you.