The reason I title my post "Confessions of a Slackard - Part 2" is because I haven't posted for a while. Too long, in fact. And I haven't actually been a slackard; I have been up to my elbows doing lots of things in the church and in the community. Still...bad pastor, bad pastor. No chips for you.
Anyway, I have recently been teaching the 6th graders in our church in the Confirmation class. Now, if you're like me and didn't grow up in church, you might not know what Confirmation is. In a nutshell, in United Methodism, most kids are baptized as babies and obviously don't remember their baptisms (on a side note, the subject of baptism could and should be another whole post). So when they reach the sixth grade, they are given the opportunity to learn about the church, their faith, and their beliefs. After the whole process is completed, they make professions of faith and are Confirmed into the church. Pretty cool!
But Confirmation is just the beginning; sorry about that confirmands. You thought you'd be done after the Confirmation process. But in reality...it's only a part of the process of being a disciple. As I mentioned to the confirmands this past Sunday, discipleship is more than just knowing a story or two about Jesus. To be a follower of Jesus, a disciple, we have to learn in depth about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. We must be intentional about our daily devotions, our worship times, the compassion we share, and our working toward justice for everyone.
And know that what we do as a disciple isn't easy. In fact...it's downright difficult - seemingly impossible - at times. Consider these words from Jesus (from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14):
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Now I don't know about you, but last I checked, I haven't given up (gulp) everything. These are some tough words from Jesus. Jesus is letting us know that the cost of discipleship is HIGH! These words allude to the fact that being a disciple is not easy. And I'll have to say, being a disciple isn't easy, but it is rewarding. Granted, we don't become disciples for an "attaboy or attagirl." We become disciples because God gets our attention, speaks to our spirits, and puts the desire in our hearts to reconnect with God. Discipleship allows us the chance to regain the image of God we lost. Remember - we were made in the image of God, but some of the things I think and do...I can tell you...are not reflecting God's image. But as a disciple, I look to the One who teaches me to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, love my enemies as well as my friends, and be willing to get my hands dirty building community.
Discipleship isn't easy, but neither is life. But God does not leave us alone. God is committed to our human condition and is willing to walk with us along the journey, and teach us higher and better ways so that we can truly be called disciples.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Confessions of a Slackard
Although it's been a while since I've posted a blog, despite the title of this one, I actually have not been slacking off. I've just allowed myself to believe that I've been too busy to write. Granted, I have been very busy over the last few weeks. I'm still working on my commissioning papers for my ordination process. I have to answer a lot of questions, write and present a sermon, write and present a Sunday school class, and other stuff. It feels kinda like what I think a dissertation defense would feel like. And I've been teaching Sunday school classes, and visiting folks in the hospital and at their houses, and working on this coming Sunday's services (because I have to film this one for my ordination process), blah, blah, blah, etc., etc., etc.
I'm not complaining at all. Nor am I trying to gain sympathy. I'm just explaining to myself the reasons I haven't carved out time to write...or run much...or work out...or have quiet time to listen to God. So right now this is my quiet time - on a rainy Friday afternoon while I'm in my office. As I look out my windows I can see how beautiful the leaves are on the trees. I think the bright orange ones are my favorites this year. And there's a chill in the air today. Today's the perfect rainy fall day where you just want to curl up on the couch with a big 'ol blanket ( or three) and read a huge book while drinking lots of hot coffee (or tea) and eating lots of soup. I think nature is reminding me today to slow down, breathe, enjoy the journey, and be still and know that God is God. Thanks nature.
So as I listen to God, I thank God for my family, my friends, my job, all the great people at the church and in my life, the change of seasons, for music and all creative expressions, for love, for coffee, for children, for overcoming obstacles, for togetherness, for the french horn, for the unknown experiences yet to discover along the journey, for those already lived, for Junior Mints, for ministry dogs, for past kittys, and for peace of mind, soul, body, and spirit knowing that I am not here to solve all the world's problems. I am here to walk with my fellow humans, remind us of our infinite worth and dignity, celebrate together, weep together, accept people for who they are and love, and try my darndest to imitate the radically loving character of my God.
I'm not complaining at all. Nor am I trying to gain sympathy. I'm just explaining to myself the reasons I haven't carved out time to write...or run much...or work out...or have quiet time to listen to God. So right now this is my quiet time - on a rainy Friday afternoon while I'm in my office. As I look out my windows I can see how beautiful the leaves are on the trees. I think the bright orange ones are my favorites this year. And there's a chill in the air today. Today's the perfect rainy fall day where you just want to curl up on the couch with a big 'ol blanket ( or three) and read a huge book while drinking lots of hot coffee (or tea) and eating lots of soup. I think nature is reminding me today to slow down, breathe, enjoy the journey, and be still and know that God is God. Thanks nature.
So as I listen to God, I thank God for my family, my friends, my job, all the great people at the church and in my life, the change of seasons, for music and all creative expressions, for love, for coffee, for children, for overcoming obstacles, for togetherness, for the french horn, for the unknown experiences yet to discover along the journey, for those already lived, for Junior Mints, for ministry dogs, for past kittys, and for peace of mind, soul, body, and spirit knowing that I am not here to solve all the world's problems. I am here to walk with my fellow humans, remind us of our infinite worth and dignity, celebrate together, weep together, accept people for who they are and love, and try my darndest to imitate the radically loving character of my God.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Dirty Laundry...
Well...with a title like this, you might be expecting some juicy tidbits of gossip, or some low-down on myself. Sorry to disappoint you on that front, but what I want to talk about is the amazing amount of "dirty laundry" that can be found when reading the Bible. Yes...the Bible.
I have been reading the book of Genesis again, and, although I have read the book numerous times, I am still amazed at some of the off-the-wall, strange, and downright boneheaded things that we humans sometimes do. For example - take Abraham and Isaac. No, I'm not talking about when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. That is a pretty amazing story of faith and courage. I can't even imagine being willing to offer my child as a sacrifice to God (though technically, I do everyday. She's not mine - but God's...but that's another blog post). I'm talking about BOTH Abraham and Isaac telling people that their wives were their sisters! I know that they were both scared of being killed by their enemies, but c'mon! They put their wives in serious danger. They compromised their dignity. Did they really not trust God enough? Guess not at the moment.
Then there's Lot's daughters who both slept with their father in order to get pregnant. They both thought the world had pretty much ended after Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
And there's Jacob, later named Israel, and his momma Rebekah. She concocted a scheme to cheat her other twin son out of an inheritance so that her favorite son could get it all so that SHE would taken care of later in life. Hmmm...
Let's not forget Jacob (again) and his uncle Laban. Laban cheated Jacob 10 times in about 20 years on his wages. Laban also agreed to let his nephew Jacob marry his daughter Rachel, but then cunningly switched his other daughter Leah for Rachel. In today's terms, all I can say is Ewwwwww! Oh yeah, he eventually gave both of his daughters to his nephew!
But Jacob got Laban back, because he told him that he would only take the spotted, striped, and speckled animals as a parting payment (because they were considered unusual). Yet, somehow, Jacob was able to have mostly spotted, striped, and speckled animals born to him. Oh, that tricky trickster!
Then the battle over who's gonna have the most children - Leah or Rachel. Leah gets a head start...pulls ahead on the child count...so Rachel lets Jacob sleep with her servant in order to get a child...then Leah keeps birthing kids...then lets Jacob sleep with her servant for more kids...then Rachel has a son, then a daughter...AAAAAHHHHH.. I can't keep it all straight!
Jerry Springer's got nothing on the Bible!!!
My points are twofold. First: our sacred text is not afraid to air people's dirty laundry. The Bible reminds us that we are humans. We err, we endanger, we trick, we steal, we kill, yada, yada, yada. Our text is not filled with perfect people with superhuman perfect lives. It's mostly full of people like you and me who trip and stumble along our paths of life.
Which brings me to my second point: how does God react to all this dirty laundry? What does God do in the midst of people trying to fulfill God's promise for God? God laughs. Really. You won't read this explicitly in the Bible. But God laughs at us...and with us, and cries, and hopes, and encourages, and guides, and directs, and loves us unconditionally, and never, ever, ever, leaves us alone. This is amazing! We have done everything possible to separate ourselves from God, but God never leaves us. God is always ready with arms open wide to accept us as we are! We don't have to come to God as perfect superhuman saints. God merely wants us to come, to trust, to accept, and to let go, so that we can live dynamic lives.
God takes us with our dirty laundry and wants us to take each other, complete with dirty laundry, not to exploit or make fun of one another. But instead, God wants us to accept one another, celebrate our differences, and help carry each others' burdens - just like God does with us.
Let's break out the washboards, my friends!
I have been reading the book of Genesis again, and, although I have read the book numerous times, I am still amazed at some of the off-the-wall, strange, and downright boneheaded things that we humans sometimes do. For example - take Abraham and Isaac. No, I'm not talking about when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. That is a pretty amazing story of faith and courage. I can't even imagine being willing to offer my child as a sacrifice to God (though technically, I do everyday. She's not mine - but God's...but that's another blog post). I'm talking about BOTH Abraham and Isaac telling people that their wives were their sisters! I know that they were both scared of being killed by their enemies, but c'mon! They put their wives in serious danger. They compromised their dignity. Did they really not trust God enough? Guess not at the moment.
Then there's Lot's daughters who both slept with their father in order to get pregnant. They both thought the world had pretty much ended after Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
And there's Jacob, later named Israel, and his momma Rebekah. She concocted a scheme to cheat her other twin son out of an inheritance so that her favorite son could get it all so that SHE would taken care of later in life. Hmmm...
Let's not forget Jacob (again) and his uncle Laban. Laban cheated Jacob 10 times in about 20 years on his wages. Laban also agreed to let his nephew Jacob marry his daughter Rachel, but then cunningly switched his other daughter Leah for Rachel. In today's terms, all I can say is Ewwwwww! Oh yeah, he eventually gave both of his daughters to his nephew!
But Jacob got Laban back, because he told him that he would only take the spotted, striped, and speckled animals as a parting payment (because they were considered unusual). Yet, somehow, Jacob was able to have mostly spotted, striped, and speckled animals born to him. Oh, that tricky trickster!
Then the battle over who's gonna have the most children - Leah or Rachel. Leah gets a head start...pulls ahead on the child count...so Rachel lets Jacob sleep with her servant in order to get a child...then Leah keeps birthing kids...then lets Jacob sleep with her servant for more kids...then Rachel has a son, then a daughter...AAAAAHHHHH.. I can't keep it all straight!
Jerry Springer's got nothing on the Bible!!!
My points are twofold. First: our sacred text is not afraid to air people's dirty laundry. The Bible reminds us that we are humans. We err, we endanger, we trick, we steal, we kill, yada, yada, yada. Our text is not filled with perfect people with superhuman perfect lives. It's mostly full of people like you and me who trip and stumble along our paths of life.
Which brings me to my second point: how does God react to all this dirty laundry? What does God do in the midst of people trying to fulfill God's promise for God? God laughs. Really. You won't read this explicitly in the Bible. But God laughs at us...and with us, and cries, and hopes, and encourages, and guides, and directs, and loves us unconditionally, and never, ever, ever, leaves us alone. This is amazing! We have done everything possible to separate ourselves from God, but God never leaves us. God is always ready with arms open wide to accept us as we are! We don't have to come to God as perfect superhuman saints. God merely wants us to come, to trust, to accept, and to let go, so that we can live dynamic lives.
God takes us with our dirty laundry and wants us to take each other, complete with dirty laundry, not to exploit or make fun of one another. But instead, God wants us to accept one another, celebrate our differences, and help carry each others' burdens - just like God does with us.
Let's break out the washboards, my friends!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
I Am Spiritual, Not Religious...
Have you ever heard someone say, "I am spiritual, not religious?" Perhaps you have thought this or said this of yourself. I know I have said this in the past, for my own reasons. Recently, I've had a number of people ask me what this means. Here's my best attempt.
For the most part, I think people use this statement when they believe they have a belief and a connection with God, a higher power, etc., but don't want to be lumped into a group of people believed to be holier-than-thou, or those who say one thing but do another. Maybe they don't want to be seen as a "churchy" type person who attends services where lots of people don't understand what's going on. At least, this is the case for me when I used to profess this.
But over the last few years, I have a new found understanding of spirituality and religion. For me, spirituality is my relationship with God - my belief, my connection. Religion is the way in which I express my spirituality to God and to others. In my case it is Christianity, the United Methodist church, attending church services, serving to the community, and (hopefully) reflecting the character of God in what I do. So now I am not ashamed to say that I am spiritual and I am religious.
Again, I think most people use this statement as a defense against religion(s) gone astray. They don't want to be associated with the bad parts of religion. Maybe they want to be seen as part of a better way, a higher way, a spiritual but not rigid belief system that is truly loving, giving, and accepting of all people no matter what. I like to think this of myself.
However, I realize that I am included in the not-so-good parts of religion(s), just as much as I am a part of a society whose past is stained with hatred, segregation, and killing. Just because I try to treat people with dignity, respect, and equality doesn't mean that racism, sexism, ageism, and religious persecution doesn't exist today. Sadly it does. Our culture is a result of countless "isms," and religion still goes astray at times.
Jesus had lots to say to people who claimed to be religious - those who thought themselves to be higher and better than others. These people were so busy touting their "authority" and "position" that they did not recognize that the Creator had (in the words of Eugene Peterson) moved into the neighborhood. They didn't understand that Jesus came to show us where to focus our attention - on loving God the Creator, and loving God's creation. They focused on religion, and religion went astray.
So I think it is okay to be religious - as long as it is not religiosity. We need to guard against religion that covertly or overtly separates, segregates, oppresses, and creates hierarchies. And I think those who see themselves as spiritual, not religious can embrace religion as a chosen expression of how they reflect their spirituality.
If we want the definition of religion to change, then we (paraphrasing Gandhi) need to be the change. We are all part of change.
For the most part, I think people use this statement when they believe they have a belief and a connection with God, a higher power, etc., but don't want to be lumped into a group of people believed to be holier-than-thou, or those who say one thing but do another. Maybe they don't want to be seen as a "churchy" type person who attends services where lots of people don't understand what's going on. At least, this is the case for me when I used to profess this.
But over the last few years, I have a new found understanding of spirituality and religion. For me, spirituality is my relationship with God - my belief, my connection. Religion is the way in which I express my spirituality to God and to others. In my case it is Christianity, the United Methodist church, attending church services, serving to the community, and (hopefully) reflecting the character of God in what I do. So now I am not ashamed to say that I am spiritual and I am religious.
Again, I think most people use this statement as a defense against religion(s) gone astray. They don't want to be associated with the bad parts of religion. Maybe they want to be seen as part of a better way, a higher way, a spiritual but not rigid belief system that is truly loving, giving, and accepting of all people no matter what. I like to think this of myself.
However, I realize that I am included in the not-so-good parts of religion(s), just as much as I am a part of a society whose past is stained with hatred, segregation, and killing. Just because I try to treat people with dignity, respect, and equality doesn't mean that racism, sexism, ageism, and religious persecution doesn't exist today. Sadly it does. Our culture is a result of countless "isms," and religion still goes astray at times.
Jesus had lots to say to people who claimed to be religious - those who thought themselves to be higher and better than others. These people were so busy touting their "authority" and "position" that they did not recognize that the Creator had (in the words of Eugene Peterson) moved into the neighborhood. They didn't understand that Jesus came to show us where to focus our attention - on loving God the Creator, and loving God's creation. They focused on religion, and religion went astray.
So I think it is okay to be religious - as long as it is not religiosity. We need to guard against religion that covertly or overtly separates, segregates, oppresses, and creates hierarchies. And I think those who see themselves as spiritual, not religious can embrace religion as a chosen expression of how they reflect their spirituality.
If we want the definition of religion to change, then we (paraphrasing Gandhi) need to be the change. We are all part of change.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Renewing Our Minds
One thing I like about being United Methodist is what we call our connectionalism. That's just a big fancy-shmansy word reminding us that we are not in this life alone. We are not created for individualism; we are created for connection and community. Yet, our western culture screams at us to look out for number one; what's in it for me?; me, me, me... I still get caught up in this type of thinking. I'll be honest, I've had a lot of practice throughout my life - not that I'm proud of that.
But...I'm a part of this culture. I can't escape it; it's all around me. And that's okay. God intended me to live in a culture. That's part of the human experience. But, I don't have to let the culture overtake me. Lately I've been pondering the question, "what makes the church any different than any other organization?" Our youth director further cements this thought when he tells the youth, "anyone can what we do; what makes us any different?"
I think part of what makes the church different (or at least it should) is that it is (should be) a place where we renew our minds - and hearts and souls. In Paul's letter to the Romans (12.2), he writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God..." So church should be the place where we learn how to renew our thoughts - to learn God's ways - so that our hearts are transformed, so that our actions are transformed into ones that reflect the character and will of God. The will of God. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As it is (already being done) in heaven. Wow!
And when I say church is the place where we renew our minds, I don't just mean a building. I mean church the people; church the connection; church the community. We're human; therefore, we live and experience life in human ways. The church should be radical and should offer radical hospitality and radical love - like Jesus. The church should not reflect the culture - that's what other groups do. We're created to reflect our Creator. We live in the culture, but don't need to be conformed to the culture. We need to live in the culture, yet reflect the character of God - radical hospitality and radical love.
We are all given daily opportunities to offer radical hospitality and love - even if we don't recognize it. Allowing someone to cut in front of us in traffic might not seem like radical hospitality, but most of us don;'t think to offer the spot. Our time is important; we need to get to where we're going. But...so is the person's who cuts in front of me. Stopping everything I'm doing in order to have lunch with someone who desperately needs a positive influence in their life might not seem like radical love. But.. to the person whose life is full of violence and chaos, it might just be the few minutes of respite and respect they need.
Renew our minds: contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers; pray for those who might be making our lives miserable; take the time to learn that behind someone's "undesirable" behavior is a life's story full of contributing factors that no one sees. Practice peace.
May your mind be renewed and encouraged today.
But...I'm a part of this culture. I can't escape it; it's all around me. And that's okay. God intended me to live in a culture. That's part of the human experience. But, I don't have to let the culture overtake me. Lately I've been pondering the question, "what makes the church any different than any other organization?" Our youth director further cements this thought when he tells the youth, "anyone can what we do; what makes us any different?"
I think part of what makes the church different (or at least it should) is that it is (should be) a place where we renew our minds - and hearts and souls. In Paul's letter to the Romans (12.2), he writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God..." So church should be the place where we learn how to renew our thoughts - to learn God's ways - so that our hearts are transformed, so that our actions are transformed into ones that reflect the character and will of God. The will of God. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As it is (already being done) in heaven. Wow!
And when I say church is the place where we renew our minds, I don't just mean a building. I mean church the people; church the connection; church the community. We're human; therefore, we live and experience life in human ways. The church should be radical and should offer radical hospitality and radical love - like Jesus. The church should not reflect the culture - that's what other groups do. We're created to reflect our Creator. We live in the culture, but don't need to be conformed to the culture. We need to live in the culture, yet reflect the character of God - radical hospitality and radical love.
We are all given daily opportunities to offer radical hospitality and love - even if we don't recognize it. Allowing someone to cut in front of us in traffic might not seem like radical hospitality, but most of us don;'t think to offer the spot. Our time is important; we need to get to where we're going. But...so is the person's who cuts in front of me. Stopping everything I'm doing in order to have lunch with someone who desperately needs a positive influence in their life might not seem like radical love. But.. to the person whose life is full of violence and chaos, it might just be the few minutes of respite and respect they need.
Renew our minds: contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers; pray for those who might be making our lives miserable; take the time to learn that behind someone's "undesirable" behavior is a life's story full of contributing factors that no one sees. Practice peace.
May your mind be renewed and encouraged today.
Friday, August 19, 2011
A Lighter Note For the Weekend
Hey friends. This week's blog posting may not be chock full of impressive spiritual nuggets for you to chew on for a while. Instead, it might just be a way for you to unwind after your week and prepare for your weekend.
Apparently my Beggars CAN Be Choosers entry got quite a few people thinking, reacting, and actually finding themselves in situations that tested this idea :-) Well...thank you to all who posted, texted, and called to let me know how you were challenged.
As this week draws to a close, I reflect back on a few things from this week that I'd like to share. First: from our great youth director's mini lesson to our kids. He posed this question: How much stuff do you have? Well, I thought, I know exactly how much stuff I have because we just moved. So...a whole 18 wheeler packed top to bottom front to back's worth, mister. That's how much. All this was in my head, as I didn't want to take away from the youth.
Then he read some scripture about how we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. Afterwards this thought was posed to the kids: It's obvious what our heart and minds are; so what do you suppose might is, and how do we love God with all our might? Suddenly one hears the sounds of crickets chirping and the blank look of "Uhhhhhhhh" on all our faces - yes, even mine. After a few seconds of painful Uhhhhh-ness, in a sheepish but firm voice, she answers: our stuff. Why yes, that's right!!! Our stuff.
Dang it, I thought!!!! Why didn't I see this coming? Of course, our stuff! But then it really hit me - dang it!!!!! I'm supposed to love God with all my stuff. Am I? Wellllllllllll...I try to, but I'm probably falling short. Granted, in an entire 18 wheeler full of stuff, some of it probably falls short of loving God. 'Nuff said about stuff. It just got me thinking about how we truly can love God in countless numbers of creative ways; like God does with us!
Secondly: it's back to school time (or darn close). So for all of you who are going back to school, I wish you the best. For those of you going to new schools and embarking on new educational adventures, I wish you enjoyment. For all the parents who buy glue sticks and glitter and cell phones and computers and GPS units, I wish you peace of mind and spirit.
Fall is another busy time of year, so let's not forget to take time out of our busy schedules to tell the ones we love that we love them. Remember the blessings we have come in lots of different shapes, colors, sizes, and stuff.
Peace...
Apparently my Beggars CAN Be Choosers entry got quite a few people thinking, reacting, and actually finding themselves in situations that tested this idea :-) Well...thank you to all who posted, texted, and called to let me know how you were challenged.
As this week draws to a close, I reflect back on a few things from this week that I'd like to share. First: from our great youth director's mini lesson to our kids. He posed this question: How much stuff do you have? Well, I thought, I know exactly how much stuff I have because we just moved. So...a whole 18 wheeler packed top to bottom front to back's worth, mister. That's how much. All this was in my head, as I didn't want to take away from the youth.
Then he read some scripture about how we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. Afterwards this thought was posed to the kids: It's obvious what our heart and minds are; so what do you suppose might is, and how do we love God with all our might? Suddenly one hears the sounds of crickets chirping and the blank look of "Uhhhhhhhh" on all our faces - yes, even mine. After a few seconds of painful Uhhhhh-ness, in a sheepish but firm voice, she answers: our stuff. Why yes, that's right!!! Our stuff.
Dang it, I thought!!!! Why didn't I see this coming? Of course, our stuff! But then it really hit me - dang it!!!!! I'm supposed to love God with all my stuff. Am I? Wellllllllllll...I try to, but I'm probably falling short. Granted, in an entire 18 wheeler full of stuff, some of it probably falls short of loving God. 'Nuff said about stuff. It just got me thinking about how we truly can love God in countless numbers of creative ways; like God does with us!
Secondly: it's back to school time (or darn close). So for all of you who are going back to school, I wish you the best. For those of you going to new schools and embarking on new educational adventures, I wish you enjoyment. For all the parents who buy glue sticks and glitter and cell phones and computers and GPS units, I wish you peace of mind and spirit.
Fall is another busy time of year, so let's not forget to take time out of our busy schedules to tell the ones we love that we love them. Remember the blessings we have come in lots of different shapes, colors, sizes, and stuff.
Peace...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Beggars CAN Be Choosers (Or a Preview of This Sunday's Message)
Beggars can be choosers? That doesn't much sound like the ol' familiar expression that most of us have heard. I was always taught that beggars shouldn't be choosy - that they should be thankful for what is given to them, because it was given out of a good heart. Hmmm. Hold the phone a minute.
If someone comes to me with a need, and I take the beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude, in essence I am making them meet me where I am. I am not meeting them where they are. It would be as if someone who is hungry asks me for food, and I give them peanut butter sandwiches over and over and over and over. Not that there's anything wrong with peanut butter sandwiches, but what if that person really wants a steak, or a grilled cheese, or a bowl of chili? My serving them what I want to serve them sends the message that they are not important enough for me to consider their needs. It places me above others. They are an interruption in my routine. They are an inconvenience while I am serving 'from my heart.' The beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude happens when I forget what it's like to be an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion.
And on a side note...what's up with this 'they' thing? Me/they, us/them: that separates us. It places the giver above the receiver in some hierarchy of humanity. It's as if I am never in need. Really?
Reality time: I am an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion. I come to God with my needs, and what does God offer me? Choices. God meets me where I am. God never makes me come up to God's level. And it's a good thing, because I could never get there. As Eugene Peterson writes, The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. God comes to us and spends time where we are. How cool is that? And borrowing from Donald Miller, when I accept that there is nothing I can do to earn God’s grace – there’s no amount of righteous living; and there’s nothing I can give to God - I’m given a kingdom in return. I get all of God; God doesn't hold back.
So the next time I go to God in need, I'll remember that I can have a peanut butter sandwich if I ask for one. But God will wait until I ask, and God will respect where I am and what I need. May I be so accepting of others that I meet them where they are, because God does.
If someone comes to me with a need, and I take the beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude, in essence I am making them meet me where I am. I am not meeting them where they are. It would be as if someone who is hungry asks me for food, and I give them peanut butter sandwiches over and over and over and over. Not that there's anything wrong with peanut butter sandwiches, but what if that person really wants a steak, or a grilled cheese, or a bowl of chili? My serving them what I want to serve them sends the message that they are not important enough for me to consider their needs. It places me above others. They are an interruption in my routine. They are an inconvenience while I am serving 'from my heart.' The beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude happens when I forget what it's like to be an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion.
And on a side note...what's up with this 'they' thing? Me/they, us/them: that separates us. It places the giver above the receiver in some hierarchy of humanity. It's as if I am never in need. Really?
Reality time: I am an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion. I come to God with my needs, and what does God offer me? Choices. God meets me where I am. God never makes me come up to God's level. And it's a good thing, because I could never get there. As Eugene Peterson writes, The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. God comes to us and spends time where we are. How cool is that? And borrowing from Donald Miller, when I accept that there is nothing I can do to earn God’s grace – there’s no amount of righteous living; and there’s nothing I can give to God - I’m given a kingdom in return. I get all of God; God doesn't hold back.
So the next time I go to God in need, I'll remember that I can have a peanut butter sandwich if I ask for one. But God will wait until I ask, and God will respect where I am and what I need. May I be so accepting of others that I meet them where they are, because God does.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Illness and Who we Are
It's difficult to be ill. And, to be honest, sometimes it seems unfair and just plain sucks. But illness is a part of this human experience. Have you ever wondered why that is? What good does it do for our human bodies to break down and cause us distress? Why is it that some folks seem to have it all together - they're strong and healthy - while others never seem to rise from the throes of illness? Does God like some people more than others? It sure seems that way when you're sick, or if you have a loved one struggling or suffering.
While I can't speak for God as to why people get sick, I can say that illness does not define who we are - even if we have a terminal physical illness or a severe mental illness. I have worked with lots of people who struggle both physically and mentally, and I always remind them that humans are more than who we are at any given moment. God doesn't define us by where we are in our lives; God looks at the bigger picture. God sees the total picture of who we are individually and how we fit into the family of humanity. We are more than our sufferings.
So that also means that the good times, the successes in our lives, and the times we are healthy - they also don't define who we are. Because, these too are temporary. Sure the good times feel better and make us happy. But we are also more than the warm fuzzy times in our lives.
Think about your life. What do you like/dislike? What about your morning routine? Do you prefer coffee, tea, water, soda, or something else? What colors do you like/dislike? What type of music do you like/dislike? Are you a church goer or sleeper-in? Are you married or single? Do you like/dislike Chinese food? Have you been to college? Do you like/dislike to read? What are your hopes and dreams? Have you traveled to many places? What's your favorite childhood memory? Who has been your greatest influence? Upon whom have you been an influence? And on and on and on... There are too many questions to ask. That's because we are a wonderful whole picture. If we could stand back and see our pictures, we would see glorious individual colors that work together to make our picture whole. We would not see one bland color. God doesn't stir the colors of our lives together to make gray or tan. God pieces the colors together - including the colorful pieces of illness. Granted, these pieces might be gray, tan, or even black, but they are only pieces of our lives' pictures.
I know it's often difficult to see outside of illness. But please remember - we are more than who we are at any given moment in time. We are timeless creations who God fashioned. We are important and we matter - simply because we are.
While I can't speak for God as to why people get sick, I can say that illness does not define who we are - even if we have a terminal physical illness or a severe mental illness. I have worked with lots of people who struggle both physically and mentally, and I always remind them that humans are more than who we are at any given moment. God doesn't define us by where we are in our lives; God looks at the bigger picture. God sees the total picture of who we are individually and how we fit into the family of humanity. We are more than our sufferings.
So that also means that the good times, the successes in our lives, and the times we are healthy - they also don't define who we are. Because, these too are temporary. Sure the good times feel better and make us happy. But we are also more than the warm fuzzy times in our lives.
Think about your life. What do you like/dislike? What about your morning routine? Do you prefer coffee, tea, water, soda, or something else? What colors do you like/dislike? What type of music do you like/dislike? Are you a church goer or sleeper-in? Are you married or single? Do you like/dislike Chinese food? Have you been to college? Do you like/dislike to read? What are your hopes and dreams? Have you traveled to many places? What's your favorite childhood memory? Who has been your greatest influence? Upon whom have you been an influence? And on and on and on... There are too many questions to ask. That's because we are a wonderful whole picture. If we could stand back and see our pictures, we would see glorious individual colors that work together to make our picture whole. We would not see one bland color. God doesn't stir the colors of our lives together to make gray or tan. God pieces the colors together - including the colorful pieces of illness. Granted, these pieces might be gray, tan, or even black, but they are only pieces of our lives' pictures.
I know it's often difficult to see outside of illness. But please remember - we are more than who we are at any given moment in time. We are timeless creations who God fashioned. We are important and we matter - simply because we are.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Tough Choices
Well...let me start by saying that I know that not a lot of people read my blogs. I am not famous, don't claim to be, don't really care to be. Yet, what I will write might make the few readers I do have uncomfortable, mad, or even cry. You might question whether or not you want to continue reading my posts.
We face tough choices every day. Some of us face more tough choices than others; unfortunately that is reality. The hot topic right now seems to be what our government will do about the pickle we're in. I'm not here to offer any solutions or take sides or point fingers. I just want to remind us that we all face tough choices every day - some more than others. Do I want to pay more taxes? Honestly, not really, but that answer means that I'm probably not facing the tough choices others face. I have worked with people who actually had to choose between heating oil and medicine. I have worked with people who have had to choose between paying rent or buying food. So, do I want to pay more taxes. I'll say yes if it means that I can keep my dwelling place, and simultaneously have food, medicine, and heat or AC.
Do I think the government spends too much? Well...yes, because we're in a deficit. Do I think the majority of folks in the U.S. spend too much? Unfortunately, I say yes to that, too. How come? Because, in the words of John Perkins, a lot of us have taken our wants and say they are our needs; and we have taken our needs and say they are our rights. I'll be honest with you - I like nice things. I would love to own a muscle car with an engine and exhaust system that that rumbles one of the best symphonies I've ever heard. That's just me. If I buy one, does this make me a bad person? No. If I don't buy one, does this make me a good person? Sorry, 'fraid not. I think we all need to cut back on spending, but not on giving. I don't mean giving of taxes or money, I mean compassionate, give-till-it-hurts giving.
For those of us blessed with choices of stuff, we need to make tough choices. When is enough? When is too much? How much can I give away? Where am I needed? Who needs my love, my service, my friendship? Who can I make a meal for? Who can I send to college because I've been and college will change someone's life! Who can I buy a house for? Who needs medicine? Who needs me to visit them because no one else will?
I'm not trying to preach or point fingers or condemn anyone. I just want to challenge us to remember the tough choices in our lives - and in others' lives. Can our tough choices help make someone else's life better? If so, then this, I believe, will help dig us all out of deficit thinking, acting, spending, loving. I still want my muscle car, and if I get one I just hope it's not at the expense of someone I could have helped.
We face tough choices every day. Some of us face more tough choices than others; unfortunately that is reality. The hot topic right now seems to be what our government will do about the pickle we're in. I'm not here to offer any solutions or take sides or point fingers. I just want to remind us that we all face tough choices every day - some more than others. Do I want to pay more taxes? Honestly, not really, but that answer means that I'm probably not facing the tough choices others face. I have worked with people who actually had to choose between heating oil and medicine. I have worked with people who have had to choose between paying rent or buying food. So, do I want to pay more taxes. I'll say yes if it means that I can keep my dwelling place, and simultaneously have food, medicine, and heat or AC.
Do I think the government spends too much? Well...yes, because we're in a deficit. Do I think the majority of folks in the U.S. spend too much? Unfortunately, I say yes to that, too. How come? Because, in the words of John Perkins, a lot of us have taken our wants and say they are our needs; and we have taken our needs and say they are our rights. I'll be honest with you - I like nice things. I would love to own a muscle car with an engine and exhaust system that that rumbles one of the best symphonies I've ever heard. That's just me. If I buy one, does this make me a bad person? No. If I don't buy one, does this make me a good person? Sorry, 'fraid not. I think we all need to cut back on spending, but not on giving. I don't mean giving of taxes or money, I mean compassionate, give-till-it-hurts giving.
For those of us blessed with choices of stuff, we need to make tough choices. When is enough? When is too much? How much can I give away? Where am I needed? Who needs my love, my service, my friendship? Who can I make a meal for? Who can I send to college because I've been and college will change someone's life! Who can I buy a house for? Who needs medicine? Who needs me to visit them because no one else will?
I'm not trying to preach or point fingers or condemn anyone. I just want to challenge us to remember the tough choices in our lives - and in others' lives. Can our tough choices help make someone else's life better? If so, then this, I believe, will help dig us all out of deficit thinking, acting, spending, loving. I still want my muscle car, and if I get one I just hope it's not at the expense of someone I could have helped.
Friday, July 15, 2011
God is Everywhere
So this Sunday I'm preaching for the first time at the new digs here in Hickory, NC. I'll be speaking about how God knows us and is always with us, referencing Psalm, 139, particularly verses 7 through 10. It's believed that Psalm 139 was written after the Israelites' deliverance from exile, and the psalmist writes about God's "inscapable presence" (J. Clinton McCann, Jr.). What powerful words the psalmist writes: "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee fro your presence?" In the midst of the dark days of exile in a strange and hostile foreign land, the psalmist notes that "even darkness is not dark to you..."
And that got me thinking about the darkness in my life. Sometimes darkness is thrust upon me - a trying time, an injury, concern about friends who were in an accident, etc. Sometimes I thrust myself into darkness - poor choices, letting myself get anxoius about little things in life, self-doubt, etc. Yet, even this darkness is not darkness to God. And if God does not see my 'self-inflicted' darkness as darkness, maybe...just maybe...I don't have to see it as darkness too. And if I don't see it as darkness, maybe...just maybe...the poor choices will become better choices. If I believe as God believes - that darkness isn't something I have to be afraid of - I am actively participating in the life into which God invites me. A life that fights to end poverty and injustices. A life that includes, not excludes. A life that leaves a gift to the family of the earth. A life that helps bring people out of their darkness and into marvelous light.
So whether our darkness is externally or internally originted, God knows us and is always with us. God pushes us to look outside the walls of where we are most comfortable. God will challenge us, no doubt. But great things can manifest as the result of challenges. Let us rise to our challenges knowing that God knows us and is everywhere with us.
And that got me thinking about the darkness in my life. Sometimes darkness is thrust upon me - a trying time, an injury, concern about friends who were in an accident, etc. Sometimes I thrust myself into darkness - poor choices, letting myself get anxoius about little things in life, self-doubt, etc. Yet, even this darkness is not darkness to God. And if God does not see my 'self-inflicted' darkness as darkness, maybe...just maybe...I don't have to see it as darkness too. And if I don't see it as darkness, maybe...just maybe...the poor choices will become better choices. If I believe as God believes - that darkness isn't something I have to be afraid of - I am actively participating in the life into which God invites me. A life that fights to end poverty and injustices. A life that includes, not excludes. A life that leaves a gift to the family of the earth. A life that helps bring people out of their darkness and into marvelous light.
So whether our darkness is externally or internally originted, God knows us and is always with us. God pushes us to look outside the walls of where we are most comfortable. God will challenge us, no doubt. But great things can manifest as the result of challenges. Let us rise to our challenges knowing that God knows us and is everywhere with us.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Music and Creation
Last night I attended a concert in which my daughter performed. She is a french horn player, and is attending Eastern Music Festival for the summer. The concert was phenomenal and was a welcome bit of respite in the midst of our hectic move.
Being a composer myself, every time I hear great music I find myself awestruck at the thought of the composition process. Everything I'm hearing was first heard in someone's head, then had to be brought to life through the writing process - and sometimes a painful writing process. Taking into consideration the entire orchestra, one has to take the 'whole' piece of music in one's head and break it apart into each of the sections, then down to the individual instruments. In the days before computer-aided scoring software, there was merely pen and paper (yes, I actually remember those days!). This made the process of writing slower and more deliberate. But...the end result is oftentimes breathtaking. To me, music is a language that reaches across all societal barriers and weaves humanity into a multi-dimensional tapestry.
I'm not slamming technology here. I'm simply marveling at those who did not have it, yet were patient enough to create such incredible music. Their commitment to see their creation come to life is inspiring.
Which, in turn, makes me think about God. Not that God didn't have technology during the creation process, God just didn't need it. God merely spoke...light, moon, love, ocean, super nova, human, music, potato chip (ok, well maybe not that one)...and it came into existence. And God was, and still is, fully committed to see Creation come into its fullest potential.
God gives us opportunities each day to live our fullest potential through the choices we make. We can choose to love or hate, include or exclude, accept or judge, empower or oppress, share or hoard, believe or doubt, open ourselves up to others or keep others at a distance. God lets us choose how we wish to relate to one another. Sometimes we choose light, sometimes darkness.
I am particularly fond of music and the arts. To me, they reflect the creative character of God - our creator. They seem to transcend time, space, and logic. Sometimes, like last night, when I hear such incredible music, performed by my daughter and her peers, I have to just stop and realize that I cannot explain this. I can only accept this as the gift that it is. I did accept it, and it was beautiful.
Being a composer myself, every time I hear great music I find myself awestruck at the thought of the composition process. Everything I'm hearing was first heard in someone's head, then had to be brought to life through the writing process - and sometimes a painful writing process. Taking into consideration the entire orchestra, one has to take the 'whole' piece of music in one's head and break it apart into each of the sections, then down to the individual instruments. In the days before computer-aided scoring software, there was merely pen and paper (yes, I actually remember those days!). This made the process of writing slower and more deliberate. But...the end result is oftentimes breathtaking. To me, music is a language that reaches across all societal barriers and weaves humanity into a multi-dimensional tapestry.
I'm not slamming technology here. I'm simply marveling at those who did not have it, yet were patient enough to create such incredible music. Their commitment to see their creation come to life is inspiring.
Which, in turn, makes me think about God. Not that God didn't have technology during the creation process, God just didn't need it. God merely spoke...light, moon, love, ocean, super nova, human, music, potato chip (ok, well maybe not that one)...and it came into existence. And God was, and still is, fully committed to see Creation come into its fullest potential.
God gives us opportunities each day to live our fullest potential through the choices we make. We can choose to love or hate, include or exclude, accept or judge, empower or oppress, share or hoard, believe or doubt, open ourselves up to others or keep others at a distance. God lets us choose how we wish to relate to one another. Sometimes we choose light, sometimes darkness.
I am particularly fond of music and the arts. To me, they reflect the creative character of God - our creator. They seem to transcend time, space, and logic. Sometimes, like last night, when I hear such incredible music, performed by my daughter and her peers, I have to just stop and realize that I cannot explain this. I can only accept this as the gift that it is. I did accept it, and it was beautiful.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Transitions
Wow...what a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. 2 graduations of my own (Master of Divinity from Duke and Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill) and one of my daughter's (Interlochen Arts Academy). Then there was lots of work on our house to get it ready to rent and find a house to rent in our new location. Oh yeah...there also was a move involved, complete with lots of packing and continued unpacking. Whew! I have now started as the Associate Pastor for First United Methodist in Hickory, NC. So far everyone has been incredibly welcoming and wonderful. They have helped ease the overwhelmingness. Thank you!
Transitions in life usually come with some bittersweetness. As one chapter ends, another begins. Sometimes the transitions are smooth, seamless, and are enjoyable. Other times...well, not so much. But through all of our ups and downs in life, God is with us. Sometimes we feel the presence of God as a peaceful moment in the midst of stress or sorrow. Sometimes God shows up at our doorstep with a much needed meal when you're knee deep in boxes and can't find anything.
When we take the time to sit and listen to someone's story, when we make a meal for a neighbor, when we help build a house for a family in need, when we visit a scared friend in the hospital - we reflect the character of our Creator. God continually says "Yes" to Creation and works in incredibly diverse and wonderful ways to show us that we are loved.
May you feel the love and peace of God today, and here's hoping that God shows up in some unexpected way.
Rick
Transitions in life usually come with some bittersweetness. As one chapter ends, another begins. Sometimes the transitions are smooth, seamless, and are enjoyable. Other times...well, not so much. But through all of our ups and downs in life, God is with us. Sometimes we feel the presence of God as a peaceful moment in the midst of stress or sorrow. Sometimes God shows up at our doorstep with a much needed meal when you're knee deep in boxes and can't find anything.
When we take the time to sit and listen to someone's story, when we make a meal for a neighbor, when we help build a house for a family in need, when we visit a scared friend in the hospital - we reflect the character of our Creator. God continually says "Yes" to Creation and works in incredibly diverse and wonderful ways to show us that we are loved.
May you feel the love and peace of God today, and here's hoping that God shows up in some unexpected way.
Rick
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