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.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)