Standing Out

Most of life can just end up a blur - melting one day into the next - one person looks like the next - the details of one activity can get mixed up with yet another activity... but sometime something happens that stands out - that makes me stand up and take notice.

The death of Charles did that for me today. I don't know where Charles came from. I don't know if he had family out there somewhere. I don't know how much education he had or if he was ever loved by someone. I don't know anything except that he slept against the slump block wall next to the kitchen door at church, and he told me once that I wasn't bothering him, "You help me and I appreciate that," he said. I know he mattered. What I don't know is, if he knew he mattered. That question just may change the way I interact with the other Charles' from now on....

Barriers To Faith

Ego. Broken promises. Unanswered prayers. Skepticism. Pride. Experience. Fear... Add your own word and then ask yourself: Is it worth it? Is a life without faith really any life at all?

Not just something to think about.

Pondering, listening, learning...

A Child Shall Lead Them

I learned a valuable lesson from a young friend today: Let things go. Don't spend precious time and energy on being angry over something you can't do a darn thing about! Those are my words, but the idea was the same - and this young man had just had his bike stolen! A wise ancient told his followers to "Turn the other cheek" - "Forgive 70 x 70" - "Love your neighbor as yourself..." I don't know about you, but sometimes - most of the time - that kind of thoughtful response takes more guts than I have... on my own. Good thing I'm not on my own!

PS the bike was returned. Know this: I don't think that was just a random act of contrition.

More than just something to think about.

Church

Meaningless talks - no purpose - unfamiliar and strange music - asking for money - hypocrites - a building...

What do you think of when you hear the word, "Church?" I know for me, thoughts can go in many different direction.

Someone recently introduced me to the idea of "church" being more than just the building itself or even the people. I found it refreshing, and it just might even be "Biblical."

Church might well be defined as people in service - any time - any place - any day. I like that. If more of us lived "church" in this way, just maybe, more people might want to "join."

Just something to consider.

Pondering, reflecting, learning...

There Is A Line

I usually know when I've crossed a line, but the challenge comes in knowing when I've approached that line and I am at a crossroads. Some challenge the line - want to move the boundaries - push the line back, while others' are eager to draw the line in the sand - but most often it seems for the other person.

Do you have a moral compass? Do you know where you are going to draw the line - put on the breaks and say, "This far and no farther?" If you don't decide in advance, circumstances will decide for you. As the phrase in the Susan Ashton song says, "There is a line, I will not cross."

Just something to think about.

Pondering, reflecting, learning.

Midnight Musings

Tonight... I would just like to sleep - uninterrupted. But what about tomorrow? What will I do with tomorrow?

Pondering... Listening... Revealing.

A Few Coins...

Years ago while wondering the streets of San Francisco, one of the many homeless asked me for money. I had been burned numerous times and was a little gun shy. "What should I do? Should I just ignore him? I don't have any money. Maybe I should offer the food I have in my pack - just give him what I have...?" The homeless man tossed the food back at me as I walked away. Ungrateful...

Two thousand years ago a blind beggar was sitting by a city gate when two men walked by. They didn't have what the man was asking for, but they offered him what they had. Never in a million years could that man have imagined that his day would turn out the way it did! He asked for a few coins, and the next thing he knew, he was actually able to see!

Two thousand years ago a man offered to restore not just "sight," but fantastic, jump out of bed in the morning, thrilled to be alive life! Wow! I choose life! But do I always?

Some have chosen to throw that crazy, fantastic life back in his face because it didn't fit their paradigm. Wow! What if that Man who offered us life two thousand years ago decided NOT to give what he had because some would throw it back!

Pondering that crazy, abundant life...