awful, Adequate, or ADMIRABLE?

Don't just go through the motions

2012-02-15T18:06:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite videos, as it speaks so well to the heart of what this blog is all about. Click on the title to hear it.

C. S. Lewis on the Danger of Love

2012-02-15T15:44:00.001-06:00

C. S. Lewis on the Danger of Love

Love can be dangerous, but loneliness is far worse.

Author of our lives

2012-02-02T10:40:00.001-06:00

My Life as a Book

Is it penned by many authors,

Each persuading, pushing, even playing on my emotions

To write what should be my story?

When I was born, I held the pen in my hand;

It was my book to write,

My name to go on the cover.

Oh, I had such ambitions as I grew older,

Ambitions for good, meaningful, praiseworthy accomplishments.

But over time, "they" told me that the life I was writing
For myself

Couldn't sell as well as the life they had in mind for me.

I wanted my life to matter--to be acceptable. Right?

So I loosened my grip on my book,

And let others write their words

Into my book.

Yes, it was still my book,

Maybe not so much inside anymore.

But if people were to pick it up

And look at the cover,

It would be my name they'd see.

Couldn't I just show those readers the pages,

Written by people who promised they were looking out for my best interests?

"Look, I didn't write those things

For my life.
They promised it would make my life better."

By now, you know that's not possible.

For in each of the books of our lives,

When the final chapter is written,

And our legacy is read by those who follow,

It will be my name, your name, on the covers of our own books;

Our names inextricably connected with who we were on this earth,
Imprinted on the hearts of our friends, loved ones, colleagues, even strangers.

Whether we have as partners in the authorship of our books

People who influenced our lives for better,

Or for worse,
The final editing is always our choice.

My book is still being written.
Many of the words I'd rather be erased are, nevertheless,
Indelibly etched into the pages.

But today, I start a new chapter,
And I welcome your input.
But please keep in mind,
Since it's my name on the cover--
My legacy after I leave this earth,
I will prayerfully decide,
Along with whatever God wills,
how the rest of the book turns out.

Also, may we all remember,
That our attempts to influence
The stories of other people's lives
Will be reflected in the pages of our own books.

My creative wife

2012-01-27T20:15:00.001-06:00

I was reading a book on writing prompts, and one of the suggestions was to write about the most creative person I know. Being a writer, my first thought was toward a writer, painter, etc. But as I thought more and more, I realized that my wife, Kim, is creative in so many different ways. Here are some, in no particular order:

Teacher: My Kim teaches in a large classroom of 2-year olds in a local daycare, a job she's been doing for several years. And yet she always finds a way to entertain & love those in her charge. She sings songs she's heard, or songs she makes up out of the blue ("Sing a song about this chair, Ms. Kim"; and she'll throw together a song on the spot). Her children run to her when they see her, and even after they've left her classroom are so thrilled when they see her again.
Home decor: My wife was central in decorating our home when we moved to Texas several years back. The variety of knick-knacks in our home, the pictures of loved ones, the warm colors makes it a place I enjoy living in and coming home to.
Cooking: She doesn't have professional training, but somehow she knows how to take some ingredients and spices and, just because she can, put just the right combination of flavors together to make a delicious meal. Her repertoire of "best meals" is ever-growing. And she just recently became our resident expert turkey carver.
Scrap-booking: She hasn't done enough of this, in my humble opinion. The one she put together after our wedding made me think of her as a natural. It's so much more memorable than just pictures in an album. I'm not sure when she'll feel led to do something similar again, but I do look forward to it.
Helping me write personal letters: Though she doesn't think of herself as a writer, when it comes to writing to people, Kim has a knack for knowing just what to say and how to say it. I depend on her to help me write when the message might not be easy to read. And when the letter is finished, it's much more palatable than I could ever have made it.
Ideas for entertainment: She's so gifted at coming up with things to do, places to go, restaurants to dine at. She longs to live a vibrant life, and my life is so much richer as a result.
Dessert appearance: My Kim can't just plop ice cream into a bowl, or throw cookies or candies onto a plate. There has to be some kind of design; at the least, it needs to look like a work of art. I try to do likewise to give her a pleasant eating experience, but alas it just doesn't make the grade. Thank heavens we both love good food even if it doesn't always stand up to visual scrutiny.
Gift-wrapping: She certainly could get a job at a store during the holidays wrapping presents. Whether it's wrapping the gift or putting it into a gift bag, her efforts make each gift very visually enjoyable .
Holiday decorations: With a large array of decorations at hand, and a mind and heart that know how to arrange them, Kim makes our home feel so special each holiday. We'll (as in she decorates, I help bring boxes of decorations in & out of the garage) be decorating for Valentine's Day soon. With her lover's heart, no doubt she will help make our home ever more romantic.
Johnny: That's her son. He's a young man now, a very talented musician and chef, and a good-hearted person. Her love for him, shown in how excited she is to see him when he visits, and how often she reaches out to him across the country, makes me believe that she has been and is doing her part to help mold him into a man that will leave this world a better place.

Thank you, my love, for bringing so many new dimensions into my life. I look forward to each new day with you.

The Greatest (says who?!)

2012-01-17T11:35:00.001-06:00

I love music, and I'm especially interested in watching videos of or listening to tracks of great musicians (e.g. vocals, bass, drums, guitar). What also interests me is the discussions about who is the greatest in a certain element. Take drums for example. Some people look primarily for speed, some for finesse, some for raw power, some for changes in rhythm, & some for any combination of the above--or more (placing different levels of importance on each). As I'm sure you'd guess, there are often heated (and, sadly, insulting) debates that ensue because each person comes in to the discussion insisting that their criteria are the ones to go by.

As one writer among a sea of writers with varying levels of skill and experience, I no doubt would be assessed by 100 different readers with almost as many differing opinions as to the quality of my work, and whether it's entertaining, significant, and so on. I always get encouraged when I read of now legendary authors who were once told they should pursue another profession. I would imagine that some now legendary musicians were told the same thing at some point. But these artists found their niche, and the world is richer for that.

I'm certainly not waiting for legendary status to be bestowed upon me, but I hope that any of you in the creative arts, who have been told by some critic to pursue another vocation or avocation, will not give up on your dream too easily--if you are truly led to keep writing or singing or whatever. This list by Rolling Stone of the 100 greatest singers includes some people that, if considered purely technically, don't have the greatest voices. But they bring something that people love. Maybe your writing (or singing, etc) or mine wouldn't always make Messrs. Strunk or White happy, but don't let that alone stop you. If even a few readers get something out of it, that's enough. And, who knows, maybe more will follow.

First impressions of Josh, Bruce, et al.

2012-01-11T11:41:00.000-06:00

Ever have somebody tell you of a wonder experience they had, but when you tried it you were left feeling flat?

Josh Groban is a remarkable singer. I know that now. But one of the first times I heard him was when I saw him on a TV special. I had heard his amazing voice on the radio once or twice, and as I watched the special I eagerly awaited his powerful and soaring vocals.

It was not to be. Josh didn't "have it" that night. I started to wonder if maybe he really wasn't so great, that maybe what I heard on the radio was "souped up." I wondered if the next time he came on the radio, would I listen? Well, I gave Josh another chance (as though he really needed me to!), and I received assurance he's every bit as good as they say.

Bruce Lee? How could anybody not know of his legendary skills? What I'm reminded of is a fictional moment in one of his films (at least I think it was him; somebody please correct me if I'm wrong). Bruce is incognito as a repairman--kind of a dorky repairman, that is. Of course, as he's being ridiculed, us viewers know his true identity. We eagerly wait for those who mock him to get their "comeuppance."

I used to judge people on first appearances. I don't anymore. Who knows but that some lanky, dorky "twerp" might beat the living daylights out of me, or somebody who had a bad moment of singing comes back to show their true stuff.

I just hope that I'm given another chance if what you read the first time isn't so promising (not that I'll ever approach the greatness of other writers, like Bruce & Josh have stood out in their respective fields). I guess I'm speaking for others out there as well--writers, actors, singers, and so on, who do the best they can, but don't always hit the mark. I realize with so many "artists" out there, sometimes it's true that you may not get a second chance to make a first impression. But oh, how wonderful when the second--or third?--chance is a breakthrough moment.

Potentially Great

2012-01-04T14:40:00.001-06:00

As he reclined in his easy chair, he reveled in the great accomplishments he would certainly one day achieve. He was so good at starting everything that he'd no doubt finish something real soon. His future was limitless; so what that where he was now was no better than where he'd been for a while. "Soon; just wait," he kept insisting. He thanked God for the joy that could be his--as soon as his circumstances were agreeable, that is. He boasted of God's might--whenever the challenges he faced weren't larger than he could handle. He was ready to sacrifice all for a bigger purpose--so long as his comfort wasn't diminished in the process

He had yet to realize that the legacy he was waiting to leave to the world was, each moment of his life, already being left to the world.

Being ourselves all the time

2011-12-23T12:08:00.003-06:00

As I walked outside recently, I saw--and heard--a young man singing. It wasn't like he was singing under his breath, mind you. No, he was singing loud enough for people several feet away to hear. Now I must admit that at first I was a bit embarrassed for him. After all, you just don't do that kind of thing, right? The more I thought about it, it seemed downright sad.

Not sad, as in he's a sad case for doing what he did. Sad, as in I'm a sad person for thinking like that. We're a sad society if we put down a person for doing what he or she loves (as long as it's not harmful in general, of course) outside of what's considered a "normal" setting.

I hope that for his sake he's had family and friends who encourage his giftedness in song (yes, he sang quite well). It sure seems that if he has been looked at oddly or even spoken to derogatorily, that hasn't slowed him down in expressing his love for music. Tragically, I would imagine that many--most--of us either stifle ourselves, or allow others to stifle us when our "song" yearns to be expressed in "abnormal" settings.

Imagine a world where a singer sings when they feel the spirit move them. Where I write the moment words start to come. Where my wife, a daycare teacher who dearly loves children and is so gifted with them, could just walk up to a group of toddlers wherever she sees them and bring smiles to their little faces. Where my stepson does a freestyle rap just because he wants to. Whatever the person's pleasure & talent, what if they could do what they loved when they loved to do it?

I realize, of course, we all have responsibilities that must be attended to. We can't always be singing, or writing, or teaching, or building. But maybe we can do a little more of those things than we do now.

We celebrate the birth of Christ in memory of God becoming flesh, and living and dying and rising again for our eternal hope. Maybe His life can be an example in that as He said what He said and did what He did, whenever and wherever, during His time on earth, His primary concern was that it all was for His Father's pleasure. We know He was mocked and insulted, and eventually abused and crucified, for being...well, Himself. And for those of us who put our trust in Him, our lives and our eternities are filled with so much more hope as a result.

Too often, however, we're more concerned with our temporal comfort and our acceptance by others, than by our often unrealized yet very real need to fulfill the deep longing within us by being and doing what God created us to do when and where possible (not just when and where we won't be ridiculed). I pray that as we remember the "rebel" Christ, and that young man who just did what was on his heart, we'll put a smile in God's heart when who we are is more evident throughout the day. May you all have a blessed Christmas.

Helpless?

2011-12-15T14:37:00.001-06:00

Helpless?: “My helpless friend, your helplessness is the most powerful plea which rises up to the tender father-heart of God. You think that everything is closed to you because you cannot pray. My friend, your helplessness is the very essence of prayer.” O. Hallesby

“So too the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance” (Romans 8:26 AMP).

www.lisabuffaloe.com

Repost: The Most Important Institution in the World

2011-12-15T12:25:00.003-06:00

I hope us believers can truly understand our true impact on the world around us.

Reducing worship to words

2011-12-14T17:04:00.001-06:00

"But Nero looked carefully at Petronius, whose praises were desired by him always before every other, and who said,--
"'If it is a question of music, Orpheus must at the moment be as yellow from envy as Lucan, who is here present; and as to the verses, I am sorry that they are not worse, for I might find proper words to praise them'" (Quo Vadis, pg 66).

Though this is describing the worship of the goddess Venus (to the dismay of Nero, who longed for such worship himself), I love how similar words ("as to the verses, I am sorry that they are not worse, for I might find proper words to praise them") could be used for how worship in the heavens for our Lord Jesus might be described. Human words can barely even begin to tell of God's glory. How amazing it will be when we Christians get to heaven and, in our glorified bodies, can so much more adequately express our adoration and love for God. As a writer who is always looking for the best words, and the best ways to arrange those words, it will be such a relief and a joy to finally "arrive."

Drowned by unbelief

2011-12-07T16:03:00.002-06:00

"Hey, what are you doing"

"What do you mean? I'm going to walk over to there."

"To the other side of the lake?"

"What lake?"

"'What lake?' you ask? You don't see it? Well, you'll find out soon enough!"

"Whatever. I've heard people talk about lakes, oceans...you know, the whole water thing. I just don't believe in all that."

"Yeah, I can kinda tell, judging by the dirt and grime all over you."

"I'm as clean as I want to be. Who needs this supposed 'water'?"

"OK, now I can understand how people who are poor, or physically or mentally unable to take care of themselves, might not be able to keep clean. But unless they have no concept of cleanliness, they'd most likely think if they were like you, they'd want to get cleaned up more if they could. You seem to have it together...uh, mostly."

"Well, other than not being able to get a job."

"Why were you turned down?"

"They keep saying I need to get cleaned up. And can you believe they tell me that as I wear my thousand dollar suit?"

"And don't bathe."

"Are we going back to that again? Look, it's time for my walk."

"Do you realize how deep it is, and how far you have to go?"

"(Glug glug)."

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 3-4, 6; ESV)

New blog description

2011-12-06T18:08:00.000-06:00

I updated it to be more clear about what this blog is about, and gave more info about the type of content I will be submitting. I welcome any comments, links, etc, that you feel will show forth the theme of what I'm trying to say (and I'm sure many of you can say it better than I can--hence the reposts I will put on here).

Giving great thanks for great things of God

2011-11-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

I did a search for "thank" at Bible Gateway. Here are some off the results I came up with. I was specifically searching for verses & passages that show great displays of thanks by people of God, or great things God has done for His people that were worthy of gratitude:

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (1 Chronicles 16:34:34; God's enduring "steadfast love", see also: 16:41; 2 Chron. 5:13, 7:3, 7:6, 20:21; Ezra 3:11, Ps. 106:1, 118:1, 118:29, throughout Ps. 136, 138:2, Jeremiah 33:11).
"I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds" (Psalm 9:1; "all your wondrous deeds" or the like also at: Ps. 26:7, Ps. 75:1, 2 Cor. 9:15, with out "whole heart" also at: 86:12, 111:1, 138:1).
"¹¹You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
   you have loosed my sackcloth
   and clothed me with gladness,
¹²that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
   O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!" (Ps. 30:11-12; thanking God always, forever, continually, etc., including for all things., also at: 44:8, 52:9, 79:13, 106:1, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16, 5:20, Colossians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 5:18, 2 Thess 1:3, 2:13, Revelation 7:12 .
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!" (Ps. 100:4)
Thanks for God's "steadfast love" and "wondrous works" throughout Ps. 107 (verses 1, 8, 15, 21, 31)
"I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD" (giving thanks sacrificially also in: Ps. 116:17. In Daniel 6:6-10, King Darius signs a decree stating that if anybody petitions any god or man besides him for the next 30 days, that person will be cast into the lion's den. Verse 10: "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously." Amos 4:5, 1 Cor. 11:24).
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere" (2 Cor. 2:14).
"For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Cor. 9:12; see also Col. 2:7b).
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17).

I know that the above verses only show the tip of what the Bible says about giving thanks (how, and for what), but these verses alone make it abundantly clear about what to be thankful for:

God's steadfast, enduring love
all of God's wondrous/wonderful deeds
our triumph in Him
God's upcoming responses to our prayers (regardless of what they are, since He knows what's best for His glory & our edification)

and how we should express our thanks:

with our whole heart
sacrificially
dancing, singing, etc.
always, forever, continually
in all things
entering His presence with thanksgiving
overflowing thanks (in other words, not forced, but streaming forth because of overwhelming gratitude)
our prayers always having an underpinning of thanksgiving
doing everything with an attitude of thanksgiving

I realize how far short I've come in being a thankful person, and realizing how much I have to be thankful for. May this help me & maybe a few others have the best Thanksgiving ever (this Thursday, and having a heart of thanksgiving every day).

Following the right voice

2011-10-30T17:08:00.000-05:00

My wife & I were recently watching A Gifted Man, a TV show about a man whose wife died & now she supernaturally appears & speaks to him from time to time. In this particular episode, his character, a brain surgeon, is asked to operate on a man who is hearing awful voices in his head. It turns out that this man had the remains of a twin in his brain, which the brain surgeon removed. Ultimately, however, the voices were not removed by this surgery, but by a shaman.

Now putting all the questions of validity aside (after all, while I do believe in a spiritual realm, I don't ascribe to the tenets of the New Age philosophy), this show made me think of the voices or other influences in our heads that try to persuade us to believe certain things about ourselves, to do or not do certain things, and ultimately walk down one path in life or another.

The Casting Crowns song Voice of Truth came to mind. In this song, the narrator tells of his aspirations to do great things. But "voices" (as it were) keep telling him he isn't able; they keep reminding him of the times he's failed. So, why bother trying? But then the "voice of truth"--the Lord God--reminds him that those voices aren't speaking truth, and if God wills us success in a certain endeavor, and we listen to & honor Him along the way, we will succeed.

How often mankind has listened to the "voices" that seemed right at the time, but they led down a tragic path. Whether the voice is one that promises riches, or comfort, or power, if it conflicts with the Voice of Truth, if it conflicts with God's word in Scripture, then it's ultimately a voice that must be ignored and even prayed against. I have committed to considering the consequences, short- or long-term, of following the "voices" that try to influence me. And I am learning Bible verses and stories that tell the truth about what a person of God can be & do when he or she is sold out to the voice of Christ. May I--may we--become such people.

Repost: Are You a Nincompoop

2011-10-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

Read for a good understanding of being Much More in Christ (warning: living for Christ might be dangerous to your popularity in the world system)

Who cleans the messes we make?

2011-10-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

I'm not "green" to the degree that many environmentalists are. But I cringe when people blatantly throw garbage on the ground. I (and I'm sure most of us) am thankful that other people--people who didn't create the litter--take the time and effort to clean it up. Where I work, I see pieces of garbage strewn about here & there, but before long it's gone. I wonder if the litterers are aware of that? Or do they just think that their trash magically disappears? What would they think if their litter was never cleaned up, & soon started piling up around them?

Jesus Christ is the ultimate version of one who cleans messes He didn't make. He that never sinned took our sin upon himself, so we wouldn't have to suffer all its wretched consequences (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, in a world where sin abounds, where--like litter--its stench could overwhelm us, I'm so thankful for His cleansing blood.

Blog in flux

2011-09-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

I've been toying with my blog, seeing how some different add-ons look (scroll down to see). Let me know what you think. I'll surely be doing some more tweaking in the coming days.

2011-09-28T17:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my wife heard a song while we were watching a movie, & she tried for the longest time to remember where she had heard it before. It was bedtime, & to be blunt we weren't going to be able to go to sleep until she knew what song it was. Thankfully, the all-omniscient Search Engine helped us find the answer. (To be fair to her, I recently learned the name of a song that had been popping in & out of my head for years, but couldn't remember enough about it to look it up until just a few weeks ago).

It made me consider that while it's a relief to have somewhere to turn for answers to those nagging trivialities that stay in our minds, it's even a greater comfort to know that the Bible holds answers to so many challenges that hound us from day to day. I'm trying to memorize key Bible verses & passages that can help me face those challenges as they arise so I don't have to rack my brain for the solution when it's staring me in the face. Just like the computer helped give my wife & I the rest we needed, having God's word in mind can provide peace of mind from such potential fears as terrorist attacks, hurricanes, or yes, even the dreaded social media updates that could one day be the destruction of us all (that's a joke---sort of).

Circling back to God

2011-09-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

While I was at an Oktoberfest festival with my wife and her sister and brother-in-law, I observed a young girl of about two wandering around. She'd do some exploring, but never too far from her parents, who she'd soon return to. She'd once again wander away--just a few feet or so--and then circle back.

It made me think of how we so often are with God. We want our independence. We want to explore, even to step away from Him (as if that were possible). But we also want Him to be there for us when we circle back, when we get scared of what's out there or when we need His presence to remind us He's watching over us. Psalm 139:7-8 remind us we can't go anywhere that God is not. And just like that little girl--and like my wife's 20 year old son (both of whom are still the children of their parents)--as much as we enjoy our independence, knowing we have a safe place to return to is ultimately comforting.

Practicing Christianity

2011-09-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

[From questions asked of C. S. Lewis on April 18, 1944]

"Question: Will you please say how you would define a practising Christian? Are there any other varieties?"

"A perfect practice of Christianity would, of course, consist in a perfect imitation of the life of Christ I mean, in so far as it was applicable in one’s own particular circumstances. ... It means that every single act and feeling, every experience, whether pleasant or unpleasant, must be referred to God. It means looking at everything as something that comes from Him, and always looking to Him and asking His will first, and saying: ‘How would He wish me to deal with this?’"

Perfect Christianity cannot be practiced in the sense that we read the Bible & parrot the words & actions therein. Yes, it does involve seeking God's will; but more than that, we need His power in us to fulfill what is expected of us. We'll never practice it perfectly, because our self-centeredness will cause us at times to not surrender to His presence in us. It's only the true practice of Christianity when He is working through us. I know sometimes I'll do the right things & say the right words, but is it Christ in me or just my fleshly actions. Jesus criticized those whose external actions were in conflict with their hearts. Joy and peace should be in our hearts when we act in tandem with His presence in us.

A (new) new life

2011-09-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

I scribbled the following probably several months ago (I'm not really sure). I've been a Christian for years, but I wrote this in a time of realizing there's so much more to the Christian life than what I had been living. This is the Christian life that can be, for me and for all believers:

"So begins my new, identified-with Christ, life, to be found in Him, crucified in Him, risen in Him, exemplifying and "channeling" (as it were) Him. He is my all. I call upon Him, who is indeed within me, whose very presence abides in me; I abide in Him when I allow myself to be aware of and savor His presence. I don't pray for God to grant me victory, as much as I pray that I'll realize it's already my birthright for being His child. I am a member of His body, inseparable, alive, having firsthand access to His joy, power, love, etc. It's abnormal for me to ever be unlike Him, just as it's abnormal for my left hand to be rich and my right hand to be poor (as Hudson Taylor wrote).

Watch for those verbs

2011-08-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
May we remember the intensity of those verbs when we have such choices to make. It seems at times Christians can have a ho-hum attitude at times when it comes to pursuing God and godly things, or fleeing those things He doesn't approve of. May His presence saturate our lives so that when we look at the world through His eyes, we'll see the good and the evil with the same joy and disgust as He does. And may we be SO thankful that when God looks at His children, He sees joy because of Christ in us, and not the abhorrent people we are outside of Jesus' blood.

Me first!

2011-08-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

Recently the bus I was on arrived at its destination, so I got up and walked toward the door to get off. Though that took no more than a few seconds, the moment the bus driver opened the door the people waiting to get on immediately started entering. Now my understanding is that if people are in an enclosed space like a bus or elevator, they should be allowed to exit before others enter. But maybe things have changed (at least here)? Where I live, I too often see cars on the highway not letting traffic merge from on-ramps, people not holding doors when somebody's two feet behind them, not saying thank you for a kind deed granted to them, and so on.

I've heard the 1970s was called the "Me Decade," but for certain people or cultures, it's "me first" in any era. For several years, the US Army's slogan was "An Army of One." I never liked that slogan, because it seemed to imply that the individual is more important than the team (whether that was the intention, I can't say; I'm only giving my impression). I can't imagine any wise military leader believing that.

I've certainly been guilty of thinking "me first." But as much short-term satisfaction that might give, when I've deferred to others rather than getting my own way, when I've done something for somebody without expecting something in return--I am far more satisfied. My wife is the ultimate "giver" as far as I'm concerned. While she, like I, enjoys being pampered at times, she will not hesitate to bless me in some way by giving of herself sacrificially. Her generosity has helped me see what a blessing it can be to think of others first.

I'm trying to follow through with that mindset more & more by not having a quid pro quo requirement when it comes to reading or commenting on others' blogs, tweets, etc. If I like what I'm reading, that's all that matters. I'm trying not to be upset when somebody doesn't read or post something on my blog. But I am human. Maybe hanging around people like my wife (& Christ) will help me get my priorities straight.

My can't helps my can

2011-08-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

My wife's sister and brother-in-law celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary yesterday, and my wife and I offered to hold a surprise party at our home. Lots of guests were coming, so we wanted everything to look nice. The house was a flurry of activity as my wife, her nephew's wife, her nephew's wife's mom, her friend, and her son (and others; not sure who else) were talking amongst themselves and putting decorations here and there. Me? I stood, like a deer in the headlights, clueless as to what help to give. Decorating for such events is, for me, a can't. Well, maybe it's a shouldn't, because I would not create a very pleasant atmosphere if I was put in charge.

I helped--when I was told where to put something, or to clean this or that. But that was the extent of my participation. And then my wife suggested I take pictures. I'm no pro at that by any means, but I think the pictures (and a couple videos) came out fairly nice. Compared to the can't of decorating, picture-taking for me was a sort-of can.

I don't spend the bulk of my time taking pictures. I enjoy it when I'm doing it, but it's not my thing. I believe there are a handful of things I really like doing, and do quite well. I'm not going to keep wishing I could do other things. God has given me different giftings and talents, and I should never assume mine are any more or less important than the next person's, nor should I envy what others can do. In fact, I should always seek to do what's necessary to excel in my cans, while praising and marveling about the abilities of those who can do my can'ts.