Sometimes I can feel a bit overwhelmed by life. I seem to be in one of those places right now. Just a bit overwhelmed. While I am not really very fond of times like these, God does speak to me in them. That is, if I am listening...
A couple events happened this weekend that God used to get my attention. Let me explain.
As a family, we played The Game of Things together on Friday night. (If you haven't had a chance to experience this game yet, you should. It's really a lot of fun to play, especially with your family!) Anyway, during the game, one of the cards that we were to provide an answer for said, "Things that don't stop." Someone in our family answered, "The song in my heart." I thought to myself as we were playing, do I have a song in my heart? And frankly, I had to admit that I didn't. There hadn't been too many songs in my heart lately. When you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, the ability to have songs in your heart kind of goes away.
Then on Saturday when I was out and about running errands (trying to catch up on all the things that I had not had time to do lately because of feeling a bit overwhelmed!), I heard a great song on the radio. I particularly noticed the chorus, and that chorus kept playing over and over again in my head. Not much time passed before I heard the same song again on the radio, twice in a short amount of time! I guess God wanted me to hear it.
So, while I might not have had a song in my heart for awhile due to feeling a bit overwhelmed by life, I do have a song in my head. And that song is Matthew West's "The Motions." The lyrics are quite sobering. They seem to be the words of someone else who was also feeling a bit overwhelmed by life. Read them below and then reflect on what they are saying.
This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life
I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
Instead of going through the motions?"
No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life
'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
Instead of going through the motions?"
Take me all the way (take me all the way)
Take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
Take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real)
Take me all the way
I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
Instead of going through the motions?
I don't wanna go through the motions
Listening to this song really made me think. Am I just going through the motions in life right now? If so, what a terrible thing to admit to. Honest, but terrible.
Then I had to remind myself that sometimes when I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, that is all I am able to do - just go through the motions. Sometimes I need to make changes to simplify my life in order to get out from under the feelings of being overwhelmed. Then, if I keep things simple for awhile and wait, the rest of me has a chance to catch up, allowing me to once again experience life more fully again.
Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
An abundant life isn't one that overwhelms you.
It is easy for me to get out of balance in life. Sometimes I just need a song in my head to remind me that overwhelmed with life is not where I want to be.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Family Dinners
Tonight, our immediate family (all 8 of us) will be having dinner together. I can't wait! We had dinner together last weekend also, that time celebrating the birthday of one of our members. This time it will be for the purpose of "sending-off" a couple of our members who are moving on to new and exciting adventures in NYC.
Family dinners. They're wonderful!
I'm becoming more and more convinced that if all families in this country had dinners together, a lot of our societal problems would disappear.
This thought was really driven home to me about 15+ years ago (and it may have even been longer?). My family and I were planning to have dinner at a restaurant after work. I invited a young, single co-worker of mine to join us in that dinner. It wasn't any big deal really. Just a lot of "carbs" and some Cokes at a kids pizza joint I think (like Chuckie Cheeses?). But, we were having dinner together and sharing with each other about the events of our days (work, school, things at home, etc.). In the midst of our meal, my co-worker suddenly stopped eating and began to just sit there and observe what was going on with our family. After a short while, I noticed that he wasn't eating anymore and asked him if everything was O.K. He told me that he was not sure when his family last had a meal together. He said that the norm for his family (a Mom, a Dad, and one brother) was to grab whatever his Mom fixed them to eat, and then each would go off to their own separate rooms and/or television sets to eat (maybe watching a TV program while they did). Apparently, they seldom if ever had family dinners together.
Unfortunately, I've lost touch with that co-worker, but the last time I heard from him, his family was split up and having lots of troubles. How sad...
So, what's the big deal about having dinner together as a family? What difference does it make anyway? Well, I think there are several reasons why it is still a good idea for families.
First, everyone in the family has to temporarily put aside their own agenda/schedule and make room for it. That's a great exercise in unselfish behavior. And for some, that's a real sacrifice. I don't know about you, but I need things like family dinners in my life to remind me that it's not all about me and my agenda/schedule.
Second, at our family dinners, we pray together. We pray before the meal and hold hands all around the table. And, when it is someone's special day (like a birthday or because of a big accomplishment/goal reached), we each have a chance to voice a short prayer for and about that special person as we go around the table. I love those times! There used to be a little saying that was popular that went something like this, "The family that prays together, stays together." I like that.
Third, when you personally participate in family dinners, you are somehow more willing to accept each other's differences, putting those differences aside (at least temporarily). At family dinners, everyone usually focuses on what brings us together, not what separates us. We all need occasions that help us to do that.
So, in my humble opinion, there is no better way to foster love and unity in a family than to spend unselfish time together at family dinners. By agreeing to do this and following the very simple "rules" for doing so (putting aside your agenda/schedule and accepting others lovingly for who they are, not what you wish they'd become), each family member is given a great opportunity to hear what is going on in others' lives, learn what others think about certain topics, and develop a much deeper appreciation for your family members than you would have if you'd skipped the dinner.
If you have an opportunity to experience dinner with all of your family, don't miss it! Don't take these precious times for granted either. I'm convinced that family dinners are what hold us together and keep us on track.
Praise God for family dinners.
Family dinners. They're wonderful!
I'm becoming more and more convinced that if all families in this country had dinners together, a lot of our societal problems would disappear.
This thought was really driven home to me about 15+ years ago (and it may have even been longer?). My family and I were planning to have dinner at a restaurant after work. I invited a young, single co-worker of mine to join us in that dinner. It wasn't any big deal really. Just a lot of "carbs" and some Cokes at a kids pizza joint I think (like Chuckie Cheeses?). But, we were having dinner together and sharing with each other about the events of our days (work, school, things at home, etc.). In the midst of our meal, my co-worker suddenly stopped eating and began to just sit there and observe what was going on with our family. After a short while, I noticed that he wasn't eating anymore and asked him if everything was O.K. He told me that he was not sure when his family last had a meal together. He said that the norm for his family (a Mom, a Dad, and one brother) was to grab whatever his Mom fixed them to eat, and then each would go off to their own separate rooms and/or television sets to eat (maybe watching a TV program while they did). Apparently, they seldom if ever had family dinners together.
Unfortunately, I've lost touch with that co-worker, but the last time I heard from him, his family was split up and having lots of troubles. How sad...
So, what's the big deal about having dinner together as a family? What difference does it make anyway? Well, I think there are several reasons why it is still a good idea for families.
First, everyone in the family has to temporarily put aside their own agenda/schedule and make room for it. That's a great exercise in unselfish behavior. And for some, that's a real sacrifice. I don't know about you, but I need things like family dinners in my life to remind me that it's not all about me and my agenda/schedule.
Second, at our family dinners, we pray together. We pray before the meal and hold hands all around the table. And, when it is someone's special day (like a birthday or because of a big accomplishment/goal reached), we each have a chance to voice a short prayer for and about that special person as we go around the table. I love those times! There used to be a little saying that was popular that went something like this, "The family that prays together, stays together." I like that.
Third, when you personally participate in family dinners, you are somehow more willing to accept each other's differences, putting those differences aside (at least temporarily). At family dinners, everyone usually focuses on what brings us together, not what separates us. We all need occasions that help us to do that.
So, in my humble opinion, there is no better way to foster love and unity in a family than to spend unselfish time together at family dinners. By agreeing to do this and following the very simple "rules" for doing so (putting aside your agenda/schedule and accepting others lovingly for who they are, not what you wish they'd become), each family member is given a great opportunity to hear what is going on in others' lives, learn what others think about certain topics, and develop a much deeper appreciation for your family members than you would have if you'd skipped the dinner.
If you have an opportunity to experience dinner with all of your family, don't miss it! Don't take these precious times for granted either. I'm convinced that family dinners are what hold us together and keep us on track.
Praise God for family dinners.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What if he was?
First of all, let me just say that I am not a big fan of Pat Robertson and I do not condone what he had to say this week about Haiti following the completely devastating earthquake that happened there. Apparently, it is a natural disaster of epoch proportions! A lot of lives were snuffed out in an instant when that quake hit, and the hurt/pain for those who remain must be completely overwhelming. We need to be praying for the relief efforts in Haiti, as well as sending whatever support we can.
But, a lot of you may have been asking yourselves this week how anyone could be so seemingly insensitive to say what Robertson said about Haiti? Me, too. Similarly, a lot of you are probably saying to yourself: "What was he thinking?" Me, too.
However, as the days rolled on the abundant onslaught of severe criticism for Robertson following his words (some from prominent national figures who are also Christ followers, and some from Christ followers who are here in my circle in Plano, Texas) was not very Christ-like either. As a matter of fact, some of the criticisms were almost as disturbing as what Robertson said in the first place. Aren't we Christ followers supposed to be willing to extend grace to others? The same grace that we have already been given from the Lord? Why are we so prone to publicly pile on, attacking a fellow believer so boldly? Have we forgotten that we've made grevious mistakes in the past, too?
So, I asked myself this question: "What if he was?" What if God chose to speak today through someone here on earth like Robertson? Would we even hear it? Would we even be able to accept what he had to say as a word from God? I know that God primarily speaks to us today through His Word, the Bible. But, what if He decided to use another human being as His mouthpiece today?
Seems to me that the powerful influence of "public opinion" has become our new American idol. It seems to me that we worship on the altar of "public opinion" daily these days. No one wants to be on the wrong side of the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion." No one wants to stand alone for some thought or opinion that might be terribly unpopular and against the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion."
But, what if "public opinion" and what is wildly popular in America today was contrary to God's Word and His message to us? What would we as Christ followers in America do then? What do we as American Christ followers do when confronted with this dilema?
While pondering this idea, I was led to II Timothy 4:3-5 for some sobering words. Here's how those verses read in The Message:
"You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant."
These words were written by Paul back in the first century A.D. to Timothy (and subsequently to all Christ followers after them). Even way back then, Paul was warning Timothy (and us as God's servants?) of the immense problems that arise when we are too quick to gravitate towards elevating the value of "public opinion" versus standing on the truths contained in the Word of God.
I would dare say that all of us probably need to check our motivations concerning our reactions to what Robertson said. Hopefully, Robertson is checking his motivations for what he said as well.
We all need grace.
But, a lot of you may have been asking yourselves this week how anyone could be so seemingly insensitive to say what Robertson said about Haiti? Me, too. Similarly, a lot of you are probably saying to yourself: "What was he thinking?" Me, too.
However, as the days rolled on the abundant onslaught of severe criticism for Robertson following his words (some from prominent national figures who are also Christ followers, and some from Christ followers who are here in my circle in Plano, Texas) was not very Christ-like either. As a matter of fact, some of the criticisms were almost as disturbing as what Robertson said in the first place. Aren't we Christ followers supposed to be willing to extend grace to others? The same grace that we have already been given from the Lord? Why are we so prone to publicly pile on, attacking a fellow believer so boldly? Have we forgotten that we've made grevious mistakes in the past, too?
So, I asked myself this question: "What if he was?" What if God chose to speak today through someone here on earth like Robertson? Would we even hear it? Would we even be able to accept what he had to say as a word from God? I know that God primarily speaks to us today through His Word, the Bible. But, what if He decided to use another human being as His mouthpiece today?
Seems to me that the powerful influence of "public opinion" has become our new American idol. It seems to me that we worship on the altar of "public opinion" daily these days. No one wants to be on the wrong side of the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion." No one wants to stand alone for some thought or opinion that might be terribly unpopular and against the generally accepted consensus of "public opinion."
But, what if "public opinion" and what is wildly popular in America today was contrary to God's Word and His message to us? What would we as Christ followers in America do then? What do we as American Christ followers do when confronted with this dilema?
While pondering this idea, I was led to II Timothy 4:3-5 for some sobering words. Here's how those verses read in The Message:
"You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant."
These words were written by Paul back in the first century A.D. to Timothy (and subsequently to all Christ followers after them). Even way back then, Paul was warning Timothy (and us as God's servants?) of the immense problems that arise when we are too quick to gravitate towards elevating the value of "public opinion" versus standing on the truths contained in the Word of God.
I would dare say that all of us probably need to check our motivations concerning our reactions to what Robertson said. Hopefully, Robertson is checking his motivations for what he said as well.
We all need grace.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Tale of Two Deaths
Last week was a very unusual week. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times...
This will be a tale of two deaths.
On Wednesday morning when I got to my office, a co-worker informed me that a woman we both had worked with for over 15 years (her name was Jenny) had died the previous afternoon. Apparently, during the lunch hour, she was out in her car and somehow drove into a pond and drowned. As my co-worker told me of Jenny's death, I stood there with my mouth open in utter disbelief. How could this be? Was this just some terrible joke he was playing on me? I soon realized that it wasn't. Jenny was dead.
On Thursday afternoon, I got the news that an architect friend of mine (his name was John), someone I have known and loved for 24 years, had died. He succumbed to liver cancer after only a very short fight with it. His cancer was diagnosed only a few months ago. Unfortunately, I had been expecting the news of John's death. Sadly, everyone knew it was coming - he had been on hospice since a little while after his 70th birthday at the end of 2009. None of us wanted John to die, but cancer can be a quick killer. John was dead.
Yesterday I attended a memorial service for Jenny at a funeral home. Tomorrow night I'll attend a visitation at a funeral home for John, and then go to his actual funeral service on Tuesday afternoon.
This is about the deaths of two people that I have known personally. These are my observations concerning the apparent significant contrasts between the deaths of those two people.
Jenny was a single woman, 39 years old. When I first met her, she was newly married. But, that marriage didn't last too long (less than two years?). I don't know exactly why. I'm afraid I never asked her questions like that. Jenny was a very capable young lady. When it came to working diligently on deadlines for projects and doing the detailed tasks that she was asked to do, there probably was no one better. As a matter of fact, many would say that she was the best! But, I would also characterize Jenny as being a bit "salty." She had a bit of an edge to her. She was at times quite cynical and sharp. You really didn't want to mess with Jenny! She was a good and faithful friend to a few in the office, but she appeared to have a very limited circle. If you weren't in that circle, you really didn't get to know much about Jenny. I think she made sure of that. Most recently, Jenny had been away from work for awhile, sort of mysteriously. The word was that she was "O.K.," but that she needed some time to deal with some personal issues. Someone said that she may have had a chemical imbalance that was giving her problems? It may have been that or it could have been something else. I remember that she lost her Mom a few years ago and had a very hard time getting over that. No one knows exactly what happened when Jenny's car surprisingly left the road, rolled down an embankment and plunged into a pond. A bystander claimed that she appeared to be fighting to get out of the car before it became completely submerged. Sadly, Jenny died in that submerged car - alone and in the midst of what had to be a most terrifying event. Following her memorial service, I would have to say that apparently Jenny did not have a spiritual life per se. There wasn't any mention of her faith in God, or in His son, Jesus Christ.
John was married to his wife, Marna, for over 47 years. They had two sons in their family, and both of them are married with children, living in the immediate area. When I first met John and Marna, we were attending the same church. We followed them to a new church several years later, which is the same church we currently attend. John had his own architectural company, specializing in church architecture/design. The company was previously founded by his father, and in the past few years one of John's sons also joined him in the enterprise. John always, always had a smile on his face and just made you feel like he was really glad to see you. He and Marna just lit up a room when they walked in. I always looked forward to seeing John and Marna! They were the consummate wonderful couple that absolutely EVERYONE loved! Their faith in Jesus Christ was evident to all and they served our church for many years, in lots of different roles, adapting to numerous changes and life-changing initiatives along the way. Even as they battled the ravages of his liver cancer together the past few months, they appeared to do it with courage and hope and an abundance of acceptance, even though this wasn't something they at all expected to be going through. Both John and Marna loved to laugh, and laugh they did all the way until the close of John's life. John died with his family and friends (+/-20 people) gathered around him. They were singing songs and praying with each other until John drew his last breath. It must have been an incredible experience!
A tale of two deaths. A tale of two lives.
Not many of us will be able to choose how and when we are going to die. But, we can choose right now how we are going to live. I want to live life like John. And, when my days are over, I would love to have my family and friends around me singing songs and praying with each other until I draw my last breath, too.
This will be a tale of two deaths.
On Wednesday morning when I got to my office, a co-worker informed me that a woman we both had worked with for over 15 years (her name was Jenny) had died the previous afternoon. Apparently, during the lunch hour, she was out in her car and somehow drove into a pond and drowned. As my co-worker told me of Jenny's death, I stood there with my mouth open in utter disbelief. How could this be? Was this just some terrible joke he was playing on me? I soon realized that it wasn't. Jenny was dead.
On Thursday afternoon, I got the news that an architect friend of mine (his name was John), someone I have known and loved for 24 years, had died. He succumbed to liver cancer after only a very short fight with it. His cancer was diagnosed only a few months ago. Unfortunately, I had been expecting the news of John's death. Sadly, everyone knew it was coming - he had been on hospice since a little while after his 70th birthday at the end of 2009. None of us wanted John to die, but cancer can be a quick killer. John was dead.
Yesterday I attended a memorial service for Jenny at a funeral home. Tomorrow night I'll attend a visitation at a funeral home for John, and then go to his actual funeral service on Tuesday afternoon.
This is about the deaths of two people that I have known personally. These are my observations concerning the apparent significant contrasts between the deaths of those two people.
Jenny was a single woman, 39 years old. When I first met her, she was newly married. But, that marriage didn't last too long (less than two years?). I don't know exactly why. I'm afraid I never asked her questions like that. Jenny was a very capable young lady. When it came to working diligently on deadlines for projects and doing the detailed tasks that she was asked to do, there probably was no one better. As a matter of fact, many would say that she was the best! But, I would also characterize Jenny as being a bit "salty." She had a bit of an edge to her. She was at times quite cynical and sharp. You really didn't want to mess with Jenny! She was a good and faithful friend to a few in the office, but she appeared to have a very limited circle. If you weren't in that circle, you really didn't get to know much about Jenny. I think she made sure of that. Most recently, Jenny had been away from work for awhile, sort of mysteriously. The word was that she was "O.K.," but that she needed some time to deal with some personal issues. Someone said that she may have had a chemical imbalance that was giving her problems? It may have been that or it could have been something else. I remember that she lost her Mom a few years ago and had a very hard time getting over that. No one knows exactly what happened when Jenny's car surprisingly left the road, rolled down an embankment and plunged into a pond. A bystander claimed that she appeared to be fighting to get out of the car before it became completely submerged. Sadly, Jenny died in that submerged car - alone and in the midst of what had to be a most terrifying event. Following her memorial service, I would have to say that apparently Jenny did not have a spiritual life per se. There wasn't any mention of her faith in God, or in His son, Jesus Christ.
John was married to his wife, Marna, for over 47 years. They had two sons in their family, and both of them are married with children, living in the immediate area. When I first met John and Marna, we were attending the same church. We followed them to a new church several years later, which is the same church we currently attend. John had his own architectural company, specializing in church architecture/design. The company was previously founded by his father, and in the past few years one of John's sons also joined him in the enterprise. John always, always had a smile on his face and just made you feel like he was really glad to see you. He and Marna just lit up a room when they walked in. I always looked forward to seeing John and Marna! They were the consummate wonderful couple that absolutely EVERYONE loved! Their faith in Jesus Christ was evident to all and they served our church for many years, in lots of different roles, adapting to numerous changes and life-changing initiatives along the way. Even as they battled the ravages of his liver cancer together the past few months, they appeared to do it with courage and hope and an abundance of acceptance, even though this wasn't something they at all expected to be going through. Both John and Marna loved to laugh, and laugh they did all the way until the close of John's life. John died with his family and friends (+/-20 people) gathered around him. They were singing songs and praying with each other until John drew his last breath. It must have been an incredible experience!
A tale of two deaths. A tale of two lives.
Not many of us will be able to choose how and when we are going to die. But, we can choose right now how we are going to live. I want to live life like John. And, when my days are over, I would love to have my family and friends around me singing songs and praying with each other until I draw my last breath, too.
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