Lower Level Lesson Learned

Has there ever been a breaking noise in your house and you thought, "that cannot be good"? One such noise seized my attention in the morning while turning on the bathroom facet. When the pressure dropped I knew the water that was supposed to be flowing out and washing my hands was now flowing like a flash flood underneath the house.

The next step after turning off the main water valve was to crawl underneath the house and assess the damage. The house was made old school and built on concrete blocks, so having enough room to fit under and follow the pipes, I did my best G.I. Joe impersonation and crawled through.

The busted pipe was found and the next step was to wait for the pipe to stop dripping water so I could attach and cement the new pipe on. There must have been something like 500 million gallons of water in the house because it was taking longer than a construction crew to finish a road.

But something happened while waiting underneath the house. Maybe it was the lowly position, the solitude, or the smell which no human should ever breathe!

There is promise in patience and patience is the prescription when problems break in on our lives.

Surrounding me were a number of solid concrete blocks that stood as the foundation for the house. As the water continued to drip, I asked myself what are the things, people and events that are and have been built as the foundational blocks of my life. At that point I became very thankful. Not for the smell that was about to knock me out but for the many people and circumstances (both good and not so pleasant) that have surrounded and shaped much of who I am. Being in the already humble position and on my knees, I was moved to thank my Father who was made the dirt, foundation, blocks and the house itself.

In a teachable moment of waiting, I was reminded of God’s promises and that His faithfulness, plans and love are non-negotiable, flawless and true.

There is promise in patience.

The Miracle of Recognition

Manakua, New Zealand 3 August 2009

I cannot imagine Cleopas and his companion walking down the road to Emmaus not recognizing Jesus when he appeared and began walking with them. Luke 24:16 says, “But they were kept from recognizing them.” Guess it would have been pretty difficult to have a casual walk and conversation after the events in Jerusalem if Jesus just sort of appeared. Maybe the two on the road had more learning to do or they weren’t ready or it could have been Jesus thought it better for them to not see everything just yet.

There are days that we want to see God directly at work in our lives and get frustrated when circumstances or timing does not go the way we would like it. Does that mean the Lord is not working? To be honest, I’ve had my doubts. I am glad that our Father in Heaven does not go on vacation and even though we may not recognize his works in our life, we can be assured that he is there doing far more than we with human eyes can see. One of my former pastors and good friend used to always say, “Even when we cannot see the hands of God at work in our lives, we can always trust His heart.”

In verse 31 the eyes of the two travelers were opened and they recognized him. I so wish I could have seen their eyes and the expressions on their faces! They were traveling down the road of doubt but when the miracle of recognition occurred, they found a new road of faith in the risen Lord.

Tall Poppy Syndrome

Auckland, NZ July 1, 2009

Learned a new phrase this week called, "Tall Poppy Syndrome." It's used to deflate the pretensions of someone who is thinking too highly of themselves or flaunts their demeanor without due humility.

One can see the lesson of humility here, unless they have TPS in which they will be called down on soon enough!

From what I can tell, the New Zealand culture doesn't like to promote others or even endorse a false sense of self, which seems like a positive thing. Some might disagree and argue that without "tall poppy's", society and culture would not rise or make strides if everyone stayed on the same level of achievement. That may also be true.

What I like about TPS is the application in our personal lives. Pride precedes humility too often. We need not lower our worth or value but instead, raise others up over us.

“Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows” - Helen Nielsen

“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” - Monica Baldwin

Maybe it's not your place to cut someone back down to size or serve them a dose of humble pie but we all can take a look at our own stature and if the only place we can see people is below us, then we need a TPS check!

Goodbye Tomorrow

The Uprising Resort, Pacific Harbor, Fiji - 6/4/09

It’s pretty crazy to think that when I board this plane at 11:30pm on Tuesday night, I will be getting off of it on Thursday morning at 5:00am. Ten hours of flying, the world continues to turn and I lose a whole day. Not that it was wasted because flying all day to see and experience one of the most beautiful places on the earth is quite worth it.

But how many days do we say goodbye before it even gets here? We live normal, monotonous and safe lives. Might as well be sitting in a plane for hours but to what end? Working 8-12 hours a day without a real sense of purpose or accomplishment. Going through the motions of “doing” school, church and recreation while coasting in relationships that have no depth, trust or genuineness. Taking a leap of faith is not knowing what’s in front but having the security to know where your next step will be.

Jesus said that He came so that we could have life more abundantly (John 10:10). I think he is talking more than just eternal life but having a full, unapologetic, carpe diem life now, while we are still living life on this planet.

So how will you live your life? Goodbye tomorrow or hello today?

The Family Bridge

LAX Airport - June 2, 2009

There's a quote from Alex Haley that says, "The family is a link to our past and a bridge to our future."  How true for some but how scary for others!

As I've spent the last week hanging with a group of people that are quite dear to me who either have the same last name or the same blood, I have had plenty of time looking at the importance and influence of family, both good and bad.  I do not have to look very far into the past to see the examples of aunt, uncles and some incredible grandparents that have molded and displayed selfless and sacrificial living.  Those impacting my life the strongest and still having a major effect today is my mom and dad.  It's still a proven fact that parents are the most influential people in the lives of their kids.  Not sports heros or those on the big screen or rock stars.  Good 'ol maw and paw.  I'm thankful mine saw the importance of leading by example and spoke truth and love into my life from an early age (and still do to this day).  

Recently, I've worked with students whose parents and family units were not exactly a "Leave it to Beaver" replica (or Simpson's for that matter!) and my heart would break on hearing another story of a parent who missed an opportunity to love and teach their child in a positive and encouraging way.  While we at the church can never replace a parent, we did offer a community and atmosphere that spoke grace, unconditional love and affirmation into each of their lives.  

No matter where you are on this earth, a sense of family and community is important and essential in our lives.  The stellar thing is, not only can we be loved, accepted and included into a circle of caring and redeeming people but we can be the one who extends that offer to others who desperately need it. 

What's Up Your Mountain?

Squaw Peak, Phoenix, May 31, 2009

So I just climbed up this little mountain in Phoenix for the second time last week. From a hikers perspective no big deal right? But from a personal level which included both spiritual and emotional barriers, it was a major accomplishment. What was different this time was the motivation. It wasn't the fact that I could climb this 3k foot mountain on my own again but it's what I did at the top that made the biggest difference and most lasting impression.

This time the only drive, desire and purpose I had was to show and express my adoration, love and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father and friend. This time it was not about a person, it was about the only one who has been faithful and true to me my entire life. This time I cried because I know that He loved me back...and always will.

Sometimes mountains in the past have to be revisited. Other times, we are already facing a big enough mountain to keep us busy for a while. Everyone has their mountain from time to time but we do not have to fear the past, the current or future mountains because He who promised us is able to keep us and give all that we need to face any hurdle or roadblock.

Even if I walk through a very dark valley,

I will not be afraid,

because you are with me.

Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, NCV)