Attitude

I ran across a comic the other day (Well, actually I didn’t run a comic over; I saw one in the newspaper). In the comic a house and landscape are littered with toilet paper and a man and woman are surveying the situation. The man says, “What did we do to deserve this miraculous bounty of free toilet paper?” while the woman is looking at him as if he were nuts.

What a terrific attitude! In a situation that could be seen as a royal pain in cleaning up all of that mess, one could look at it and see a lucky break in getting all of this free toilet paper. Granted, where I live in Port Orchard, Washington, chances are good the TP would be pretty soggy. But it would be free.

I think this “glass-half-full” attitude is how one could view life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go through life seeing everything in the best possible light? I have seen so many times in peoples lives where a positive attitude makes all the difference. In people recovering from all kinds of difficulties, ailments, surgeries, concerns, cares, grief, and much more, I have witnessed a remarkable endurance and quicker recovery all because of a positive attitude.

I’m mindful of the apostle Paul’s urging, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).

It seems that people with positive attitudes in all circumstances of life might be living out a “God thing.” Maybe that’s why when life “bounces” them, they bounce back quicker.

Thoughts?

Grateful

My heart is filled with gratitude! I don’t know if I could be any more grateful. I have been so blessed that I am overflowing with joy because I’m so grateful. And what is the reason for such gratefulness? Watch this video and see:

This is the Praise Band at First Lutheran Community Church welcoming me on my first Sunday, March 20, 2011. This was a terrific surprise! Their genuine expression of joy in welcoming me to the community was fantastic to witness.

The people in the congregation joined in the festivities to make it a special, memorable, joy-filled day, They showed their great joy with a generous overflowing of welcome in many, many cards and gifts and a huge (and I do mean huge) gift basket, along with so many wonderful words spoken and a celebration cake.

I can’t help but recall the words of the Psalmist, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises” (Psalm 98:4). In many wonderful ways, joyous sounds were certainly lifted to God in this glorious celebration.

I am overwhelmed by such an outpouring of joy and welcome. I can’t begin to put my gratitude into words that would truly express my heartfelt thanks and joy. This was a day to remember, indeed. Yes, I have definitely been blessed!

Worry: Luke 12:22-34

Early in my elementary school experience I was learning something. It might not have been something the education system intended for me to learn, but I was learning something. I was learning how to worry.

Duck and cover!  Does any one else remember those duck-and-cover drills? Does any one else remember the air-raid sirens and the fallout shelters?

I was at a time in my life when the only thing I should have been worried about was: “Which is faster, Red Ball Jets or PF Flyers?” Yet I was worried about being blown up at any minute.

We humans, who are unique in the animal world in that we remember the past and look to the future and make decisions for today, seem to always be worried about something.

They are important things in our lives, these worrisome things. We are concerned over natural disasters, earthquakes, tsunamis, the deep hurt of the death of loved ones and loss of property. We are concerned over financial security, jobs, relationships, family, nuclear fallout, the condition of the planet, and many other serious matters.

Recorded in Luke 12, Jesus says (loosely paraphrased), “Don’t worry about everyday life, what you will eat or what you will wear. Your heavenly Father knows all of your needs. But strive for the reign of God above all else and God will give you everything you need.”

What? Don’t worry? But Jesus, I’m about to be blown into smithereens (in all the many ways our lives seems to breaking apart). How can you say, “Don’t worry”?

And Jesus says, “God’s got you covered. God’s got your back. Don’t worry. Trust in God. Make that your first priority and you will find that God is providing all that you need.”

Jesus is in the promise business. Did you know that? Jesus makes a promise to us: Embrace the many ways that the reign of God is breaking in all around you and God will provide what you need to live. And not only that, God takes great delight in giving you God’s own kingdom. Wow!

Is it that simple? I don’t know. Maybe we could honestly, earnestly find ways to see God’s reign around us and make that our first priority. And then we could see if Jesus is right. I suspect he is.

Thoughts?

Taking On Something for Lent

Since the season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, March 9th, several people have told me what exactly they have given up for Lent. This practice of denying oneself of some of life’s pleasures might be a helpful practice (especially if it is lived out all year long and not just for the season of Lent).

If this giving up helps one to journey through Lent to a more meaningful Easter, then the discipline of denying oneself might be helpful. After all, Lent is the season in which we prepare ourselves for Christ’s glorious resurrection.

During this time, we reflect on our own mortality and inadequacies. It’s a time for us to repent and follow Jesus to the cross. We see Jesus struggling with temptation and sickness and death. Then we walk with him to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion and stand at the foot of the cross knowing that he endured it all for our sake. All this leads us to hope in Jesus’ resurrection and in our own resurrection with him.

Sometimes I wonder if the practice of giving something up for Lent really helps one in their journey with Jesus, if it really strengthens one’s relationship with Jesus. I suggest we do just the opposite for Lent. I think we could “take on” something for Lent. We could “take on” a spiritual practice for Lent (and maybe even through the whole year).

Many lists of wonderful spiritual practices have been developed over the centuries, and many even include the three Jesus teaches about in Matthew 6: charitable giving, prayer, and fasting. We could add daily scripture reading, weekly worship, tithing, serving others, deepening relationships, and other spiritual practices.

If we were to “take on” one or more of the great spiritual practices during the season of Lent, I am sure we would be more enriched on our journey to the cross with Jesus. We would be preparing for a more meaningful Easter, indeed. “Taking on” something for Lent would strengthen our relationship with Jesus. And if our relationship with Jesus would be strengthened, I’m sure this would mean a more confident journey of faith.

Thoughts?

Moses and GPS

The cartoon reveals a young boy and a young girl sharing a pew (presumably on Sunday morning). With Bible or bulletin in hand, the young boy says to the young girl, “Moses could’ve really used GPS.”

I love cartoons. I love to laugh. Most cartoons are intended to make one laugh or chuckle or put a smile on the heart. In addition, and this is what makes cartoons clever, they make us think or they reveal a truth about who we are as people. For me, good cartoons cause me to laugh and then make me go, “Hmm . . .”

I recently ran across this cartoon in my congregation’s March newsletter. After the initial humor I thought that this is really appropriate because our Affirmation of Baptism class is studying the book of Exodus right now. Then I got to the “Hmm.”

Certainly, many people have a mental image of Moses leading the people of God aimlessly through the wilderness for 40 years until they finally reached the promised land. This cartoon relies on that image.

I would maintain, however, that Moses really did have GPS (God’s Presence Sustains). God did not abandon God’s people to wandering aimlessly for 40 years. God was fully present with the Hebrews as a pillar fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. And wherever God’s presence went the people would follow. So the people were led by God to wherever God would have them be. God was fully present with God’s people. (The truth is: it is the same today!)

Yet God’s presence was there for more than guidance and protection, as if that wasn’t enough. God fully provided for the needs of the people and thus sustained them throughout this journey. God’s people needed food and God provided manna and quail (throughout the entire journey). God’s people were thirsty and God provided water. God’s people needed direction and God led them. God’s people needed to know that they were loved and God provided the teachings of how God loves them and how they were to love God and each other in return.

Moses really did have GPS (God’s Presence Sustains). God was fully present with God’s people and that presence provided for their needs and sustained them in God’s own loving ways. In Jesus Christ our God reveals the same providing, sustaining, loving presence for us today. I find great comfort in that. Our God is truly with us, Emmanuel.

Thoughts?

“Well, my mind is goin’ through them changes”

Being an old Funk and Fusion musician (I don’t know if the emphasis should be on “old” or “musician”), these words from Buddy Miles are indelibly etched in my memory. “Them Changes” was a fun song for a trombone player. Those were the days.

 

(If you want to hear Buddy and Santana having some fun with this song click on the video:)

 

Changes. Transitions. These words are certainly going through my mind these days. The congregation I am about to serve and myself are about to experience a number of changes as we transition into ministry together. Transitions can be difficult for us humans. For some change is frightening, yet for others it is exciting.

For many people the word “change” is equated to the four-letter kind. Many people seem to have a natural aversion to changes in their lives. It could be the rate of change that is the problem or the severity of change that causes difficulty.

Scientists tell us that most of us are “wired” to resist change. They use the 50-cent word, homeostasis, to describe the phenomenon. While I’ve seen evidence that there might be some merit to the scientists’ conclusions, I’m not sure that we are doomed to a rigid, fixed, resistant life.

Jesus bursts on the scene and challenges, even confronts the governmental and religious powers that desired to keep things the same. He said that with him new things are happening, even the Reign of God is at hand, present. And God is always up to something new (see Isaiah 43:16-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

We read of many people who encountered Jesus and were changed, transformed, transitioned, if you will, to a new and exciting life. Yet some who met Jesus seemed to be unwilling to change and like a rich, young man went away sad (Mark 10:22); or even worse, the religious elite plotting to kill Jesus rather than change (Matthew 12:14).

Even Jesus’ disciples had difficulty with the changes in their lives after they encountered Jesus. Peter asked the question: “What’s in it for me?” if I’m going to make all these changes (Matthew 19:27). James and John thought they should be rewarded with glory because they had made changes (Mark 10:37).

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Change is one of the great constants in life. Change happens to everyone. People change; relationships change; jobs change; circumstances change; everything changes except Jesus and his love and grace (Hebrews 13:8). Some changes are positive: a new friend, a new house, a financial windfall, a new job, a new community; others are not so positive: a job layoff, a tragic loss, a natural disaster, a damaged relationship.

One thing we can be sure of is that Jesus’ love and forgiveness and amazing grace are forever constant and we can put our faith and trust in him.

As my mind goes through the changes about to take place in my life and in the lives of those in the congregation, I hope we can find excitement in the newness, delight in the journey, thrill in the discovery, and the ever-present love and grace of Jesus.

Thoughts?