I've noticed that whenever I seem to have an abundance of something, I diminish it greatly in my mind. Whether this is tangible, like food or money, or intangible, like free time or love.
It's amazing how we take for granted SO much! It's so easy for me to complain about what I don't have, yet when I fix my thoughts on gratitude, and I let God show me what I truly have, I am astounded.
I am so blessed.
And you are too.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Neener-Neener or Listening?
I had a few thoughts rumbling around in my head this morning as I tried to force myself back to sleep... to no avail. So, courtesy of my early morning (and waiting for my tea to steep), here we go:
After watching a good month of The Big Bang Theory (hilarious!!!), I'm seeing a few patterns emerge in the culture around me....things we see on the show, tell ourselves "aren't real," but then go ahead and live like that anyways. Nothing against the show, just a few challenges to the culture:
1. Getting laid will not solve all your problems. Nor will being in a relationship. Nor will being smart. Whether single or married, this can be a real pitfall for many of us. Because the ways that people form trust, commitments, happiness, purpose, etc, rarely come about in the way the shows tells us! Yes, it's funny to watch, but I think it's just sad when we have a culture of grown-ups (20-30 somethings especially) who are justifying immaturity, selfishness, arrogance, and even loose living, because it's portrayed as the way to be connected....cool....in control...happy...at peace. When, in fact, the very opposite often happens by living in such a way.
2. Science is an amazing tool for discovery of facts, but it is not a religion. In fact, it is actually a lot more subjective than we realize, as it's still people making observations about what they/the majority/the minority experience. Science has been wrong and incomplete in the past, which is totally fine when seeking knowledge, but rather unhelpful when seeking Purpose.
Science is not our end-all. It cannot be where we find purpose. It is great for learning and asking questions, but lousy for putting faith into it (and if you think we don't put faith into science, think again. Start paying attention to the type of language used when the hot-topic conversation of Religion v. Science comes up - both sides use language that show they're putting faith/hope/purpose into it...but more on that another time).
We can learn a great deal from the scientific field, as long as we remember that it's about answering the 'how's' and not the 'why's' of life, right? If you are looking to Science to answer question of purpose, peace, meaning, encouragement, absolutes, Truth, etc, you will be disappointed...After all, how can data (non-Life) provide meaning to humans (Life) when we are the ones above it? Can the food on the table, or the computer at work, or the bills I pay, or the dust I clean, meet my heart at all? No, only Life can beget Life. Now, can the data be used to perhaps better the quality of a person's life? Sure! But, remember that that is a Supplemental, not Higher, role of the information to a person.
Therefore, let's spend more time asking questions about which religion is closer to Life, as opposed to all our time bashing the supposed 'non-intellectual' as being lazy and stupid.
3. And, finally, I think it's very sad that the questions of religion, faith, science, meaning, etc. are all lumped into a great big non-thinking mess, and we just resolve ourselves to bash the other side with our arrogant attitudes. I would much rather have a conversation with a Scientist about her findings (and why they impact herself/others), then to read all about how ignorant/stupid people-not-in-my-group are by the same person.
Seriously, how is that helpful when anyone bashes someone? (words, clothes, attitudes, online, whatever)
Just because Science can quantify data on a piece of paper does not make it any more solid of a reason to exclude, name-call, disrespect, or ignore a person who is not in 100% agreement with you (unless you're taking an extreme view on natural selection, in which case, let's have an in-person conversation, ok?). Culturally, we lump the entire field of Science into one big, all-powerful, clearly-right, entity, yet when one pokes around in any specific field, one finds, shocker: disagreements. Variance readings of the data. Changes in the facts. Again, this is completely fine when pursuing knowledge, but a horrible place to put your heart, find Truth, and to take a stand against others.
Are there non-thinking people in every social group? Of course! Does that give the thinking people a right to 'neener-neener' (lol, Sheldon!) the others with the Truth/Wisdom they've found? Of course not! But, for those who can rise above the name-calling, the bashing, the degrading, and the non-listening, to those I wish to encourage to press on to this higher path. Whether you are in the fields of Science, Faith, Humanities, or all of the above, let's cut out the cutting remarks, eh? It's not going to help anything anyways - Not in challenging people to Live Well. Not the pursuit of Science. Not the growing of our Faith. Not the building of Relationships. Not the discovery of Reality. Not the seeking of Truth.
...and now, to my tea...
After watching a good month of The Big Bang Theory (hilarious!!!), I'm seeing a few patterns emerge in the culture around me....things we see on the show, tell ourselves "aren't real," but then go ahead and live like that anyways. Nothing against the show, just a few challenges to the culture:
1. Getting laid will not solve all your problems. Nor will being in a relationship. Nor will being smart. Whether single or married, this can be a real pitfall for many of us. Because the ways that people form trust, commitments, happiness, purpose, etc, rarely come about in the way the shows tells us! Yes, it's funny to watch, but I think it's just sad when we have a culture of grown-ups (20-30 somethings especially) who are justifying immaturity, selfishness, arrogance, and even loose living, because it's portrayed as the way to be connected....cool....in control...happy...at peace. When, in fact, the very opposite often happens by living in such a way.
2. Science is an amazing tool for discovery of facts, but it is not a religion. In fact, it is actually a lot more subjective than we realize, as it's still people making observations about what they/the majority/the minority experience. Science has been wrong and incomplete in the past, which is totally fine when seeking knowledge, but rather unhelpful when seeking Purpose.
Science is not our end-all. It cannot be where we find purpose. It is great for learning and asking questions, but lousy for putting faith into it (and if you think we don't put faith into science, think again. Start paying attention to the type of language used when the hot-topic conversation of Religion v. Science comes up - both sides use language that show they're putting faith/hope/purpose into it...but more on that another time).
We can learn a great deal from the scientific field, as long as we remember that it's about answering the 'how's' and not the 'why's' of life, right? If you are looking to Science to answer question of purpose, peace, meaning, encouragement, absolutes, Truth, etc, you will be disappointed...After all, how can data (non-Life) provide meaning to humans (Life) when we are the ones above it? Can the food on the table, or the computer at work, or the bills I pay, or the dust I clean, meet my heart at all? No, only Life can beget Life. Now, can the data be used to perhaps better the quality of a person's life? Sure! But, remember that that is a Supplemental, not Higher, role of the information to a person.
Therefore, let's spend more time asking questions about which religion is closer to Life, as opposed to all our time bashing the supposed 'non-intellectual' as being lazy and stupid.
3. And, finally, I think it's very sad that the questions of religion, faith, science, meaning, etc. are all lumped into a great big non-thinking mess, and we just resolve ourselves to bash the other side with our arrogant attitudes. I would much rather have a conversation with a Scientist about her findings (and why they impact herself/others), then to read all about how ignorant/stupid people-not-in-my-group are by the same person.
Seriously, how is that helpful when anyone bashes someone? (words, clothes, attitudes, online, whatever)
Just because Science can quantify data on a piece of paper does not make it any more solid of a reason to exclude, name-call, disrespect, or ignore a person who is not in 100% agreement with you (unless you're taking an extreme view on natural selection, in which case, let's have an in-person conversation, ok?). Culturally, we lump the entire field of Science into one big, all-powerful, clearly-right, entity, yet when one pokes around in any specific field, one finds, shocker: disagreements. Variance readings of the data. Changes in the facts. Again, this is completely fine when pursuing knowledge, but a horrible place to put your heart, find Truth, and to take a stand against others.
Are there non-thinking people in every social group? Of course! Does that give the thinking people a right to 'neener-neener' (lol, Sheldon!) the others with the Truth/Wisdom they've found? Of course not! But, for those who can rise above the name-calling, the bashing, the degrading, and the non-listening, to those I wish to encourage to press on to this higher path. Whether you are in the fields of Science, Faith, Humanities, or all of the above, let's cut out the cutting remarks, eh? It's not going to help anything anyways - Not in challenging people to Live Well. Not the pursuit of Science. Not the growing of our Faith. Not the building of Relationships. Not the discovery of Reality. Not the seeking of Truth.
...and now, to my tea...
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Seasons and Sacrifice
Thankfulness and Freedom seemed to be especially present this morning, and as I was reflecting on what has led about their strength in these days, I saw two lessons which The Shepherd has been patiently teaching me for some time now.
1. Life is full of seasons. Lord willing, there really will come a time when I work/minister outside of my home. There will come a time when my children are grown and I have the house to myself/Kris again. There will come a time when my kids are old enough to have their own lives and I won't be so needed in the ways I am now (a freeing thought for my introverted self!).
2. Maturity, Faith, Love, Service, etc. start NOW. In this place. With these people. There is no other way. If I refuse to learn how to sacrifice for them, any future work/loving/evangelism/relationships will be stunted. If I refuse to learn how to take care of myself (say no, set boundaries, serve with a cheerful heart, etc!) in this season, it will not magically *poof* it's way into my life in a future season.
Which, as a side note:
There. Is. No. *Poof.* in God's Kingdom - everything, always, has a cost and a process. Does Jesus sometimes take the cost upon Himself? Sure. Does He sometimes make the process so sweet to us, that it is hardly a burden? Absolutely. Does that mean that if we're shouldering a heavy cost and a long journey that we're outside of His will? Nope.
(Now, there is a difference between carrying shame, guilt, sin, etc. around in a heavy burden, but what I'm speaking of is the burden of love, commitment, sacrifice, purpose, etc)
And, back to the point....
So, because of these two lessons, I see that I am free to do what what I need to do, in THIS season, to care for myself, to strengthen my marriage, to love my children, and to serve God with a happy heart. The deep lessons and maturity begin NOW....
I can't express how much this has changed how I see my life!
Trusting that God has actually led me to this place/season. Trusting that the work I do now - in Normal Life - actually counts (for myself and for the Kingdom). Trusting that God will move me - in His way/time - to a new season. Trusting that I can rest/play/connect/grow/serve as is most restful to me, and that Jesus will multiply my efforts, if they truly need to be (how much do I always think 'more is better'?).
After all, what other way is there, except to
............Begin where you're at?
............Use what you have?
............Serve whom you're around?
............Enjoy and Rest as you can, Today?
Basically, for me, these lessons have allowed Rest to enter my days. To trust that Jesus really is in control... That I don't have to go out seeking an adventure - I'm already in one. Yes, it may look like dishes, bills, school, decisions, commitments, questions, hard work, diligence, tenacity, love, difficult people, fun times, etc, but isn't that what adventures always are? Isn't that what the missionary works so hard to do in a new culture? Isn't Ordinary Life what God created? And aren't we in that Right NOW?
So, on my days when it's all I can do to not sit in anger and depression and hurt and despair at my life right now, I remember that 'this too shall pass' and that 'He makes all things beautiful in its time.' If that means that today I need a good cry, a coffee, and my boys play on their own, so be it. If it means I have the energy to engage with Alex and Jon, Kris, my family, Jesus, friends, chores, work, etc. then great! If it means that today is a slower day, and I breathe the moments with thanks for Life, Health, Relationships, Salvation, and most of all, for His walking with me....then ok!
He has given me the manna I need for Today. Don't hoard it. Don't waste it. Say, "Thank You" and enjoy.
[I refuse to buy in to the Western (ah, human!) rush of living. Life is so much more. Why do we rush - few things are truly Urgent - for everything? Laziness does not equal Rest! But, that's for another day....]
Thursday, October 4, 2012
It's a Small World
Ya know what's ironic (besides fat-free candy bars)?
We have all this global awareness at our fingertips, right? And we assume we can (and feel required, almost) to keep tabs on little bits of everything. Oh sure, we allow for everyone to have their little sections of Reality that goes to a deeper knowledge of "whatever" than other people, but we still feel like because we CAN "know it all," therefore we SHOULD.
But here's the irony: we can't.
No really! Do we believe this? Alex's new thing right now is, "Mom, I want to learn more than God." Just as I'm having to explain to him why no one can know more than God, so this seems to be the same issue I'm seeing pop up right now. We are anxious to know more than God. We want the control that knowledge brings. We want to feel proud and better than others and safe in our knowledge.
But. Reality sets in....as it has a great habit of doing....
We have to make choices everyday to live and learn one thing, and not another, right? This is awesome. This is Life. This is ok! We all do this, by the way.....and yet....We still have this social pressure to go deeper about everything. We feel like we should be these "Neal Caffery's" or "Rick Harrison's" who just know everything they need to know - no matter how nuanced it is. Come on, how many times are people mocked for their ignorance about "obvious" things?
Take, for instance, all of the political hot topics right now. A lot of people are making fun of the ignorant - on both sides. And, oh, how we laugh at 'those stupid people.' "How could they not know Sarah Palin isn't even running? How could they not know Mit Romney isn't black? How could they not know...." and we go on. Yes, it's funny. Yes, it open conversation doors, but here's my problem with it all:
I don't care what topic you pick (the price of gas, grocery's, politics, religion, how to find the best pizza shop downtown), when it's in YOUR world, it's very familiar. And we so easily forget that other people, those who aren't in our world, may not have such familiarity with it.
We laugh at their ignorance. "How could they not know to take the Loop to 51st Ave?"
We're embarrassed at our own ignorance, when it happens to emerge. "Oh, that's how you use the coffee pot at church?"
We try to cover it up by jokes, learning more, pretending to not care, or a host of other ways.
To me, this comes down to Grace (as always, lol). Am I willing to offer grace to someone who asks a question that seems BEYOND OBVIOUS to me? Am I willing to break down an answer into understandable terms, instead of just assuming they know? Am I willing to pursue the freedom that comes when I admit my need for help?
There is NO shame in not knowing everything. There is NO shame in having to ask for help, or in having a question. There is NO shame when we reveal we don't know it all. Guess what?
"No one can know more than God, honey."
.....and that's just the way it is.
We have all this global awareness at our fingertips, right? And we assume we can (and feel required, almost) to keep tabs on little bits of everything. Oh sure, we allow for everyone to have their little sections of Reality that goes to a deeper knowledge of "whatever" than other people, but we still feel like because we CAN "know it all," therefore we SHOULD.
But here's the irony: we can't.
No really! Do we believe this? Alex's new thing right now is, "Mom, I want to learn more than God." Just as I'm having to explain to him why no one can know more than God, so this seems to be the same issue I'm seeing pop up right now. We are anxious to know more than God. We want the control that knowledge brings. We want to feel proud and better than others and safe in our knowledge.
But. Reality sets in....as it has a great habit of doing....
We have to make choices everyday to live and learn one thing, and not another, right? This is awesome. This is Life. This is ok! We all do this, by the way.....and yet....We still have this social pressure to go deeper about everything. We feel like we should be these "Neal Caffery's" or "Rick Harrison's" who just know everything they need to know - no matter how nuanced it is. Come on, how many times are people mocked for their ignorance about "obvious" things?
Take, for instance, all of the political hot topics right now. A lot of people are making fun of the ignorant - on both sides. And, oh, how we laugh at 'those stupid people.' "How could they not know Sarah Palin isn't even running? How could they not know Mit Romney isn't black? How could they not know...." and we go on. Yes, it's funny. Yes, it open conversation doors, but here's my problem with it all:
I don't care what topic you pick (the price of gas, grocery's, politics, religion, how to find the best pizza shop downtown), when it's in YOUR world, it's very familiar. And we so easily forget that other people, those who aren't in our world, may not have such familiarity with it.
We laugh at their ignorance. "How could they not know to take the Loop to 51st Ave?"
We're embarrassed at our own ignorance, when it happens to emerge. "Oh, that's how you use the coffee pot at church?"
We try to cover it up by jokes, learning more, pretending to not care, or a host of other ways.
To me, this comes down to Grace (as always, lol). Am I willing to offer grace to someone who asks a question that seems BEYOND OBVIOUS to me? Am I willing to break down an answer into understandable terms, instead of just assuming they know? Am I willing to pursue the freedom that comes when I admit my need for help?
There is NO shame in not knowing everything. There is NO shame in having to ask for help, or in having a question. There is NO shame when we reveal we don't know it all. Guess what?
"No one can know more than God, honey."
.....and that's just the way it is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)