DateLine (8/30/06 – Nanuet, New York)
This past weekend someone in the family discovered that a hummingbird had entered our garage through an open door and obviously could not figure out how to escape. We ignored the bird for a short while hoping that eventually it would discover the big open door and extract itself, a seemingly simple exercise. Much to our disappointment, this beautiful little bird could not on its own discover the solution to its dilemma. It was not for lack of effort; with energy characteristic of the species the hummingbird sought escape.
After assessing the situation I determined that we would have to intervene and assist the bird. As I observed the bird I noticed that it never got below about 6” from the ceiling. It obviously was driven by a deep rooted instinct that it needed to go up (to the sky) to escape. It could not observe the door which was literally big enough to drive a car through which was only about 2 foot below where it was frantically searching for an escape upward. From my vantage point the solution was easy; the bird could not “see” it. I grabbed a broom from the closet to see if I could gently coax the bird toward the open door.
Soon Kyle joined the effort with a butterfly net. The frantic darting about of the bird was not conducive to the use of the net. All that we accomplished was to further stress the bird. Soon something occurred that I had never before witnessed; the hummingbird lit on top of the garage door. I had never observed a hummingbird with their wings totally stilled. It was obvious that the bird was in a struggle for its very existence. After a short rest the bird resumed its efforts to escape.
During the episode it had begun to get dark in the garage so I had secured a very bright work light to help us keep track of the bird. Soon we observed that the bird appeared to be attracted to the light and in fact I could guide the bird across the ceiling by slowly moving the light in front of the bird in the direction I wished for it to travel. Once we learned this trick, I maneuvered the bird in Kyle’s direction and in a short time he was able to net the bird and release it to the outside. Mission accomplished.
Now what’s the point? Every instinct in the bird told it to escape by traveling skyward. The bird found itself in a position where instinct was flat wrong. In spite of the fact that it was working feverishly it was doomed by its own actions. As a matter of fact its instinctive driven actions were escalating the danger. An external influence had to guide it to a solution. I’m convinced that had we not intervened we would have found a dead bird in the garage the next morning.
What can we learn from this experience? Many times in the human experience we find ourselves facing intractable situations which are in fact are a reflection of the fallen state of mankind. Left to our own intellect and resources we fail to find solutions to our predicament. Often the solution runs counter to our instincts. From God’s perspective the solution is obvious and simple. God guides us to the counter-intuitive solution. We must trust the guidance of God to lead us to solutions. God’s work in our lives is a living testimony to His grace and mercy.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him”, II Corinthians 2:14
The easiest route to escape the human predicament is to follow the light of God’s revelation.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Sugar Babe
DateLine (8/23/06 – San Juan, Puerto Rico)
When I was a kid there was a program on TV called The Real McCoys. The program ran in prime time from 1957 to 1963 and in reruns forever. Even though the program is old as dirt you might find it today in reruns on TV Land or the Nashville Network. The premise of the program was a family that picks up stakes from West Virginia and seeks their fortune in the rich farming country of California. Google “The Real McCoys” for additional trivia if you’re interested.
The storylines revolved around the patriarch of the family, Grandpa Amos and his son Luke, Luke’s wife Kate, their two children Hassie and Little Luke, and their hired hand Pepino. It was classic late 50’s early 60’s television comedy; good clean family oriented entertainment. One of the aspects of the show that still sticks in my mind was the term of affection that Luke had for his wife Kate; Sugar Babe. This show emanated from a time in history when monogamous marriage was still celebrated in the culture, and the pet name Sugar Babe captured the essence of this fact. The manner in which the nick name rolled off of Luke’s lips and the twinkle in his eye left no doubt that Kate was the love of his life.
There is a real (as compared to television) affectionate community that I’ve been exposed to from an early age; the Church. The church is encouraged to greet each other with a holy kiss, refer to each other as brothers and sisters, refer to God as our Father and Jesus as our brother. There was and is this strange phenomenon in the church such that some people who claim an intimate relationship with God do not give evidence of such a relationship in their manner of speaking. I have heard God referred to as “the Man upstairs”, “the Good Lord, “the Man in charge,” and many more. I have witnessed people who claim a personal relationship with God who struggle just to mention His name; appearing to scramble to know how to refer to God, and the chosen name haltingly slipping from their lips as they make reference to their Savior.
Now let’s compare the two situations. The fictional Luke in The Real McCoys” convincingly and effortlessly uses the term of endearment for his wife. He revels in the moment to express his inward feelings for his mate and the moment reeks of genuiness. On the other hand my observation of some Christians who do not seem practiced in making reference to the Lord of the Universe leaves one unconvinced that they know God or have an intimate relationship with Him. Now my intent here is not to imply that we should use disrespectful terms for God, after all He is God. But I am insinuating that people should get a sense from our speech that we know Him personally and that God is approachable. Intimacy with God is a powerful dynamic in our life and one of the most effective means for us to introduce others to Him. I’m convinced that our manner of speaking to and about Him is a reflection of the quality of the relationship.
There’s no doubt in my mind that that “world” will look to us to have the question answered that was posed to Moses by the Children of Israel in Exodus 3:13, “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?”
His name is Yahweh, but you can call Him Daddy.
When I was a kid there was a program on TV called The Real McCoys. The program ran in prime time from 1957 to 1963 and in reruns forever. Even though the program is old as dirt you might find it today in reruns on TV Land or the Nashville Network. The premise of the program was a family that picks up stakes from West Virginia and seeks their fortune in the rich farming country of California. Google “The Real McCoys” for additional trivia if you’re interested.
The storylines revolved around the patriarch of the family, Grandpa Amos and his son Luke, Luke’s wife Kate, their two children Hassie and Little Luke, and their hired hand Pepino. It was classic late 50’s early 60’s television comedy; good clean family oriented entertainment. One of the aspects of the show that still sticks in my mind was the term of affection that Luke had for his wife Kate; Sugar Babe. This show emanated from a time in history when monogamous marriage was still celebrated in the culture, and the pet name Sugar Babe captured the essence of this fact. The manner in which the nick name rolled off of Luke’s lips and the twinkle in his eye left no doubt that Kate was the love of his life.
There is a real (as compared to television) affectionate community that I’ve been exposed to from an early age; the Church. The church is encouraged to greet each other with a holy kiss, refer to each other as brothers and sisters, refer to God as our Father and Jesus as our brother. There was and is this strange phenomenon in the church such that some people who claim an intimate relationship with God do not give evidence of such a relationship in their manner of speaking. I have heard God referred to as “the Man upstairs”, “the Good Lord, “the Man in charge,” and many more. I have witnessed people who claim a personal relationship with God who struggle just to mention His name; appearing to scramble to know how to refer to God, and the chosen name haltingly slipping from their lips as they make reference to their Savior.
Now let’s compare the two situations. The fictional Luke in The Real McCoys” convincingly and effortlessly uses the term of endearment for his wife. He revels in the moment to express his inward feelings for his mate and the moment reeks of genuiness. On the other hand my observation of some Christians who do not seem practiced in making reference to the Lord of the Universe leaves one unconvinced that they know God or have an intimate relationship with Him. Now my intent here is not to imply that we should use disrespectful terms for God, after all He is God. But I am insinuating that people should get a sense from our speech that we know Him personally and that God is approachable. Intimacy with God is a powerful dynamic in our life and one of the most effective means for us to introduce others to Him. I’m convinced that our manner of speaking to and about Him is a reflection of the quality of the relationship.
There’s no doubt in my mind that that “world” will look to us to have the question answered that was posed to Moses by the Children of Israel in Exodus 3:13, “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?”
His name is Yahweh, but you can call Him Daddy.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Making Tracks
DateLine (8/16/06 – Naas, County Kildare, Ireland)
A few weeks back I decided that it was time for Kyle to learn how to operate the lawnmower. After all, he’s 14 years old, soon to be 15. Now you may be thinking that at his age it was past time for him to be supporting the family in this fashion, but it’s not your “normal” lawnmower. You see it’s a 54” 23 HP zero-turn commercial mower. There is no steering wheel; one “drives” the mower via two levers. With both levers pressed forward one glides across the lawn at a clip that will bounce you from the seat if the terrain is bumpy. With the levers in full opposing direction the mower will literally turn in its tracks, spinning like a dog chasing its tail. But it was time.
I went over the fundamentals of operation and turned it over to him. The first few trips across the lawn were not a pretty site. Whereas I pride myself in the ability to mow a perfectly straight line, Kyle’s lines looked like crooked cow paths as he learned to maneuver the temperamental machine. I waved him down and pointed out that he should be focusing on the leftover tracks leftover from the previous mowing a week earlier. After a few more trips he became more comfortable with the machine and matured in his ability to follow in the old tracks. There was promise.
As I reflected upon the series of events I realized that whether we realize it or not we are all making tracks. My grass cutting adventures serves to illustrate an important life principal. When I was mowing the lawn the week before I did not imagine that I was investing in the future. I had not considered that my present actions would have value to someone who would follow behind me. I was not conscious of the impact of my routine task in someone’s future. My son would be using my tracks to guide his actions the following week. My tracks would be a guidepost to the future.
Not only are we working out our own salvation in this life we are also leaving tracks for those who follow. Perhaps one of our greatest contributions in life is the example that we set for others; a gift with eternal consequence. We can relieve the load of the next generation by our legacy; we can advance the kingdom by encouraging others. The generations that follow will start their journey with confidence when they contemplate the history of faith laid down in the lives of acquaintances. My prayer is that others will deem my tracks valuable as a trail to the Father. I pray for the confidence to say with Paul, “brothers,. . live according to the pattern we gave you.” Phil 3:17.
A few weeks back I decided that it was time for Kyle to learn how to operate the lawnmower. After all, he’s 14 years old, soon to be 15. Now you may be thinking that at his age it was past time for him to be supporting the family in this fashion, but it’s not your “normal” lawnmower. You see it’s a 54” 23 HP zero-turn commercial mower. There is no steering wheel; one “drives” the mower via two levers. With both levers pressed forward one glides across the lawn at a clip that will bounce you from the seat if the terrain is bumpy. With the levers in full opposing direction the mower will literally turn in its tracks, spinning like a dog chasing its tail. But it was time.
I went over the fundamentals of operation and turned it over to him. The first few trips across the lawn were not a pretty site. Whereas I pride myself in the ability to mow a perfectly straight line, Kyle’s lines looked like crooked cow paths as he learned to maneuver the temperamental machine. I waved him down and pointed out that he should be focusing on the leftover tracks leftover from the previous mowing a week earlier. After a few more trips he became more comfortable with the machine and matured in his ability to follow in the old tracks. There was promise.
As I reflected upon the series of events I realized that whether we realize it or not we are all making tracks. My grass cutting adventures serves to illustrate an important life principal. When I was mowing the lawn the week before I did not imagine that I was investing in the future. I had not considered that my present actions would have value to someone who would follow behind me. I was not conscious of the impact of my routine task in someone’s future. My son would be using my tracks to guide his actions the following week. My tracks would be a guidepost to the future.
Not only are we working out our own salvation in this life we are also leaving tracks for those who follow. Perhaps one of our greatest contributions in life is the example that we set for others; a gift with eternal consequence. We can relieve the load of the next generation by our legacy; we can advance the kingdom by encouraging others. The generations that follow will start their journey with confidence when they contemplate the history of faith laid down in the lives of acquaintances. My prayer is that others will deem my tracks valuable as a trail to the Father. I pray for the confidence to say with Paul, “brothers,. . live according to the pattern we gave you.” Phil 3:17.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The Power
DateLine (8/9/06 – Ponce, PR)
A few months ago Harriett and I were in WalMart for our weekly compulsory visits. I love to hate WalMart, but that’s another topic. I had worn out my “traveling” toothbrush that I carry with me on business trips and needed a replacement. I commenced to examine the myriad of options presented on the “tooth care” aisle. I was immediately struck with the number of toothbrush choices. I had to look at each model, make note of the features and do a mental comparison analysis with every other toothbrush that I had examined on the aisle.
During this exercise I ran across a fascinating model that on first glance was a little larger in the handle and had several different types of bristles. This was it, the large handle would make it easy to manipulate at 6 o’clock in the morning when necessity is in front of dexterity and the bristle design had to be more efficient than the old toothbrushes that the dentist used to give you if you survived your checkup. One final feature sealed the deal, it was an electric toothbrush. Embedded in the sculpted handle were two buttons; one off and one on. Upon closer examination the larger handle served to conceal a battery. There, it’s done, analysis complete, put it in the buggy,
Fast forward a few hours to the arrival home. I was unpacking my new gem of a brush when something caught my eye. The new brush was similar to the brush I keep in the bathroom cabinet for home use; no it was the exact same model. Now here’s the kicker. I had been using exactly the same style brush at home for months and had never even noticed that it was an electric toothbrush. I had faithfully used it every day with good old fashioned elbow grease. Wait a minute – get the irony of this. Here is a person who prides himself on technical competence – I’m a technology consultant for crying out loud – and I had just proven that I could not conquer toothbrush technology. I had totally overlooked one of the essential benefits of owning the toothbrush
Many people treat their relationship with God like I did my toothbrush. There is a radical power that indwells every Christian, the very presence of God. This presence can be ignored or we can tap into it for life transforming power. Some of us have never spent the time examining our relationship with God to realize that we have it. That must have been my problem with the toothbrush; a casual inspection then a quick toss into the cabinet.
I’m very sad to say based on my observation over the years that many people who taste of God via salvation never really mature into a power-packed servant of God. They never punch the “on” button. They languish underutilized on God’s shelf for years as immature Christians. You know something else that happened with my toothbrush. As soon as I “discovered” that it had additional capabilities I started to use the power. To my dismay after just a few weeks, the power had left – the battery had lost its power over time even though I never received the benefit.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12.
With all that is within me, to you the child of God, discover the power within.
A few months ago Harriett and I were in WalMart for our weekly compulsory visits. I love to hate WalMart, but that’s another topic. I had worn out my “traveling” toothbrush that I carry with me on business trips and needed a replacement. I commenced to examine the myriad of options presented on the “tooth care” aisle. I was immediately struck with the number of toothbrush choices. I had to look at each model, make note of the features and do a mental comparison analysis with every other toothbrush that I had examined on the aisle.
During this exercise I ran across a fascinating model that on first glance was a little larger in the handle and had several different types of bristles. This was it, the large handle would make it easy to manipulate at 6 o’clock in the morning when necessity is in front of dexterity and the bristle design had to be more efficient than the old toothbrushes that the dentist used to give you if you survived your checkup. One final feature sealed the deal, it was an electric toothbrush. Embedded in the sculpted handle were two buttons; one off and one on. Upon closer examination the larger handle served to conceal a battery. There, it’s done, analysis complete, put it in the buggy,
Fast forward a few hours to the arrival home. I was unpacking my new gem of a brush when something caught my eye. The new brush was similar to the brush I keep in the bathroom cabinet for home use; no it was the exact same model. Now here’s the kicker. I had been using exactly the same style brush at home for months and had never even noticed that it was an electric toothbrush. I had faithfully used it every day with good old fashioned elbow grease. Wait a minute – get the irony of this. Here is a person who prides himself on technical competence – I’m a technology consultant for crying out loud – and I had just proven that I could not conquer toothbrush technology. I had totally overlooked one of the essential benefits of owning the toothbrush
Many people treat their relationship with God like I did my toothbrush. There is a radical power that indwells every Christian, the very presence of God. This presence can be ignored or we can tap into it for life transforming power. Some of us have never spent the time examining our relationship with God to realize that we have it. That must have been my problem with the toothbrush; a casual inspection then a quick toss into the cabinet.
I’m very sad to say based on my observation over the years that many people who taste of God via salvation never really mature into a power-packed servant of God. They never punch the “on” button. They languish underutilized on God’s shelf for years as immature Christians. You know something else that happened with my toothbrush. As soon as I “discovered” that it had additional capabilities I started to use the power. To my dismay after just a few weeks, the power had left – the battery had lost its power over time even though I never received the benefit.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12.
With all that is within me, to you the child of God, discover the power within.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Mountaintop Reflections
DateLine (8/2/06 – Ponce, PR)
The steep rocky trail narrowed as we approached the summit. The cool dry air delighted the lungs as we anticipated what lay around the next bend. As we crested the last knoll the basin below unfurled like an artist canvas. The Grand Tetons to our back, Jenny Lake below us, and the valley that is Jackson’s Hole stretched out as far as the eye could see. For a brief moment Inspiration Point had vanquished the burdens of life. Two weeks ago Harriett, Kyle and I experienced the “mountain top” on our vacation in Wyoming.
The mountaintop inspires and transforms. Some of the most significant events recorded in the bible, occurred on the mountaintop; the receiving of the Ten Commandments, the Transfiguration, the Sermon on the Mount, John’s vision of the New Jerusalem. The gaze from the top can be intoxicating. While contemplating our own vacation experience the reality became apparent.
It’s cold on top. There are no provisions for the sustenance of life up there; we have to carry it with us. The top is small by definition essentially rendering the experience a personal experience or at best only to be experienced by a small group. The air is thin at the top to the degree that supplemental oxygen is required for the extreme altitudes. The mountaintop by definition is a short term experience. Consider the contrast. Life is sustained by the produce of the valley. Water reserves are stored in the valley. The valley is designed for life; that is where people live.
The intoxicating effect of the mountaintop high has the power to create an unhealthy lifelong obsession with returning to or camping out at the top. If we’re not careful we can find ourselves so fixated on securing the proverbial “mountaintop experience” that we render ourselves of no consequence in the valley. Our purpose is fulfilled in the valley where people live. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional trek to “inspiration point,” God does not begrudge us the refreshment. He created the mountains and the reflection of His majesty in the creation is the dynamic that we instinctively are drawn to.
Our life’s work is in the valley. The hearts of those who toil in the valley long for the mountaintop. The purpose of the mountaintop is to refresh us for the work of the valley.
Let the people of [the valley] sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. Isa. 42:11
Linger, pray, shout, absorb; and then to the work.
The steep rocky trail narrowed as we approached the summit. The cool dry air delighted the lungs as we anticipated what lay around the next bend. As we crested the last knoll the basin below unfurled like an artist canvas. The Grand Tetons to our back, Jenny Lake below us, and the valley that is Jackson’s Hole stretched out as far as the eye could see. For a brief moment Inspiration Point had vanquished the burdens of life. Two weeks ago Harriett, Kyle and I experienced the “mountain top” on our vacation in Wyoming.
The mountaintop inspires and transforms. Some of the most significant events recorded in the bible, occurred on the mountaintop; the receiving of the Ten Commandments, the Transfiguration, the Sermon on the Mount, John’s vision of the New Jerusalem. The gaze from the top can be intoxicating. While contemplating our own vacation experience the reality became apparent.
It’s cold on top. There are no provisions for the sustenance of life up there; we have to carry it with us. The top is small by definition essentially rendering the experience a personal experience or at best only to be experienced by a small group. The air is thin at the top to the degree that supplemental oxygen is required for the extreme altitudes. The mountaintop by definition is a short term experience. Consider the contrast. Life is sustained by the produce of the valley. Water reserves are stored in the valley. The valley is designed for life; that is where people live.
The intoxicating effect of the mountaintop high has the power to create an unhealthy lifelong obsession with returning to or camping out at the top. If we’re not careful we can find ourselves so fixated on securing the proverbial “mountaintop experience” that we render ourselves of no consequence in the valley. Our purpose is fulfilled in the valley where people live. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional trek to “inspiration point,” God does not begrudge us the refreshment. He created the mountains and the reflection of His majesty in the creation is the dynamic that we instinctively are drawn to.
Our life’s work is in the valley. The hearts of those who toil in the valley long for the mountaintop. The purpose of the mountaintop is to refresh us for the work of the valley.
Let the people of [the valley] sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. Isa. 42:11
Linger, pray, shout, absorb; and then to the work.
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