Yesterday I read a post by Tyler about the fragility of life.  Needless to say it got me thinking about a lot of things. 

It reminded me not only about how life is so fragile, but it reminded me about the value of time and relationships. 

Remember the story of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha in Luke 10?  Jesus reminds Martha that although she was tending to things that were totally fine and well, Mary had chosen to prioritize correctly, which was to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him.  And there was nothing in the world more important.

Jesus knew the value of relationship over doing ”good” things.   

I’m also reminded of a story a friend of mine told me about a year ago, describing an experience he had with a young man in an African village on a missions trip. 

They were in Sudan, an African country that has a lot of persecution towards Christians.  So, as you can imagine, this trip was a fairly dangerous one.  My friend took several people from his church with him, along with men and women he had become friends with over the years through different jobs, churches and states of residency.  The village they went to would huddle in tents at night to hold church services, virtually whispering the worship songs that were sung.  The group had to form a tight circle in order to hear the message in whisper-form, as they could be killed on the spot if overheard.  He told me about the move that God was doing in this village, and how the people were so passionate and dependent on God for everything. 

And then he told me about John. 

John was 19 at the time, and spoke English fairly well.  He was bright, and wanted to become a pastor.  One night in the secret meeting place, one of the men with the group of missionairies was asked to speak to the village.  He went on to talk about how his church could come alongside this village, providing resources for food, shelter and a safe place to worship.  They could build a more secure building for them to meet in with thicker walls, which would allow for them to speak loudly and free when gathering for worship and teaching.  In the back of the room, John whispered to get this man’s attention.  And this is what he said. 

Excuse me, but we only have a limited time.  Could you please tell us about Jesus?

19 years old!  I’m 29 and I don’t always have perspective like that.  Geesh.

You see, we are but a breath.  Our days are like a passing shadow. 

So, what are we to do with them?  How does the truth of life’s uncertainty play into how we treat others?  These are some of the questions I have today. 

image: bogenfreund

This image currently describes how I’m feeling lately.  I’m totally that guy in the bottom corner walking.

I know I haven’t posted lately.

You know, I used to think that I’d keep some sort of strict schedule when it came to blogging.

• To be consistent.
• To get readers/subscribers.
• To boost my blog stats.  <—- Oh, how easy it is to be a slave to these!

But that’s not life for me.

Life is hectic and noisy.  I used to thrive in this realm.  Solving problems and organizing was fun for me.

But right now, I need rest.

Now don’t get me wrong, life is good.  I’m living and breathing, which means a new opportunity to grow in character and humility.  To become more and more restored.  There are a lot of things good happening right now in my life.  The image above doesn’t represent danger from every direction.  It represents opportunities (all good) and discerning the right road to take.

That’s really all I have to say today.  I wish it was something inspirational or encouraging.  I wish it was something that caused us all to think or become challenged.

But this is all I’ve got today.  I don’t want to force a blog post for the sake of blogging.  There are plenty of good blogs to read that have great posts (almost daily).

I will, however ask for your prayers.  I have specific requests:

1. That this season would bring about clarity.
2. That this season will result in the fruit of community.

What about you all?

How can I pray for you?

image: sam

“Wait, are you with a church, or are you just being human?”

Her question caught me a bit off-guard.  I responded with an awkward, “well, I would have to say it’s both.”

Her name is Linda.  She’s a beautiful woman.  Her eyes were crystal clear and green, and she had impeccable teeth.  You know, the kind you see on toothpaste commercials.  Linda is kind, polite and articulate.

And Linda is homeless.

I saw Linda a few weeks ago at Burger King in Wickenburg.  I go there most Wednesday mornings to talk with my mom on Skype.  She was sitting outside when I got there, but moved inside as the morning went on due to the heat.  I had finished talking with mom, so it was time for me to go.  I walked out to my car, and I caught an older gentleman walking quickly from his car back inside, giving Linda some cash before swiftly returning back to his vehicle.  She seemed shocked and grateful.  I was excited to see someone have compassion for her, and yet I was sad to see no conversation take place.  Perhaps he had somewhere he needed to be at shortly.  I had some time still.  So, I walked back inside.

She was putting all of her belongings in one of the corner booths inside, which included several plastic grocery bags filled with odds and ends she had probably gathered along her travels.  I excused myself as I walked towards Linda, hoping not to scare her.  I asked her if she would like some food.

“Why would you think that I would need food?”

“Well, I kinda feel like you do” I said, hoping to God that I didn’t insult her.

“Yes, I would like some food very much.”

So, up to the front we went.  Before we got to the register to order, she asked me the question I referenced first:

“Wait, are you with a church, or are you just being a human?”

She wanted to know if my kindness had an agenda, I guess.  Perhaps she’s encountered that before.  I gave my awkward answer and proceeded to order her whatever she wanted on the menu.  She tried to see what I would get so she could just order the same thing, and she asked me if there was a limit to this transaction.  I assured her that buying her the most expensive thing on the menu wouldn’t do me in financially, and that I just wanted to make sure she had a full meal today.

I asked her if she lived in town or in Phoenix, and she said (with a smile) ”Honey, I’ve been everywhere…more places than you could imagine.”  I told her I was here most Wednesday mornings, and that I would love to get her another meal and hear her story.  Besides, everyone has a story. I wanted her to know that I didn’t have an agenda.  Her story is important.  There’s a reason why she’s wandering around with all her belongings in hand.  What happened in her life?  Divorce?  Economic hardship?  Addictions?  Illness?

I haven’t seen Linda since that day a few weeks ago.  I hope that I see her again so I can talk to her.  Hear her story.  I’d love to eat a hamburger with her.  I’d love to see more of Jesus in her.  Because let me tell you, her question cut right to the core of me.

As Christians, what are our intentions when reaching out to someone?  Do we have an agenda or are we just genuinely loving that person?

I’d love to say that I have reached out to people in need like this so many times that I’ve lost count, but I can’t.  That would be lying.  I do know, however, that Linda left more of a mark on me than anything I did for her that day.

And for that I am thankful.

I love live music.

You know, good live music.

The sound, the crowd’s excitement, the performance.  It really doesn’t get much better (when it’s good).

So, if you could pick…

One band.

One artist.

Live.

Who would it be and why?

My answer, you ask?  Easy.  Coldplay, for no other reason than to experience “Fix You” live.

Well, the day has come to announce the winner of the autographed copy of “The Ship and The Sea” from The Autumn Film.

And, the winner is:  Jason Benoit.

I have a place in my heart for Anchorman references.  :)

Enjoy, man!