a better work week.

Today at work, I heard one of my co-workers talking about how the local school district gave its students the day off.  This isn't a completely unheard of occurrence, but there was no holiday or weather event, so I asked why they had off.  She told me that it was because the kids received their report cards the day before.  A few thoughts raced through my mind at that moment.  First, I don't think I ever got off the day after getting  a report card, unless that day was a Friday.  Second, I wondered if the kids needed a day to mourn their poor grades.  And finally, it gave me the idea that work life would be so much better if we were given the day off after receiving a pay check.  

part of something.

Amazing. After watching the inauguration at work today, I am humbled by the blessing of being part of the United States, where powers transfer peacefully-- even when ideologies are in stark contrast. Obama referenced how we are part of this larger collective in his speech. It was motivating and he has really good speech writers.

I got addicted to The West Wing this summer. After my baby boy was born, my mother-in-law had us rent a season of the show, and in about 5 months, we had watched the complete series. It would have been quicker if not for my wife's school schedule. But after watching it, and being reminded by the inauguration today, I was always struck by a desire to be a part of something as important as an administration. The way they had so many people working towards something that they believed in so deeply, was inspiring to me. I think that is why Obama was able to win this election, he was able to invite people to be a part of something.

The thing is, as I wish I was a part of something as important as being President of the United States, I have to remind myself that I already am. We are reminded throughout the Bible that God has invited us to be a part of something bigger than anything that ever has, or ever will, be. He has invited us to be a part of his Kingdom. His desire is to be the change that the world needs, and for us to play vital roles in that.

We may not have pins, and t-shirts, and hats, and posters that you put by stop signs, but we are a part of something that is more transcendent, transformational, and authentic than any political campaign could ever be. Do we look at what God is doing the same way we look at what politicians are doing? Probably not. Maybe we should start.

irrational fears.

Yesterday, I was at the gym sitting in the sauna (something nice about being in a 165 degree box when its 20 degrees outside) and I was struck by a thought I have quite often-- the dentist. Now I am aware that I have an irrational fear of the worst kind, being that I know it is irrational yet I still can't get over it. Many may say that this is not an irrational fear and I should be stressed over any occurance involving tiny drills going through parts of my body, but the truth is, if I just went every six months (which I don't) and flossed, brushed, etc (which I do) it probably wouldn't be a big deal.

But anyway, back to my experience yesterday, I start thinking, getting stressed, heart rate goes up, I'm already sweating so not sure if that was from this thought, and I just lay there. But then I started to think about, I wonder if Jesus would like the dentist? I never really thought of an answer to that because I was reminded of when Jesus got nervous and stressed. One instance in particular stood out to me, when Jesus was praying in the garden before he was taken to be killed.

The Bible talks about Jesus praying that "this cup be taken from me" and indicates that he was so nervous and stressed about what he knew was coming, he was sweating blood. Now I often times find myself praying, "may this cavity be taken from me" but, its safe to say, Jesus' situation was much more frightening and intimidating. But the amazing thing is, he had multiple opportunities to escape his pending situation-- but he didn't. I escape the dentist (by not calling) whenever I can. I am really glad Jesus is braver than I am.

a start or a season?

I suppose for my first blog to this new site, I ought to explain where I have been and why I am here. And really, there are two reasons:

The first is, this is not my first blogging experience. A couple years back I blogged for the better part of six months (crossfirecontemplations-- I have just noticed my love of alliteration) and I eventually ran out of time and energy, which is a completely different story. I did enjoy my time and my posts, and I hope others did as well. But sometimes other priorities take precedence. Thats the first reason.

The second. My wonderful wife (there I go alliterating again) tells me on a fairly frequent basis that I am a decent writer and should be published. She tells me this for mulitple reasons, she loves me, she likes to boost my ego, and she would really enjoy it if I wrote her more romantic letters. This blog probably isn't what she had in mind.

But here I am, a new start, a new year, a new blog. I'm looking forward to it.