its the end of the world.

Do you remember the old REM song lyrics "It's the End of the World as we know it... and I feel fine?" I think this song can sum up a lot of what is happening right now. Every day I hear people saying "its the end of the world" or something about "Armageddon" because of the economy or President Obama or President Bush (we apparently made it through without the world being destroyed) or global warming or a million other things. I am not saying that these things shouldn't be areas to have opinions on or trying to fight against the damage that can be done by them, but really, for most of us, we still feel fine. We may have lost a job, had to cut back on our spending, or even won/lost a political battle, but how affective is the doom and gloom alarmist mentality?

CS Lewis was asked in an interview 6 months before he died, "What do you think is going to happen in the next few years of history, Mr. Lewis?" His response was phenomenal. Lewis responds, "I have no way of knowing. The world might stop in 10 minutes; we are to go on doing our duty. The great thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, living each day as if it were our last, but planning as if our world might last 100 years."

We need to focus now on the things that will make a difference for the future; social and environmental justice, personal savings, sharing the Gospel of Jesus, all while recognizing that the world can change, or even end at any time. Let's not focus all of our attention on this is the end of the world, but more so on what can we do before it does.

Maranatha. (O Lord, Come!)

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.