"I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you if the Lord permits."(1 Corinthians 16:7)
One of the parts of my vocation that I enjoy is pastoral calling. Visiting sick and shut ins. I try to make enough time on my calendar to not have to clock watch, to be able to spend as much time visiting with folks as needed. Sometimes these visits are short, and sometimes they can last two hours. The amount of time is not as important as the quality of the visit.
I also know that I enjoy visiting friends as well. My past couple of summer baseball trips I've managed to spend time with various friends. It has always been a good to spend time with them, to catch up with what's been going on in their lives.
It is certainly obvious when someone is giving you quality time. You have their attention, and they seem to enjoy your company also. It is also clear when someone is just giving you a perfunctory visit. They have to be there, they don't really want to be there, and they are watching the clock, looking for a way to graciously move on.
When we value the person we are visiting we want to make the most of our time together. Yes there are moments that we wish could be longer, and in our overly scheduled, rushing from one event to another, lives, that can sometimes be a challenge. But for those moments when we are truly present for each other even the shortest visit can seem like they never end, in a positive way.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Reflections for 2/20/13
"But all things should be done decently and in order."(1 Corinthians 14:40)
One of the reasons I like being an Episcopalian is the liturgy. I like that there is a clear beginning and ending. I love the rhythm of the church year. I like that most liturgies are done decently. For some this doesn't work, not enough excitement, no "spirit." I don't know what that means or how you measure that. What I think it means is that it doesn't speak to that person.
I also know that I like when my day to day living feels like there's some order and things went decently well. Perhaps not perfect and perhaps not even as I might have imagined, but the day seem to flow in an orderly fashion, nothing bumped into something else.
I guess part of this points to a longing for some sense of control. Yet there are always parts of our day that are out of our control. Things come up that we didn't anticipate and yet require a response from us. Perhaps it is the case that when most of our lives our running decently and in order, that we are better equipped with the "what the..." moments.
When nothing is going right and chaos seems to have taken over, where no sense of order is evident, that despair and frustration set in.
We don't a hard rigidity in our lives, some flexibility is really useful. But to have no outline, no parameter with which to work, I find that nothing gets done.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the reasons I like being an Episcopalian is the liturgy. I like that there is a clear beginning and ending. I love the rhythm of the church year. I like that most liturgies are done decently. For some this doesn't work, not enough excitement, no "spirit." I don't know what that means or how you measure that. What I think it means is that it doesn't speak to that person.
I also know that I like when my day to day living feels like there's some order and things went decently well. Perhaps not perfect and perhaps not even as I might have imagined, but the day seem to flow in an orderly fashion, nothing bumped into something else.
I guess part of this points to a longing for some sense of control. Yet there are always parts of our day that are out of our control. Things come up that we didn't anticipate and yet require a response from us. Perhaps it is the case that when most of our lives our running decently and in order, that we are better equipped with the "what the..." moments.
When nothing is going right and chaos seems to have taken over, where no sense of order is evident, that despair and frustration set in.
We don't a hard rigidity in our lives, some flexibility is really useful. But to have no outline, no parameter with which to work, I find that nothing gets done.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Reflections for 2/19/13
"For now we see in a mirror dimly,but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part, then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known."(1 Corinthians 13: 12)
One thing I know is that I don't know everything. Yes there are some things that I do know. But each day I discover something new. Perhaps it is an innate love for learning. A truly liberal view of the world that believes the truth lies somewhere in between the extremes of both sides of an argument.
I certainly don't completely understand many things. Truthfully I don't get Hawking's String Theory. I don't fully understand what motivates some people to say and do the things they do. I also can be pleasantly surprised by the kindness and generosity that people can also show.
I know somethings intellectually about God and I also know things on a gut level as well. I don't know everything about God, but what I do know is that I sense that I am known and loved and challenged by that God.
I hope that people know me well. That I'm consistent in how I treat others and what I expect of myself.
What do we know about ourselves, about those we love and God. Most likely we know quite a bit, though not everything. Can I keep myself open to learning more about myself, others and God.
Blessings,
Ed
One thing I know is that I don't know everything. Yes there are some things that I do know. But each day I discover something new. Perhaps it is an innate love for learning. A truly liberal view of the world that believes the truth lies somewhere in between the extremes of both sides of an argument.
I certainly don't completely understand many things. Truthfully I don't get Hawking's String Theory. I don't fully understand what motivates some people to say and do the things they do. I also can be pleasantly surprised by the kindness and generosity that people can also show.
I know somethings intellectually about God and I also know things on a gut level as well. I don't know everything about God, but what I do know is that I sense that I am known and loved and challenged by that God.
I hope that people know me well. That I'm consistent in how I treat others and what I expect of myself.
What do we know about ourselves, about those we love and God. Most likely we know quite a bit, though not everything. Can I keep myself open to learning more about myself, others and God.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, February 18, 2013
Reflections for February 18, 2013
"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it."(1 Corinthians 12:26)
In my life I've had the privilege of being part of several organizations. I've been on sports teams, scout troops, churches, fraternal organizations and of course colleges.
Some have great memories attached to them for me. I remember the people, I remember events that were pivotal to my growth as a person. There have been times when I've shared in the joys of others and been there when things didn't go so well. I've also felt comfortable in those places to share my ups and downs with.
I guess for me that is the sign of real "community" how we handle people's joys and sorrows, successes and failures. Can we be present without envy for people who are having a very blessed streak in their lives? Can we be comfortable around folks for who are going through a valley period?
It is that sense of being mutually present for each other and also knowing that all organizations are as strong as the members that make it up. I've felt that way in many of the groups I've been part of. Hopefully I've been the kind of member that makes the body strong.
Blessings,
Ed
In my life I've had the privilege of being part of several organizations. I've been on sports teams, scout troops, churches, fraternal organizations and of course colleges.
Some have great memories attached to them for me. I remember the people, I remember events that were pivotal to my growth as a person. There have been times when I've shared in the joys of others and been there when things didn't go so well. I've also felt comfortable in those places to share my ups and downs with.
I guess for me that is the sign of real "community" how we handle people's joys and sorrows, successes and failures. Can we be present without envy for people who are having a very blessed streak in their lives? Can we be comfortable around folks for who are going through a valley period?
It is that sense of being mutually present for each other and also knowing that all organizations are as strong as the members that make it up. I've felt that way in many of the groups I've been part of. Hopefully I've been the kind of member that makes the body strong.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Reflections for 2/16/13
Today was an emotional day for me. It was my son Michael's last wrestling match. As many of you may know, I wrestled in high school. I was never a state champ, state chump might be closer to the truth. In today's world I would have been tech falled often.
Yet as bad as I was, I simply love this sport. It helped me in ways that I cannot describe. And by my senior year, I think I was actually getting the hang of the sport. Regrettably I tweaked my knee just enough to become ineffectual but not finished. My team did well, I contributed some to that success, but not as much as I could.
In college there was no wrestling team, which was surprising to many since my college was in Iowa which is wrestling country for sure. And I lost track of the sport until my youngest son said he wanted to wrestle. And that love for the sport was rekindled and even more so when my eldest took too it.
Neither son ever became superstars at the sport. My youngest can't even do it anymore. Yet my eldest persevered through some really rough times and managed to stick it out. Did he surpass me, really couldn't say. Did he make me proud? Absolutely. He stuck with it and even when I thought he'd quit something kept him from doing so.
I hope that as he walks away from the sport that somewhere an ember love for it will smolder and that perhaps if he has sons they too might want to be a part of this sport.
I know how much it meant and still means to me, even though it may be a long time before I have anyone to really root for. Now I can watch for the pure love it, not just because I have a son who wrestling who I love dearly and would root for whether winning or losing, but for having the courage to even try, something only a few people have ever had.
Blessings,
Ed
Yet as bad as I was, I simply love this sport. It helped me in ways that I cannot describe. And by my senior year, I think I was actually getting the hang of the sport. Regrettably I tweaked my knee just enough to become ineffectual but not finished. My team did well, I contributed some to that success, but not as much as I could.
In college there was no wrestling team, which was surprising to many since my college was in Iowa which is wrestling country for sure. And I lost track of the sport until my youngest son said he wanted to wrestle. And that love for the sport was rekindled and even more so when my eldest took too it.
Neither son ever became superstars at the sport. My youngest can't even do it anymore. Yet my eldest persevered through some really rough times and managed to stick it out. Did he surpass me, really couldn't say. Did he make me proud? Absolutely. He stuck with it and even when I thought he'd quit something kept him from doing so.
I hope that as he walks away from the sport that somewhere an ember love for it will smolder and that perhaps if he has sons they too might want to be a part of this sport.
I know how much it meant and still means to me, even though it may be a long time before I have anyone to really root for. Now I can watch for the pure love it, not just because I have a son who wrestling who I love dearly and would root for whether winning or losing, but for having the courage to even try, something only a few people have ever had.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, February 15, 2013
Reflection for February , 15, 2013
"So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."(1 Corinthians 10:31)
At first glance Paul's advice would seem to be a do whatever you want. That somehow doesn't seem right to me. Probably because it isn't. There are things I can choose to do that are just wrong if not not illegal. I can't hide wrong decisions and bad behavior behind some mantra of that I did it for the glory of God.
I do hear Paul saying that life is to be enjoyed, and not a journey on egg shells. There is a celebratory aspect to a life that is lived for God and in thanks to God. When I spend time with my family, I do so to the glory of God who gave me that family. When I work out at the gym, I do so to the glory of God, because I want to be a good steward of the body I've been given. When I eat what is set before me, without fanfare but always with thanks, even if it isn't my favorite, I do so to the glory of God and in thanks for gracious hospitality and the good things that are provided for my nourishment.
If I can represent my faith in ways that build up and do not tear down others, I do so to the glory of God. Acknowledging that the embrace of God is open to all not just me and those like me.
Where do you see your actions and what brings you joy as giving glory to God. When we live our lives with thanksgiving it is always to the glory of God.
Blessings,
Ed
At first glance Paul's advice would seem to be a do whatever you want. That somehow doesn't seem right to me. Probably because it isn't. There are things I can choose to do that are just wrong if not not illegal. I can't hide wrong decisions and bad behavior behind some mantra of that I did it for the glory of God.
I do hear Paul saying that life is to be enjoyed, and not a journey on egg shells. There is a celebratory aspect to a life that is lived for God and in thanks to God. When I spend time with my family, I do so to the glory of God who gave me that family. When I work out at the gym, I do so to the glory of God, because I want to be a good steward of the body I've been given. When I eat what is set before me, without fanfare but always with thanks, even if it isn't my favorite, I do so to the glory of God and in thanks for gracious hospitality and the good things that are provided for my nourishment.
If I can represent my faith in ways that build up and do not tear down others, I do so to the glory of God. Acknowledging that the embrace of God is open to all not just me and those like me.
Where do you see your actions and what brings you joy as giving glory to God. When we live our lives with thanksgiving it is always to the glory of God.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Reflection for 2/13/13
"Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall."(1 Corinthians 8:13)
Today is Ash Wednesday the official beginning of the season of Lent. I know people who will be giving things up for Lent and others who will follow my advice and take something on. Either way I suppose works.
The question for me in giving something up would be why am I doing it. Is it something that is a real impediment to strengthening my relationship with God? If it is just a temporary decision that I will let go of on Easter Day, then I fail to see the point.
Maybe the point to giving something up would be also to model good habits to others. Same could be said for taking something on. Let others see what you, as a person of faith are doing. Perhaps they will want to follow your example.
Of course Lent is not the only time we can modify our behavior. We are given daily chances to start a new. What might be worth praying about is the motivation behind the choice. Paul said he would never eat meat if he thought it would impede his desire to help others in their relationship with Christ.
It still is true, all of us have someone that looks at us as examples of how to be. What might we have to let go of to be that good example?
Blessings,
Ed
Today is Ash Wednesday the official beginning of the season of Lent. I know people who will be giving things up for Lent and others who will follow my advice and take something on. Either way I suppose works.
The question for me in giving something up would be why am I doing it. Is it something that is a real impediment to strengthening my relationship with God? If it is just a temporary decision that I will let go of on Easter Day, then I fail to see the point.
Maybe the point to giving something up would be also to model good habits to others. Same could be said for taking something on. Let others see what you, as a person of faith are doing. Perhaps they will want to follow your example.
Of course Lent is not the only time we can modify our behavior. We are given daily chances to start a new. What might be worth praying about is the motivation behind the choice. Paul said he would never eat meat if he thought it would impede his desire to help others in their relationship with Christ.
It still is true, all of us have someone that looks at us as examples of how to be. What might we have to let go of to be that good example?
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, February 11, 2013
Reflection for 2/11/13
"All things are lawful for me but not all things are beneficial. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything."(1 Corinthians 6:12)
Anyone who has known me for a while knows that my longest struggle in life has been with food. My grandfather told me it was my addiction, (he had his own by the way.) Food would certainly be a great example of this quote being lived out. There is no food that is illegal. Not being of a faith tradition with dietary laws, I can eat whatever I want whenever and however much I want. The problem is that to so with no concern for my physical well being has presented a huge mountain to now have to overcome. I'm pleased to say that I'm getting better. I'm trying to eat in ways that benefit me, primarily seen in losing weight. I'm no longer dominated by food, but have control over my own appetite.
There are probably other examples out there of things that I might have the right to do, but may not be beneficial for me. Just because something is permissible doesn't mean I need to do it.
Yes there is a freedom that I have thanks to my faith. The challenge is not to abuse that freedom. There is a freedom I have as a citizen of this country too. The challenge is also the same.
Blessings,
Ed
Anyone who has known me for a while knows that my longest struggle in life has been with food. My grandfather told me it was my addiction, (he had his own by the way.) Food would certainly be a great example of this quote being lived out. There is no food that is illegal. Not being of a faith tradition with dietary laws, I can eat whatever I want whenever and however much I want. The problem is that to so with no concern for my physical well being has presented a huge mountain to now have to overcome. I'm pleased to say that I'm getting better. I'm trying to eat in ways that benefit me, primarily seen in losing weight. I'm no longer dominated by food, but have control over my own appetite.
There are probably other examples out there of things that I might have the right to do, but may not be beneficial for me. Just because something is permissible doesn't mean I need to do it.
Yes there is a freedom that I have thanks to my faith. The challenge is not to abuse that freedom. There is a freedom I have as a citizen of this country too. The challenge is also the same.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Reflections for 2/10/13
"Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."(Luke 9:33)
Have you ever been present for something that was seemingly a once in a life time moment? Something that as you recall it you still can't believe how lucky you were to be present. Perhaps you kicked yourself for not having a camera, or in this day and age your smart phone out at that time.
When we have those "wow" moments we want to hold on to them, keep them tucked away so that we can call upon them whenever we like.
Of course even harder is to try and describe the event to someone who wasn't there. Sometimes words escape us. It is also true that in our excitement we can't just be quiet and enjoy the moment.
In those times when they happen if we are fortunate to capture the moment electronically, great. But perhaps even better is when our mind's eye gets it, allows for it to sink in and no matter how much time has elapsed we can recall it with such clarity that it is as if it was happening right here and now.
And perhaps the best response to "wow" moments is to say it is good to be here.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever been present for something that was seemingly a once in a life time moment? Something that as you recall it you still can't believe how lucky you were to be present. Perhaps you kicked yourself for not having a camera, or in this day and age your smart phone out at that time.
When we have those "wow" moments we want to hold on to them, keep them tucked away so that we can call upon them whenever we like.
Of course even harder is to try and describe the event to someone who wasn't there. Sometimes words escape us. It is also true that in our excitement we can't just be quiet and enjoy the moment.
In those times when they happen if we are fortunate to capture the moment electronically, great. But perhaps even better is when our mind's eye gets it, allows for it to sink in and no matter how much time has elapsed we can recall it with such clarity that it is as if it was happening right here and now.
And perhaps the best response to "wow" moments is to say it is good to be here.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Reflection for 2/9/13
"If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?"(Psalm 130:3)
In the survey that I use for premarital counseling there is a question about unfair tactics in fighting. One of the possible tactics is 'bringing up past mistakes." You and your spouse are having one of those arguments, perhaps the result of the proverbial last straw and the verbal assault begins, as the fight digresses away from the original point, suddenly you are confronted by something that happened last week, last year, when you were a teenager. Your left baffled because you don't see it coming. And now you have to defend against something that you thought was well in the past.
The psalmist offers us though a bit of hope. Here in this verse we see that while God could keep a record of all the things we've done wrong, apparently he must not be doing this, because all of us would be in trouble.
While forgiveness for those times where we mess up is always available, it doesn't give us carte blanche to do whatever we like. It should free us from walking on eggshells and looking over our shoulder constantly.
Since we are called to pattern our lives after God, perhaps we to should spend less time marking iniquities. Not storing past mistakes to be brought up at a more convenient time. If we were all held constantly accountable for everything in our past, life would be miserable.
I'm thankful for the fresh starts I've been given.
Blessings,
Ed
In the survey that I use for premarital counseling there is a question about unfair tactics in fighting. One of the possible tactics is 'bringing up past mistakes." You and your spouse are having one of those arguments, perhaps the result of the proverbial last straw and the verbal assault begins, as the fight digresses away from the original point, suddenly you are confronted by something that happened last week, last year, when you were a teenager. Your left baffled because you don't see it coming. And now you have to defend against something that you thought was well in the past.
The psalmist offers us though a bit of hope. Here in this verse we see that while God could keep a record of all the things we've done wrong, apparently he must not be doing this, because all of us would be in trouble.
While forgiveness for those times where we mess up is always available, it doesn't give us carte blanche to do whatever we like. It should free us from walking on eggshells and looking over our shoulder constantly.
Since we are called to pattern our lives after God, perhaps we to should spend less time marking iniquities. Not storing past mistakes to be brought up at a more convenient time. If we were all held constantly accountable for everything in our past, life would be miserable.
I'm thankful for the fresh starts I've been given.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, February 8, 2013
Reflections for 2/8/13
"I appeal to you then be imitators of me."(1 Corinthians 4:16)
If you looked at all aspects of who you are, who would you say you imitate? Who was your role model in your vocation? I have several priests that I imitate aspects of how they lived into their vocation. I am not a perfect imitation of any of them, but I didn't learn my craft in a vacuum. No matter what you do for a living you picked up some habits or ways of doing it from someone you admired in your field.
As a parent I'm sure that some of how I interact and treat my sons is based on my own experience growing up. It is also true that there are things that my parents did towards me that I don't do.
We learn speech by imitation. I used to laugh when my sons would say something and I'd wonder is that my phrase or Gail's phrase. I know this because I'm sure they imitated me as they learned how to be a human being while also growing into something unique.
For me I guess to become your own person can still be imitating because we incorporate our experiences into who we are. Maybe when all we become is that other person then we are nothing but a cheap imitation.
The final question for me would be as I become a person who might be imitated am I offering something worth imitating or not?
Blessings,
Ed
If you looked at all aspects of who you are, who would you say you imitate? Who was your role model in your vocation? I have several priests that I imitate aspects of how they lived into their vocation. I am not a perfect imitation of any of them, but I didn't learn my craft in a vacuum. No matter what you do for a living you picked up some habits or ways of doing it from someone you admired in your field.
As a parent I'm sure that some of how I interact and treat my sons is based on my own experience growing up. It is also true that there are things that my parents did towards me that I don't do.
We learn speech by imitation. I used to laugh when my sons would say something and I'd wonder is that my phrase or Gail's phrase. I know this because I'm sure they imitated me as they learned how to be a human being while also growing into something unique.
For me I guess to become your own person can still be imitating because we incorporate our experiences into who we are. Maybe when all we become is that other person then we are nothing but a cheap imitation.
The final question for me would be as I become a person who might be imitated am I offering something worth imitating or not?
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Reflections for 2/7/13
"So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been killed by the sword."(2 Chronicles 23:21)
Such a world of violence we live in. Well actually there's probably been no period of history that was without violence. We humans lament the violence but it seems ingrained in our cultural psyche from the start.
I didnt' pick this quote to reflect on because of the violence that it seems to celebrate, but I thought about the notion of how some level of peace or quiet in our own lives often cannot come until someone or something is gone from our lives.
If it hasn't been your own experience you probably know of someone who has been stuck in a bad relationship or bad working conditions where nothing seems to work or go right. Yet the ending of the relationship seems to free up the person to become who they are, or at least to relax a little, not walk on such egg shells, to literally breath a sigh of relief.
Sometimes it is also true that it isn't another person that is causing a block for us, but an object or habit that we can't seem to let go of. It dominates are thinking, our movements and our growth as a person. When we can break from the habit or let go of the object, something just short of miraculous occurs we actually have some quiet in our lives.
I'm not advocating for killing anyone, but if there's something that needs to be let go of to get that quiet that inner peace, it may be time to confront it.
Blessings,
Ed
Such a world of violence we live in. Well actually there's probably been no period of history that was without violence. We humans lament the violence but it seems ingrained in our cultural psyche from the start.
I didnt' pick this quote to reflect on because of the violence that it seems to celebrate, but I thought about the notion of how some level of peace or quiet in our own lives often cannot come until someone or something is gone from our lives.
If it hasn't been your own experience you probably know of someone who has been stuck in a bad relationship or bad working conditions where nothing seems to work or go right. Yet the ending of the relationship seems to free up the person to become who they are, or at least to relax a little, not walk on such egg shells, to literally breath a sigh of relief.
Sometimes it is also true that it isn't another person that is causing a block for us, but an object or habit that we can't seem to let go of. It dominates are thinking, our movements and our growth as a person. When we can break from the habit or let go of the object, something just short of miraculous occurs we actually have some quiet in our lives.
I'm not advocating for killing anyone, but if there's something that needs to be let go of to get that quiet that inner peace, it may be time to confront it.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Reflections for 2/6/2013
"It is in vain that you rise up early and o late to res, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved." (Psalm 127:2)
At the beginning of the year I went for a sleep test. They hook you up with all kinds of wires and contraptions monitoring your brainwaves and breathing to see how you sleep. I haven't gotten the results back, (note to self, maybe you should call the Dr.) I know that I don't sleep well or deeply. I hear the cats, I use to hear the babies who are now teenagers.
I've always been a morning person, so waking up is not a problem and it's usually the same time. I often wake up before the alarm. What frustrates me is when I don't have to get up and yet still wake up early. I do find it funny that as unregimented as I am, this is one of the few patterns and rhythms that I have.
I also know that I go to bed later than I should and often times cannot shut off my mind. I do have few tricks that I try. A breathing exercise I learned from Richard Rohr. A lecture to self about how what I'm fretting about cannot be solved right then and there. Sometimes though I am gifted with pillow plus head equals out.
Time of course is one of the greatest gifts we are given by God. It is finite and how we use it can be an indicator of our personal stewardship. If I wake up early what am I doing during that time? If I'm staying up late, what am I doing with that time? I believe that God gives my body that 6+ hours to recharge the battery so to speak. If I try to get more out of that limited supply of energy a crash is bound to occur.
Blessings,
Ed
At the beginning of the year I went for a sleep test. They hook you up with all kinds of wires and contraptions monitoring your brainwaves and breathing to see how you sleep. I haven't gotten the results back, (note to self, maybe you should call the Dr.) I know that I don't sleep well or deeply. I hear the cats, I use to hear the babies who are now teenagers.
I've always been a morning person, so waking up is not a problem and it's usually the same time. I often wake up before the alarm. What frustrates me is when I don't have to get up and yet still wake up early. I do find it funny that as unregimented as I am, this is one of the few patterns and rhythms that I have.
I also know that I go to bed later than I should and often times cannot shut off my mind. I do have few tricks that I try. A breathing exercise I learned from Richard Rohr. A lecture to self about how what I'm fretting about cannot be solved right then and there. Sometimes though I am gifted with pillow plus head equals out.
Time of course is one of the greatest gifts we are given by God. It is finite and how we use it can be an indicator of our personal stewardship. If I wake up early what am I doing during that time? If I'm staying up late, what am I doing with that time? I believe that God gives my body that 6+ hours to recharge the battery so to speak. If I try to get more out of that limited supply of energy a crash is bound to occur.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, February 4, 2013
Reflections for 2/4/13
"I urge you brothers and sisters to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them."(Romans 16:17)
I don't particularly enjoy arguments or conflict in general. I'd like to think that reasonable people can disagree. However I also know that there are folks out there who get some sick kind of pleasure in being instigators. They will start an argument just for the sake of having the argument. Not to further a cause or to get things moving that feel stuck, but to be nothing more than deliberately disruptive in the life of a community.
One of the things I've noticed when there is dissension within a group is the finger pointing that always accompanies it. Who started it? Who caused the dissension? Then I'll know who to avoid. The answer usually is who ever I disagree with started it. Which isn't entirely fair to the other party.
Perhaps I need to take the time and listen to how they experienced the issue. Because sometimes dissension is in fact healthy.
What I know I'll continue to try and avoid are people who just are itching for a fight. Those who live to cause controversy, but don't wish to see it through to a reasonable resolution. I'll keep an eye on them and an eye out for them.
I won't avoid those I disagree with, I will try and avoid those who won't give the same level of listening that they demand.
Blessings,
Ed
I don't particularly enjoy arguments or conflict in general. I'd like to think that reasonable people can disagree. However I also know that there are folks out there who get some sick kind of pleasure in being instigators. They will start an argument just for the sake of having the argument. Not to further a cause or to get things moving that feel stuck, but to be nothing more than deliberately disruptive in the life of a community.
One of the things I've noticed when there is dissension within a group is the finger pointing that always accompanies it. Who started it? Who caused the dissension? Then I'll know who to avoid. The answer usually is who ever I disagree with started it. Which isn't entirely fair to the other party.
Perhaps I need to take the time and listen to how they experienced the issue. Because sometimes dissension is in fact healthy.
What I know I'll continue to try and avoid are people who just are itching for a fight. Those who live to cause controversy, but don't wish to see it through to a reasonable resolution. I'll keep an eye on them and an eye out for them.
I won't avoid those I disagree with, I will try and avoid those who won't give the same level of listening that they demand.
Blessings,
Ed
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