Tis the Season

It was the Sunday before Christmas, and this was the third time I visited the post office near the airport to attempt to mail some packages. Obviously, I was not the only one with this task in mind.

My third time was the charm. There was only about 30 people there and the line was in the shape of a snake once you got inside. I thought it was great - it was the shortest line of the day. Why the others did not understand their good fortune, I don't know.

I dutifully went to the end of the line, but I was confident I would not be there long. And I was right. More people were coming. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the Christmas spirit was severely lacking that day. There were a lot of grumpy people there. If you know me, you know that I am not against whining, but I am against grumpy.

I began by talking to the people in front of me. After I got a few smiles out of them, I worked on the grumpier people behind me. They were an unusual couple. He was African. She was Scandinavian. They were carrying about 50 packages. I was kind of glad that they were behind me.

But then the fun really began. A person came in the door and looked at the line and you could immediately tell what she wanted to do. It was in her eyes. She wanted to cut in line. Oh, what a devious thought it was. And I admit, I sensed the injustice in it, so I said out loud, "To the end of the line with you!"

Well, as audacious as that might be, a lot of other people were thinking the same thing and broke out laughing. And so did the person in question - a big smile came across her face and she dutifully went to the end.

That was not the end of it. Every person was now greeted with "To the end of the line with you," with a subsequent series of laughter and smiles.

Thirty-five minutes later, I was finally paying for my packages and as I turned, the room was full of smiles and laughter. I could not help but think that God's grace had extended to us that particular afternoon. Joy! Christmas cheer. It made me realize that we take that joy wherever we go - if we would just live it.

"I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people."

Postscript: I spoke an untruth earlier in this story. I am against whining - unless I am doing it.

Xavier

This time, I am watching more closely - really trying to pay attention.

When you are a dad, there is so much responsibility and stress - make a living, be a good dad, meet your wife's needs - and it all goes by so fast. Soccer. Recitals. Concerts. Graduations. Bam! Empty nest.

As "Pops," I find myself intently watching little Xavier. Right now, I am watching him discover that his arm and hand are actually connected to him and that they just might serve a purpose. He is discovering if he maneuvers his arm in just the right way, the desired object will end up where he wants it - his mouth.

Fully absorbed, I find myself looking into Xavier's face. What is going on behind those beautiful blue eyes? He fixes his eyes on lights and colors and movement and...and then he looks at me...and smiles and talks. I admit. I am not sure what he is saying, but I am fairly sure it is about how good looking his Pops is.

How marvelous is God's design! How marvelous is God's image! I know I will be seeing more of it as this little guy grows.

"They" - A Rant

"They" are at it again.

I was talking to a friend in North Carolina yesterday, and he told me "they" had come to their church. I was disappointed to hear that news. It has been my experience "they" exclusively go to churches. I was just sorry "they" moved south. I guess "they" are not a northern phenomenon after all.

The context of my friend's story was about music in the church. It is a church that has musical talent, especially among its young people. But, the teenagers are not given much opportunity to participate or lead in worship because of "they."

What would "they" say?

"They" are angry!

"They" are threatening to stop giving.

"They" annoy me. Mostly because their objections are based on their comfort level, not on their mission. Tradition overrules. And instead of hearing the command to go, "they" just sit.

I confess. I wish "they" would get going, or go sit somewhere else.

Is This a Joke?

It looked like the beginning of a joke.

Three pastors sat together in a room. An Anglican. A Pentecostal. And a Baptist.

Except, it was no joke. Three men. Three theological persuasions. Three different pastoral roles. And...one Lord!

I have always found it fascinating when we keep our hearts focused on Jesus, that many of the things that seemed so important before, seem less important.

It's not that I don't believe what I believe is important. I think doctrine is huge! I hold on to many of my doctrinal positions with great fervor. They are so core to who I am.

I rejoiced for the three of us that day. We were planning a worship service that involved all the evangelical ministries on campus. We discovered with ease that we had much more in common than what was different. Our mission was the same: Worship. Unity. A campus that needs Jesus.

Three men in a room. The Holy Spirit in our midst. It was a holy moment.

Wearing a Girdle...

I was afraid it might come to this someday. I am wearing a girdle.

And they are every bit as uncomfortable as I imagined them to be. What is worse, is that this abdominal (or is it abominable?) binder is doing nothing to return me to my "girlish" figure. Okay, I never wanted that anyway.

I had surgery on Monday. For years now, I have been putting up with a bothersome hernia. A few weeks ago, it turned into more than bothersome. It became painful. So, under the knife I went.

Now, I am sitting here at 2 AM, dozing on painkillers, but not really being able to sleep.

I know it is slightly ironic, but it is when something goes wrong with my body that I admire the complexity of God's creativity when it comes to the human body. For this slight weakness in the muscle wall has caused the whole of my body to complain: "We are in pain!"

I am incurable when it comes to recognizing design. The whole world shouts at us about a Creator. It speaks every day with its beauty. And when we don't get it, God uses its brokenness to convince us. He even will use pain to get our attention.

Yet, for all the clear communication that is put forth, it is amazing how deaf humanity can be.

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

A simple call...

My son, James (aka JJ) called me this morning.

He really encouraged my heart today. He called me for advice.

It is not that this is an infrequent event. He still calls from time to time. But it is nice to know, that even though he is in Boston with his lovely wife (who gives him wise counsel), he still considers my opinion worth hearing.

It is on days like this I feel proud of my son. He has a heart for God. He works hard with young lives that need redirection. And he is wise enough to know that he does not have all the answers.

Good for him! And good for the kingdom of God!

Pops!

On 10 Sep 10, I became a grandfather.

My first thought about this is that I am far too young, but when I look in the mirror, it does appear I am suited for the job. My bald head, gray hair, and somewhat paunchy waist bear a stunning resemblance to the grandfathers in my past.

My second thought is grandfatherhood didn't happen the way I had anticipated. I understand that some will struggle with my struggle, but I had hoped that all my grandchildren would be produced from committed married relationships. It hasn't. I believe my daughter and her boyfriend have made it harder on themselves, but I do hope they will endeavor to make a home where our grandson will know the blessing of a committed marriage and loving parents.

My third thought is about opportunity. Once again, God's purpose for me as a disciple maker is front and center. It is my hope that our grandson will be influenced by the example of his grandparents. It is my prayer that he will see Jesus in us and want a relationship with Him too.

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11.1, ESV)

So I am off...off to be "Pops"...off to another new adventure...off to make a difference for God's kingdom.