On our recent fall getaway to the Atlantic coast I was reminded again of the beauty of a simple sunrise over the ocean and the stunning beauty of an evening sunset over the bay. Part of the reason these sunsets and sunrises were so breathtaking was the hand that I was holding when I saw them - the hand of my gorgeous wife. Linda makes any sunrise or sunset more beautiful for me.
The variety of colors and hues and shapes with each sunrise and sunset is endless. Each one has it's own look - each one painting the sky like a gifted artist. As I witnessed each one I heard myself "oohing and awing", as if I was watching a fireworks display on the Fourth of July!
Another reason that these sunsets and sunrises were so wonderful was my state of mind - I was chillin'. I was so relaxed that I literally did not know what day it was, at times. This is not my normal behavior. I am addicted to clocks, watches, calendars, appointment books and lists. I was liberated from all these and my mind and heart was very receptive to simple and powerful beauty all around me.
Today I am back in the pace of clocks and appointments, voice mails, text messages, e-mails, and a long list of things to do. What I do not want to lose is in this fast paced world I live in each day is my appreciation for beauty.
My prayer is that I will see the beauty in a problem solved and the beauty in a task well done. I want to see the beauty of teamwork as co-workers work together to tackle important matters and do our best to be successful in our calling. I want to see the beauty of doing research and discovering new ideas for new challenges. I long to see the beauty in being a good listener and a kind helper to those facing difficulties in their life.
The teacher of Ecclesiastes wrote: "Everything is beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11.
Just thinking, Steve
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Important Stuff
I had this great conversation some time ago with a person who came to a church service for the first time in their Adult life. She told me that she faintly remembered going as a very young child but could not remember any details except that there was a large cross up front in the church sanctuary. She said she could not take her eyes off of the cross the entire time.
So after all those years had passed and she attended a church service again as an Adult I was curious - I asked, "So how was it?" Her response really caught me off guard. "It was kind of scary" she said. So I kept asking, "What do you mean?" She looked at me with very intense eyes and said, "It all seemed so important. I don't attend anything these days that seems very important. Church seemed very important."
I get all kinds of reactions to church services these days - "It was too long." "It was too loud." "It was too boring." "Your story was so funny." This is the first time anyone has ever said, "It all seemed so important."
She is on to something. I need the reminder that spiritual concerns are very important. I never want what I do as a vocation to just become a "job". There are a few things in life that rise to the level of being very important - my relationship with my dear wife, Linda, my relationship with my Grandchildren and my daughter and son-in-law, my close friends, and my co-workers - but none of these relationships will flourish if my relationship with God is not healthy and growing. That is important.
I am thankful for the reminder.
Just thinking, Steve
So after all those years had passed and she attended a church service again as an Adult I was curious - I asked, "So how was it?" Her response really caught me off guard. "It was kind of scary" she said. So I kept asking, "What do you mean?" She looked at me with very intense eyes and said, "It all seemed so important. I don't attend anything these days that seems very important. Church seemed very important."
I get all kinds of reactions to church services these days - "It was too long." "It was too loud." "It was too boring." "Your story was so funny." This is the first time anyone has ever said, "It all seemed so important."
She is on to something. I need the reminder that spiritual concerns are very important. I never want what I do as a vocation to just become a "job". There are a few things in life that rise to the level of being very important - my relationship with my dear wife, Linda, my relationship with my Grandchildren and my daughter and son-in-law, my close friends, and my co-workers - but none of these relationships will flourish if my relationship with God is not healthy and growing. That is important.
I am thankful for the reminder.
Just thinking, Steve
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Rude is Not Cool
I am so tired of rude behavior in people. Rude seems to be ruling the day. Celebrities are rude, politicians are rude, drivers are rude, athletes are rude, parents are rude, children are rude, preachers are rude - rude is everywhere.
I'm starting my own personal plan to be polite and courteous. My Mother would be proud. She hated rude behavior and would not tolerate it in her son.
Today I was polite to the dear person who waited on me at the restaurant. I wonder how many people will be rude to her during her shift. My suspicion is that rudeness is something she deals with on a regular basis. When I looked at her I thought of my dear wife who waited tables when we were in College and thought of the times people were rude and demanding toward her. Rude is not cool.
The dear man who slowly counted out his change at the store today was greeted graciously by the fellow behind the counter - it made me feel good to see him treat this man with gentleness and respect. The guy behind who was grumbling finally put his items down and walked out in a huff. We all just laughed at him. Jerks are a dime a dozen - people with class are a treasure.
Just call me "Mr. Polite" - go ahead make my day!
Just thinking, Steve
I'm starting my own personal plan to be polite and courteous. My Mother would be proud. She hated rude behavior and would not tolerate it in her son.
Today I was polite to the dear person who waited on me at the restaurant. I wonder how many people will be rude to her during her shift. My suspicion is that rudeness is something she deals with on a regular basis. When I looked at her I thought of my dear wife who waited tables when we were in College and thought of the times people were rude and demanding toward her. Rude is not cool.
The dear man who slowly counted out his change at the store today was greeted graciously by the fellow behind the counter - it made me feel good to see him treat this man with gentleness and respect. The guy behind who was grumbling finally put his items down and walked out in a huff. We all just laughed at him. Jerks are a dime a dozen - people with class are a treasure.
Just call me "Mr. Polite" - go ahead make my day!
Just thinking, Steve
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Skipping School on Campus
My Grandson is in Kindergarten now and still getting adjusted to the idea that you have to go 5 days a week and stay all day! I don't blame him. I remember trying to find any way I could to get out of class.
I loved school assemblies because we got out of class. We had a guy bring all these birds of prey and had them fly out over the audience - he did not know what a risk he was taking with all the rednecks and hunters in my school! One guy came and whistled for a full hour - various popular tunes - he was the fellow who whistled that tune at the opening of the Andy Griffith show. Very famous to all the Opie fans and there were plenty in that crowd. My all time favorite all school assembly was when a choral and musical group from a San Antonio High School came and sang and performed. The girls were the cutest girls I had ever seen and I immediately fell in love with two or three of them. I am sure the feeling was mutual.
School is important. I ended up going a total of 20 years before I finished all my grad school work. For the most part, I really loved school. But I still recall with joy, the days I found a way to skip out on class, even without leaving the campus. Football, basketball, track, one act plays, even FFA field trips - any excuse to get out of class was good enough for me!
My Granddaughter loves school - my Grandson said, "actually I don't love it." He is enjoying it more now. My very first teacher was Mrs. Wimberly - she played the piano and let us take a nap after lunch. I still recall the fragrance of "Jungle Gardenia" when she leaned over my desk to help me with my printing. I need that kind of schedule and kindness now - where is she when I need her!
Bless our schools and all those motley little kids that roam the halls - bless the teachers and bosses and the cafeteria workers and bus drivers - bless them Lord!
Just thinking, Steve
I loved school assemblies because we got out of class. We had a guy bring all these birds of prey and had them fly out over the audience - he did not know what a risk he was taking with all the rednecks and hunters in my school! One guy came and whistled for a full hour - various popular tunes - he was the fellow who whistled that tune at the opening of the Andy Griffith show. Very famous to all the Opie fans and there were plenty in that crowd. My all time favorite all school assembly was when a choral and musical group from a San Antonio High School came and sang and performed. The girls were the cutest girls I had ever seen and I immediately fell in love with two or three of them. I am sure the feeling was mutual.
School is important. I ended up going a total of 20 years before I finished all my grad school work. For the most part, I really loved school. But I still recall with joy, the days I found a way to skip out on class, even without leaving the campus. Football, basketball, track, one act plays, even FFA field trips - any excuse to get out of class was good enough for me!
My Granddaughter loves school - my Grandson said, "actually I don't love it." He is enjoying it more now. My very first teacher was Mrs. Wimberly - she played the piano and let us take a nap after lunch. I still recall the fragrance of "Jungle Gardenia" when she leaned over my desk to help me with my printing. I need that kind of schedule and kindness now - where is she when I need her!
Bless our schools and all those motley little kids that roam the halls - bless the teachers and bosses and the cafeteria workers and bus drivers - bless them Lord!
Just thinking, Steve
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Hanging On To My Clunker
I read this morning that nearly 700,000 cars were sold during the Cash for Clunkers program. I have a clunker and I am hanging on to mine. It has 200,000 miles, uses a bit of oil, but still gets me to the church on time.
I love getting all I can out of whatever I buy. Some people call me "tight" or "cheap", but I just enjoy seeing how long things will last. I have items in my garage that I have had for more than three decades - they work fine. What is wrong with hanging on to things instead of constantly feeling compelled to get a new gadget or new toy or new computer.
I could go buy a new car or new boat or a new bike but after the first ride it would be used. Things always lose their newness - one or two times on the road and the car is just like all the rest - it's used. The word "used" is not a negative term to me.
I like keeping things that have some miles on them - I have friendships that have a lot of miles on them and they are more valuable to me than ever. My sweet wife and I have been traveling life together for 35 years and it is a great road trip - I want more!
I saw a news item about a woman that had been driving the same old Mercury sedan for 40 years - she had over 500,000 thousand miles on this simple but reliable old car. There is something magic about that to me. In a world where everything is so disposable, it thrills me to see people who enjoy taking the long way home.
Just thinking, Steve
I love getting all I can out of whatever I buy. Some people call me "tight" or "cheap", but I just enjoy seeing how long things will last. I have items in my garage that I have had for more than three decades - they work fine. What is wrong with hanging on to things instead of constantly feeling compelled to get a new gadget or new toy or new computer.
I could go buy a new car or new boat or a new bike but after the first ride it would be used. Things always lose their newness - one or two times on the road and the car is just like all the rest - it's used. The word "used" is not a negative term to me.
I like keeping things that have some miles on them - I have friendships that have a lot of miles on them and they are more valuable to me than ever. My sweet wife and I have been traveling life together for 35 years and it is a great road trip - I want more!
I saw a news item about a woman that had been driving the same old Mercury sedan for 40 years - she had over 500,000 thousand miles on this simple but reliable old car. There is something magic about that to me. In a world where everything is so disposable, it thrills me to see people who enjoy taking the long way home.
Just thinking, Steve
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Jesus at the Window
I stopped by a local fast food place on the way to work today to pick-up a nutritious breakfast - a biscuit with grape jelly and a medium diet coke. Good stuff. As I pulled up to the window I was shocked to see who was working the drive thru this morning - Jesus had the morning shift.
The young man gave me a warm smile and my breakfast and there on his name tag was his name: Jesus. This is not my first time to meet someone with the name Jesus - when I was in Junior High I played basketball and football with Jesus. He would never let us call him Jesus - he went by Jesse but his Christian name was Jesus - it was on his birth certificate, I am sure.
I am curious how it feels to be named Jesus. Can you imagine going through life with your given name being Jesus?
The truth is that the name Jesus, made famous by Jesus of Nazareth, my dear Lord, was a very common name when he received the name so long ago. It would have been like naming your son, John or Bill or Joe - it was a household name. What transformed this common name was the remarkable life of one person who lived nearly two millenniums ago - this name was never the same after he made his earthly journey.
I am understanding it more clearly all the time that being a follower of Jesus is really about trying to be like him - full of grace and truth and a blessing to our world. I have so much to learn and my failings in being like him are in stark contrast to his beautiful life but in my heart I desire to be more like him each day. There was a time when I wanted to be a "great preacher" or "a great Christian leader" but what I sincerely desire now, as I have matured a bit, is to simply be more like Jesus day by day. Jesus said the greatest are those who learn to serve others.
I am glad my Mom did not name me Jesus - Steve is fine for me. I do admire the young man wearing the name "Jesus'" on his name tag who smiled broadly this morning - he was kind when I asked for an extra grape jelly. I prayed a little prayer for him as I pulled away.
Just thinking, Steve
The young man gave me a warm smile and my breakfast and there on his name tag was his name: Jesus. This is not my first time to meet someone with the name Jesus - when I was in Junior High I played basketball and football with Jesus. He would never let us call him Jesus - he went by Jesse but his Christian name was Jesus - it was on his birth certificate, I am sure.
I am curious how it feels to be named Jesus. Can you imagine going through life with your given name being Jesus?
The truth is that the name Jesus, made famous by Jesus of Nazareth, my dear Lord, was a very common name when he received the name so long ago. It would have been like naming your son, John or Bill or Joe - it was a household name. What transformed this common name was the remarkable life of one person who lived nearly two millenniums ago - this name was never the same after he made his earthly journey.
I am understanding it more clearly all the time that being a follower of Jesus is really about trying to be like him - full of grace and truth and a blessing to our world. I have so much to learn and my failings in being like him are in stark contrast to his beautiful life but in my heart I desire to be more like him each day. There was a time when I wanted to be a "great preacher" or "a great Christian leader" but what I sincerely desire now, as I have matured a bit, is to simply be more like Jesus day by day. Jesus said the greatest are those who learn to serve others.
I am glad my Mom did not name me Jesus - Steve is fine for me. I do admire the young man wearing the name "Jesus'" on his name tag who smiled broadly this morning - he was kind when I asked for an extra grape jelly. I prayed a little prayer for him as I pulled away.
Just thinking, Steve
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Reflections from the Quiet Places
I have been enjoying a Sabbatical this summer. This is my first experience with the idea of a Sabbatical. I have been engaged in my current job for 24 years this summer. In all I have been in the same vocation for 34 years. Work is something I have been doing since my first part-time job at 12 years old. I worked through High School and College and have not stopped since. Work is my comfort zone - I love working. So the idea of taking a "sabbatical" is a shock to the system, but a much needed one.
The word sabbatical literally means to "cease from tending your fields". So that is what I have attempted to do, even though I did do my yard on occasion. Yard work is recreation for me not work. Much of what I have attempted to do while not doing my normal work, is to be quiet, to listen, to be attentive. Guess what? This has been hard work: to stop, be quiet, listen, and pay attention.
One of my, favorite pictures of the way people live their lives in today's world, is that we "live like tourists, not pilgrims." Pilgrims are on a journey drinking in all the experiences of life, while tourists are just sightseeing enslaved by their itineraries.
I have always loved the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 - Jesus and his disciples come to visit and Martha is having her "19th nervous breakdown." There is work to do and Mary is not helping - she is just sitting at Jesus' feet listening, being quiet, and paying attention. Martha, being the "good Christian" that she is, wants Jesus' to get Mary told and tell her get up off her duff and get in the kitchen and help! Jesus loves Martha so much but on this day Martha is wrong. She is "worried and upset about many things". When I read that I think about how we often live our days - we live worried, anxious, upset about a long list of things - this is not just an occasional occurrence for many but a way of life. Not good. I want to say to Martha - "Martha, Jesus is in the house - what are you thinking!" Jesus makes it clear - "only one thing is needed."
Take that in for a moment - one thing is needed. In a world filled with constant distractions, endless text messages, vibrating cell phones, ton's of "Twittering", and flocks of friends on Facebook, CNN, Fox News, Headline News, and hours of screaming A.M. radio talk show celebrities, who has time for "one thing."
One of my buddies told me that his "life is a distraction".
As I reflect on my time of rest and time for quiet, I know now that I am so much poorer when I am distracted and so much richer when I am attentive. Depth speaks to depth. Distraction keeps us in the shallow places. Deep things open themselves to deep places in the heart.
One of my personal goals is be less distracted and more attentive than ever before.
Listen. See. Think. Act.
Just thinking, Steve
The word sabbatical literally means to "cease from tending your fields". So that is what I have attempted to do, even though I did do my yard on occasion. Yard work is recreation for me not work. Much of what I have attempted to do while not doing my normal work, is to be quiet, to listen, to be attentive. Guess what? This has been hard work: to stop, be quiet, listen, and pay attention.
One of my, favorite pictures of the way people live their lives in today's world, is that we "live like tourists, not pilgrims." Pilgrims are on a journey drinking in all the experiences of life, while tourists are just sightseeing enslaved by their itineraries.
I have always loved the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 - Jesus and his disciples come to visit and Martha is having her "19th nervous breakdown." There is work to do and Mary is not helping - she is just sitting at Jesus' feet listening, being quiet, and paying attention. Martha, being the "good Christian" that she is, wants Jesus' to get Mary told and tell her get up off her duff and get in the kitchen and help! Jesus loves Martha so much but on this day Martha is wrong. She is "worried and upset about many things". When I read that I think about how we often live our days - we live worried, anxious, upset about a long list of things - this is not just an occasional occurrence for many but a way of life. Not good. I want to say to Martha - "Martha, Jesus is in the house - what are you thinking!" Jesus makes it clear - "only one thing is needed."
Take that in for a moment - one thing is needed. In a world filled with constant distractions, endless text messages, vibrating cell phones, ton's of "Twittering", and flocks of friends on Facebook, CNN, Fox News, Headline News, and hours of screaming A.M. radio talk show celebrities, who has time for "one thing."
One of my buddies told me that his "life is a distraction".
As I reflect on my time of rest and time for quiet, I know now that I am so much poorer when I am distracted and so much richer when I am attentive. Depth speaks to depth. Distraction keeps us in the shallow places. Deep things open themselves to deep places in the heart.
One of my personal goals is be less distracted and more attentive than ever before.
Listen. See. Think. Act.
Just thinking, Steve
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