Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Oh, To Make a Change

I am sure that many from my generation (basically, not as old as dirt, but not young either) thought of Michael Jackson when you read the title. It is true, that without change, we will not become who we are designed to be. I really am one that says that I embrace change, but actually at times, I take change very hard.

We have been through some amazing change in recent days at my job. Many have lost their jobs and that is always difficult. Many people have been displaced. From all that I hear, my employer did a very fair job of taking care of those displaced by offering career counseling and a number of other helpful resources.

I experience some survivor's guilt every time there is a downsizing in employees and always remain grateful that I get to do what I get to do. My personal challenge is to never grow lazy or complacent in my job or in any phase of my life. I am beginning to learn that change really can be a very positive thing and without change, we would die.

My head very quickly gets to the decisions that were made. My heart is lagging behind a little. I have friends and co-workers effected by this change. I fully trust that God has each of them in His hands. He is not, nor was He surprised. I trust our leaders who had to make some very difficult decisions.

I am committed to never become complacent or entitled. It is poor stewardship of the talents and gifts that God has provided me. You and I are of value because He brings value to our lives. In following Christ, I must constantly be about change, because as Henry Blackaby says, "I cannot go with God and stay where I am."

Make that change.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I am NOT . . .

I realize with a title like that I am potentially opening myself to a lot of sarcasm from those who know me well. I am NOT a lot of things:
- a great athlete
- a math whiz (Sondra is keenly aware of this one)
- very good at staying up late (I get up too early I suppose)
- very quiet in the stands when watching ballgames (thus give me a mic and let me announce)
- a very good romantic (confession on Valentine's Day)
- an extrovert (I have an adapted style of relating to others and genuinely like people, just my strength is gained in solitude)
- an unselfish person
- non-judgmental
- gracious as my default
- on and on, ad nauseum

What I am longing NOT to be is the center of my universe. I am really good at convincing myself that the world and God for that matter, revolve around me. It shows itself in so many ways. You might be able to relate to a couple and unfortunately, you have seen these in me.
- hollering at officials/refs who are lazy and do not get in position to make calls
- hollering at drivers who go slow in the fast lane and who just generally do not get out of my way
- look in Scripture for how I can overcome sin & never acknowledge He has already overcome it and I cannot overcome it on my own
- use Scripture to prove my point rather than help someone else know of God's grace
- on and on, ad nauseum.

What I am really NOT is . . . the center of it all. Christ is and through His grace I am realizing and living that way more and more.

If you have not read, Die Young, by Hayley & Michael DiMarco, then don't if you are not really interested in burying yourself in Christ. It is a "good" read, but a painful one for me.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Huh?

I, many times find myself saying, "huh?" when people try to lead the conversation towards anything too very deep. I am pretty simple minded. Lately, I have been thrown into conversations related to chemistry, geometry, and even Calvinism. Schnikeees! I guess I should have paid more attention in high school, college and seminary. I know enough about each one to be really dangerous.

I mean no disrespect, I just do not understand why people want to battle over everything. I am not Michael Jackson struggling with, "I'm a lover, not a fighter," but I am concerned that many would rather fight than win. Now you are saying, huh? Fight just for the sake of fighting?

Have you ever known people who are not happy unless they are fighting or causing trouble? Seems like an oxymoron, I know, but some people are only "happy" when they are mad or fighting. At least that is my assessment.

Here is what I believe and know: Christ died for all. Not all will accept Him. My role is to help others understand how much God loves them.My delight is to bring Him glory and to help others come to know Christ is a very real way where they allow Christ to transform their lives. Sondra and I have welcomed a Chinese student into our home this school year and we are intentional in creating an environment around her so that she can learn and understand how much Christ loves her. We are praying that she will accept Him as her Lord and Savior.

I can argue a number of different ways. I can "prove" alot of things. I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thankful in His grace that He has provided a way for me to be back in right relationship with Him through the sacrifice of His Son.