There are many things to notice about life as we travel along it's highway. For instance, have you ever notice what we say after a holiday? At Christmas we say “Merry Christmas” leading up to Christmas Day and then we have a mind shift and “Happy New Year” becomes the greeting of choice. We say “Happy Thanksgiving” and “Happy Valentine's Day” with relative ease of flow in conversations without any real attachment or personal thought. The phrase that carry's all the meaning of personal stories for most is when we say “Happy Father's Day”.
This day is highlighted by stories of buying a new tie for dad or some other trivial matter on the surface but the meaning behind the gift is significant! While not everyone has an attachment to their father, and not everyone has pleasant memories the personal meaning and relationship for many of Father's Day is one day each year that we make sure we acknowledge that most impacting individual in our lives.
When folks say how was your Father's Day, many are only thinking about individuals who are biological father's and often times we forget about those that assumed the role for the benefit of a child without consideration for themselves. They became “Dad's” because they saw themselves as someone who could a difference if they just gave. Marriage creates lots of step-father's and in some of these instances there is a real love and relationship that is built, developed and shared by both child and parent. Yet, in other relationships it is a matter of no legal obligation, or family history or association. It is simply “what it is”. A developed relationship between an adult and a child that was nurturing, caring, provided not only the basics but most or many of the extra touches of life too. Those relationships are often looked over during this time of the year by some who consider themselves to have an earned title of “Father” and for whatever reason they do not consider those other guys to really be father's, but actually they are.
Being a father is about working to see there is always a light shining on a darken path so a child can make it through the dreary of night. Being a father is about sacrifice. Honestly this part is not about a single moment, but it is about a life time of putting yourself somewhere else on the list so that you can enjoy a big smile and happy spirit that is moved deep inside you witness the accomplishment of that child you love and care for. Being a father is about a lot of not hearing “thanks” in the early years, but prayerfully the latter years are filled with that expression for a truly grateful heart knowing the difference that was made.
Yes, Father's Day has passed for 2011, but the role of Father's continues pressing forward, moving along without a hitch or a bump in the road. They were up fixing breakfast this morning, or out warming up the car or turning the air conditioner on as the case maybe. Real dad's were making a phone call to just check in or dropping of that something special that always makes you smile. While the day is young and time is opportunity I would encourage you to acknowledge those you know that have earned their cards on Father's Day. Those that have never flinched in giving of themselves or have never looked back in making sure the real need of life was met without any fanfare or parade.
It takes a lot to be a father and for those that are known as “old man”, “pops” or “dad”, I salute you! Thanks for making a difference and for assuming a the bedrock role of every family and the foundation from which life is grown. A strong, undeterred, resolute dad that loved.
Until then
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Don't ya think it's time?
Questions are a wonderful way to explore what we believe and questions are a super way to learn too. As soon as children are able to talk and our little ones get past the “repeat after me phase”, the most basic and natural expression we hear from them is in the form of a question, why? Children ask why to everything. Now as adults, we tolerate the question why but only for a moment. We will gladly accept the question why if the other party hears our answer and accepts it fully of course, but if explanation is your goal, that’s a no, no. I have no idea where we gathered this practice from but it is a widely held and practiced tradition.
Consider the practice of our traditions alone is enough to get almost any argument started. I wanted to write discussion and not type the word argument, but in most church circles a disagreement is a fight! As I prepared for this column I was considering all the practiced traditions of leadership our church congregations permit to operate. Most churches will allow the pastor to do almost anything, as long as he agrees to hang for everything. Deacons in many church settings are financial advisors and their practiced tradition is to only step in when things are bad or there is a perceived need on their part to show power and authority.
I remember a church situation in which the congregation wanted to remove someone from their church position and the lesson they learned was that normally when you remove one dictator you allow for 3 more to arise. If you are smiling as you read that sentence then you understanding fully where I am writing from but if you are mad at this moment, then you maybe the dictator or the child of one. Take a good look at your church and begin a list of all the great things you see happening. If you can complete this task quickly then this is your first indicator that your church is lacking in purpose and vision. Power and authority is whatever one wants, but normally their goal for such is all about themselves and not to the Honor and Glory of God and His Kingdom.
The next time you are a part of a disagreement in your church I challenge you to ask “why are we in a disagreement?” Then without a seconds hesitation say, “will you kneel and pray with me about individuals we know that would love to find a church filled with love and forgiveness”. If you were to do this be prepared to be called a Holy Roller and to be thought of as snobby and a self centered hypocrite. Of course I am attempting to call to our attention examples we all know right, but why? People who live and work all around us are lost and without a witness about the Love of Christ, that’s why. God designed us to do something but most Christians are committed to doing nothing! We witness church splits and we observe families that are mad at each other and may attend the same church but never speak. Surely you see there is absolutely nothing Christian about that type of attitude. We all know individuals who attended our church at some point and while we know they don’t attend church today, we have been afraid to ask the question why?
In a world of strife and confusion, it is time for the church to be peace and direction. In a world where individuals are selfish and bitter, it is time for Christians to be giving and loving. In a world where everyone has a motive it is time for us to tell about the motive of Christ. He loved us so much, he died to take away our sins and to give us a new life through Him. To be purposed is what our communities need today. To be forgiving is what we need to blow the minds of our enemies and leave people thinking we are crazy. The Judds sang, Love Can Build a Bridge, between your heart and mine, don’t you think it’s time? The only question I would ask is why is this not the time for the church to rise up like a might army and be what the world has never seen before? Don’t you think it’s time?
Until then
Consider the practice of our traditions alone is enough to get almost any argument started. I wanted to write discussion and not type the word argument, but in most church circles a disagreement is a fight! As I prepared for this column I was considering all the practiced traditions of leadership our church congregations permit to operate. Most churches will allow the pastor to do almost anything, as long as he agrees to hang for everything. Deacons in many church settings are financial advisors and their practiced tradition is to only step in when things are bad or there is a perceived need on their part to show power and authority.
I remember a church situation in which the congregation wanted to remove someone from their church position and the lesson they learned was that normally when you remove one dictator you allow for 3 more to arise. If you are smiling as you read that sentence then you understanding fully where I am writing from but if you are mad at this moment, then you maybe the dictator or the child of one. Take a good look at your church and begin a list of all the great things you see happening. If you can complete this task quickly then this is your first indicator that your church is lacking in purpose and vision. Power and authority is whatever one wants, but normally their goal for such is all about themselves and not to the Honor and Glory of God and His Kingdom.
The next time you are a part of a disagreement in your church I challenge you to ask “why are we in a disagreement?” Then without a seconds hesitation say, “will you kneel and pray with me about individuals we know that would love to find a church filled with love and forgiveness”. If you were to do this be prepared to be called a Holy Roller and to be thought of as snobby and a self centered hypocrite. Of course I am attempting to call to our attention examples we all know right, but why? People who live and work all around us are lost and without a witness about the Love of Christ, that’s why. God designed us to do something but most Christians are committed to doing nothing! We witness church splits and we observe families that are mad at each other and may attend the same church but never speak. Surely you see there is absolutely nothing Christian about that type of attitude. We all know individuals who attended our church at some point and while we know they don’t attend church today, we have been afraid to ask the question why?
In a world of strife and confusion, it is time for the church to be peace and direction. In a world where individuals are selfish and bitter, it is time for Christians to be giving and loving. In a world where everyone has a motive it is time for us to tell about the motive of Christ. He loved us so much, he died to take away our sins and to give us a new life through Him. To be purposed is what our communities need today. To be forgiving is what we need to blow the minds of our enemies and leave people thinking we are crazy. The Judds sang, Love Can Build a Bridge, between your heart and mine, don’t you think it’s time? The only question I would ask is why is this not the time for the church to rise up like a might army and be what the world has never seen before? Don’t you think it’s time?
Until then
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