Peace

This morning I am preparing for my weekly adventure in Preschool Chapel. I will be sharing with them about "peace". We have been talking about the "fruit of the Spirit". Love and Joy are pretty easy to describe to three and four year olds. But, how do you impress preschoolers with the importance of peace? Whether or not I am successful, I am convinced that it is a very pertinent subject for the next generation. Just this morning I was reading some commentary about a suggested connection in our culture between consumerism and loneliness. It seems that as materialism has risen so has depression. In the lives of so many peace has disappeared. Simon Zadek has commented "the market in general and rage to consume in particular has crowded out or undermined friendship". If the trend in our culture continues this group of preschoolers will need to understand that real peace comes through relationships and not stuff. It begins with a relationship with the Lord Jesus whom Paul the Apostle described as peace personified. It continues as the Spirit of God produces peace within us.

Destination

It's so easy to live a nearsighted life, especially when it relates to the trajectory of our decisions and actions. When we track the well-publicized failures like that of Tiger Woods or John Edwards, we wonder out loud how they made tragic choices without considering the moral, personal, political, financial wake. Their choices sadden me, especially when considering the affect on family members. I have been pondering the importance of considering our destination. God has created us with a destination in mind. His plan is more than a mapquest that leads us home. It is a journey that leads to the development of Christ likeness all along the way. This week as I have continued to study in the book of Romans, I have had a fresh reminder that sin leads to death and serving God leads to holiness. Life leads us somewhere. Where are you going today? Alongside of the warnings of Romans is a great reminder that "U-turns" are permitted. Thank God for grace.

A Call for Greatness

How would you describe a "great" leader? Any study of modern leadership theories will include a list of traits that identify the best leaders. Never mind that there has been a significant shift in leadership theory from the so-called "trait" theories of the past. The image of what traits will make a leader great and predetermine those who are destined for greatness still persists. However, our search for traits usually stops on the surface. True greatness emerges from deep within. I believe we all have the potential for greatness if we begin by cultivating a great heart. In keeping with the holiday on Monday, I would like to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. regarding greatness.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."

Snow Time

It's snowing! What is it about snow that changes everything? Is "snowmania" hardwired into the genetic code of East Tennesseans? Even the forecast of flurries stirs up the inner child within. Secretly, I long for 90 degree weather. I dare not speak it out loud on a day like today. Everyone is excited. Groceries stores are packed. People are wondering how they will navigate through the 1 mm deep dry snow pellets that have already almost slightly covered some patches of a few spots in shady areas of one road somewhere in the highest elevations of the county. Fortunately, I have some leftover saltine crackers in my car just in case I get caught in a "white-out" on the way home tonight. All kidding aside, God made snow beautiful. It is an amazing phenomenon. Aside from "snowmania" there is something peaceful about snowfall. It makes me stop and look out the window for a moment. It is a peaceful pause to see the creative handiwork of God in the snowflakes that fall from the sky. Enjoy.

Looking forward

Jesus said, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). The context of Luke 9:57-62 is challenging. Jesus issues an invitation to "follow" to several who delay their obedience due to a number of issues. Though it would be easy for us to justify the importance of those distractions that prevented them from following Jesus, we would be wise to recognize the profound message at the end of the passage. When we follow Jesus we are looking ahead and not behind. Without exception we all begin 2010 with issues and distractions that could hinder our commitment to follow Jesus this year. However, I am excited about following Jesus this year. I am encouraged to look forward to One who leads me. The illustration Jesus chose to make His point is that of a person who serves in the kingdom of God. It's a great reminder. Jesus leads us to serve in 2010.

Happy New Year

Today begins 2010. I began this morning with a split perspective. First, I reflected on the blessings of God in 2009. Then, I attempted to stretch my vision forward into the new year. At the same time, I was in the present moment. The combination of those perspectives refreshes my heart with a sense of the sovereignty of God. My reflections on the year were a stark reminder of the experiences of the year that I could not have anticipated. Each day provided a fresh experience of God's grace. I expect the same for this year. Last night Lynn, Nick and I ate at a "rainforest cafe". It's a great experience. Every thirty minutes, the cafe becomes extremely animated. Mechanical animals wake up and began to make noise. A simulated storm rolls in complete with thunder, lightening and rain. Then, on perfect queue, the storm ends. Despite that fact that there was the appearance of a great storm and a giant gorilla a few feet away from me, I was not afraid. Why? It was all controlled. Oh how we love control. It's quite a contrast to the genuine storms of life. We cannot control them. They do not begin or end according to our command. But, the peace we will have in 2010 does not depend on our control or the presence or absence of great storms. Several years ago I chose to reflect on the power of Matthew 7:25 as it relates to preparation for a new year. Again this year I have returned to meditate on the importance of building my life on the "rock" of Jesus.