One Small Step

Recently, I had to take a small break from my exercise routine. After I received the go ahead to return, I found that the break had given birth to significant decrease in my desire to hit the gym. I frequently found myself saying, "I should get started again," or, "I really should go back to the gym," but what I did not find was myself doing anything about it.

The truth was, as much as I knew I needed the workout, I didn't feel like exercising. There were so many other things filling my schedule and the idea of making time for the treadmill and the weights was not inspiring. Every day I would promise myself that, "tomorrow, I will start again," and every tomorrow, I would put it off for one more day.

Finally, I knew that without some planning, I would be saying the same things this time next year, so I set a date and made the commitment that no matter what happened, I was going back on that day. The day came, but my desire did not. I made a promise to myself and I was going to keep it, but I knew I didn't want to. My lethargic packing of the gym bag was a visible sign of my internal struggle and I even found myself lingering with the thought that someone might call to say they needed me right then. It didn't happen.

I drove to the gym, checked in and went to change in the locker room. I decided that I would do a little time on the treadmill and go home. At least I will have started, I thought. The first few minutes were difficult, but as my endorphins kicked in and my iPod provided the motivating rhythm, I found myself starting to enjoy the exercise once again. Before long, I was smiling and moving faster and in the end, I did more than I expected to do. The feelings were not there to begin with, but taking action ultimately created them afresh for me.

I thought about how similar this experience was to parts of my spiritual journey. Sometimes, I don't feel like being spiritual. I don't always want to go to church, read my Bible or pray. The truth is, my feelings frequently do not line up with my priorities and, if I chose to follow my feelings, my spiritual life would be tumultuous at best. Therefore, I can not simply follow my feelings. Instead, I must choose a course and stick to it, even when my motivation is weak.

The interesting thing is, just like my experience on the treadmill, when I begin to take action in my spiritual life, the feelings often follow. Once I've taken the first few steps, my motivation to continue increases. I start praying, reading Scripture or worshipping and soon, I am amazed how much time has past. Once I make the effort to start, I am rewarded by more energy to continue.

Certainly there are times when what is before us is just hard work. Physically, mentally and spiritually there will be moments or seasons when we must simply press through. However, frequently making the commitment to begin and following through on that commitment can open the door to increased motivation and desire. Many of the most important journeys in our lives will begin with that small step.

The Art of Autumn

Fall is a statement of God’s beautiful creativity. Every year in our region, we see the wonder of creation displayed in the vibrant color of autumn leaves, in amazing skies, and in harvest moons. The rich smells of harvest foods, firewood burning and even those colorful leaves returning to compost, awaken our senses to the beauty around us.

It is easy to take such things for granted. We experience them every year and our attention is often on making preparations for the upcoming winter. Nevertheless, the rich blessing of God’s autumn art surrounds us, pointing to a God of infinite creativity and beauty.

Creation did not need to be designed with such beauty. Leaves could simply dry up, turn ugly and fall to the ground. Their decay could be putrid and offensive. Fall evenings could be overcast, dark and damp. It was not necessary that this season be marked with such wonder, but through the sights, sounds and smells of this season, God demonstrates his character.

I must confess that this is my favorite season. Yes, I look forward to winter and snow. It is part of why I chose to live in Western New York. I also love the warmth and joys of summer, and who could not appreciate the freshness of spring as life comes forth once again. However, if I had to pick a favorite time of year, it would be the fall. I love crisp nights, the sights and smells, the pleasure of apple cider and playing in the leaves. I love watching the dark clouds set against the bright sky, especially when rays of sunlight break through like beams connecting earth to heaven, and the golden linings on those clouds are stunning. With every new day, there are opportunities to enjoy the season’s beauty and to give thanks to God.

Throughout the Psalms, the psalmist finds reasons to praise God for the beauty and wonder of creation. He wonders aloud at how marvelous God’s works are and reflects on his place in such a beautiful and wonderful universe. In the face of the sun, moon and stars comes the affirmation of God’s creativity and provision. In the diversity of animals, birds and fish is expressed the limitless imagination of the Holy One. In the predictability of each day and the consistency of the changing seasons the God of order is displayed. Everywhere the writer looks, there is a testimony to the Creator.

Like the psalmist, you and I have an opportunity every day to see God. There are God sightings all around us, often too many to remember and record, but when we are attentive to what creation is saying, we begin to understand just what it means to have even, “the rocks cry out.” At times, like the autumn season, the testimony of creation is more evident. At other times, we may have to be more attentive and look more deeply, but at all times, there is evidence of the wonder, beauty and majesty of God. Everywhere we look, the is the opportunity to see God’s nature revealed in nature and God’s creativity to be seen in Creation.

May this new season awaken your senses to beauty and wonder and may it stir your spirit to sense the presence of God. May you receive the gift offered to you this autumn and may you too declare the glories of God in your thoughts, words and deeds. Together we can join with all creation in giving praise to God.

Power of Music

I confess, I love my iPod. Not that I particularly endorse the product, but I love the ability to have all of my favorite music with me wherever I go. No matter what my mood, or location, I can always find something.

This morning, I was listening to some popular tunes from when I was a teenager while brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day. I suppose, by now, they are considered oldies or classics, but to me they are memories of special times in my life. It is amazing how music can take you back to parts of your past. A little Edgar Winter and BTO and I am a teenager again. Turn on the Brazilian music and I am back in Rio, and the dance tunes carry me off to special weddings and celebrations. Music is a gift.

Music also plays a similar part in my spiritual journey. While certain songs can evoke deep emotions and an increased awareness of the presence of God, I find that one of music's most powerful spiritual effects is to bring to mind what I need to remember about my relationship with God, especially when I need that memory the most.

While I was in college, a group of the students got together on Sunday nights to sing choruses, read Scripture and pray. The songs were simple, many only Scripture set to music, but they were memorable as was the experience of singing them together with friends. I found great meaning and comfort in those times, but never considered the impact they would have on my future.

Today, I find those songs returning at opportune times. Often, while wrestling with some issue or concern in my life or ministry, I will find myself singing one of those spiritual "oldies" while I am in the shower or driving in the car. The words frequently point me toward the answer God is drawing me toward, or speak encouragement to my heart. These simple treasures become means of grace for me, ways in which God can capture my attention and strengthen my spirit when I need it most.

There was no epiphany this morning from "Free Ride" or "Takin' Care of Business" but you never know when the power of music will be the doorway to divine revelation. I'll keep listening, maybe you will too.

Be Not Afraid

"If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."               - Proverbs 3:24

When I was a young teen, my family spent some time at a friends cabin in northern Pennsylvania. My father grew up spending a lot of time in the woods and even though I grew up closer to the city, he often made time for me to get away with him. This made me feel very confident about my skills and I looked forward to the time away.

After we arrived at the cabin, I went for a walk in the woods while the adults were getting the cabin ready for our stay. In just a few minutes, I came upon a doe feeding on some grass. She was only about 25 yards away and I expected her to spook and run, but she froze with her eyes fixed on me. I too held my position and slowly sat down. It was a wonderful experience to be so close and I lost track of time as I enjoyed it.

When she finally decided to move on, it was already dusk and I needed to get back to my family, but engrossed as I was in watching her feed, I'd forgotten how to get back. I tried to steady my mind and keep the fear in check, but there was a growing heaviness within  me as I tried to find my way back.

It took a while, but I finally made my way to a dirt road, but I did not know where I was. Most of the cabins were empty with the only sign of activity being a small fire behind one home. By this time panic already set in and I could not decide what to do. I wanted to find my way back, but looking at the campfire, I began to have images of Deliverance (the movie, not a rescue). When I finally gave in, I approached the fire only to discover that it was actually the cabin where my family was staying. I felt a little silly about my fear, but I was so glad to be home.

Fear has an amazing way of immobilizing us. Once it sets in, the roots grow deeper eroding our confidence and weakening our faith. Fear of failure, the unknown, and even what we do know can keep us from taking much needed steps, and many choose ignorance and fantasy instead of facing the reality that frightens them. The good news is that just as fear can challenge our faith, our faith can challenge our fear.

The writer of Proverbs believed that when our attention in on wisdom, God's wisdom, that we could sit without fear and enjoy sweet sleep. Further in the third chapter we read, "for the Lord will be your confidence..." (3:26) It is in the Lord and the wisdom of God that we find the confidence to face our fears.

Left to my own ability, I end up lost in the woods and afraid on the path, but with my hope fixed on God, I find courage to embrace the unknown, to believe that I am more than my past failures, and to step into the future with a sense of hope and possibility.

Fear is a difficult adversary, but the Lord a fearsome Advocate. We face our fears, not only from our own strength, but with the strength of the Almighty One who walks through valley with us to bring us to a good place waiting for us just beyond what we fear.

Symbols of Home

Yesterday, we were invited to watch football with friends. It was a special invitation because it was a Pittsburgh Steeler game and we were with a group of friends who recently moved here from Pittsburgh. It is the type of invitation you dream about when you are from the 'Burgh and living somewhere else, and when the invitation comes from good friends it is all the better.

We had a wonderful time which was only multiplied by a Steeler win. Shouting at the same plays, cheering for the same players and enjoying some familiar foods made the time very special. The decorations were black and gold and Terrible Towels were all around. It was a perfect afternoon and in moments I felt like I was back in my hometown. Even now, I still feel a little homesick in the most positive way.

As I've thought about the time we shared and how great it feels to connect with friends, roots and a significant part of my identity, I thought about the many ways that I connect with my deeper identity as a Christian. Moments spent with other members of the family of God, focused on the goals of the kingdom and encouraging one another make for deep connections with the One in whom our faith is grounded. Sometimes it is the rituals, the familiar words and the holy places that help to remind us of our citizenship in heaven.

It feels great to know that there is still a great deal of my hometown still in me and that there are people to share the experience with. It is amazing that there is a part of heaven and the presence of the Holy Spirit in me and other members of the family of God to share the experience with.

I thank God for friends, family and sense of place, both here and in eternity. It is a blessing to allow the symbols of home to lead us to a deeper experience of our identity, our connection to others, and our place with God.

Embracing Change

The final Conference bringing the merging of four regional conferences together, getting our youngest daughter back to school for her senior year, kicking off the beginning of the church program year, and a myriad of meetings to get ready for the year's end, these are the things that have filled my schedule recently. It is amazing how quickly the pace of life can change. In what seems like an instant, we can go from the relaxed pace of vacation to the busyness of the fall season.

These quick changes can be unnerving and all too often, we resist them. There is something in human nature that likes our routine and enjoys the thought of life being relaxed and easy - what we imagine is "normal." Reality, however, never quite looks like our vision of normal. Things happen that disrupt our days and seasons. Busy times and significant challenges undo our fantasy and we must adapt to the changes in our lives.

As I adjusted to the recent changes in my own life, I discovered, or remembered, a few keys to embracing change in my life.

First, change is normal. It is important to remember that a changeless life only exists in fantasy. Change is woven into the fabric of life. From the changing of the seasons to the advancing of years we see the impact of change.

Second, change can be beautiful. As summer is giving way to autumn, the beauty of change is easy to see. I always look forward to this time of year. The cooler temperatures, the smell of wood fires, the taste of fresh cider are all something I anticipate and that I could not experience without the change of this season.

Third, change can be exciting. When was the last time you sat with friends and recalled the day when nothing interesting happened? Routine days are never the stuff of great memories or stories. Instead, it is the special times, the unique experiences, even the difficult moments that become the tales we tell.

Fourth, change is shaped by our attitude. When we embrace the possibilities in the midst of our changes, we are more aware of the open doors and the blessings that are available to us in those moments. As long as we look backward toward what used to be, our attention is removed from our future and the destiny that lies ahead.

Finally, change is an adventure that helps us clarify our priorities. When our world is tilting, or maybe even shaking, we are drawn back to the things that really matter and we are able to see what is really guiding our lives. This is the place of testing where we can see if God really has our undivided attention. This is the time where we learn how much of our agenda and dreams are connected to Christ and how much is merely my own wants.

Change is real, it is common and it is not all bad. Change can be the doorway to assess our lives and to experience the new thing that God is doing. Change is challenging, but it can be a tool in the hand of God to lead us to our destiny. May the changes in your life, like those in mine, lead to clarity, opportunity and blessing.

Swimming in My Homework

In honor of all of our students returning to classes today, I share a poem a wrote for a competition a while ago.

Swimming in My Homework

I'm diving in my homework,

It isn't any fun.
I don't want to do it.
Mom says, "Get it done!"
I planned on watching TV,
Or going to the mall,
Not working on my English.
No, it's no fun at all.

I'm floating in my homework,
There's more than I first thought.
My teacher says it helps me.
I say, "It does not!"
I'll pretend that I don't have it,
That all my work is done.
I'll say that it's all finished,
Then, I'll have my fun.

I'm drowning in my homework,
This really is too much.
I should have spent less time,
With friends and phones and such.
When mom and dad come looking,
They'll wonder what to do.
When they search through all these papers,
I hope they find me too.

May God bless all of our students that they may have the grace to learn and grow as they enter this new year of school. May they continue to mature in every way, including the knowledge and love of God.

Welcome

Yesterday, we went to a new restaurant for dinner. It was recommended to us by a native of the area with the promise of good food and, "a little bit of everything." Since we were using our vacation time to explore places in our area, we decided to give it a try.


The menu was just as diverse as the young man promised. The food, well it was less than great, but still good. What was seriously missing was service. The moment we walked in, the hostess treated us like we were an inconvenience and finally found us a table. The waitress seemed friendly, but was mostly absent and frequently forgot to return with items we requested. Even when she ultimately remembered, there was no apology or sense that it was wrong.

It wasn't the first time I've had bad service and I am sure it will not be the last, but as I reflected on our experience, I began to think about how valuable hospitality really is. Our attitudes and actions make a big contribution to the experience people have of us, of our families, churches or jobs. They even affect the way that others experience God.

When we claim a relationship with Jesus Christ, our lives need to be a witness to that relationship. People need to be able to see the power of grace at work in our lives. Our experience of the love of God should translate into love for those around us, not just in our heads and hearts, but in our words and deeds.

Sometimes, when I am "clergyed up" (as a dear friend refers to me when I am in my professional garb), I find that I am more attentive to what I say and do because people will notice the uniform and make assumptions about me, my church or even God. It is usually in these moments of awareness, that God reminds me that such a level of attention to how I represent Christ in my life should not happen only when I am in a clerical collar, but should be the way that I live every day of my life.

Of course, being God, he is right, but it is not just a reality for clergy, it is a truth for all who claim a relationship with God. Our lives should exude the hospitality that invites, welcomes and cares for everyone we meet.

Our waitress was just, "doing her job," but the likely result is that I will never return. This happens not only in restaurants, but in our lives as well. One experience changes the way people see us, and ultimately, see God.

Throughout our vacation, we also met people who obviously love their job and who understood what hospitality means. They represented their place of business well, but they also represented themselves well, and it made all the difference. We have an opportunity to do likewise. We are entrusted with the truth and the very Spirit of God and today is a good day to let people experience that in their lives.

A Big God

"How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, "This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said—grander, more subtle, more elegant. God must be even greater than we dreamed"? Instead they say, "No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way." — Carl Sagan

One of the people I follow on Facebook posted this quote a few days ago and although he and I approach the issue of faith from different perspectives, I think we both find great resonance with Sagan's point.

All too often, the Christian community seems to create a conflicted relationship with science, as if the two live in opposition to each other, but are they? Certainly, the Christian world-view impacts the way we understand the insight science yields, but shouldn't our beliefs be strengthened by those same insights?

On a recent trip to the Museum of Science, I was profoundly struck by the awesome power and creativity of God. The astronomy section reminded me of the vastness of God and of creation. The biology displays proclaimed the tremendous diversity of God's creativity. Even the geology section pointed to God's ability to make rocks declare his majesty. Everywhere I looked there were testimonies to the quote, "God must be even greater than we dreamed."

J. B. Phillips asked the same question Sagan asked from a decidedly Christian perspective in his classic book, Your God is Too Small. The Christian mystics throughout the centuries have also borne witness to a God who is far bigger that we ever imagined. Our God is the One who is able to do, "immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20)

Today, open your eyes to the greatness of God. Everywhere you look there are opportunities to see. The plants, grasses and trees that make up your yard declare the greatness of God. The butterflies, honeybees and birds declare the greatness of God. Dogs, cats and livestock declare the greatness of God, as does the great diversity of humanity. Everywhere we look, from the foundations of the earth to the vastness of the heavens, the glory, wonder, awe and majesty of God are there to be seen.

Don't settle for a small God. Open your eyes and see the amazing wonder he reveals.