I had lunch today with a friend – who’s been in living in California for the past two years. We’re birds of a feather in values and aspirations, and I have missed her good conversation.
Her husband is writing a book. One son is in the Marines. Another is joining the California Air Guard. The third wants to be a fire fighter.
I shared with her the anguish of an African-American friend here in Chicago, and she understood. She told me about her amusing attempts to establish a “prayer-partnership” with an African-American in her Seminary class.
I mention this outreaching because I believe our varied and rich cultures have their source in one God who knows no colors or races. And by stepping through cultural doorways with a listening heart, we can learn much.
Beyond the struggles and sometimes unrewarded efforts, my friend and I both rely on an underlying law of Love to resolve distress and clear the decks of whatever interferes with heart-to-heart communication.
I love how God is broadening my friendships; how S/He shows me the gold in the characters of those I meet to be closer to the surface than might have been expected. And more gold than I thought in those I already know.
S/He blesses me with honest and stimulating conversations and discussions – pretty much in proportion to my willingness to reach out.
And most delicious is having someone on the same wave-length with whom to exchange ideas and interpret experiences. A good friendship is indeed a foretaste of heaven.
Mar 29, 2009
Mar 27, 2009
Letting go of the controls
Sometimes just knowing you have done your best is your reward.
Ever stayed in the right place too long? And at some point it just doesn’t feel like the right place any more?
I remember having worked hard at a career until I felt I was doing a really good job. Then after some years I kept having an intuition that it was time to move on to something else.
I didn’t listen because there weren’t enough details. We want all the details first, don’t we? Then we want to decide whether we like them. We want to be in control.
In this case, I realized eventually that it was right to move on. But it was not as smooth or easy as it would have been, had I danced graciously with those early intuitions.
Since then I have seen countless others in the same boat – staying in a relationship, career, volunteer position that they have outgrown, that just isn’t blessing them any more.
And it always causes rejoicing when these folks realize that the “unknown” future has turned out to be much happier than the “familiar” circumstances they were clinging to. The adage, “Better the devil you know, than the one you don’t,” is not necessarily good advice.
And one thing is sure – if what we are doing isn’t blessing us, it isn’t blessing anyone else. And vice-versa – if it isn’t blessing others, it is not blessing us.
Change involves a certain amount of trust in a higher intelligence as one who has our best interests at heart. A lot of trust, in fact, because lack of details pushes our anxiety button. It’s the control thing again.
The motives have to be right. A move must not be out of anger, frustration, or revenge. But rather because of this little voice that tells us we have given all we can. A quiet kind of, "My work here is done," message.
We can leave graciously what we have outgrown, and ask God, Elohim, Allah – whatever we call the higher power in our lives – to show us our next steps. To show us where we can be a blessing, and also be blessed. Where we can contribute our considerable talents for the common good, and find the ability to meet our legitimate obligations.
A simple willingness to let the Mind of the universe control the details of our lives is a great stress reliever. Anyone who hasn't tried this kind of yielding lately, might want to consider it.
In the collective experiences of all those I can recall, the details do unfold. And they are consistently very good.
I remember having worked hard at a career until I felt I was doing a really good job. Then after some years I kept having an intuition that it was time to move on to something else.
I didn’t listen because there weren’t enough details. We want all the details first, don’t we? Then we want to decide whether we like them. We want to be in control.
In this case, I realized eventually that it was right to move on. But it was not as smooth or easy as it would have been, had I danced graciously with those early intuitions.
Since then I have seen countless others in the same boat – staying in a relationship, career, volunteer position that they have outgrown, that just isn’t blessing them any more.
And it always causes rejoicing when these folks realize that the “unknown” future has turned out to be much happier than the “familiar” circumstances they were clinging to. The adage, “Better the devil you know, than the one you don’t,” is not necessarily good advice.
And one thing is sure – if what we are doing isn’t blessing us, it isn’t blessing anyone else. And vice-versa – if it isn’t blessing others, it is not blessing us.
Change involves a certain amount of trust in a higher intelligence as one who has our best interests at heart. A lot of trust, in fact, because lack of details pushes our anxiety button. It’s the control thing again.
The motives have to be right. A move must not be out of anger, frustration, or revenge. But rather because of this little voice that tells us we have given all we can. A quiet kind of, "My work here is done," message.
We can leave graciously what we have outgrown, and ask God, Elohim, Allah – whatever we call the higher power in our lives – to show us our next steps. To show us where we can be a blessing, and also be blessed. Where we can contribute our considerable talents for the common good, and find the ability to meet our legitimate obligations.
A simple willingness to let the Mind of the universe control the details of our lives is a great stress reliever. Anyone who hasn't tried this kind of yielding lately, might want to consider it.
In the collective experiences of all those I can recall, the details do unfold. And they are consistently very good.
Mar 25, 2009
Bible Seminars
I was listening to a CD by Dick Davenport today. Dick is a former Air Force Chaplain who now conducts convention-shattering Bible seminars. He describes himself as an educator on spirituality, the Bible, Christianity, Relationships, and Faith Community.
One of the first questions Dick raised is how do we view God? Is He just a heavy-lifter? A 911 God? Somebody we don't have time to associate with -- unless there's an emergency? In which case we're glad to be able to call for some extra help?
He also pointed out that the Bible is filled with people who are flawed. Yet there was something in each that was willing to let God use them for good. This gives me great joy! Flawed does not equal hopeless.
He added that it is difficult for many people today to wrap their arms around the concept of "Thy will be done." Why, they wonder, would anyone who is comfortable, who can make choices to live a good life, surrender these choices to serve God?
If these ideas peak your interest, you can find more at this link. Click here.
One of the first questions Dick raised is how do we view God? Is He just a heavy-lifter? A 911 God? Somebody we don't have time to associate with -- unless there's an emergency? In which case we're glad to be able to call for some extra help?
He also pointed out that the Bible is filled with people who are flawed. Yet there was something in each that was willing to let God use them for good. This gives me great joy! Flawed does not equal hopeless.
He added that it is difficult for many people today to wrap their arms around the concept of "Thy will be done." Why, they wonder, would anyone who is comfortable, who can make choices to live a good life, surrender these choices to serve God?
If these ideas peak your interest, you can find more at this link. Click here.
Mar 22, 2009
Improving the news
Ever feel like TV news is overwhelmingly bad?
Brian Williams of NBC is doing something about it.
The story is that his wife pointed out that even while newscasts are so dismal and depressing, everyone knows there are good things going on all the time. Why not balance the bad stuff by inviting NBC viewers to send in the good stories they know about?
Brian Williams of NBC is doing something about it.
The story is that his wife pointed out that even while newscasts are so dismal and depressing, everyone knows there are good things going on all the time. Why not balance the bad stuff by inviting NBC viewers to send in the good stories they know about?
Apparently Brian thought this idea had merit. After launching an invitation to viewers of his news program, the response has been a tidal wave of good that is going on.
I'm sure going to tune in and see how the "good news" idea is working.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Mar 19, 2009
A fair question
Here's an email you might enjoy.
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a good-sized bronze plaque. It was etched with names, and small American flags adorned the sides.
The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning Alex.”
“Good morning Pastor,” he replied. “Pastor, what is this?”
The pastor replied, “Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”
Soberly they stood quietly together, studying the large plaque.
Finally little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling slightly , asked,
"Which service? the 8 o’clock? or the 10:30?"
Life as a river
Have you ever thought of life as a river?
The Mississippi River in the American Midwest is a dandy example of humble beginnings. At its Minnesota headwaters, it’s less than three feet deep. It increases in size gradually as other streams feed into it. What if rocks and boulders get in the way? No matter. The river flows right around them. What if a forest gets in the way? No matter; it cuts right through the forest.
The law of gravity assures that the Mississippi will achieve its purpose to reach the Gulf of Mexico.
Now what if your life and mine flow with a pre-ordained purpose, say to praise and honor our creator? And if that creator is infinite good, then our lives, even though they may seem modest to us, carry that momentum of spiritual purpose to surge around would-be obstacles and to find their paths through unfamiliar forests. Goodness that originates in God flows unstoppably.
And there is a wonderful law of Life that guarantees our lives will realize their God-given intent – to honor God and to bless our fellow men. And nothing can stand in the way of that achievement. No sadness, no disappointments, no economic uncertainties, no accidents can obstruct the good God has for us to do. The thrust of our lives flows around whatever looms ahead as a hindrance. If a rock isn’t contributing to our God-given purpose, it gets left behind, unimportant and forgotten.
Making the most of each present moment on that river of life is what counts. We may wait out a storm in the safety of a shelter, but God doesn’t intend for us to sit tied up at the dock indefinitely. With renewed supplies and vision for our journey, we continue.
What opportunities await?
The Mississippi River in the American Midwest is a dandy example of humble beginnings. At its Minnesota headwaters, it’s less than three feet deep. It increases in size gradually as other streams feed into it. What if rocks and boulders get in the way? No matter. The river flows right around them. What if a forest gets in the way? No matter; it cuts right through the forest.
The law of gravity assures that the Mississippi will achieve its purpose to reach the Gulf of Mexico.
Now what if your life and mine flow with a pre-ordained purpose, say to praise and honor our creator? And if that creator is infinite good, then our lives, even though they may seem modest to us, carry that momentum of spiritual purpose to surge around would-be obstacles and to find their paths through unfamiliar forests. Goodness that originates in God flows unstoppably.
And there is a wonderful law of Life that guarantees our lives will realize their God-given intent – to honor God and to bless our fellow men. And nothing can stand in the way of that achievement. No sadness, no disappointments, no economic uncertainties, no accidents can obstruct the good God has for us to do. The thrust of our lives flows around whatever looms ahead as a hindrance. If a rock isn’t contributing to our God-given purpose, it gets left behind, unimportant and forgotten.
Making the most of each present moment on that river of life is what counts. We may wait out a storm in the safety of a shelter, but God doesn’t intend for us to sit tied up at the dock indefinitely. With renewed supplies and vision for our journey, we continue.
What opportunities await?
Mar 15, 2009
Playing your life's music
While the following email has all the earmarks of a fabricated story, it does convey a sweet and timeless message.
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, a mother returned to her seat and discovered that her little boy was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, playing his favorite piece, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, 'Don't quit . . keep playing.' Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been an awkward situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what ele the great master played. Only Mozart's playful melody which we call, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish projects, great or small, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit . . Keep playing." May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping transform your humble attempts into true masterpieces.
It seems God doesn't call the equipped, rather, He equips the "called."
Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.
Remember: "Don't quit . . Keep playing."
Mar 13, 2009
The art of dance
Here are Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, with an intro by Frank Sinatra. If you have seen this dance before, treat yourself to another feast.
In a tribute to Mr. Astaire forty some years later, Ms. Powell mentioned that they had spent two weeks just on arm movements so they would be perfectly synced. That indicates something of the hours of practice behind what looks so easy in the following clip.
Why does this brief video make nearly everyone smile? Look at the spiritual qualities: perfect precision; timing; balance; humor; music from the big bands of the 40s; it even looks as though they are having fun!
In a tribute to Mr. Astaire forty some years later, Ms. Powell mentioned that they had spent two weeks just on arm movements so they would be perfectly synced. That indicates something of the hours of practice behind what looks so easy in the following clip.
Why does this brief video make nearly everyone smile? Look at the spiritual qualities: perfect precision; timing; balance; humor; music from the big bands of the 40s; it even looks as though they are having fun!
Mar 9, 2009
Ever wish you could paint?
The elephant is the national symbol of Thailand. Elephants were once used as formidable war vehicles and in times of peace for transportation and logging.
Recent wars have decimated the Thai elephants. Many of the relatively small remaining population are protected in elelphant preserves which are maintained, at least in part, by the tourist trade.
A bit long, but worth it, here's an eight-minute video of one such very clever elephant. Yes, she's been taught, but still...
Speaking of art and the universe, 19th century religious thinker Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation. . ."
Recent wars have decimated the Thai elephants. Many of the relatively small remaining population are protected in elelphant preserves which are maintained, at least in part, by the tourist trade.
A bit long, but worth it, here's an eight-minute video of one such very clever elephant. Yes, she's been taught, but still...
Speaking of art and the universe, 19th century religious thinker Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation. . ."
Mar 7, 2009
The power of reversing
Some things are so obviously colored by our point of view -- by where we are coming from; by the people and experiences that have brought us to this moment; by how we have responded to the bumps and obstacles in our life journey.
Put twenty people on the same detour on the same morning, and you'll hear twenty different reports.
Sometimes we misinterpret something because we only heard half of what was said, because the introduction turned us off, or because our reaction was so vigorous that it drowned out the rest of the message.
For the following video, it's important to read and listen to the entire thing. Because you want to be surprised, be sure to stick it out!
Here's a clue: punctuation makes a difference.
Put twenty people on the same detour on the same morning, and you'll hear twenty different reports.
Sometimes we misinterpret something because we only heard half of what was said, because the introduction turned us off, or because our reaction was so vigorous that it drowned out the rest of the message.
For the following video, it's important to read and listen to the entire thing. Because you want to be surprised, be sure to stick it out!
Here's a clue: punctuation makes a difference.
Mar 5, 2009
Moving forward
This witty piece of advice arrived in an email today:
Don’t ask God to guide your footsteps –
unless you’re willing to move your feet!
Mar 3, 2009
Spring cleaning
Blossoms at Lake KatherinePalos Heights, IL
Isn’t it amazing how certain truths really stand the test of time?
An email came along recently recommending eliminating clutter as one step in finding inner peace and living a fuller life:
“Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.”
That sounded really familiar, so I tracked the original to a dispenser of good advice some 2000 years ago, St. Paul. (Perhaps someone knows an earlier source?) He was a little more specific. Here is Paul's version in a letter to the little church he had established in Phillipi:
“Fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honor and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise… “Then,” he concludes, “The God of peace will be with you.”
This is a wonderful way to shed unwanted mental weight. If we think of God as Mind, that is our authority for discarding mental clutter. The Mind of the universe who orders orbits, solar systems and galaxies, blossoms and bees, clearly isn’t cluttered with irrelevancies. We needn’t be either.
If some thought isn’t good or honorable or praiseworthy, I really have better things to be thinking about. It’s not too early for spring cleaning! What can I start tossing out of my thinking that doesn’t measure up to these simple standards?
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