Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Creating Space

There never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all I want, and never enough days in the week to accomplish all I planned. No matter how hard I try, if I’m not intentional to prioritize, time slips through my fingers like sand through the hourglass. Recently, I've found it extremely helpful to identify what I call the "sweet spots" in my work, my relationships, and things I enjoy. But if I don’t intentionally create space in my life for those things, there will always be a struggle to experience the joy that accompanies the things I’ve identified as truly fulfilling.

Creating space requires removing the clutter in life, and removing the clutter requires discernment. Discernment is defined as being able to comprehend what is obscure. The ability to understand what is unknown, or uncertain. Some might call it good judgement, the ability to know right and wrong, even the ability to identify God’s will and direction. Because of its tremendous worth, discernment is both powerfully supernatural, yet simplistic in nature.

While discernment is important, it needs to be followed by action. Actions that are driven by discernment requires turning off the autopilot control and intentionally steering in the desired direction. Sometimes it means letting go of things that might keep you from moving forward, even things that may appear good. Oswald Chambers said, “The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices which are not quite good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best.” 

Desiring to use our God given gifts to the best of our ability requires discernment. It means identifying the clutter in life that steals the most precious commodity, time. Creating space for the things that bear fruit and bring joy is essential. It won't happen by itself. But if I discern what is important, and intentionally take action to create space for those important things in my life, my struggle with time becomes less problematic. In fact, the freedom and joy that follows is wonderfully rewarding.  

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Fly Like An Eagle

This morning I board a flight to return home after a lengthy stay in Mexico. It is an international flight, so they ask you to be at the airport three hours before takeoff. Way too early in my opinion. Often after arriving three hours early I sit in the airport for the next two hours. But, better to be safe than sorry.

The process for boarding a plane involves three different lines. First, you stand in line to get your ticket and check your bag. Next, you stand in line to go through security. Lastly, you wait in line to board the plane. I guess it was at the second line that something occurred to me. While observing those around me I noticed so many sad faces. Almost no one seemed very happy to be traveling on an airplane this morning.

I begin to think of all the comedians, who poke fun at airline travel. A favorite of mine is Brian Regan’s take on first class privilege. The stewardess announces: “Please remember the lavatories in the front of the plane are for our first class passengers. The rest of you must use the bathrooms at terminal C in Newark airport.” 😁

I realize it’s easy to complain about air travel. But this morning, surrounded by so many sad faces, I realized how blessed I am to be flying home. I have made the drive from Monterrey, Mexico to San Antonio, Texas many times, and believe me, flying is much much better. In that moment, A smile came upon my face. No long line at the border crossing, no visa application, no fear of the cartel, or corrupt authorities. Just one hour in the air and your home.

I suppose it’s a matter of perspective that can often turn a frown upside down. It is a tremendous privilege of our generation to be able to travel great distances in such a short period of time. Despite all the problems in the world, we are a blessed generation. In our rushing to and fro, it’s easy to miss how blessed we are. 

As my plane taxis to the runway, the captain announces, “there are a several planes in front of us. Looks like we’ll have about a 10 minute wait before departure.” He proceeds to apologize while a collective sigh quietly echoes through the plane. With my new found perspective, I smiled as a favorite Bible verse came to mind. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Friday, March 15, 2024

Memories

I consider myself very fortunate to be able to travel to different places for my work. Currently, I am in Patzcuaro, Mexico training a group of church leaders. The city dates back to the 1300’s, and still has  much of its colonial and indigenous character. I teach in the evenings, so during the day I’m blessed to enjoy the city’s sites, smells, sounds, and of course the foods. What I didn’t expect on this trip to Mexico, was the joyful memories this beautiful place brought to mind.

It’s been almost four years since I lived in Mexico, and I’ve spent  much of that time working in Asia and The Middle East. My time in Mexico this week, reminds me of how deeply connected I feel to this country, its people, and its cultural. As I explore my current surroundings, wonderful memories of the places I lived and visited fill my mind and heart. It is a good feeling. It makes me thankful. Not just for what I’ve experienced, but understanding that God blesses us with these wonderful memories.

The author Howard Thurman defined memories as, “one of God’s great gifts to the human spirit, without which neither life nor experience could have any meaning.” In becoming more aware of this powerful gift of memories at a small café in Mexico, images of loved ones wash over my being. I am smiling at strangers as they pass by. Holding back the tears, I am rediscovering the unparalleled joys of life. To know God and His goodness, and to remember His faithfulness through the years. To experience the love of those He’s placed in my life, and to try and love them as God loves me. And to live each day with a purpose that brings fulfillment and meaning to this gift of life. 

I am thankful to be back in Mexico. New memories are being made in this place, along with new friends. Once again, I find myself blessed to be able to fulfill my purpose in a new and wondrous city. Like so many other places, the memories of this place will always bring a smile to my face. I hope to continue to experience this newly discovered gift from God wherever I go. So if you happen to see me staring off into the distance with a smile on my face. Know that I’m enjoying another one of those perfectly timed, God given memories.


Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Cancer Slowed Me Down

Almost a year ago God began to lead my wife and I in an exciting new ministry direction. We shared the plan with our mission organization, our sending church, and our faithful supporters, and were encouraged to move forward with what God was calling us to. On the 1st of August, we launched Reach Teach Send, the same week I was diagnosed with skin cancer on my back and arm.

Several months prior to August, we made a plan for transitioning into the new ministry. We would take the first few weeks in August to debrief from the previous 3 years of ministry in Asia and The Middle East, then head out on the road to launch Reach Teach Send. However, those plans were quickly changed by my diagnosis. So instead of hitting the road, I laid low and received 10 weeks of treatment for skin cancer. 

I’m extremely grateful for the treatment and especially blessed that the cancer was not more extensive, or life threatening. I was, however, very disappointed and even discouraged by how it disrupted my ministry timeline. I confess, I went through the ordeal with a pretty bad attitude. I had a strong sense of helplessness during the process, and felt very dependent on others. I discovered that the middle of your back is one of the few places on the body that you can’t reach on your own. But as the treatment continued, my perspective and my attitude began to change. 

I thought I needed only a few weeks before transitioning, but God knew I needed more time. I thought I needed to get back on the road to launch RTS, but God knew I needed to do more groundwork before launching. Instead of moving too quickly, I was forced to slow down. Looking back over that period, I am grateful for the chance to better prepare for the transition. I am grateful for the morning hikes I was able to enjoy, for the good conversations with family and friends, for more time to write and play music, and for a deeper intimacy with God. 

Thankfully, the treatment was a success, and I am cancer free. I was healed. I don’t believe God gave me cancer, but I do believe that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Cancer slowed me down, but in the midst of it all, God drew me closer to Him and gave me just what I needed, when I needed it. His love and goodness continues to strengthen my faith.

 

Friday, December 29, 2023

Creating

As I sat down to work on some curriculum I’ve been writing over the last few months, I was reminded of a question a colleague recently asked. What is your process for writing curriculum? In thinking about his question while writing, I observed my process in greater detail. In doing so, three important points came to mind.

The first and most obvious is the 10% and 90% concept. Like anything we do creatively, the idea is only 10% of the process. The other 90% is the hard work it takes to finish the project. Most ideas never reach fruition because there is a lack of dedication and determination to finish. Determine to complete the project, whatever it is.

The second process I utilize to write curriculum is one I use in writing books, or music. I begin with an idea/vision and an outline. Then, as inspired I will develop the main points, knowing that I will go back and rewrite/edit multiple times. I give myself the freedom to not create each content perfectly in one writing/research setting. A second, third, or fourth rewrite/edit may be what it takes to connect the dots of the curriculum, and determine where it falls in the training. A writer/editor friend of mine advised me before I writing my first book. "Just write the ideas you want to convey in the book. Then fill in the details of the story. Then go back and say it the way you want it to be said"...and so on. I find that immensely helpful. It takes the pressure of having to crank out something perfect every time I sit down to create.  

Finally, I’ve discovered that my curriculum is always evolving. What I taught 10 years ago is somewhat different from what I teach today. Because it is my curriculum, I have the freedom to adjust as I please. This allows me to be more forgiving of what I compose. If something I create is not as successful as I hoped, I can make the change for the next semester/course. Approaching it as an evolving entity eases the pressure of having to design something perfect. This may not be an option in the case of publishing a book, or recording a song. Those creations will always be a snapshot of that creative moment suspended in time. You will always look back on those and wish you could change something. However, while it may not be perfect, it is still a creative accomplishment to be celebrated. Better to have created something less than perfect, than to have never created at all.

Knowing the 10/90 percent rule, the importance of rewrites and edits as inspired, and allowing yourself to be content with the results, can help pave the way to completing any creative endeavor. Challenge yourself with a creative goal. Write, paint, make music, build something, learn a new skill. Create something that is driven by what you’re passionate about. Even if the results aren’t perfect, it will be extremely rewarding.


Thursday, December 14, 2023

Sleeping In

At age 62 sleep is much different than it was twenty years ago. The idea of sleeping in is merely wishful thinking at this stage of life. In checking with friends, I discovered I am not alone. Apparently, it’s a well kept secret within the senior community. In fact, one of the leading causes for spousal arguments among seniors is who ruined last nights sleep. I’m learning to adjust to waking up early, weather I’ve had 8 hours of sleep, or 4 hours of sleep. What amazes me is that no matter how much sleep I've had, the thoughts of the day press in the moment I awake. All of yesterdays problems and all of tomorrows challenges are right there waiting for me.

Not so long ago, I’m embarrassed to say, I discovered a quote that helped me to change my mornings. Like many of us, my morning thoughts would quickly focus on the day's schedule. The busyness of 21st century America would put my morning on cruise control without considering an alternative. Then one day a verse from Psalm 5 hit me hard enough to make an important change in how I begin the day. “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

As a married man, often the first words out of my mouth in the morning are spoken to my wife, even if it’s just a simple “good morning." After 41 years together, it is still a joy to greet my life partner every morning. Verse 3 in Psalm 5 reminds me of my other partnership with the Creator of the universe. If He knew me before I was created, and has an eternal plan for my life, it makes great sense to begin each day with at least a simple “good morning." Or even better, consider what the writer of Psalm 5 stated with confidence and expectation.

Knowing God would hear his voice, the writer spent time in the morning sharing his thoughts, concerns, worries, and needs with the One who holds all things in His hands. Fully expecting that God would hear him, he began each day by spending time with God. The writer ends this thought with the most amazing part of all. After spending time with God, he has an expectation that the God will go before him throughout the day. The writer then watches and waits for God’s direction in each aspect of the day's journey. Imagine the hope that brings to each day.

This simple verse is a wonderful picture of the abundant life that God intends for His creation. God’s plan for us is meant to be deeply relational, intentionally purposeful, and unimaginably joyful. There is a simplicity in this one verse in regard to how I begin my days. And for too long, I allowed the simplicity to underwhelm the incredible power that comes by beginning each day with God, and waiting on Him expectantly. Here’s a thought. Maybe the reason I can’t sleep in anymore, is because the Creator of the universe is waiting to spend time with me so He can direct my steps.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Joy to the World

I’ve heard it said there are only two great motivators in life, pleasure and pain. We often chase after the things that bring joy to our lives, while working equally as hard to avoid the things that bring frustration. But in an imperfect world, even things that bring us great joy can sometimes be very frustrating. I’m sure Carolina Panthers fans would agree.😉

There are many things we can chose that bring us joy. Activities like fishing, playing golf, and gardening can be very enjoyable and rewarding. Yet no catch, triple bogies, and dead flowers can still be frustrating. Likewise, our families and friendships bring tremendous joy to our lives. Yet even the best of relationships entail some level of frustration. There are things beyond our control that also bring us both joy. A peaceful quiet moment, perfect weather, and good health are a blessing. But sometimes a change of circumstances beyond our control can also lead to disappointment.

I’ve discovered there is only one thing in this world that brings me joy without frustration. Interestingly enough, it is something we chose and something we have no control over. God’s love. He loves me unconditionally, but I must choose to receive it. It is the one thing that brings true “Joy to the World” and it is void of any frustration. This Christmas, open your heart to God’s amazing love.

“Show me the wonders of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You.” 

Psalm 17:7