I went outside this morning to get the newspaper, which was out on the drive. It was cold this morning. The weather service says it was 12 degrees when I went outside at 8am, and only 10 degrees an hour later. The wind was out of the northwest at 30 miles an hour, bringing a wind chill of about 12 degrees below zero. As I ventured out in only a long sleeved shirt, I suddenly thought of something disturbing.
“My gosh, there are people who have to live out here!” That thought came on me like a ton of bricks, and I suddenly appreciated all the more the house behind me that was my home. And I had renewed feelings for those who, for whatever reason, had to spend the night in the wind and cold.
And now that I’ve had a few hours to think about it, I have to wonder if I will have anything other than “renewed feelings” for these people. Yes, some of them made their own beds, so to speak. Yes, some are mentally ill. And yes, others of them are chronic homeless and prefer, for whatever reason, to be that way. There are also countless others who are now living in cars or some place else that don’t want to be there, perhaps had a job and home until recently, and are on hard times.
I don’t care what the reason for the homelessness may be; there is something inherently wrong with allowing people to live outdoors in weather like this, and not at least making the indoors available in some way. And I think there’s something wrong when people who are blessed with comfort out of the weather don’t at least make an attempt, in some way, to provide for shelter for those who have none. Whether that attempt is working with a homeless shelter in some way, or just contributing funds to some worthy homeless effort, it is incumbent on us all to look at what God has given us and find some way to use that gift to His glory. I don't care if what God has given us is only a small home that we have to set the thermostat on 60 degrees in order to afford the heat bill, that's more than others have, and is a blessing from God.
Our church works with the homeless in more than one way, and we are part of that work through our giving of funds. That isn’t something that we can congratulate ourselves for, but rather is something that we humbly should continue, and continue to seek out other ways to fulfill the admonition of Jesus to “offer a cup of cold water” in His name.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Heroes
Captain Sullenberger (you know, the pilot of the airliner that landed in the Hudson River) and his flight crew all have a new job. Oh no, they didn’t leave the airline (at least that I know of). But they all, and especially Capt. Sullenberger, have a new job. That job is defined as someone who is admired for his talents and noble qualities; someone who shows great courage. That job is the job of hero.
They didn’t ask for it; they just did the jobs they were trained to do, and in doing so saved the lives of 155 people, including themselves. They kept families intact and together, made certain that kids would have a Dad or Mom come home that night, and stopped a huge fountain of grief from overspreading this nation.
So far, it seems, these folks have handled the hero job with poise and composure, if not a little discomfort. I suppose that sometime, somewhere, some idiot will dig up some kind of dirt on at least one of them, and try to tarnish the image. And something may happen in the crush of publicity and media coverage that causes one or more of these good folks to “break” in some way and do or say something stupid. So far, none of that apparently has happened, and I trust it never will.
We all have dirt in our closets. We all are susceptible to temptation. We all are imperfect. Only someone who wishes to get a leg up and who sees himself as better than someone else takes any kind of pride at all in exposing the sins of another. Yes, there are exceptions…prosecutors, police, etc. I’m not talking about them. This is another subject.
We need heroes. We need the Captain Sullenbergers and the rest of the crew of that flight. We need the John Glenns, the Betty Jeffreys, the Stan Musials, the Norman Schwarzkopfs, the Christa McAuliffes and others who give us hope, inspire us, and prod us to do things we’d otherwise never attempt. We need people that we can look to for inspiration and promise.
Old people, young people, men, women, children, rich folks, poor folks; all of us need heroes. Who’s your hero? Who are you a hero to?
They didn’t ask for it; they just did the jobs they were trained to do, and in doing so saved the lives of 155 people, including themselves. They kept families intact and together, made certain that kids would have a Dad or Mom come home that night, and stopped a huge fountain of grief from overspreading this nation.
So far, it seems, these folks have handled the hero job with poise and composure, if not a little discomfort. I suppose that sometime, somewhere, some idiot will dig up some kind of dirt on at least one of them, and try to tarnish the image. And something may happen in the crush of publicity and media coverage that causes one or more of these good folks to “break” in some way and do or say something stupid. So far, none of that apparently has happened, and I trust it never will.
We all have dirt in our closets. We all are susceptible to temptation. We all are imperfect. Only someone who wishes to get a leg up and who sees himself as better than someone else takes any kind of pride at all in exposing the sins of another. Yes, there are exceptions…prosecutors, police, etc. I’m not talking about them. This is another subject.
We need heroes. We need the Captain Sullenbergers and the rest of the crew of that flight. We need the John Glenns, the Betty Jeffreys, the Stan Musials, the Norman Schwarzkopfs, the Christa McAuliffes and others who give us hope, inspire us, and prod us to do things we’d otherwise never attempt. We need people that we can look to for inspiration and promise.
Old people, young people, men, women, children, rich folks, poor folks; all of us need heroes. Who’s your hero? Who are you a hero to?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tempered
We talked today in Sunday school class about the process of maturity and how we tend to see things differently as we grow older and more mature, chronologically as well as emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We talked about how our sometimes “black and white” ideas and notions are often tempered by age, experience, and knowledge. We looked at the man John, the disciple of Jesus and writer of several portions of the New Testament as an example of someone who, over the years, comes to moderate his persona and becomes known as the Apostle of love.
I find myself in that same position in many aspects of my life. What used to be so black and white to me no longer is, and what seemed to be such simple and easy solutions to problems and issues no longer are. I’ve become more tolerant in many ways, even as I become more set in my ways in other areas of life and living. And I’ve come to appreciate more and more those things in my life that are blessings. Grandchildren, family, work, music, health, God, wife, past experiences and friends all come to mind pretty much all at once and in no particular order.
I find myself thinking more about the past, marveling at the rich and full life I’ve lived to this day. I hear music of whatever variety from years ago, whether on an LP record, in church, or on the Lawrence Welk show on PBS, and I think of the good things that I’ve associated with that particular melody. I see old TV shows and recall pleasant times of comfort and security at home with Dad and Mom, knowing now that they were providing me with the best they had to offer. I see movies like Apollo 13 and think back to what I was doing and where I was and how I was astonished at the ability and capability of men and women to do things like that…and that I am still filled with wonder at the sight of portions of the universe never before seen until now through the Hubble space telescope.
Is this a sure sign of aging? Is this a precursor to life in retirement? Is this a mark of a man readying himself for the inevitable? I don’t know.
One thing I do know is that however much time I am blessed with here in this life, it has been given to me by God to use productively and wisely. And although I don’t always do that like I’d like to, I’d like to think that my age and experience enable me to do a much better job of being a good steward of the things I’ve been given. And if that means being not so much black and white and looking beyond the simplistic and naïve, so be it.
I find myself in that same position in many aspects of my life. What used to be so black and white to me no longer is, and what seemed to be such simple and easy solutions to problems and issues no longer are. I’ve become more tolerant in many ways, even as I become more set in my ways in other areas of life and living. And I’ve come to appreciate more and more those things in my life that are blessings. Grandchildren, family, work, music, health, God, wife, past experiences and friends all come to mind pretty much all at once and in no particular order.
I find myself thinking more about the past, marveling at the rich and full life I’ve lived to this day. I hear music of whatever variety from years ago, whether on an LP record, in church, or on the Lawrence Welk show on PBS, and I think of the good things that I’ve associated with that particular melody. I see old TV shows and recall pleasant times of comfort and security at home with Dad and Mom, knowing now that they were providing me with the best they had to offer. I see movies like Apollo 13 and think back to what I was doing and where I was and how I was astonished at the ability and capability of men and women to do things like that…and that I am still filled with wonder at the sight of portions of the universe never before seen until now through the Hubble space telescope.
Is this a sure sign of aging? Is this a precursor to life in retirement? Is this a mark of a man readying himself for the inevitable? I don’t know.
One thing I do know is that however much time I am blessed with here in this life, it has been given to me by God to use productively and wisely. And although I don’t always do that like I’d like to, I’d like to think that my age and experience enable me to do a much better job of being a good steward of the things I’ve been given. And if that means being not so much black and white and looking beyond the simplistic and naïve, so be it.
Monday, February 16, 2009
It Happened Again
Well, it happened again. Tonight as we were just finishing eating at a local restaurant and getting up to leave, someone in a close booth greeted me by name. I looked at them and vaguely recalled them from our home community an hour or so southwest of here, but I couldn’t place them any more than that.
I was surprised, and said so, and tried to find some connection that would help me with the inevitable ensuing conversation. I found nothing in the 18 brain cells that I have left, so I just went along for the ride.
Come to find out they were up here after putting her dad in a care facility. They were eating before they went home. We visited some about our work, their situation, and not much else. Then I found an opening and left.
After we left the restaurant, I told the wife to not ask because I didn’t have a clue. She allowed as how they must be connected with me by EMS or the hospital, since she would know anyone else, but may not know some of those folks. I still don’t have a clue.
I suppose after the conversation, they asked each other, “Do you suppose he knew who we were?” I hate it that I can’t remember names, and don’t recognize people. I looked at them pretty much the whole time we were in the restaurant, as they were just beyond our table, but I never had a flicker of recognition the whole time.
I have to think that it doesn’t get any better as I age, but it wasn’t good when I was young. So I guess I’ll just have to swallow hard the next time and say something like, “You look familiar and I should know you, but can you help out an old man?” Maybe that would do it with enough humor that it would get us past the awkward part of my not remembering.
I was surprised, and said so, and tried to find some connection that would help me with the inevitable ensuing conversation. I found nothing in the 18 brain cells that I have left, so I just went along for the ride.
Come to find out they were up here after putting her dad in a care facility. They were eating before they went home. We visited some about our work, their situation, and not much else. Then I found an opening and left.
After we left the restaurant, I told the wife to not ask because I didn’t have a clue. She allowed as how they must be connected with me by EMS or the hospital, since she would know anyone else, but may not know some of those folks. I still don’t have a clue.
I suppose after the conversation, they asked each other, “Do you suppose he knew who we were?” I hate it that I can’t remember names, and don’t recognize people. I looked at them pretty much the whole time we were in the restaurant, as they were just beyond our table, but I never had a flicker of recognition the whole time.
I have to think that it doesn’t get any better as I age, but it wasn’t good when I was young. So I guess I’ll just have to swallow hard the next time and say something like, “You look familiar and I should know you, but can you help out an old man?” Maybe that would do it with enough humor that it would get us past the awkward part of my not remembering.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Work Appreciation
Years ago, in another life, I worked EMS in Harper County as an EMT. We took call from time to time, and could be called out on a moment’s notice at any time, day or night. Most of the time we dealt with the more routine things, but once in awhile we’d deal with a car wreck, fire involving people, car-train collisions, medical emergencies, or other more serious medical or trauma issues.
As part of what we did, when we had information on a patient we were bringing in to the hospital, we’d call the hospital by radio and give preliminary medical information to the staff there so they could prepare for the arrival of the patient by having the equipment, medications, and other needs already there. Because it was a small hospital, the charge nurse on duty was literally in charge of the hospital, and would often answer the radio and communicate with the ambulance crew. That communication was vital, and we knew it was important that we all be on the same page, especially if the patient was seriously ill or had major trauma.
I was always set at ease when I called in a report and Lisa would answer. I always knew that everything would be fine. Lisa would be ready, would have staff ready, equipment and supplies handy, and that things would go well. She was competent, efficient, intelligent, and organized. She knew what she was doing, knew how to think on her feet, and knew how to make decisions.
Some other nurses could have learned a lot by just opening their eyes and watching her for a day or two. Sometimes I wished they would, because some nurses were just not organized and seemed to never quite be totally in the present tense.
Lisa gave me a good feeling when she answered the other end of the radio. I told her so more than once. Have you told anyone recently that they’ve done a good job for you? You might not supervise anyone at work, but you do have people work for you. The waitress, the clerk, or someone at the bank who helps you all work for you. Let them know how much you appreciate their work.
As part of what we did, when we had information on a patient we were bringing in to the hospital, we’d call the hospital by radio and give preliminary medical information to the staff there so they could prepare for the arrival of the patient by having the equipment, medications, and other needs already there. Because it was a small hospital, the charge nurse on duty was literally in charge of the hospital, and would often answer the radio and communicate with the ambulance crew. That communication was vital, and we knew it was important that we all be on the same page, especially if the patient was seriously ill or had major trauma.
I was always set at ease when I called in a report and Lisa would answer. I always knew that everything would be fine. Lisa would be ready, would have staff ready, equipment and supplies handy, and that things would go well. She was competent, efficient, intelligent, and organized. She knew what she was doing, knew how to think on her feet, and knew how to make decisions.
Some other nurses could have learned a lot by just opening their eyes and watching her for a day or two. Sometimes I wished they would, because some nurses were just not organized and seemed to never quite be totally in the present tense.
Lisa gave me a good feeling when she answered the other end of the radio. I told her so more than once. Have you told anyone recently that they’ve done a good job for you? You might not supervise anyone at work, but you do have people work for you. The waitress, the clerk, or someone at the bank who helps you all work for you. Let them know how much you appreciate their work.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Today and Tomorrow
Today was an absolutely gorgeous day. The weather was like that in mid to late April, even though it’s February. We’ll not have this kind of weather continue, as rain is coming tomorrow and Monday, they say. But today couldn’t have been nicer or better.
Everyone, it seems, was outside today doing something. The trail in the park behind our house was busy both with those who walked and those who rode. No, they don’t allow ATV’s. We saw riders today on mules, ambling along the trail.
People were out in their yards with their kids, working in their garages, washing their cars, and doing things people do on a nice day. Most folks seemed to be a little friendlier than normal. And the prospect of longer days, spring, and the coming months of the year just make everyone sort of perk up.
We’ll be going to see my uncle tomorrow. It’s his 90th birthday and his daughter has planned a come-and-go reception for him tomorrow. He’s a joy to be with and seems to enjoy life. He was a farmer all his life, and never was much for mucky-muck or high class stuff. He’s always been a down-to-earth, simple man.
Yet he has worked wonders with wood, carved beautiful things, and has done taxidermy. He has had an invaluable impact on the lives of many, having taught both adults and children in church. He has a wisdom that comes from knowledge of and observation of the world around him, and carries too a wisdom that comes from a relationship with his Creator. He has a love for the creation and all of God's creatures, whether human or animal. He maintains a curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world and about God that amaze me.
We are blessed to have him in the family, and it is a privilege for me to go tomorrow and in some small way help him celebrate 90 years in this life.
Everyone, it seems, was outside today doing something. The trail in the park behind our house was busy both with those who walked and those who rode. No, they don’t allow ATV’s. We saw riders today on mules, ambling along the trail.
People were out in their yards with their kids, working in their garages, washing their cars, and doing things people do on a nice day. Most folks seemed to be a little friendlier than normal. And the prospect of longer days, spring, and the coming months of the year just make everyone sort of perk up.
We’ll be going to see my uncle tomorrow. It’s his 90th birthday and his daughter has planned a come-and-go reception for him tomorrow. He’s a joy to be with and seems to enjoy life. He was a farmer all his life, and never was much for mucky-muck or high class stuff. He’s always been a down-to-earth, simple man.
Yet he has worked wonders with wood, carved beautiful things, and has done taxidermy. He has had an invaluable impact on the lives of many, having taught both adults and children in church. He has a wisdom that comes from knowledge of and observation of the world around him, and carries too a wisdom that comes from a relationship with his Creator. He has a love for the creation and all of God's creatures, whether human or animal. He maintains a curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world and about God that amaze me.
We are blessed to have him in the family, and it is a privilege for me to go tomorrow and in some small way help him celebrate 90 years in this life.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Give God a Chance
Today our nephew’s fiancé came to our home to stay in the spare bedroom in the basement for a few weeks while they finalize wedding plans and get things ready to go for their married lives here in the Wichita area. We offered to have her stay some time ago and have been looking forward to being able to help out. Her mother is also staying with us for the weekend, having driven down here with her from their home in Wisconsin.
We enjoy being able to do things like this, and hope that their stay with us will be comfortable and pleasant. We aren’t great entertainers, preferring instead to have our house guests just find what they need and make themselves at home.
Our “things” aren’t that important to us. We have things that we enjoy; we have things that have sentimental value; we have things that make our lives pleasant. But all of those things don’t provide us with what we truly need for life and living. So they are like tools to us. They are here for us to use. We have them so we can make others’ lives more enjoyable and so…yes, I’ll be honest here…we can let others know that we live by a different standard.
Christianity (not religion) is that standard. We put out what I consider to be poor, weak efforts at making this world a better place and telling others about the love of God. But we also believe that God takes those poor, weak efforts and multiplies them, making them work out to His glory.
Now you may think that’s all a bunch of garbage, and you’re entitled to your opinion. However, if you’ve never tried it, how do you know what it is? Have you ever really looked objectively at Christianity? At God? At a way of life and living that offers hope, peace, and love? I thought so.
However you look at life and living, know that the Author and Creator of life loves you and desires a relationship with you that is beyond anything you can think or know. Give God a chance.
We enjoy being able to do things like this, and hope that their stay with us will be comfortable and pleasant. We aren’t great entertainers, preferring instead to have our house guests just find what they need and make themselves at home.
Our “things” aren’t that important to us. We have things that we enjoy; we have things that have sentimental value; we have things that make our lives pleasant. But all of those things don’t provide us with what we truly need for life and living. So they are like tools to us. They are here for us to use. We have them so we can make others’ lives more enjoyable and so…yes, I’ll be honest here…we can let others know that we live by a different standard.
Christianity (not religion) is that standard. We put out what I consider to be poor, weak efforts at making this world a better place and telling others about the love of God. But we also believe that God takes those poor, weak efforts and multiplies them, making them work out to His glory.
Now you may think that’s all a bunch of garbage, and you’re entitled to your opinion. However, if you’ve never tried it, how do you know what it is? Have you ever really looked objectively at Christianity? At God? At a way of life and living that offers hope, peace, and love? I thought so.
However you look at life and living, know that the Author and Creator of life loves you and desires a relationship with you that is beyond anything you can think or know. Give God a chance.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
So the close of another Sunday rapidly descends. Although this day is the first day of the calendar week, for many of us tomorrow will actually seem like the first day of the week because it is the first day of a work week.
Some enjoy the coming of the work week because they like their jobs, like their work environment, and take pride in a job well done. Others are ambivalent about their jobs and the work week is just something that happens regularly. Still others don’t really like their work, greatly dreading the start of the work week.
I’ll not tell you where I fall in, but will only say that there are things in my life right now that are more important than work. I like the job well enough. The hours are good, the environment is friendly, and the pay is fine. I’m just at the stage in life where work isn’t all there is to life. I’ve been there, done that. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. There are experiences of life that are more challenging than anything work can throw at me, so the challenge of my work isn’t where it’s at, either.
Some of you reading this know what the term “knob-farkeler” means (Yes, I know, the spellchecker doesn’t like that word. It suggests “darkener”, “foreleg”, or “fickler.”). For those that don’t, the term is a family expression which that means that things are working somehow to make things turn out in a certain way. We “borrowed” the term from the dice game by the same name. Our family chooses to use that expression to mean that God is working in someone’s life.
I get the rather unsettling (although not in a bad way) idea that there is some knob-farkeling (spellchecker: parceling, freckling, barreling) going on, and that there is some setting-up of things by Someone that will result in yet another, shall I say, adventure in my journey through space-time.
Now, I don’t know that’s true, but I’m not a young man any more. I’ve lived life, and believe that with maturity and observation come a kind of sense that starts nudging, picking, and poking when such things are happening. That poking and nudging has begun. I can’t explain it…but my antennae are perking up, fine-tuned to pick up the vibes.
Lord knows I’ve had enough adventures. And bless her heart, my lovely wife has gone on many of them with me. Thankfully I don’t see that this farkeling has to do with job loss or moving, although I don’t know for sure. I do know that whatever happens, we will be fine and things will work out; they always have.
I don’t claim to know (or want to know) the future. I’m not obsessed by what may or may not happen. I’m more concerned about the here and now and whether I’m in the place where I’m supposed to be, doing the thing I’m supposed to do. It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m looking forward to what is ahead, however far or near those events may be.
All I Ever Have to Be
By Amy Grant
When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavy on my head,
And the thoughtful words of health and hope
Have all been nicely said.
But I'm still hurting,
Wondering if I'll ever be
The one I think I am.
I think I am.
Then you gently re-remind me
That you've made me from the first,
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst.
And I realize the good in me,
Is only there because of who you are.
Who you are...
And all I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.
Any more or less would be a step
Out of your plan.
As you daily recreate me,
Help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do
What I can find.
And all I ever have to be
All I have to be
All I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohkdMXx_JlQ
Some enjoy the coming of the work week because they like their jobs, like their work environment, and take pride in a job well done. Others are ambivalent about their jobs and the work week is just something that happens regularly. Still others don’t really like their work, greatly dreading the start of the work week.
I’ll not tell you where I fall in, but will only say that there are things in my life right now that are more important than work. I like the job well enough. The hours are good, the environment is friendly, and the pay is fine. I’m just at the stage in life where work isn’t all there is to life. I’ve been there, done that. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. There are experiences of life that are more challenging than anything work can throw at me, so the challenge of my work isn’t where it’s at, either.
Some of you reading this know what the term “knob-farkeler” means (Yes, I know, the spellchecker doesn’t like that word. It suggests “darkener”, “foreleg”, or “fickler.”). For those that don’t, the term is a family expression which that means that things are working somehow to make things turn out in a certain way. We “borrowed” the term from the dice game by the same name. Our family chooses to use that expression to mean that God is working in someone’s life.
I get the rather unsettling (although not in a bad way) idea that there is some knob-farkeling (spellchecker: parceling, freckling, barreling) going on, and that there is some setting-up of things by Someone that will result in yet another, shall I say, adventure in my journey through space-time.
Now, I don’t know that’s true, but I’m not a young man any more. I’ve lived life, and believe that with maturity and observation come a kind of sense that starts nudging, picking, and poking when such things are happening. That poking and nudging has begun. I can’t explain it…but my antennae are perking up, fine-tuned to pick up the vibes.
Lord knows I’ve had enough adventures. And bless her heart, my lovely wife has gone on many of them with me. Thankfully I don’t see that this farkeling has to do with job loss or moving, although I don’t know for sure. I do know that whatever happens, we will be fine and things will work out; they always have.
I don’t claim to know (or want to know) the future. I’m not obsessed by what may or may not happen. I’m more concerned about the here and now and whether I’m in the place where I’m supposed to be, doing the thing I’m supposed to do. It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m looking forward to what is ahead, however far or near those events may be.
All I Ever Have to Be
By Amy Grant
When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavy on my head,
And the thoughtful words of health and hope
Have all been nicely said.
But I'm still hurting,
Wondering if I'll ever be
The one I think I am.
I think I am.
Then you gently re-remind me
That you've made me from the first,
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst.
And I realize the good in me,
Is only there because of who you are.
Who you are...
And all I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.
Any more or less would be a step
Out of your plan.
As you daily recreate me,
Help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do
What I can find.
And all I ever have to be
All I have to be
All I ever have to be
Is what you've made me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohkdMXx_JlQ
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