As I watch Sports Center and hear about the NFL combine, it is being stated that people, particularly younger people are less inclined to go by the "eye-test" and more inclined to look at the numbers. This is probably even more pronounced in baseball where they even have their own name (Sabermetrician). At first I found it odd that so many people are so fascinated with looking at numbers, but I think I understand it.
First, I am a statistician at heart, and I believe beyond any convincing otherwise that stats will tell the truer story than the eye test. I do think that which has been proven and played out over time is much more likely to indicate what will happen in the future than what I see and think that means.
On the other hand, I can't fathom anyone becoming a fan of any sport simply by reading about it and gathering stats. What makes us fall in love with sports is the thrill of watching the spectacular. The amazing things that happen in a game. The spectacular, unable to duplicate things that stats could never predict are the reason we watch. We watch because we might see something amazing. I think that's what it's all about.
So, if this phenomena of watching the games is the thing that brings us into the game, how can we be so seduced into watching the numbers without really giving the eye test any real credence? I have started to really question this. If the very reason we watch is precisely contrary to what we end up doing to evaluate the game, why even bother with the game to begin with?
In fact, I was so fascinated wit it that I decided to study some stats while "watching" a movie with my wife. I realized that in public places, like the airport, people rarely talk to those around them, in favor of their smart phone. I realized it wasn't a sports thing. It is that we culturally do not pay attention or give eye contact to those around us. We are never content to merely do one thing, but constant distraction has become the thing we crave.
I thought about making a point about this being the core of why radio shows are becoming a big part of television programming. It suits our sensibilities to not have to watch and yet, still get the gist of what's happening. At some point, I fear we should fix our eyes on what we're actually doing and return to a world where eye contact and enjoying what you watch are actually important. And I'd do it with this Sports Center, if I could just finish this blog.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The God of the Disaster
Let us review the life of Joseph. My father had some alliterative device to remember the stages of Joseph's life, but unfortunately, I don't remember all the words. I do remember the basics of the story. Here is a guy whose own brothers put him into a pit to pretend he was dead. He was later thrown into prison, despite being blameless. Yet that was the precise plan God used to grown him and promote him to the point where he made a difference as an authority.
Personally, it is a favorite story of mine, as I am able to see the work of God through the running commentary of scripture to accomplish something that is just humanly impossible. We hear a story like that and we don't believe someone can make it through all he went through to accomplish all he accomplished. I guess we like to put finite limitations on things. Occasionally, however, we get to see the tremendous happen in our lives.
In my own life, there are 2-3 things that I felt were disastrous at the time that I have since been able to apply Genesis 50:20 to. Needless to say, I would not be where I am, as a church-goer, as a Christian, as a husband, as a father, as a ministry-leader, or one of many other categories, had I not experienced things that, at the time, seemed disastrous. This is why I am glad that I worship the God of the disaster.
We do not serve a reactionary God who is constantly changing tact to overcome the schemes of His enemies. We serve a God who uses the painful, the unforeseen, and the disastrous to bring about His plans. While I do not always know how it will end, I do know the God who controls what happens at the end, and I can place my faith there. I know some people are experiencing difficult things—people who are struggling to see how God can work in their specific situation.
This week, I had the opportunity to visit the site of such an event that happened last year. I still am not sure how it will all work together, and sometimes I fret. What I do know, however, is that I worship the God of the disaster. I worship the One who controls the disasters. The one who can take the actions of others that are intended to be exactly contrary to His purposes and use them for their ultimate benefit. This is why I am excited to worship the God of the disaster!
Personally, it is a favorite story of mine, as I am able to see the work of God through the running commentary of scripture to accomplish something that is just humanly impossible. We hear a story like that and we don't believe someone can make it through all he went through to accomplish all he accomplished. I guess we like to put finite limitations on things. Occasionally, however, we get to see the tremendous happen in our lives.
In my own life, there are 2-3 things that I felt were disastrous at the time that I have since been able to apply Genesis 50:20 to. Needless to say, I would not be where I am, as a church-goer, as a Christian, as a husband, as a father, as a ministry-leader, or one of many other categories, had I not experienced things that, at the time, seemed disastrous. This is why I am glad that I worship the God of the disaster.
We do not serve a reactionary God who is constantly changing tact to overcome the schemes of His enemies. We serve a God who uses the painful, the unforeseen, and the disastrous to bring about His plans. While I do not always know how it will end, I do know the God who controls what happens at the end, and I can place my faith there. I know some people are experiencing difficult things—people who are struggling to see how God can work in their specific situation.
This week, I had the opportunity to visit the site of such an event that happened last year. I still am not sure how it will all work together, and sometimes I fret. What I do know, however, is that I worship the God of the disaster. I worship the One who controls the disasters. The one who can take the actions of others that are intended to be exactly contrary to His purposes and use them for their ultimate benefit. This is why I am excited to worship the God of the disaster!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Answer
This is not a blog about Allen Iverson.
We live in a society where people are crying out for an answer. If you try to deny it, just look to politics. Those who vote for Obama often refer to him as a savior, Those who are against him often use armagedden-like language to describe our current situation. In fact, some even argue that the slate of candidates aren't good enough to overcome the travesty in which we are stuck.
If you don't believe me, look at our scientists. There is not a contentment to study only those things which are observable, but rather they attempt to determine the genesis of the existence of man, despite it not coming from the scientific method. Those who want to diminish the existence of a god, tout a big bang as occurring, for which they have no real proof. Those who are seeking to prove God, point out the order that exists demands one who created that order.
If you doubt this truth, look at our correctional systems. From early parenting to high security prisons, everyone is looking to determine the best way to arrive at acceptable behavior. Those who promote a love-centric dynamic will downplay punitive discipline, while there are many who abandon love for hard core punishment. We've seen success in almost every landing point in-between.
If you question my assertion, look at our law-makers. Everyone wants to reduce crime, but there are very different ways to look at it. You have some people who argue for the decriminalization of things. You have some who argue that self-policing is the best way to assure proper behavior, while others believe a more authoritative set of rules is best.
I am sure that everyone could come up with their own list of things whereby we have people searching for an answer. You may not even have to come with preconceived sets of people. The fact is that every day people have a variety of things they don't know.
I think the real question is why we care? Why do we search for answers? Could it be as Proverbs 25 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter"? I think that definitely plays a role in it, but more than anything, I think it is symbolic of our finity. We are unable to understand.
As I Corinthians 13 says, We know in part only. We see through a glass, darkly. It is only when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I am forced to come to a conclusion close to that of C.S. Lewis, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
I think it is incumbent upon us to help those searching for an answer to find the only answer that will make sense for them. Therefore, it is my goal to know all I can about that answer.
We live in a society where people are crying out for an answer. If you try to deny it, just look to politics. Those who vote for Obama often refer to him as a savior, Those who are against him often use armagedden-like language to describe our current situation. In fact, some even argue that the slate of candidates aren't good enough to overcome the travesty in which we are stuck.
If you don't believe me, look at our scientists. There is not a contentment to study only those things which are observable, but rather they attempt to determine the genesis of the existence of man, despite it not coming from the scientific method. Those who want to diminish the existence of a god, tout a big bang as occurring, for which they have no real proof. Those who are seeking to prove God, point out the order that exists demands one who created that order.
If you doubt this truth, look at our correctional systems. From early parenting to high security prisons, everyone is looking to determine the best way to arrive at acceptable behavior. Those who promote a love-centric dynamic will downplay punitive discipline, while there are many who abandon love for hard core punishment. We've seen success in almost every landing point in-between.
If you question my assertion, look at our law-makers. Everyone wants to reduce crime, but there are very different ways to look at it. You have some people who argue for the decriminalization of things. You have some who argue that self-policing is the best way to assure proper behavior, while others believe a more authoritative set of rules is best.
I am sure that everyone could come up with their own list of things whereby we have people searching for an answer. You may not even have to come with preconceived sets of people. The fact is that every day people have a variety of things they don't know.
I think the real question is why we care? Why do we search for answers? Could it be as Proverbs 25 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter"? I think that definitely plays a role in it, but more than anything, I think it is symbolic of our finity. We are unable to understand.
As I Corinthians 13 says, We know in part only. We see through a glass, darkly. It is only when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I am forced to come to a conclusion close to that of C.S. Lewis, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
I think it is incumbent upon us to help those searching for an answer to find the only answer that will make sense for them. Therefore, it is my goal to know all I can about that answer.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A Moment and a Choice
I believe not all days are memorable in the same way. I also know that it is not always the days you think will be life-altering beforehand. Certainly there are days where beforehand we know it will be big. Taking mental snapshots on days like that can be difficult, especially taking the correct ones, but it can be done. The difficulties come when the day hinges on something where it becomes indelibly printed on our brain when we never saw it coming.
I've heard it said that we should live every day as if it were our last, because one day we'll actually be right. I cannot debate the truth of the second half of that statement, but I do think if we fail to live each day as if it is our last, we'll be fine most of our lives. And the one day we are wrong, we don't really have much time to regret it. In fact, I believe we should spend more time living as if we have many days before us, rather than none.
If we live as if we have our whole lives ahead of us and will have to live with the repercussions of those decisions for the remainder of our lives, we will lead good lives. We will make decisions that we believe will look better when revealed in the light of the next day. I think we should live our lives deliberately to the point where we make wise decisions.
I do think in our normal course of living, we should live our lives as if it might be a memorable day. We have days that pop out of nowhere all the time. We always come across moments where things happen that will be big events in our lives. Making memories of those days and moments is possible and necessary. Nevertheless, sometimes we look back and realize there are specific moments which we don't have enough of a memory.
This is where I think intentionality may need to go to the next level. Bob Stoops put together a picture of his team a couple years back after a disappointing loss. When asked about why he would gather a big group like that after such a difficult time. He credited Steve Spurrier for teaching him the importance of capturing memories. My sister has been wonderful at taking snapsots of the mundane.
As wonderful or as disappointing as individual moments may be, putting together a memory enhancer of groups and events, even after potentially negative feelings can serve to expediate the healing also. We can make a choice to make each moment memorable. I've started to become more itentional about cataloging my moments. It is an amazing practice that I recommend duplicating!
I've heard it said that we should live every day as if it were our last, because one day we'll actually be right. I cannot debate the truth of the second half of that statement, but I do think if we fail to live each day as if it is our last, we'll be fine most of our lives. And the one day we are wrong, we don't really have much time to regret it. In fact, I believe we should spend more time living as if we have many days before us, rather than none.
If we live as if we have our whole lives ahead of us and will have to live with the repercussions of those decisions for the remainder of our lives, we will lead good lives. We will make decisions that we believe will look better when revealed in the light of the next day. I think we should live our lives deliberately to the point where we make wise decisions.
I do think in our normal course of living, we should live our lives as if it might be a memorable day. We have days that pop out of nowhere all the time. We always come across moments where things happen that will be big events in our lives. Making memories of those days and moments is possible and necessary. Nevertheless, sometimes we look back and realize there are specific moments which we don't have enough of a memory.
This is where I think intentionality may need to go to the next level. Bob Stoops put together a picture of his team a couple years back after a disappointing loss. When asked about why he would gather a big group like that after such a difficult time. He credited Steve Spurrier for teaching him the importance of capturing memories. My sister has been wonderful at taking snapsots of the mundane.
As wonderful or as disappointing as individual moments may be, putting together a memory enhancer of groups and events, even after potentially negative feelings can serve to expediate the healing also. We can make a choice to make each moment memorable. I've started to become more itentional about cataloging my moments. It is an amazing practice that I recommend duplicating!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Taking Care of Things!
Yesterday, Kelly and I tried to make a field trip for Emily at Sea World into a fun day for the entire family. So, while Kelly went with Emily during the day; Jacob, Julia, and I came after our daily commitments were fulfilled. We also got to meet Daryn, whom we haven't seen in a while, at Sea World. So, it was shaping up to be a fun day. When walking into the park, Jacob dropped our new "cheese-monkey" tablet on the asphalt of the parking lot.
At this point, some back story may be required. Almost a year and a half ago, I took a flight that had WiFi and I was delighted to use my laptop on the trip. It was an awesome experience for me, as I recounted in this blog post. However, as I was on three more flights with similar capabilities in the next few months, I realized that having a whole row to yourself is not the norm when flying, and due to the crowded seating, my fatness, and the bulkiness of the laptop (especially when I cannot use the non-working built-in MOUS), I became fascinated with this new invention—the tablet. Since I don't have enough opportunity to use it often, I decided getting an off brand would be the better way to go.
My wife then, being a much better spouse than I am, decided to make it her mission to get me one. So, shortly after the new year, I had this new-fangled invention in my hands. I should also mention that I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I love it when they make my life easier; I hate it when someone does something to make it different than I want it. For example, I still bemoan the elimination of PaintBrush in 1995 (Paint still lacks some of the awesomeness PaintBrush had); I still have not taken off the protective plastic from my three-year-old laptop screen; I had a record of 1264-0 in Freecell and complain when anyone plays the game on my machine.
So, when the tablet got cracked in its first month in my hands, my natural reaction was to complain and take my frustration out on my son. Yet, after the initial reaction, I was prompted by the Spirit to remember that my nature is to not take care of the things with which I am entrusted as well as God would have me do them. I tried to change my tact at that point. I pointed out to Jacob his need to be more cautious and caring about the things with which God has entrusted us.
We need to take care of those things we have. God has called us to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. We need to protect the earth and that little portion over which we have been set in charge. I don't want to come across as a whacko who believes we should really let the earth rule us, as we have dominion. Nevertheless, with that dominion comes responsibility. We need to be wise in what we do, we need to take care of it and preserve it. Mostly because that brings honor to our God!
And when we fail, as I often do, I like it when God gently nudges me with love to correct me. And being one who bears the image of God, I attempted to do my best to do the same. Whether I succeeded or not (you can ask Jacob next time you see him), I would challenge us all to take better care of that with which we've been entrusted and to being loving in our correction of those who don't. Hopefully the favor of temperament will be returned the next time we neglect to show the care we should over something with which we've been trusted.
At this point, some back story may be required. Almost a year and a half ago, I took a flight that had WiFi and I was delighted to use my laptop on the trip. It was an awesome experience for me, as I recounted in this blog post. However, as I was on three more flights with similar capabilities in the next few months, I realized that having a whole row to yourself is not the norm when flying, and due to the crowded seating, my fatness, and the bulkiness of the laptop (especially when I cannot use the non-working built-in MOUS), I became fascinated with this new invention—the tablet. Since I don't have enough opportunity to use it often, I decided getting an off brand would be the better way to go.
My wife then, being a much better spouse than I am, decided to make it her mission to get me one. So, shortly after the new year, I had this new-fangled invention in my hands. I should also mention that I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I love it when they make my life easier; I hate it when someone does something to make it different than I want it. For example, I still bemoan the elimination of PaintBrush in 1995 (Paint still lacks some of the awesomeness PaintBrush had); I still have not taken off the protective plastic from my three-year-old laptop screen; I had a record of 1264-0 in Freecell and complain when anyone plays the game on my machine.
So, when the tablet got cracked in its first month in my hands, my natural reaction was to complain and take my frustration out on my son. Yet, after the initial reaction, I was prompted by the Spirit to remember that my nature is to not take care of the things with which I am entrusted as well as God would have me do them. I tried to change my tact at that point. I pointed out to Jacob his need to be more cautious and caring about the things with which God has entrusted us.
We need to take care of those things we have. God has called us to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. We need to protect the earth and that little portion over which we have been set in charge. I don't want to come across as a whacko who believes we should really let the earth rule us, as we have dominion. Nevertheless, with that dominion comes responsibility. We need to be wise in what we do, we need to take care of it and preserve it. Mostly because that brings honor to our God!
And when we fail, as I often do, I like it when God gently nudges me with love to correct me. And being one who bears the image of God, I attempted to do my best to do the same. Whether I succeeded or not (you can ask Jacob next time you see him), I would challenge us all to take better care of that with which we've been entrusted and to being loving in our correction of those who don't. Hopefully the favor of temperament will be returned the next time we neglect to show the care we should over something with which we've been trusted.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Protection
Roe vs. Wade. Since this decision, we have had Supreme Court protected (notice, I do not say legalized, because it still isn't legal, just Supreme Court protected—is that too attorney-ish of me) abortion on demand. This decision is one of the worst decisions (I think we can throw Dred Scott and probably one or two others in with it) ever made by a court, because they took away a group's humanity. Humanity bears the image of God and to take it away is to destroy the pinnacle of God's creation.
Today marks the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. The 40th, as a matter of fact. Someone once told me that 40 years was the length of a biblical generation, and while I'm not sure we can be so precise with our definition of generation, I think it is safe to say that the current generation has been diminished in this great country of ours more so than any other generation.
This is certainly a time to talk about protecting life. The victims in this mass genocide had no choice and are defenseless, so it is important to do so. However, as I am considering the reality and soberness of this situation, I am inundated with similar arguments from the President and others stumping for gun control.
I think if you look at it, you will find how remarkably similar the arguments sound between these two issues. With gun control, you have people arguing that they want to save lives, and the other side will say that passing laws will have no such effect. For abortion, you have people arguing that they want to save lives, while the other side will often retort that people would have abortions, even if it is illegal.
The ironic thing is you often have the very opposite people touting that people break laws. The fact is that as humans we have a tendency to thumb our nose at authority. This is true whether it is referring to laws about guns, protecting ourselves, speeding, or any other potential impediment to the control of our own life. That doesn't change no matter from which side of the political aisle you are arguing.
I do not believe gun control laws are effective because the crimes that are committed are committed by people who are already breaking the law. Until someone uses the example of someone who bought a weapon without knowledge of how to use it and inadvertently killed someone with it as their argument for gun control, the argument is, on its face, silly. Nevertheless, when compared to the reality of abortion, those issues should take an extreme back seat.
How much of a back seat should they take? I, for one, would be willing to give up all gun rights if those so concerned with lives affected by guns would also be concerned about the lives of the unborn. In fact, I think that should be the rebuttal of anyone in this argument. "I understand that you are concerned with those who are defenseless being killed. In the spirit of that, we need to re-enforce and adopt harder, more stringent laws to protect them. And prosecute those who violate the law to the fullest extent of the law."
To me, it is sad that the argument has moved away from this. When I was younger, there seemed to be people legitimately debating that the unborn were not actually alive. In a recent discussion, someone pointed out to me that no one makes that argument anymore. Rather, it is one of convenience. Imagine if Adam Lanza lived and said his life was more convenient without those Sandy Hook children and that is why he killed them. The reality is that would probably be close to his excuse.
It is unacceptable. It is likewise unacceptable that we allow "doctors", would-be mothers, and others to massacre a segment of our society without so much as fear of law. That, to me, is the difference between gun control and abortion. In the one area, we are protecting the murderer, while in the other, we are blaming the instrument.
The reality is that we need to enforce both laws. We need to make it difficult for would-be assassins to feel as if they can accomplish something with weapons. We also need to not allow the Supreme Court to protect those who kill our unborn anymore. This generation has seen far too much genocide to allow ourselves to be callous to the continued destruction of all from within. This is why the work of adoption agencies, of crisis pregnancy centers, and of others, who can provide tangible answers to those who are with an inconvenient child, is vitally important.
I pray that God would raise up some who might be willing to help us, in this terrible day of our nation's history, to combat the horror that is occurring. Because while health food may save lives and gun laws may promote a safer society, we know that ceasing to protect a killing WILL save lives! Do not be neutral on this important issue.
Today marks the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. The 40th, as a matter of fact. Someone once told me that 40 years was the length of a biblical generation, and while I'm not sure we can be so precise with our definition of generation, I think it is safe to say that the current generation has been diminished in this great country of ours more so than any other generation.
This is certainly a time to talk about protecting life. The victims in this mass genocide had no choice and are defenseless, so it is important to do so. However, as I am considering the reality and soberness of this situation, I am inundated with similar arguments from the President and others stumping for gun control.
I think if you look at it, you will find how remarkably similar the arguments sound between these two issues. With gun control, you have people arguing that they want to save lives, and the other side will say that passing laws will have no such effect. For abortion, you have people arguing that they want to save lives, while the other side will often retort that people would have abortions, even if it is illegal.
The ironic thing is you often have the very opposite people touting that people break laws. The fact is that as humans we have a tendency to thumb our nose at authority. This is true whether it is referring to laws about guns, protecting ourselves, speeding, or any other potential impediment to the control of our own life. That doesn't change no matter from which side of the political aisle you are arguing.
I do not believe gun control laws are effective because the crimes that are committed are committed by people who are already breaking the law. Until someone uses the example of someone who bought a weapon without knowledge of how to use it and inadvertently killed someone with it as their argument for gun control, the argument is, on its face, silly. Nevertheless, when compared to the reality of abortion, those issues should take an extreme back seat.
How much of a back seat should they take? I, for one, would be willing to give up all gun rights if those so concerned with lives affected by guns would also be concerned about the lives of the unborn. In fact, I think that should be the rebuttal of anyone in this argument. "I understand that you are concerned with those who are defenseless being killed. In the spirit of that, we need to re-enforce and adopt harder, more stringent laws to protect them. And prosecute those who violate the law to the fullest extent of the law."
To me, it is sad that the argument has moved away from this. When I was younger, there seemed to be people legitimately debating that the unborn were not actually alive. In a recent discussion, someone pointed out to me that no one makes that argument anymore. Rather, it is one of convenience. Imagine if Adam Lanza lived and said his life was more convenient without those Sandy Hook children and that is why he killed them. The reality is that would probably be close to his excuse.
It is unacceptable. It is likewise unacceptable that we allow "doctors", would-be mothers, and others to massacre a segment of our society without so much as fear of law. That, to me, is the difference between gun control and abortion. In the one area, we are protecting the murderer, while in the other, we are blaming the instrument.
The reality is that we need to enforce both laws. We need to make it difficult for would-be assassins to feel as if they can accomplish something with weapons. We also need to not allow the Supreme Court to protect those who kill our unborn anymore. This generation has seen far too much genocide to allow ourselves to be callous to the continued destruction of all from within. This is why the work of adoption agencies, of crisis pregnancy centers, and of others, who can provide tangible answers to those who are with an inconvenient child, is vitally important.
I pray that God would raise up some who might be willing to help us, in this terrible day of our nation's history, to combat the horror that is occurring. Because while health food may save lives and gun laws may promote a safer society, we know that ceasing to protect a killing WILL save lives! Do not be neutral on this important issue.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Prepare for the Day
This morning I woke up and got ready to attend a class on Baptist Confessions. I was somewhat surprised to learn that there are over a hundred historic confessions that have attempted to define what it means to be a Baptist (Orthodox, Evangelical, Confessional, and Baptist ecclesiology). That may be a discussion for another day, but it has been a tremendously exciting ride!
What I am anxious to talk about was the frigidity of the outside temperature at my awakening. The thermometer was telling me it was in the high 30's, though I have reason to believe it might have been ten degrees warmer. Now while my friends from elsewhere may consider the upper 40's to be temperate and balmy, it is considered quite chilly here in Florida.
Because of this, it is not at all uncommon to see people wrapped in parkas sprinting from their front door to their car. It is also relatively common to see people bundled under blankets for a trip in a vehicle. Generally speaking, many of these people are then forced to make the reverse trip by taking off all these extra clothes when they arrive at their destination.
That was the situation I addressed when I was asked to wear a jacket on the way out the door. I stated that I don't want to prepare for the three foot journey to my car, but rather I want to prepare for the 8-hour day in a heated classroom. Now, certainly there are a variety of ways to prep for that. I always remember my mother pushing "layers." I am uncomfortably under-dressed for the journey to the car. And you may have your own method.
Unfortunately, I believe many of us are equally short-sighted in life. As crazy as you may think my jacket philosophy is, I think it is something we should do in our lives. Often we prepare for the next several minutes, when we have a full day ahead for which we will be ill-prepared.
My caution this week is not to do so. Do not be so concerned with the proverbial two second run to the car when you have the entire proverbial day to worry about. Now let me be as clear as I can be. Don't abandon planning for the immediate just for the sake of the theoretical future. But also don't overly concern yourself with the things that are of minimal import.
In our day-to-day lives, there are frequently things that attempt to de-focus us from our mission. Those things seem important, as they cause our proverbial trip to the car to be exceedingly uncomfortable. But if we adjust for these distractions in such a way that our proverbial 8-hour day is uncomfortable, we are being pulled away from our purposed. And nothing would excite our enemy more, than a distraction from those things which are good, true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise-worthy.
What I am anxious to talk about was the frigidity of the outside temperature at my awakening. The thermometer was telling me it was in the high 30's, though I have reason to believe it might have been ten degrees warmer. Now while my friends from elsewhere may consider the upper 40's to be temperate and balmy, it is considered quite chilly here in Florida.
Because of this, it is not at all uncommon to see people wrapped in parkas sprinting from their front door to their car. It is also relatively common to see people bundled under blankets for a trip in a vehicle. Generally speaking, many of these people are then forced to make the reverse trip by taking off all these extra clothes when they arrive at their destination.
That was the situation I addressed when I was asked to wear a jacket on the way out the door. I stated that I don't want to prepare for the three foot journey to my car, but rather I want to prepare for the 8-hour day in a heated classroom. Now, certainly there are a variety of ways to prep for that. I always remember my mother pushing "layers." I am uncomfortably under-dressed for the journey to the car. And you may have your own method.
Unfortunately, I believe many of us are equally short-sighted in life. As crazy as you may think my jacket philosophy is, I think it is something we should do in our lives. Often we prepare for the next several minutes, when we have a full day ahead for which we will be ill-prepared.
My caution this week is not to do so. Do not be so concerned with the proverbial two second run to the car when you have the entire proverbial day to worry about. Now let me be as clear as I can be. Don't abandon planning for the immediate just for the sake of the theoretical future. But also don't overly concern yourself with the things that are of minimal import.
In our day-to-day lives, there are frequently things that attempt to de-focus us from our mission. Those things seem important, as they cause our proverbial trip to the car to be exceedingly uncomfortable. But if we adjust for these distractions in such a way that our proverbial 8-hour day is uncomfortable, we are being pulled away from our purposed. And nothing would excite our enemy more, than a distraction from those things which are good, true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise-worthy.
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