The Canoe

I have to say...this stage of life is quite good! Opportunities for reflection are now a daily rather than a weekly luxury. I've spent more time with my family in the past two weeks than they would probably even prefer...but it's a blessing indeed.

Jess and I just had a great adventure in our new canoe! That's right...I finally have a boat and it's going to be a great source of fun, memories, and adventures throughout the summer. But we were out on Hoover Reservoir yesterday when a nice little T-storm blew over. The wind was gusting, rain was pouring, and eventually some lightning forced us off the water. We were greeted at the shore by a cute little water snake and I finally got the canoe strapped back onto the car while getting drenched.

I find myself now living one day at a time...and enjoying each one. Thanks to the One who shares every good and perfect gift with us!

Cinderella Man

Deb and I just went to see Russell Crowe's latest story of inspiration directed by Ron Howard (go Opie!) It stirred up some things in me as a man. I think, as men, we long for our lovers/wives to re-speak our dreams back into us. When that doesn't happen...we lose a lot of confidence in who we are as men, providers, the proverbial knights in shining armor, etc, etc.

There was a scene in the movie in which Jim Braddock's wife, Mae, decided not to support him in his boxing journey. As she emotionally withdrew in that moment, I leaned over to Deb and whispered...that's as painful to him as sexual infedelity would be to her...or you! But the emotional and mental chasm between men and women remains unbridged. I could tell Deb didn't believe my analogy.

Marriage isn't easy!

Soapbox and Suds

Regarding my previous post...the ministry of presence is certainly the 'right thing' regardless of my personal moral perspective on 'diversity.'

But I'm still hung up on the other issue. I think it's because this issue represents an area of major hypocrisy in the conservative evangelical church and holiness denominations especially. Drinking alcohol is perceived as a sinful association with the world within which we are trying to be 'in' but not 'of.' Yet how many of these (including myself) pious individuals populate the bar/restraunts throughout the week and even on the sabbath? The only reason I don't drink is because I have been religiously conditioned from an early age to believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is the choice of the morally inferior and spiritually unenlightened. I could certainly list a few other behaviors and activities which God speaks against that my fellow conservative Christians engage in regularly....envy, materialism, social injustice, overeating, gossip, workaholism, divorce, robbing God of tithe etc etc.

I just don't think it's going to continue to "fly"...projecting extra-biblical restrictions on people while ignoring many of the biblical ones for ourselves. If I can build a bridge to someone over a cold Corona or a hot Caramel Macchiato...either way, I'm going for it. And that brings up perhaps the most tragic characteristic of the modern evangelical conservative Christian...they're not even trying to build bridges! Most are content to have their own little church-world and proclaim the door is always open...but insist that people walk through that door first! That's bunk...and it's not the Church Jesus died for us to BE!

On 'Pride' and Pubs

So...as I begin to reflect a little more on daily life and figure out how to wisely invest in relationships, I find myself dealing with two big issues.

First, many of the people I would like to share some life with spend a good bit of time in the local 'pubs' of our land. That presents two practical problems for me...well, one at least. Problem #1 is the risk of reputation within my 'religious tribe.' Problem #2 has to do with my convictions regarding social drinking. If I believe it's morally fine for someone else to drink responsibly, do I really "believe" it if I don't step off my moral pedestal to join them?

The second big issue is probably a moot point for many of you, but it's potentially a fine line for me. Columbus' Gay Pride Parade is this weekend. I have several friends from Starbucks who will be representing the company and its celebration and embrace of 'diversity.' I'm drawn to the event and wish to show my friendship, support, and human solidarity to my friends. There's this little evangelical conservative part of me that speaks a different language.

I'll get back to you on these two topics...

Marvelous Monday

I'm beginning my second week of educational freedom. I'll be walking out of Starbucks in a matter of minutes. After plowing through about twenty minutes of Columbus traffic...my little Ford Focus will roll up the driveway and park for the evening. Maybe I'll mow the grass, maybe watch a movie, whatever?! Most importantly...I'll sit down to eat dinner with my family and enjoy some "tickle time" with my two beautiful daughters (and my wife...but she doesn't enjoy the tickling as much as my 5 and 2 year olds!)

But it's a wonderful feeling to have the "margins" restored to your life. As I hear friends and co-workers nearly exult in their hectic, productive, and "efficient" schedules and lifestyles...I whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has led me by still waters.

Cap & Gown Time!

In about 24 hours, I'll be able to tack a few letters to the end of my name. In 1993 I graduated from college and got the privilege to add "BA" to my name...which must have stood for Bad Attitude. I thought it would have been more appropriate to have gotten a "BS" since I "BS'ed" my way through a lot of papers! But now I get to add this little "M.Div" to my list of achievements. A buddy at Starbucks asked me yesterday, "So what are you going to do with this masters of divination?" I thought that was a humorous play on words. I wish I could "divine" a few things at the moment!

But don't worry...I don't claim any special "divinity" and I'm not going to ask anyone to call me "master." I'm not into titles right now...I'm into integrity. I'm not concerned with position...I'm more concerned about disposition. We don't make real progress in life with credentials...but with character.

But hey, if you want to see me and my educational community wearing some cool black robes and hats tomorrow...check out this link http://www.ashland.edu/seminary/alumni-grad.html