Today, I’m writing about a subject that I’m honestly not that good about: Acceptance.
To me, acceptance means taking what is, or what happens, only and purely for what it is, and not attaching any labels to it.
For example, your car is hit by another car in a parking lot. What really happened? All that truly happened was your car was run into by another car in a parking lot. That’s it. It was an event; there was nothing truly inherently good or bad about it.
The “good” or “bad” are labels that we humans apply to events. They are judgments that we render about events. In the example of the fender bender, most of us would judge that event as bad. And, because we do that, we get irritated, frustrated, or maybe sad at the prospect of having to pay money for the repair, all because we have judged the event to be sad.
Again, the event is just an event. And, still sticking with our fender bender example, if we were to accept the fact that, “bad” or “good”, it happened, and then be done with that, we’d save ourselves a lot of anguish and hand wringing.
True acceptance of what happens would put an end to a lot of our turmoil in life. And, let me be the first to tell you that life gives us all plenty of opportunities to accept what happens. This can be from the mundane to the extreme, and everything in between.
Frankly, I do a poor job of acceptance. I’ve always believed that somehow, I can push right through things and most times, bring about an outcome that is desirable, and mainly desirable by me. But, there are times when things don’t turn out the way I want them that I rail against the outcome, fuming about what did happen versus what could’ve happened. It’s during these times that if I truly accepted what was, I’d be a lot happier.
The truth is that this is a recipe for much greater happiness in life. Accept what is. Even if you don’t “like” the outcome, just accept it, deal with it, and bring it fully into your reality. Only then can you truly work to change what can happen from that moment forward.
By railing, kicking, and screaming about an event, you waste valuable life energy. The event has happened. It’s now in your reality. Accept it for what it is, and then move on.
In this good old mundane life, as I mentioned before, we all have numerous opportunities to practice acceptance. And, if we listen hard enough, or look hard enough into our hearts, we’ll see God right there pointing the way for us.
-The Minister
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Redbuds
Spring is in full force in my neck of the woods. And, with the arrival of Spring comes an old friend…the redbud tree. It’s a favorite of mine, always greeting me this time of the year with its vibrant colors contrasting with the usually still gray…but awakening…landscape.
This year especially, I’ve noticed that the colors of the redbuds are just spectacular, really deep and rich. I’ve enjoyed driving up and down the roads of my region, and seeing the redbuds just explode into color, a harbinger of life coming back to the area. I think I’ve come to appreciate the redbud for its tenacity, as it grows wildly almost anywhere. It never fails to spread color and joy wherever it appears.
Just the other day, I noticed a whole row of these trees growing in a very overgrown, and ugly, section of the woods I was passing. Here was this swampy area, with branches growing everywhere out of a whole host of trees, and yet, redbuds were springing up everywhere. Talk about a stark contrast! The rich colors of the redbuds really did stand out against that drab template of the thick overgrown woods.
Sometimes, I think we need redbuds to awaken us from what can seem like a drab existence. Yes, day to day living, at times at least, can seem pointless, boring, and more than a little bit empty. And then, when we most need it, we see the colors of a redbud tree piercing through the thicket.
God sends us “redbuds” a lot. Perhaps sometimes, these “redbuds” are prophets, or dare I say even Christ, who came to the world so that we may know the truth…talk about bringing color to the world! Sometimes these “redbuds” take the form of saints whose whole life is a message on how to live more fully, like a Mother Teresa, or a Pope John Paul II. Sometimes, these “redbuds” are more commonplace, like a smile from a friend when you most need it.
And, yes, sometimes, the “redbuds” are just that…redbud trees bringing color to a very drab and depressing place.
We need to always keep our eyes open for the “redbuds” in our lives. Not just the beautiful trees that come along each and every spring, but the many redbuds that appear all the time to bring joy to our existence. “Redbuds” are truly everywhere. We just need to slow down and see them, taking them in fully, in all their glory.
My hope for you my friend is that you will see a redbud real soon, and that it will bring you unimaginable joy.
-The Minister
This year especially, I’ve noticed that the colors of the redbuds are just spectacular, really deep and rich. I’ve enjoyed driving up and down the roads of my region, and seeing the redbuds just explode into color, a harbinger of life coming back to the area. I think I’ve come to appreciate the redbud for its tenacity, as it grows wildly almost anywhere. It never fails to spread color and joy wherever it appears.
Just the other day, I noticed a whole row of these trees growing in a very overgrown, and ugly, section of the woods I was passing. Here was this swampy area, with branches growing everywhere out of a whole host of trees, and yet, redbuds were springing up everywhere. Talk about a stark contrast! The rich colors of the redbuds really did stand out against that drab template of the thick overgrown woods.
Sometimes, I think we need redbuds to awaken us from what can seem like a drab existence. Yes, day to day living, at times at least, can seem pointless, boring, and more than a little bit empty. And then, when we most need it, we see the colors of a redbud tree piercing through the thicket.
God sends us “redbuds” a lot. Perhaps sometimes, these “redbuds” are prophets, or dare I say even Christ, who came to the world so that we may know the truth…talk about bringing color to the world! Sometimes these “redbuds” take the form of saints whose whole life is a message on how to live more fully, like a Mother Teresa, or a Pope John Paul II. Sometimes, these “redbuds” are more commonplace, like a smile from a friend when you most need it.
And, yes, sometimes, the “redbuds” are just that…redbud trees bringing color to a very drab and depressing place.
We need to always keep our eyes open for the “redbuds” in our lives. Not just the beautiful trees that come along each and every spring, but the many redbuds that appear all the time to bring joy to our existence. “Redbuds” are truly everywhere. We just need to slow down and see them, taking them in fully, in all their glory.
My hope for you my friend is that you will see a redbud real soon, and that it will bring you unimaginable joy.
-The Minister
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Smiley Face
Everyone remembers those big yellow and black smiley faces left over from the 1970’s. Now, these same smiley faces have made it into the electronic age. Heck, rare is the day when I don’t see a smiley face in an e-mail I receive.
When I wake up each morning, especially in the early morning while it is still dark, I’ve noticed a smiley face greeting me on the floor just outside my shower each morning. It’s just the reflection of the light from the smoke detector on the ceiling above that part of the floor, but man alive, does it ever project, and appear to be, a smiley face.
Each time I notice this, which is most every morning during the week as I rise to go to work, I have to smile myself. Was this intended for me, or just a product of how the smoke detector was installed, and where it was installed?
You have probably guessed my answer if you’ve read along this far.
I tend to think that God is just taking yet another chance to remind me to lighten up, to not take things and life so seriously. He’s also taking yet another chance to let me know how much He loves me.
God tries to get our attention in whatever manner possible, and in as many ways as possible. A smoke detector is certainly not a burning bush, but its nevertheless effective in letting me know I’m not alone.
I know, I know, I can hear folks now…its just a smoke detector and a trick of the light. And, as I’ve said, years ago, I would’ve agreed. Now I tend to think differently. Now I have come to believe that very little happens by chance
God’s got a big old sense of humor, and He’s letting me in on the joke every single morning.
-The Minister
When I wake up each morning, especially in the early morning while it is still dark, I’ve noticed a smiley face greeting me on the floor just outside my shower each morning. It’s just the reflection of the light from the smoke detector on the ceiling above that part of the floor, but man alive, does it ever project, and appear to be, a smiley face.
Each time I notice this, which is most every morning during the week as I rise to go to work, I have to smile myself. Was this intended for me, or just a product of how the smoke detector was installed, and where it was installed?
You have probably guessed my answer if you’ve read along this far.
I tend to think that God is just taking yet another chance to remind me to lighten up, to not take things and life so seriously. He’s also taking yet another chance to let me know how much He loves me.
God tries to get our attention in whatever manner possible, and in as many ways as possible. A smoke detector is certainly not a burning bush, but its nevertheless effective in letting me know I’m not alone.
I know, I know, I can hear folks now…its just a smoke detector and a trick of the light. And, as I’ve said, years ago, I would’ve agreed. Now I tend to think differently. Now I have come to believe that very little happens by chance
God’s got a big old sense of humor, and He’s letting me in on the joke every single morning.
-The Minister
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter
Easter came and went, once again, yesterday.
It came despite the fact that it was a colder than usual day. It came despite the fact that country is undergoing some financial upheaval. It came despite the fact that family members of mine have suffered, and are suffering. It came despite the fact that the world perhaps wasn’t all that ready for it.
It came, and it comes every single year, whether we want it to or not. Let me assure you that the first Easter came to a world that was also in a terrible state of darkness and despair. It’s coming, through the resurrected form of God on Earth, turned the world on its ear.
Whether or not you subscribe to the Christian point of view or not, it is hard to debate the fact that this singular event really did alter history. It can be debated as to whether or not it really happened or it was/is allegory, and that comes down to a matter of one’s own faith. What is not debatable, however, is the sweeping of Christianity throughout the world, ultimately changing history.
And yes, there has been both good and bad throughout that history. Ultimately, however, Christianity has come with a message of hope.
As I’ve said many times, I’m not here to try and preach to you gentle reader, or to try and persuade you to my point of view. I’m merely an observer of the mundane, trying to find God in the details, with apologies to the devil.
But, I can’t help but notice each and every year what a message of hope Easter brings to a sometimes bleak and weary world. The message of Easter is “Be Not Afraid, for I AM with you always”, or at least it seems that way to me. It’s message sometimes gets lost in the commercialism of the day, but usually, I manage to hear it in my heart at some point in the day.
Even if you do not subscribe to the Christian point of view, its my sincerest hope that you too manage to glean this message that we are most definitely not alone, and that we are all loved.
So, with that said…
Happy Easter my friends.
-The Minister
It came despite the fact that it was a colder than usual day. It came despite the fact that country is undergoing some financial upheaval. It came despite the fact that family members of mine have suffered, and are suffering. It came despite the fact that the world perhaps wasn’t all that ready for it.
It came, and it comes every single year, whether we want it to or not. Let me assure you that the first Easter came to a world that was also in a terrible state of darkness and despair. It’s coming, through the resurrected form of God on Earth, turned the world on its ear.
Whether or not you subscribe to the Christian point of view or not, it is hard to debate the fact that this singular event really did alter history. It can be debated as to whether or not it really happened or it was/is allegory, and that comes down to a matter of one’s own faith. What is not debatable, however, is the sweeping of Christianity throughout the world, ultimately changing history.
And yes, there has been both good and bad throughout that history. Ultimately, however, Christianity has come with a message of hope.
As I’ve said many times, I’m not here to try and preach to you gentle reader, or to try and persuade you to my point of view. I’m merely an observer of the mundane, trying to find God in the details, with apologies to the devil.
But, I can’t help but notice each and every year what a message of hope Easter brings to a sometimes bleak and weary world. The message of Easter is “Be Not Afraid, for I AM with you always”, or at least it seems that way to me. It’s message sometimes gets lost in the commercialism of the day, but usually, I manage to hear it in my heart at some point in the day.
Even if you do not subscribe to the Christian point of view, its my sincerest hope that you too manage to glean this message that we are most definitely not alone, and that we are all loved.
So, with that said…
Happy Easter my friends.
-The Minister
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Oak Tree
There’s this magnificent old oak tree that can be seen right outside of our church’s windows. It is one big tree, taking up a lot of the window space, and almost resting perfectly in the middle of one’s view out the window.
Oftentimes, I sit directly across from the windows looking out at this tree. It’s almost comforting to see that tree now, strong and unbending despite nature’s strong breezes and winds that have blown against it for years.
When I really look at this tree, I notice that on second glance, its not that unbending at all. In fact, it bends rather a lot, swaying too and fro with the winds.
It’s this bending that has helped that wonderful old oak tree grow so tall over the decades. Bending with the wind, instead of railing against it, resisting it. Accepting the wind, accepting what life has brought to it, instead of constantly fighting against it, not accepting reality.
Pretty good way to live a life, isn’t it?
Yet, we human creatures spend a lot of time railing against life for giving us events that we don’t want to happen. We become rigid, unwilling to bend like that old oak tree in the breeze, and we find ourselves in rotten moods, complaining that life once again has conspired against us.
Acceptance is a wonderful concept, but oh so difficult to make come to life within us. Yet, acceptance of what is, rather than wishing it was something different, is the key to harmony, the key to peace within us.
Turns out that old oak tree knows a thing or two.
-The Minister.
Oftentimes, I sit directly across from the windows looking out at this tree. It’s almost comforting to see that tree now, strong and unbending despite nature’s strong breezes and winds that have blown against it for years.
When I really look at this tree, I notice that on second glance, its not that unbending at all. In fact, it bends rather a lot, swaying too and fro with the winds.
It’s this bending that has helped that wonderful old oak tree grow so tall over the decades. Bending with the wind, instead of railing against it, resisting it. Accepting the wind, accepting what life has brought to it, instead of constantly fighting against it, not accepting reality.
Pretty good way to live a life, isn’t it?
Yet, we human creatures spend a lot of time railing against life for giving us events that we don’t want to happen. We become rigid, unwilling to bend like that old oak tree in the breeze, and we find ourselves in rotten moods, complaining that life once again has conspired against us.
Acceptance is a wonderful concept, but oh so difficult to make come to life within us. Yet, acceptance of what is, rather than wishing it was something different, is the key to harmony, the key to peace within us.
Turns out that old oak tree knows a thing or two.
-The Minister.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ladybugs
Every Fall, as soon as it starts to get cold outside, we receive some new tenants in our house.
Only these tenants have orange backs with black dots, have multiple legs, and love to fly around and check things out.
Yes, it’s the good old ladybug which comes to dwell with us when it starts to get too darn cold for them outside. During the winter, a lot of them unfortunately will go on to ladybug heaven, but there are always a few survivors who stick around and become our friends.
I’ve come to admire the pluck and spirit of these little creatures. They’re actually quite playful. Just the other evening, I was eating dinner in front of the television (I know, bad habit) when a ladybug descended from the ceiling to land and rest right on my shoulder. The ladybug didn’t move once it landed, it just wanted to hang out and enjoy the television I guess. So, I didn’t begrudge her that, and together, we hung out and watched the evening news.
As a younger man, I probably would’ve been annoyed at having these harmless little creatures as house guests. Now, they entertain me and provide me with laughter each day. You never know where one is going to turn up. The other day, I was brushing my teeth, and when I went to rinse my mouth, one descended right down in the sink! Luckily, I saw her, so I rinsed my mouth very slowly and carefully, lest I drown my new friend in toothpaste!
God provides us with lots of friends, you know, and not all of them are of the human variety. These ladybugs, while obviously not on the same developmental plane as my bipedal friends, are no less entertaining and cheerful. It’s almost as if they sense we are a welcome spot for them, and they come and take up residence with us much the same as family would.
I’ve come to be thankful to God for providing us friends like the garden variety ladybug. I’ve learned that there really is no creature too small or simple to play a role in the grand wheel of life. Even the ladybug can bring us pleasure.
And, quite honestly, they’re really good company to boot!
-The Minister
Only these tenants have orange backs with black dots, have multiple legs, and love to fly around and check things out.
Yes, it’s the good old ladybug which comes to dwell with us when it starts to get too darn cold for them outside. During the winter, a lot of them unfortunately will go on to ladybug heaven, but there are always a few survivors who stick around and become our friends.
I’ve come to admire the pluck and spirit of these little creatures. They’re actually quite playful. Just the other evening, I was eating dinner in front of the television (I know, bad habit) when a ladybug descended from the ceiling to land and rest right on my shoulder. The ladybug didn’t move once it landed, it just wanted to hang out and enjoy the television I guess. So, I didn’t begrudge her that, and together, we hung out and watched the evening news.
As a younger man, I probably would’ve been annoyed at having these harmless little creatures as house guests. Now, they entertain me and provide me with laughter each day. You never know where one is going to turn up. The other day, I was brushing my teeth, and when I went to rinse my mouth, one descended right down in the sink! Luckily, I saw her, so I rinsed my mouth very slowly and carefully, lest I drown my new friend in toothpaste!
God provides us with lots of friends, you know, and not all of them are of the human variety. These ladybugs, while obviously not on the same developmental plane as my bipedal friends, are no less entertaining and cheerful. It’s almost as if they sense we are a welcome spot for them, and they come and take up residence with us much the same as family would.
I’ve come to be thankful to God for providing us friends like the garden variety ladybug. I’ve learned that there really is no creature too small or simple to play a role in the grand wheel of life. Even the ladybug can bring us pleasure.
And, quite honestly, they’re really good company to boot!
-The Minister
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Neighbor's Cat
My neighbor has this wonderful little gray cat, who I am convinced believes that our house is merely an extension of his own house. He comes over quite often, purring away, and affectionately rubbing up against us in search of a good head scratch. He’s always happy to see us, no matter what the situation, and is as friendly a cat as I’ve ever seen.
More than a few times, I’ve come home from a challenging day, convinced that the world is conspiring against me and plotting my demise, only to see this wonderful little cat come prancing over from his regular home to his “vacation home”, namely our home, to cheer me up. The cat seemingly doesn’t have a care in the world, and he’s just as happy to see me on those days I’m gloomy and doubt-ridden as on the days where the world is going my way. He never fails to bring a smile to my face, no matter what I’ve experienced that day, and in so doing, has brought a lot of happiness to me personally.
I’ve seen it written many times that animals were created for human beings’ enjoyment and use, that the animals really don’t have souls like we humans. I for one don’t believe this. When I look into the eyes of my neighbor’s cat, there’s most definitely a soul there. While the cat is not on the same plane of development as I am, there’s intelligence in those big green eyes, there’s a sense of fun and play, and there’s love. Yep, there’s a soul.
Any animal lover reading this would probably tend to agree. I do believe that animals have souls, and are every bit as much a part of God’s kingdom as are we humans. I see a lot of God in my neighbor’s cat, actually. There’s unconditional love, there’s joy, there’s a sense of humor, and there’s an uncanny ability to live in the here and now, the precious present moment. I think we could all learn a lot from this cat. I know I have.
Recently, I’ve been going through some questioning times, like I’m prone to do. I tend to contemplate the reasons for my existence. There are times when I can get quite tied up with this, and my head becomes a maze of thoughts and concerns. It’s times like these I like to head out on my front porch, sit down, and more often than not, see the little gray cat come prancing over from my neighbor’s yard.
In every fiber of this little creature’s being comes the message “Do not be afraid, there is only now, and there is only love”. I tell you, that cat is wiser about life than I am.
Perhaps its time I start listening better to this little messenger from above.
-The Minister
More than a few times, I’ve come home from a challenging day, convinced that the world is conspiring against me and plotting my demise, only to see this wonderful little cat come prancing over from his regular home to his “vacation home”, namely our home, to cheer me up. The cat seemingly doesn’t have a care in the world, and he’s just as happy to see me on those days I’m gloomy and doubt-ridden as on the days where the world is going my way. He never fails to bring a smile to my face, no matter what I’ve experienced that day, and in so doing, has brought a lot of happiness to me personally.
I’ve seen it written many times that animals were created for human beings’ enjoyment and use, that the animals really don’t have souls like we humans. I for one don’t believe this. When I look into the eyes of my neighbor’s cat, there’s most definitely a soul there. While the cat is not on the same plane of development as I am, there’s intelligence in those big green eyes, there’s a sense of fun and play, and there’s love. Yep, there’s a soul.
Any animal lover reading this would probably tend to agree. I do believe that animals have souls, and are every bit as much a part of God’s kingdom as are we humans. I see a lot of God in my neighbor’s cat, actually. There’s unconditional love, there’s joy, there’s a sense of humor, and there’s an uncanny ability to live in the here and now, the precious present moment. I think we could all learn a lot from this cat. I know I have.
Recently, I’ve been going through some questioning times, like I’m prone to do. I tend to contemplate the reasons for my existence. There are times when I can get quite tied up with this, and my head becomes a maze of thoughts and concerns. It’s times like these I like to head out on my front porch, sit down, and more often than not, see the little gray cat come prancing over from my neighbor’s yard.
In every fiber of this little creature’s being comes the message “Do not be afraid, there is only now, and there is only love”. I tell you, that cat is wiser about life than I am.
Perhaps its time I start listening better to this little messenger from above.
-The Minister
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