Enjoy the Game!

As many of you know, I moved this summer. In the endless sea of boxes, I recently came across my lucky baseball. Why is it my lucky baseball you ask? Well, several years ago at an Iowa Cubs baseball game, a foul ball was hit down the first base line and into the stands where we were sitting. As I talked with my friend, I observed two things happening simultaneously... the ball flying our direction and a few guys falling all over themselves and their seats as they attempted to position themselves for the catch. Next thing I knew, the ball hit the concrete aisle and the bounce sent it directly my way. Casually, almost nonchalently, I lifted my right hand and caught it. No standing, bending, or stretching. It was like the sweetest catch in all of baseball history (at least for me). I can still recall the shocked expression on the faces of the guys, who turned to see where the ball went. 

As I reflected on this story, I began to think about it in light of prayer. How often we swing, strike, and hit prayers out there and wonder if they are being caught. Sure, there are evident base hits and I've even witnessed some home runs through the power of prayer. But just as likely, I've struck out and hit many a foul ball in my attempts to connect with God. 

In pondering the effectiveness of my prayer life or lack thereof, the Holy Spirit brought a new image of playing ball to my mind. The picture of myself playing wiffle ball with my daughter Natalie and her friends. Where ALL the pressure is on the adult to make sure the ball hits the bat as it is pitched and balls are caught. I mean, haven't we all leaned in when pitching or playing catch with a young child said those words, "Let's move a little closer here." And we were only three feet away from each other at the time! Yep, done it. 

Immediately, I knew this was a new picture of prayer God was trying to show me. An image where He has taken ALL the responsibility in making the connection with me. My prayers are heard and caught, every single one of them. Not because of me, but because of Him. This my friend is grace. Amazing grace. And there is no better way to live. 

Living in sync doesn't mean you have it all together; it means you have learned how to lean into His amazing grace. Now that all the pressure is off... go enjoy the game. 

What Language Do You Speak?

Yesterday, I had a brief interaction with a 3-year-old who was sizing me up as a potential friend. After I enthusiastically cheered on her ability to do a back roll off the couch, she turned and asked her mom a question; which was then interpreted to me, "Do you speak Spanish?" Unfortunately, beyond a few words, I don't. So in all honesty, I replied, "No". And that, my friends, was basically the end. Off she went to play on her own and with her mom. She clearly did not have the time nor energy to invest in a friend who didn't speak her language. 

Isn't this what we all want? Someone who speaks our language.

The challenge is, we don't get it. In God's vast wisdom and design, we find ourselves surrounded by people who don't speak our language in a myriad of ways... the opposite gender, someone of another generation, a different race, culture, religion, personality, background, and on and on it goes. The diversity is amazing and humbling. Yet frankly, at times, frustrating too. 

If we are not careful, we respond similarly to the 3-year-old and quickly end or stunt these relationships. Why is this? 

On some level, I think our initial human responses are to seek the path of least resistance.  When we experience a different accent, words, clothing, or approach to a situation, we interpret it as a barrier that will slow down and/or affect us getting what we want. Then, our drive for self preservation kicks in and we determine the best way to handle this barrier is by knocking it over, going around it, or simply turning around and going a different route. A lot of this happens on a subconscious level, as our brain searches for the best way to move forward.

And you know what? The processing is generally true. Most times, it will slow us down and affect us getting what we want.

Today, I want to pause here and ask - what is a better choice when our self preservation mode kicks in? When all we can see, think and hear is why our way is the right way and the best way as a matter of fact. When it feels like we don't have the time or energy to deal with this person today.  

Maybe we need to stop and realize that it is not all about us. Life, as we have been given, is the diversity and complexity we have in our relationships. And to live at our best is to embrace our differences as a gift to be received rather than a barrier to resist.

“We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” ― Gwendolyn Brooks

Maybe there is a new question we can ask... "What language do you speak?"

Living in sync with our best lives is learning how to get outside of ourselves and our neat little world of people who are easy to get along with and embracing a friendship with someone very different from us. It is about being courageous enough to learn to speak someone else's language and build the bridge to a relationship that will not be possible if we don't. This is a rich harvest that cannot be experienced any other way in life.

Today, I ask myself as I ask you... Who in your life is different from you? Where is there a barrier in understanding? Start there. Your life will be much the richer.  

Open the Door

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily. –Zig Ziglar

Often we depend on motivation to create action in our lives. We want to lose weight... invest time in relationships... give to worthy causes... learn a new skill... you name it. And we wait and stall out. Because all of a sudden it's hard to work up the 'gumption' it takes for life change, if you know what I mean. 

What if we flipped that idea around and let the action in our lives create motivation? 

All of a sudden, we would not be subject to a feeling, emotion, or moment of inspiration. We could intentionally live our lives with action and let the experience create the passion and inspiration. I believe motivation would naturally follow all on its own.

Here are two questions to consider what action you might be able to take  - 

• How can I best start? 
• What can I do right now? 

Why not just do it? Open and walk through the door in front of you. Let your steps take you where your heart is leading you. The rest will fall into place as you go. 

Living your best life happens with the decisions you make each and every day. So, I ask boldly and daringly to you... what is your next step? 

Forgiveness

And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something. Matthew 6:12

As Jesus walked the earth, he taught his disciples how to pray. He talks about the simplicity and the hiddenness of our conversations with the Father. And in what most of us refer to as "The Lord's Prayer" he brings to light a lot of our daily, basic needs. Smack dab in the middle of it, he brings up forgiveness. We fall short a lot. And the people around us do, too. 

Forgive us as we forgive. Sin is not an isolated experience, and neither is forgiveness. It is interwoven between God, ourselves and others. It is how we live fully and freely in the unity we have been created to dwell in. It is an essential component in our relationships with ourselves, with the father, and other people. 

Forgiveness is receiving mercy from the Father; and it is releasing justice into his hands. Forgiveness cleanses and releases the soul of fear, vindication, pain, anger, and shame. Forgiveness does not depend on the apologies of others, or even things being made right. It lets go of the wrong and puts ourselves in a position to receive an abundance of God's mercies and grace for ourselves and for others. 

There is a path of healing, redemption, and reconciliation. And none of these are even possible without the first step of forgiveness. 

Living our best lives will certainly require forgiveness. Not a blatant excuse for mis-steps and wrongs, but a humble acknowledgment of our daily need for mercy and grace. Live it with yourself and extend it to the people around you. It is love in action. 

Woo hoo!

Those who walk the fields to sow, casting their seed in tears, will one day tread those same long rows, amazed by what's appeared. Those who weep as they walk and plant with sighs will return singing with joys when they bring the harvest home. Psalm 126:5-6

I was blessed to attend the adoption ceremony of a little girl last Monday morning. As her new mom gave testimony on the witness stand, she was asked how she felt about being this little one's mom. Overcome with emotion and the lack of words for such a moment, her "Woo hoo!" said it all. Full faced smiles burst out across the stuffy court room from the judge, attorney, and all of us watching on with tear-filled eyes.

It was a crowning moment following many tearful seeds sown in the fields as this family walked many long and ordinary days treading the rows, planting and sighing their prayers. They hit every road block, detour, and even a dead end or two along the way. It was a difficult, sacrificial season. They gave when there was no promise of a return. They planted when the harvest was unsure.

And here they stand today, singing with joy as they bring their little girl home.

Living in sync with our best lives means believing in what our eyes can't see and trusting in the One who does see. It is courageously living with all the fears and doubts and not letting them shut us down. It is the ability to feel the disappointments and heartache, and at the same time be comforted and strengthened for each new day. It is a daily walk. A daily grace.

Never give up on your dreams. For those who sow in tears surely will reap with joy.

Live your best life today. Woo hoo!

A Happy Ending

But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God. John 1:12

My dad passed on to heaven over the weekend. While he had his share of illness and physical challenges, his death came suddenly after a day spent at an auction and then gardening in his yard. I am sad he is gone; yet comforted that he went quickly, enjoying life until his last breath. 

Dad battled depression and was an alcoholic most of his life until a massive stroke in 2007. Childhood for me was a mixed bag of good and bad times as the cycle of addiction seemed to be the chaotic rhythm of our family. 

A little over 10 years ago, after a long period of disconnection, my dad started reaching out to me. He wanted to talk and to meet my daughter, his granddaughter. To say I was hesitant would be an understatement. I had been really hurt by him and his choice to walk out on the family. I didn't have any desire to have a relationship with him. But in my heart as I talked to God about it, I sensed him telling me that as my father was taking a step towards me in relationship, I needed to reciprocate and take a step towards him.  

With tears running down my face, I drove to meet him. The first step which would lead to a series of steps in a remarkable story of redemption and a happy ending. 

Over time, we grew a relationship that I would have never ever imagined sharing. He asked me to forgive me for his wrongs, he blessed us in generous ways, and I heard those three words for the first time ever from him - I love you - followed with a hug. 

I am so proud of him. A stubborn old farmer who found the courage to make his last years his best years. 

Living your best life is never feeling too old or lost to make things right. It means choosing to let go of the past and embracing the present. It is living in sync with the greatest power known to us and given by Jesus Christ: redemption. 

Choose your happy ending today.  

Pretty Amazing

I am your example; keep doing what I do. John 13:15

Just a little over two weeks ago I closed on the sale of my condo and began the process of moving to our new home. Note the word 'process', as that is surely what it's been.

We have done amazing work in this time. Thoroughly washing down walls, woodwork, and windows, removing carpet, thick painted over wallpaper and all the glue as well as a '70's planter box in the living room, priming and painting all the ceilings and walls, changing outlet covers, installing new flooring, and even mowed the lawn three times. Still some odds and ends to do; like moving the furniture from the garage into the house and I imagine our home project list will be full for the rest of the summer. 

As I experience the transformation of this smoke-filled yellowish home into our beautiful home sweet home, I am well aware of how blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I can't even imagine an undertaking of this size without the army of people it has taken who have sacrificed their time, muscles, and thinking into making this dream a reality. My count has us at 30 people coming alongside to serve us, not counting the people hired to do work. 

Pretty amazing.

I am in awe of people's generous labor of love and sweat on our behalf. A humbling moment that brings me to the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This is what these people have done for me, following Jesus' instructions - 'I am your example; keep doing what I do.' 

Thank you. You all are pretty amazing.