December 1st
November 30th
November 29th
November 28th
Discipline my heart to trust your more and myself less.
Discipline my mind to understand you more and more
Discipline my body to work your will more faithfully and fervently
Discipline my soul to love you more earnestly.
Lord, as you begin this new cycle of worship, make me a part of it, especially in this new exercise of regularly recording a prayer and sharing that work with others.
Let my thoughts and words be honest and true
and let my efforts help and encourage others to trust you and speak to you more often.
Amen.
Not him again? November 28th
Yes, I’m back. I’m back because today marks the beginning of Advent and of a new Church year. Our calendar year finishes December 31st. Some companies finish their year in March, others in October or thereabouts. Go figure. The point is institutions and individuals mark beginnings and endings all the time, some significant, some not so much.
For me this beginning of a new church year also marks a little beginning of a new personal time, a time of active Spiritual growth and renewal. As part of that effort I am starting to share my personal thoughts on weekly basis once again, albeit under a new title; I have decided to start a daily personal prayer journal, to be shared online. I am also trying to exercise and work out a little more so that my physical self will be as in tune as my Spiritual self.
To be honest, I’ve been longing to get back to these regular reflection pieces. Not too many folks seemed to miss them or comment on their absence, but I felt something missing in not recording and sharing these thoughts. So, yes, I’m back here in the bulletin on a weekly basis, but not just to see my name in print or bore you with my thoughts.
It’s part of a larger effort to be more disciplined with my prayer and reflection time so that I might better serve others and live my life of faith. That’s why, along with these writings, I’ll also be journaling my prayers on a daily basis. As it is, I’m very faithful with my daily Bible readings. Haven’t missed a day in over 3 years so far. My prayer time, however, has been more hit and miss. That’s why, as we start a new church year, I decided to hunker down and be more proactively prayerful. By committing to sharing at least part of my daily prayers in my Blog, I hope not only to offer inspiration to others, but also to force myself set aside time to pray and reflect quietly.
That’s the plan, anyway. How it will unfold is yet to be seen. Lila, who puts together the weekly bulletin, will now have to scramble in order to accommodate this change. You folks will have to adapt to reading my weekly thoughts, if not my daily prayers. I’ll have to get to work to see that I live up to my personal and public promises and commitments.
This first Sunday in Advent is dedicated to hope: the hope found in a new born baby, the hope of a returning Saviour, the hope of a better, fuller life through Christ. While it isn’t a major upheaval for most folks, for me it feels like the right time to make some changes in what and how I do things. Hopefully, it’s in line with what God expects and needs from me. Hopefully, its a little change for the better.
For me this beginning of a new church year also marks a little beginning of a new personal time, a time of active Spiritual growth and renewal. As part of that effort I am starting to share my personal thoughts on weekly basis once again, albeit under a new title; I have decided to start a daily personal prayer journal, to be shared online. I am also trying to exercise and work out a little more so that my physical self will be as in tune as my Spiritual self.
To be honest, I’ve been longing to get back to these regular reflection pieces. Not too many folks seemed to miss them or comment on their absence, but I felt something missing in not recording and sharing these thoughts. So, yes, I’m back here in the bulletin on a weekly basis, but not just to see my name in print or bore you with my thoughts.
It’s part of a larger effort to be more disciplined with my prayer and reflection time so that I might better serve others and live my life of faith. That’s why, along with these writings, I’ll also be journaling my prayers on a daily basis. As it is, I’m very faithful with my daily Bible readings. Haven’t missed a day in over 3 years so far. My prayer time, however, has been more hit and miss. That’s why, as we start a new church year, I decided to hunker down and be more proactively prayerful. By committing to sharing at least part of my daily prayers in my Blog, I hope not only to offer inspiration to others, but also to force myself set aside time to pray and reflect quietly.
That’s the plan, anyway. How it will unfold is yet to be seen. Lila, who puts together the weekly bulletin, will now have to scramble in order to accommodate this change. You folks will have to adapt to reading my weekly thoughts, if not my daily prayers. I’ll have to get to work to see that I live up to my personal and public promises and commitments.
This first Sunday in Advent is dedicated to hope: the hope found in a new born baby, the hope of a returning Saviour, the hope of a better, fuller life through Christ. While it isn’t a major upheaval for most folks, for me it feels like the right time to make some changes in what and how I do things. Hopefully, it’s in line with what God expects and needs from me. Hopefully, its a little change for the better.
June 27th
During my recent retreat, I did a lot of thinking, reading and reflecting. I also spent some of my time away with a trusted friend and counsellor, whose friendship and advice has seen me through many ups and downs. In our conversation I shared what I do with the Pensive Pastor. Glen listened politely as I spoke excitedly, and then shared this thought: it’s important to keep the love of God foremost and to try to avoid trite moralisms whenever you’re sharing your thoughts. As he spoke those words a little dull light in the back of my mind suddenly shone brightly. I realized through his words what I had been feeling in my heart. While I enjoy sharing my thoughts with you, I’ve been conscious of a certain tiredness and staleness on my part. It wasn’t something that was firmed up until Glen shared his thoughts, but now I am certain that what I’ve been doing with my Pensive Pastor isn’t as deeply satisfying as it once was. Sure, there is a ton of material out there and I have plenty of thoughts and reflections to think about, but the actual act of sharing them this way feels more like a work of trite moralism rather than sharing God’s love.
This is telling my heart that it’s time to bring the Pensive Pastor to a dignified close. It’s not a sabbatical, not a break, not a pause for the summer, but the end of these weekly writings. This isn’t an easy decision, but it is one that is personally healthy for me, and I think for all you readers, too. After all, isn’t it better to have a strong, healthy Pastor firing on all cylinders? So, rather than simply continue with an exercise that is no longer providing great joy or challenge, I’m putting this to a rest. I will continue writing and thinking and reflecting on the day to day events that impact life and help reveal or teach about God’s love and work in our lives, but they will come out in different, as yet undetermined ways.
It’s not a question of workload. It’s not a question of dislike for the exercise. It’s not even a question of running out of material, as I suggested earlier. It’s simply a matter of moving on before things get stale or ponderous or unproductive.
God created us with unique and special gifts. Looking at this world from a slightly odd perspective and sharing how that vision points us closer to God is one of my gifts. God also gives us seasons in our lives to use those gifts in different ways, depending on a combination of His needs, our needs and the needs of those around us. At this point, I feel God is suggesting rather strongly that the season of the Pensive Pastor has run its course and that a new season is about to dawn. I must respect that calling, since He is the one who loves us and knows what’s best for us. Mind you, His plans aren’t always easy to follow; it is with great sadness that I rest the Pensive Pastor’s rest. There is, however, also a sense of relief and of joyful anticipation to see what’s next. After all, our greatest happiness comes from honouring God’s loving plan for us, even if that plan involves changing ourselves a little bit. At least that’s the way I see it.
This is telling my heart that it’s time to bring the Pensive Pastor to a dignified close. It’s not a sabbatical, not a break, not a pause for the summer, but the end of these weekly writings. This isn’t an easy decision, but it is one that is personally healthy for me, and I think for all you readers, too. After all, isn’t it better to have a strong, healthy Pastor firing on all cylinders? So, rather than simply continue with an exercise that is no longer providing great joy or challenge, I’m putting this to a rest. I will continue writing and thinking and reflecting on the day to day events that impact life and help reveal or teach about God’s love and work in our lives, but they will come out in different, as yet undetermined ways.
It’s not a question of workload. It’s not a question of dislike for the exercise. It’s not even a question of running out of material, as I suggested earlier. It’s simply a matter of moving on before things get stale or ponderous or unproductive.
God created us with unique and special gifts. Looking at this world from a slightly odd perspective and sharing how that vision points us closer to God is one of my gifts. God also gives us seasons in our lives to use those gifts in different ways, depending on a combination of His needs, our needs and the needs of those around us. At this point, I feel God is suggesting rather strongly that the season of the Pensive Pastor has run its course and that a new season is about to dawn. I must respect that calling, since He is the one who loves us and knows what’s best for us. Mind you, His plans aren’t always easy to follow; it is with great sadness that I rest the Pensive Pastor’s rest. There is, however, also a sense of relief and of joyful anticipation to see what’s next. After all, our greatest happiness comes from honouring God’s loving plan for us, even if that plan involves changing ourselves a little bit. At least that’s the way I see it.
June 20th
I was at a Christian music night enjoying a rousing rendition of “I’ll fly away” sung by a fine choir and backed up by an enthusiastic audience. The enthusiasm wasn’t just in the singing, however. One chap at sitting in the very front pew made like a bird or a plane every time we sang the line “I’ll fly away.” Swept up by the lyrics, he changed their meaning from a some-day promise to a right-now reality by holding his arms straight out and then twisting his torso like a bird in rapturous flight. I don’t if I liked the singing or his actions better. Well, actually, it was that man’s freedom and joy that really made my night. As nice as it was to hear some good music, it was seeing one person’s spirit fly away in response to song that filled my own heart with happiness and praise.
There’s an old film of me when I was around eight or nine, dancing (or in my son’s words, prancing) and jumping about without regard for the camera. Or maybe it was a happy reaction to the camera, I’m not sure which. Nevertheless, I don’t remember the exact context or why I was dancing, but the joy I expressed at that time was real and genuine. It might have been staged, but my happy childhood gave me lots of reasons of reasons to prance about in total joy. Later realities and changes might have taken out some of my enthusiasm. Assorted experiences may have closed off access to total uninhibited joyful dancing, but I know it when I see it. That man flying with the music certainly had it, and it made my heart, if not my feet, dance.
On one occasion, way back when, King David danced without an ounce of inhibition. He let loose before the Lord, not caring about who watched. It was a moment of sheer joy for him, and nothing was going to stop him. Sadly, one of his wives didn’t think too much of his free expression and her heart burned with anger. So who did God react to? Certainly not David. God loved his servant’s heart and body felt praise. David’s bitter wife, however, was made barren by God, so upset was He with her.
We are meant to praise God wholeheartedly and without restraint. In fact, we are meant to enjoy life wholeheartedly and without restraint. Yet there are enough worries and woes in our personal histories that we forget how to dance and praise. Or else we are told it’s not appropriate, or made to feel that we should be more modest and restrained in how we express ourselves. Now, I’m not advocating everyone should dance like David danced (read 2 Kings to get the full picture) but at the same time I’m suggesting we need to let go every once in a while.
Maybe its a happy little two-step when we get good news. Maybe it’s flying like a bird in reaction to a happy song. Maybe it’s something totally different for you, something I can’t even begin to describe. Wouldn’t it be nice to know and express such joy. Next time your heart is moved, go ahead. God wont’ mind. He might even join you in your dance or your flight or whatever way you praise Him. After all, your happiness is His happiness. At least that’s the way I see it.
There’s an old film of me when I was around eight or nine, dancing (or in my son’s words, prancing) and jumping about without regard for the camera. Or maybe it was a happy reaction to the camera, I’m not sure which. Nevertheless, I don’t remember the exact context or why I was dancing, but the joy I expressed at that time was real and genuine. It might have been staged, but my happy childhood gave me lots of reasons of reasons to prance about in total joy. Later realities and changes might have taken out some of my enthusiasm. Assorted experiences may have closed off access to total uninhibited joyful dancing, but I know it when I see it. That man flying with the music certainly had it, and it made my heart, if not my feet, dance.
On one occasion, way back when, King David danced without an ounce of inhibition. He let loose before the Lord, not caring about who watched. It was a moment of sheer joy for him, and nothing was going to stop him. Sadly, one of his wives didn’t think too much of his free expression and her heart burned with anger. So who did God react to? Certainly not David. God loved his servant’s heart and body felt praise. David’s bitter wife, however, was made barren by God, so upset was He with her.
We are meant to praise God wholeheartedly and without restraint. In fact, we are meant to enjoy life wholeheartedly and without restraint. Yet there are enough worries and woes in our personal histories that we forget how to dance and praise. Or else we are told it’s not appropriate, or made to feel that we should be more modest and restrained in how we express ourselves. Now, I’m not advocating everyone should dance like David danced (read 2 Kings to get the full picture) but at the same time I’m suggesting we need to let go every once in a while.
Maybe its a happy little two-step when we get good news. Maybe it’s flying like a bird in reaction to a happy song. Maybe it’s something totally different for you, something I can’t even begin to describe. Wouldn’t it be nice to know and express such joy. Next time your heart is moved, go ahead. God wont’ mind. He might even join you in your dance or your flight or whatever way you praise Him. After all, your happiness is His happiness. At least that’s the way I see it.
June 13th
My clerical collar is a telltale marker of what I am and what I do. Most folks in the Western world would recognize me as Christian minister of some kind. Folks from the Roman tradition call me Father, business people and my mates at the Legion call me Rev, while parishioners as St. James call me Pastor or PJ. Because it is a badge of recognition, I don’t usually wear it when I’m working in the church, especially during weekdays. However, if I am out in the public, then the collar is definitely on. Most folks don’t have the honour of wearing a collar and thus identifying themselves as Christians. Many do, however, put a fish on their car, which doesn’t necessarily tell me they are fellow Pastors, Priests or whatever you call your minister, but certainly lets me and everyone else know that they are Christians.
It’s a good thing to see fellow believers out there in the world, letting their faith be known. Thus, when I found myself in Guelph driving behind a nice car proudly bearing a fish logo, I was pretty pumped. Cool, a fellow Christian letting her faith be shown on her cute convertible, I thought to myself. My thoughts quickly changed, however, when in less than two blocks she broke no fewer than four driving rules, one of them twice! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I know there are bad drivers out there, but I figure if your going to let folks know you’re Christian, you had better behave in a manner befitting the clean-cut image we believe is befitting one of Jesus’ followers.
Certainly I’m treated that way when I have my collar on. I am expected to have a higher moral standard when I am in clerical mode and that expectation reveals itself in the way folks act around me. Now, because of my calling from God, I realize that I might be a bit more on display, and that it’s part of my vocation to do my best to hold to a higher moral standard. At the same time, however, I figure if you’re going to let the world know you’re a Christian, whether it’s with a fish logo on your car, an attractive cross necklace or a t-shirt saying “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life” then your actions better reflect that declaration in a positive way.
Our human reality, however, falls far short of our Christian standards. We all mess up. It’s who we are. It’s why we need Jesus’ constant forgiveness. It’s what our whole life is really about. Still, I honestly if naively, believe that if we are going to let others know who and what we are, then our behaviour, even behind the wheel of a car, should reflect that admission. In fact, whether or not I wear a collar or someone has a fish on their car shouldn’t change how we behave. Businessmen who know I’m a minister watch their tongues whether or not I’m in ‘uniform.’ They know that mine is not a 9 to 5 job and that I represent my heavenly Boss all the time.
It should be like that for all of us. We shouldn’t need a sign to remind others of what we believe, nor should our actions change just because we’re wearing a John 3:16 t-shirt. Our every action and word should subtly but clearly reveal what we believe and who we follow every minute of our lives. At least that’s the way I see it.
It’s a good thing to see fellow believers out there in the world, letting their faith be known. Thus, when I found myself in Guelph driving behind a nice car proudly bearing a fish logo, I was pretty pumped. Cool, a fellow Christian letting her faith be shown on her cute convertible, I thought to myself. My thoughts quickly changed, however, when in less than two blocks she broke no fewer than four driving rules, one of them twice! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I know there are bad drivers out there, but I figure if your going to let folks know you’re Christian, you had better behave in a manner befitting the clean-cut image we believe is befitting one of Jesus’ followers.
Certainly I’m treated that way when I have my collar on. I am expected to have a higher moral standard when I am in clerical mode and that expectation reveals itself in the way folks act around me. Now, because of my calling from God, I realize that I might be a bit more on display, and that it’s part of my vocation to do my best to hold to a higher moral standard. At the same time, however, I figure if you’re going to let the world know you’re a Christian, whether it’s with a fish logo on your car, an attractive cross necklace or a t-shirt saying “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life” then your actions better reflect that declaration in a positive way.
Our human reality, however, falls far short of our Christian standards. We all mess up. It’s who we are. It’s why we need Jesus’ constant forgiveness. It’s what our whole life is really about. Still, I honestly if naively, believe that if we are going to let others know who and what we are, then our behaviour, even behind the wheel of a car, should reflect that admission. In fact, whether or not I wear a collar or someone has a fish on their car shouldn’t change how we behave. Businessmen who know I’m a minister watch their tongues whether or not I’m in ‘uniform.’ They know that mine is not a 9 to 5 job and that I represent my heavenly Boss all the time.
It should be like that for all of us. We shouldn’t need a sign to remind others of what we believe, nor should our actions change just because we’re wearing a John 3:16 t-shirt. Our every action and word should subtly but clearly reveal what we believe and who we follow every minute of our lives. At least that’s the way I see it.
June 6th
As a long time member of the “Society of those Who Appreciate Mechanical Devices” I am fully aware that stuff has a certain shelf life. Like fresh bagels that all too soon turn stale and dry, machinery, whether domestic or industrial, lasts only so long. Hopefully they last longer than baked goods, but still, one cannot expect a radio or electric drill to last a lifetime. Unlike a bagel, however, devices beyond their best-before date may not be irredeemable. A few judicious repairs or adjustments might bring a fallen machine back to life, thus extending it’s usefulness well beyond what might be normally expected. On the other hand, if the repairs are too expensive, it might not be worth the investment. A new machine might be better. Furthermore, if parts are unavailable, one has no choice. In this situation, we members of the “Society of those Who Appreciate Mechanical Devices” learn all too quickly that we have also joined the “Money Pit Society.
A recent experience with a broken device proved that one also should join the “Buyer Beware Club” when getting it repaired. One repair person declared the item in question beyond salvation. It was old, parts were expensive and there was no hope. Fortunately, they had similar items for sale at reasonable prices. Yay! A new machine. Wait a minute, Boo! a costly new machine. Time for a second opinion. Yay and double yay! It could be fixed after all. Just a quick part change and it was back in running order, as fresh and new as a bagel right out of the oven. Wow! That was close! If it hadn’t been for my cheapness, I would have thrown out a perfectly repairable device and spent a whole wad of cash getting it replaced.
Buyer beware indeed: I guess for some folks it’s easier to just sell a client a new thing rather than going to the trouble of actually fixing it. It’s probably much more profitable too, but I won’t go there. The bottom line is that ya gotta be careful out there. Salvation is possible, but sometimes the cost is more than one might want to lay out.
Thankfully, God treats we children of His differently than repairman do machines. God sees all of us as perfectly redeemable, no matter what the cost. In fact, God paid the greatest cost possible to ensure salvation for each and every one of us. Jesus’ sacrifice put “paid” to the bill for pulling us back from the brink of sin-caused total destruction. We need pay nothing. Jesus covered the cost for us. Nor do we need to feel that we are too far gone to be saved or too old to merit the expense. There is no upper age limit for our worthiness and no degree of brokeness that is beyond God’s ability to fix us up bright as new.
What’s more, unlike earthly repairmen, who need to be carefully scheduled, God is always available for whatever we might need. Whether it’s a major crisis or just a wee touch up, He’s always on call to fix whatever ails us spiritually. And what’s more,He’s always there for us even if we don’t need any help whatsoever. That’s just one more benefit of belonging to His society. At least that’s the way I see it.
A recent experience with a broken device proved that one also should join the “Buyer Beware Club” when getting it repaired. One repair person declared the item in question beyond salvation. It was old, parts were expensive and there was no hope. Fortunately, they had similar items for sale at reasonable prices. Yay! A new machine. Wait a minute, Boo! a costly new machine. Time for a second opinion. Yay and double yay! It could be fixed after all. Just a quick part change and it was back in running order, as fresh and new as a bagel right out of the oven. Wow! That was close! If it hadn’t been for my cheapness, I would have thrown out a perfectly repairable device and spent a whole wad of cash getting it replaced.
Buyer beware indeed: I guess for some folks it’s easier to just sell a client a new thing rather than going to the trouble of actually fixing it. It’s probably much more profitable too, but I won’t go there. The bottom line is that ya gotta be careful out there. Salvation is possible, but sometimes the cost is more than one might want to lay out.
Thankfully, God treats we children of His differently than repairman do machines. God sees all of us as perfectly redeemable, no matter what the cost. In fact, God paid the greatest cost possible to ensure salvation for each and every one of us. Jesus’ sacrifice put “paid” to the bill for pulling us back from the brink of sin-caused total destruction. We need pay nothing. Jesus covered the cost for us. Nor do we need to feel that we are too far gone to be saved or too old to merit the expense. There is no upper age limit for our worthiness and no degree of brokeness that is beyond God’s ability to fix us up bright as new.
What’s more, unlike earthly repairmen, who need to be carefully scheduled, God is always available for whatever we might need. Whether it’s a major crisis or just a wee touch up, He’s always on call to fix whatever ails us spiritually. And what’s more,He’s always there for us even if we don’t need any help whatsoever. That’s just one more benefit of belonging to His society. At least that’s the way I see it.
May 30th
I am not a big fan of gossip. I find it’s neither helpful or nice so I try to avoid it as much as possible. There is, however, another side to gossip that we cannot always avoid, no matter how much we try. This other side came out during a recent visit to a laundromat in the form of a rather loud family. This compact clan of kin was not only airing their dirty jeans and t-shirts, they were busily and voiceferously airing all their personal laundry as well. Family squabble, money issues, even housekeeping chores were discussed loudly and clearly. Love affairs, work woes and petty dislikes were made as public as the morning sky and other than leaving the place, there was no way to avoid overhearing every sad, sordid or silly detail.
Some cultures take personal privacy to great heights of refinement. The “stiff upper lip” syndrome results in a people that share very little information about themselves to others. In a milder form this desire to keep ones business to oneself is called propriety. Propriety demands that we only share what’s necessary about ourselves, only to those who need to know, and in an environment and manner appropriate to the occasion. In an extreme form it can make a person appear to be unfriendly or closed, but when practiced in a healthy, balanced way, a sense of propriety lets us share when we need to share and to listen when we need to listen.
One might consider God, who knows everything about us, has no sense of propriety. Knowing our most intimate details gives God a view into our lives that might be uncomfortable with any one else. God, however, is discrete about how this information is used. For one thing, He doesn’t share it with others. Nor does He use it against us, or to keep us from trying things, even if He knows where those things might lead. Instead God is like a trusted friend who knows us better than we know ourselves. He is there for us when we need to talk. And when we need to be silent, God sits quietly by our side.
Of course, God knows that keeping too quiet is not good for us, so He is always open to our sharing things with Him, and always seeking ways to let us know what He has in mind for us. In some ways, when it comes to God, we need no sense of propriety whatsoever; He is interested in anything we have to say, at any time and about any subject. God very much desires to be part of our lives and to be included in our needs and dreams. This is the only way we can be assured of living to our full potential. But God doesn’t interfere or push His way in. Neither does He listen if our conversation isn’t directed towards Him. God knows when He’s wanted and when He’s not.
There are times and places to share our inner hearts with others. There are times and places to refrain from sharing with others. A laundromat isn’t the best place to have a family conversation that has no limit in subject matter. A quiet conversation with God, however, is always appropriate. His interest in our lives is healthy and holy. God just wants the best for us, whether it’s guiding us along the right path, or just to offer a listening, caring ear. At least that’s the way I see it.
Some cultures take personal privacy to great heights of refinement. The “stiff upper lip” syndrome results in a people that share very little information about themselves to others. In a milder form this desire to keep ones business to oneself is called propriety. Propriety demands that we only share what’s necessary about ourselves, only to those who need to know, and in an environment and manner appropriate to the occasion. In an extreme form it can make a person appear to be unfriendly or closed, but when practiced in a healthy, balanced way, a sense of propriety lets us share when we need to share and to listen when we need to listen.
One might consider God, who knows everything about us, has no sense of propriety. Knowing our most intimate details gives God a view into our lives that might be uncomfortable with any one else. God, however, is discrete about how this information is used. For one thing, He doesn’t share it with others. Nor does He use it against us, or to keep us from trying things, even if He knows where those things might lead. Instead God is like a trusted friend who knows us better than we know ourselves. He is there for us when we need to talk. And when we need to be silent, God sits quietly by our side.
Of course, God knows that keeping too quiet is not good for us, so He is always open to our sharing things with Him, and always seeking ways to let us know what He has in mind for us. In some ways, when it comes to God, we need no sense of propriety whatsoever; He is interested in anything we have to say, at any time and about any subject. God very much desires to be part of our lives and to be included in our needs and dreams. This is the only way we can be assured of living to our full potential. But God doesn’t interfere or push His way in. Neither does He listen if our conversation isn’t directed towards Him. God knows when He’s wanted and when He’s not.
There are times and places to share our inner hearts with others. There are times and places to refrain from sharing with others. A laundromat isn’t the best place to have a family conversation that has no limit in subject matter. A quiet conversation with God, however, is always appropriate. His interest in our lives is healthy and holy. God just wants the best for us, whether it’s guiding us along the right path, or just to offer a listening, caring ear. At least that’s the way I see it.
May 23rd
Way back when movies were first being commercialized, actors and actresses didn’t have the press coverage that they do today. Paparazzi was just an obscure Italian word. Tabloids were virtually unknown. No one knew the intimate details of the latest “It” couple, let alone that there was an “It” couple. This was not good for those early stars. In order for people to go see their movies, they realized that they had to get their names in front of the public eye and so an industry was born. Movie star magazines became all the rage and as radio broadcasting matured, gossip columnists like Hedda Hopper flourished. The audience couldn’t get enough dirt about their favourite heroes and heroines. Soon enough, those same heroes and heroines realized that maybe there was too much of a good thing. An industry was born; a nightmare was created.
There is something about gossip that is irresistible to us all. Deep within us there must be a gene that creates a curiosity about our onscreen public figures, and the odd lady that lives just around the corner. We have an indefatigable nosiness about the personal business of those around us, and a seemingly inexhaustible energy to listen in or add to the conversation. Early movie stars knew this; they exploited our natural need for neighbourly news in order to generate ticket sales, even at the cost of their own privacy.
It’s a strange thing, really. It’s one thing to know the intimate details of ones own family or circle of close friends. It’s perfectly natural to share some of those details about one another so long as they are true and they contribute to the other person’s well-being. That’s not gossip; that’s simply the normal course of getting to know each other and it’s perfectly healthy. Gossip, on the other hand, might be normal, but it’s not healthy. It diminishes the gossiper, the listener and the subject at hand. What’s more, since gossip is often second-hand information or sheer speculation, it’s wrong more often than it is right. Furthermore, people rarely share good gossip. It’s not very often that we hear about someone’s successes or joys. Instead, we usually hear about their woes, their miseries or how they cheated to get their joy and success.
Gossip does not please God. It does not please our creator when we talk about others without having the truth, a righteous cause and that person’s best interest at heart. Most of us have our own problems and issues with which to wrest and struggle. We’re better off talking to God or our a trusted confidant about how we might grow and improves rather than building up our egos by sharing how a neighbour has fallen down.
Some people make a great deal of profit from spreading gossip. Some people make a great deal of profit from having gossip spread about them. For most people, however, the greatest profit comes from thinking twice about what we say in reference to others, and keeping quiet unless we have something very kind and loving to say about them. At least that’s the way I see it.
There is something about gossip that is irresistible to us all. Deep within us there must be a gene that creates a curiosity about our onscreen public figures, and the odd lady that lives just around the corner. We have an indefatigable nosiness about the personal business of those around us, and a seemingly inexhaustible energy to listen in or add to the conversation. Early movie stars knew this; they exploited our natural need for neighbourly news in order to generate ticket sales, even at the cost of their own privacy.
It’s a strange thing, really. It’s one thing to know the intimate details of ones own family or circle of close friends. It’s perfectly natural to share some of those details about one another so long as they are true and they contribute to the other person’s well-being. That’s not gossip; that’s simply the normal course of getting to know each other and it’s perfectly healthy. Gossip, on the other hand, might be normal, but it’s not healthy. It diminishes the gossiper, the listener and the subject at hand. What’s more, since gossip is often second-hand information or sheer speculation, it’s wrong more often than it is right. Furthermore, people rarely share good gossip. It’s not very often that we hear about someone’s successes or joys. Instead, we usually hear about their woes, their miseries or how they cheated to get their joy and success.
Gossip does not please God. It does not please our creator when we talk about others without having the truth, a righteous cause and that person’s best interest at heart. Most of us have our own problems and issues with which to wrest and struggle. We’re better off talking to God or our a trusted confidant about how we might grow and improves rather than building up our egos by sharing how a neighbour has fallen down.
Some people make a great deal of profit from spreading gossip. Some people make a great deal of profit from having gossip spread about them. For most people, however, the greatest profit comes from thinking twice about what we say in reference to others, and keeping quiet unless we have something very kind and loving to say about them. At least that’s the way I see it.
May 16th
Part of a conversation overheard in a coffee shop recently: “I don’t throw it in the garbage, I leave it right on top for everybody to see. The extra five minutes exposure is worth it.” The gist of the talk was that it was worth doing just about anything, even setting garbage on top of a bin, to get more advertising. I guess that in a world in which every blank space, whether it’s by a highway or on an athlete’s cap, any and all exposure is good. I guess the world is just that competitive. Everybody selling something wants to get that product before your eyes. They want you to notice it, to remember it and to buy it. Even the placement of tins and boxes on grocery store shelves. The hotly contested spots are those that are right in front of the customer’s eyes, so that the product itself becomes its on advertising.
Maybe I should start advertising my Pensive Pastors. Just think of it: my image boldly emblazoned on billboards, magazines and T-shirts. Think of the possible readership! Think of the possible income! Think of folks leaving products with my name and slogan sitting on top of a garbage bin for an extra five minutes exposure. I think not. I think I’ll leave advertising my writings up to folks who like reading them, and other forms of promotion to folks who really need it.
Sometimes, however, I wonder about the church, that is the body of Christians throughout the world, and how we might better advertise the God we love so much. Sometimes I wonder that maybe we need a TV campaign, or billboards, or something, even a cup of coffee with God’s face...
...or maybe not.
God has a distinct way of promoting things that concern him. The very miracle of a Crocus breaking through the ground as soon as the ground is barely warm enough to sustain life speaks to His genius. A trusted friend reaching out to another in a Christ-like way promotes God’s mercy. A loving word of welcome to a stranger advertises God’s care for humanity. The signs are everywhere, if you know how to read them...
...and if you know how to be one.
God is not into shameless self-promotion. Neither are His followers. We are called, however, to share what we know about God, what we have learned from God, and what we have received from God, with all the world. Our very lives are the best and only advertisement God needs. When we care for another person and attribute that care to our Heavenly Creator, we do a better job of advertising than a thousand roadside billboards. When we speak up for the oppressed or stand against injustice because it is the right and holy thing to do, we promote God better than the slickest TV spot. When we forgive someone or show kindness to the least deserving person, we get more positive exposure than a thousand coffee cups left on a trash can. Nothing can draw people to God better than a life well lived and openly attributed to God. At least that’s the way I see it.
Maybe I should start advertising my Pensive Pastors. Just think of it: my image boldly emblazoned on billboards, magazines and T-shirts. Think of the possible readership! Think of the possible income! Think of folks leaving products with my name and slogan sitting on top of a garbage bin for an extra five minutes exposure. I think not. I think I’ll leave advertising my writings up to folks who like reading them, and other forms of promotion to folks who really need it.
Sometimes, however, I wonder about the church, that is the body of Christians throughout the world, and how we might better advertise the God we love so much. Sometimes I wonder that maybe we need a TV campaign, or billboards, or something, even a cup of coffee with God’s face...
...or maybe not.
God has a distinct way of promoting things that concern him. The very miracle of a Crocus breaking through the ground as soon as the ground is barely warm enough to sustain life speaks to His genius. A trusted friend reaching out to another in a Christ-like way promotes God’s mercy. A loving word of welcome to a stranger advertises God’s care for humanity. The signs are everywhere, if you know how to read them...
...and if you know how to be one.
God is not into shameless self-promotion. Neither are His followers. We are called, however, to share what we know about God, what we have learned from God, and what we have received from God, with all the world. Our very lives are the best and only advertisement God needs. When we care for another person and attribute that care to our Heavenly Creator, we do a better job of advertising than a thousand roadside billboards. When we speak up for the oppressed or stand against injustice because it is the right and holy thing to do, we promote God better than the slickest TV spot. When we forgive someone or show kindness to the least deserving person, we get more positive exposure than a thousand coffee cups left on a trash can. Nothing can draw people to God better than a life well lived and openly attributed to God. At least that’s the way I see it.
May 9th
Through the miracle of the lens, what is normally fuzzy becomes clear to the eyes. X-ray machines allow us to peer into the body in order to see the skeleton and other structures deep within. Special compounds applied to a surface, combined with special glasses placed over the eyes, permit crime investigators to see blood that is otherwise invisible. Fabricators use a certain chemical and a dedicated machine to allow them to detect fine cracks that could not be spotted with the naked eye.
Vision, you see, is relative: one sees according to what one is looking for. Criminal investigators and metal workers seek different ends, so they use different techniques in their work. It’s still vision, it’s still seeing something, but each one has their own agenda, their own particular end in mind. Normal folk do the same thing without using actual glasses, goggles or other vision assistance devices. Instead we use the filters within our own minds to pick and choose how and what we see.
Those filters are determined according to our personalities and our situation. The abused woman will look at a man differently from a member of the Masons. Principals and students have a polar opposite view of teachers. Dentists are seen as a person to fear by many folks, while vendors of dental supplies see them as a vital part of their business. It all depends on your point of view, on who you are, and who you’re dealing with. You can overlook a lot of faults in a beloved friend. That’s not necessarily the case when it’s someone who has a track record of hurting you.
God is the only one who sees us clearly all the time. His vision is perfect and perfectly unbiased. There are no favourites in His eyes, no one that is viewed as being a better or more desirable person. Instead He sees us as we are, faults and all and uses the same standard to judge us. He doesn’t put blinders on in order to miss someone’s mistake. He doesn’t choose to see certain sins in one person or group of people while completely ignoring them in another. Who and what we are is exactly who and what He sees, without bias or distortion.
Of course God would like to see us a certain way. God would love it if He could look at each and everyone of us, wherever we are in life, and see us as perfectly as what He had in mind when He imagined us. That’s not what he sees however. Yet in His perfectly unbiased way God still sees that perfect potential and through His forgiveness, gives us a chance to return to that most desirable of conditions. To put it another way, God sees beyond our dirty hands and faces to the pure beings He envisioned us to be. Then, when we ourselves realize how we look, He washes us clean so that we are again as perfect in His sight as in His imagination. We might not last that way too long, but that’s OK. God can see clear to tidying us up to be just as He first thought of us as often as we need it. At least that’s the way I see it.
Vision, you see, is relative: one sees according to what one is looking for. Criminal investigators and metal workers seek different ends, so they use different techniques in their work. It’s still vision, it’s still seeing something, but each one has their own agenda, their own particular end in mind. Normal folk do the same thing without using actual glasses, goggles or other vision assistance devices. Instead we use the filters within our own minds to pick and choose how and what we see.
Those filters are determined according to our personalities and our situation. The abused woman will look at a man differently from a member of the Masons. Principals and students have a polar opposite view of teachers. Dentists are seen as a person to fear by many folks, while vendors of dental supplies see them as a vital part of their business. It all depends on your point of view, on who you are, and who you’re dealing with. You can overlook a lot of faults in a beloved friend. That’s not necessarily the case when it’s someone who has a track record of hurting you.
God is the only one who sees us clearly all the time. His vision is perfect and perfectly unbiased. There are no favourites in His eyes, no one that is viewed as being a better or more desirable person. Instead He sees us as we are, faults and all and uses the same standard to judge us. He doesn’t put blinders on in order to miss someone’s mistake. He doesn’t choose to see certain sins in one person or group of people while completely ignoring them in another. Who and what we are is exactly who and what He sees, without bias or distortion.
Of course God would like to see us a certain way. God would love it if He could look at each and everyone of us, wherever we are in life, and see us as perfectly as what He had in mind when He imagined us. That’s not what he sees however. Yet in His perfectly unbiased way God still sees that perfect potential and through His forgiveness, gives us a chance to return to that most desirable of conditions. To put it another way, God sees beyond our dirty hands and faces to the pure beings He envisioned us to be. Then, when we ourselves realize how we look, He washes us clean so that we are again as perfect in His sight as in His imagination. We might not last that way too long, but that’s OK. God can see clear to tidying us up to be just as He first thought of us as often as we need it. At least that’s the way I see it.
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