The Speed of Dark

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in the land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
—Isaiah 9:2

This is the season of lights in the northern hemisphere. As the days shorten and darkness comes earlier, colorful lights bravely shine as if to make the darkness easier to bear, to make it friendlier and less daunting.

Light does that: it drives the darkness away.

The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second. Pretty fast stuff! So when you turn the lights out at night, how long does it take for darkness to appear? In other words, what is the speed of dark?

Is it the same as light: 186,000 miles per second? Actually darkness has no speed. It simply is the absence of light. In other words, darkness is always present, it is the default of light. It is instantaneous.

The Fullness of Time

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman.
—Galatians 4:4

Waiting is not something most people do very well. You probably never took a course called “How to Wait 101”! Yet it is a life skill you must master, or it masters you! Waiting is, at times, something that you tolerate, endure, or maybe even embrace with hope and promise.

Waiting has the power to slow down the march of time so seconds seem as hours, days seem as weeks, and weeks like months. It is that space between anticipation and realization that we each experience to some degree every day. Stop lights, phone calls, standing in line to get an elevator, waiting for a diagnosis, waiting for word on the outcomes of surgery, lab test or x-ray.

When you wait, it seems that everyone around you could have the answer, so you hopefully look to them for help…for a while.

What Do Angels Say?

Shepherds were watching their flocks by night…suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and they were terribly frightened but the angel said….
—Luke 2:8-10

Ever heard an angel speak?

The Christmas story is full of angels. Gabriel is perhaps the busiest; speaking with so many different folk as noted by Dr. Luke in the first chapters of his gospel.

What do angels say? Ask Zachariah, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, or a hillside of sleepy shepherds...they will tell you what angels say! 

“Fear not!”
“Don’t be afraid!”
“Don’t be frightened!”

Tell me a story about…

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
—Hebrews 2:1

It seems that whenever friends and family gather, stories naturally appear. They usually start with something like: “I remember…” or “Remember when…” or “How about the time….”

I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend! Cathy and I certainly did as two of our daughters joined us from Washington, D.C. We had a great time!

It is always fun to watch a story emerge in a conversation, particularly when you know some of the history and have the opportunity to set it up like at lunch on Saturday with some dear friends who also shared history.

Got Attitude?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:5-7

Attitude abounds these days! You see it on the drive into work each day. You see it on the news each night. You get it from your kids, your friends, your patients, even your fellow employees and physician partners.

Attitude abounds…because people are everywhere!

Attitude is not good or bad; it is simply the way you approach life. So everything you get, every interaction you have is filled with — and driven by — attitude!

Now before you run out of your building thinking there is no hope, realize that it is our current culture that has framed “attitude” as a negative thing as in the response to a smart comment: “Don’t give me attitude!”

Attitude is how you look at life, at yourself, at your work, at your relationship with others, and how you look at God.

A cheerful giver!

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
—Colossians 3:17

It won’t cost you a penny but it is priceless!

Your credit cards are useless, because no store on earth trades in this commodity!

It is more precious than gold, oil or diamonds and cannot be mined, drilled or manufactured.

You can’t buy it, yet the world is hungering for it. Your family is desperate to receive their daily portion.

It has the power to transform the present into a future of possibilities, to turn a frown upside down, to bring strength to tired limbs.

It can’t be found at CVS or Walgreens.

What is it? Giving thanks to one another and God!

11.11.11. Lest we forget!

Ninety three years ago this coming Friday, the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, peace was achieved ending the Great and terrible war, World War I. A war unlike any other, in which atrocities abounded and 13 million were killed in a titanic struggle for freedom. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in this war and all other wars.

Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day was initially noted a two minute period of silence during which everyone, everywhere stopped what they were doing to remember. It was also the time when the Allied nations brought back the remains of their Unknown Soldier and interred them with full military honors in their respective national shrines; Westminster Abbey in London, Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Most other allied nations adopted the tradition of entombing unknown soldiers. In 1921 we interred our Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. Go there, visit and remember.

We are asked to remember, lest we forget, lest we presume that freedom is the default reality of our world, that kindness is natural, and peace a given.

It ain’t over till it’s over

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 3:13-14

While Yogi Berra is credited with the aphorism in the title of this post, you have experienced it firsthand. Believing there was no chance for a positive outcome, you said to yourself “This thing is over!” … even before it was final.

You may well have said to yourself as you worked on a new project, helped raise funds for your church or a local charity, wrestled with a job, or struggled with a relationship only to realize that it wasn’t over at all! You emerged more than a victor; you learned something important…never give up!

The St. Louis Cardinals did it last Thursday night with their backs against the World Series wall, down three games to the Texas Rangers. Twice in Game 6, they were down to their last strike; twice they were one swing from losing it all. But they realized they were also one swing from winning it all.

The color of hope

…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
—Isaiah 40:31

Ever seen the fall colors up north? Even though they herald the cold and struggle of winter, they speak of hope. The brilliant red, yellow, orange leaves, the muted brown and falling leaves bespeak the coming winter, yet are framed against the indomitable, verdant, never-muted green of the pine and spruce trees.

A statement of hope in the colors of fall!

There is another color of fall that speaks of hope! It adorned the plaza and bodies of thousands of folk at the St. Pete Times Forum as people of hope took to the streets in the annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk on Saturday, October 22. Pink was everywhere!

Tilt!

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
—Proverbs 21:5

Flashing lights, ringing bells as the score rolls up, the rolling steel ball and the sound of it ricocheting off the scoring posts…that is pinball.

My friends played pinball a lot. They got really competitive and spent lots of money just for bragging rights. If they played too aggressively however; the pinball machine would ring and flash the word TILT! — an indication that someone was doing too much and the game was shutting down.

TILT! Ever had that happen to you? Maybe not playing pinball …. maybe just by living at such a busy pace, the next thing puts you into overload … TILT! and the game starts shutting down. Health, relationships, headaches are all signs of TILT! in your life.

It's all about the smell

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
—Proverbs 27:9

Fresh warm apple pie or fresh bread right out of the oven. I know you smell them right now as you read this! They evoke warm and comfortable memories!

How about Charlie, Ysatis, Code, maybe even Brut…remember how they smell? They too evoke a certain response; real time or memory time doesn’t matter. The fragrance of life and relationship is very important.

A lesson from the hive: Honey bees communicate all the time and direct their hive and activities largely through fragrance or smell. Pheromones to be exact; chemical fragrances given off to direct behavior or even change physiology. Amazing that through a releaser-pheromone scent, behavior changes in foraging, swarming, egg laying, and stinging. Through a primer-pheromone scent, physiology is changed to prevent worker bees from laying eggs or to slow the aging of nursery bees. Primer pheromones change the physiology of the recipient. Releaser pheromones change the behavior of the recipient. Releaser pheromones have a short-term effect and they trigger an almost immediate behavioral response from the receiving bee.

The journey continues!

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 3:13-14

Something special happened last week when the trustees, physician partners, employees and community leaders gathered to honor the changing of the guard, as University Community Health became Florida Hospital Tampa Bay Division.

Something special happened the day after the change and something special will continue to happen each day when you stop, look and listen to the call. The call started in the early 1960s as the dream for UCH emerged. The call to excellence and commitment to community and caring that has guided UCH these many years now will be part of the Tampa Bay Division as together we now express the mission as "Extending the healing ministry of Christ."

What’s in a name?

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.—Proverbs 22:1

Names are interesting aren’t they? Some selected for historical reason, others because of what they represent, still others totally different for "different’s" sake.

Some interesting names are those of towns in Florida: Howey In The Hills, Two Egg, Port Lonesome. Each has a story, like Two Egg, so named because during the depression a family would barter two eggs for sugar twice a week. It became a witty saying and it stuck!

Family names are quite similar, as last names can have many meanings: The name of the area lived in, task performed, family lineage.

On being family

This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit.
—Lamentations 1:16

Your first instinct on that day 10 years ago was to check on your loved ones, near and far. I did it as well. Living in Washington, DC, there was much to check on. Moer than 3,000 church members, 2,000 college students, and about 1,000 academy and elementary students, all aware of the disaster and many nowhere near family.

Who comforts you when family is not around?

The thousands caught in the midst of chaos in New York City were separated from family and friends. Dr. Steven Henkind, now of the AHS Medical Informatics division, walked out of the first tower as the first plane struck. In the ensuing chaos and subsequent collapse of both towers he described how people became family to one another and cared for total strangers. He described giving his dying cell phone to a gentleman so he could call his family; reviving a woman who had collapsed amidst the swirling debris, and simply holding her hand despite the chaos reminding her she would be ok.

Who comforts you when family is not around?

Moving Day

I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us.
—Philippians 3:13-14 TLB

Boxes and packing tape…bed frames and mattresses…dish boxes and packing paper…and packing tape…desks, chairs, tools, pictures, books, computers, wardrobe boxes and packing tape…hangers and shoes and packing tape and more shoes and more books!

It takes a lot to move a family.

We spent this past weekend helping friends move in after a long trip from California. Moving is at once tough, exciting, reflective and filled with hope.

How much longer?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have worries in my heart?...Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
—Psalms 13:2-3

"Dad, is this thing over yet? How much longer?"

That was the question early yesterday morning from the Arlington, VA, area, asked by our daughter as she and her husband dealt with Hurricane Irene in the home they had purchased just Friday! Without power — as were about two million others on the eastern seaboard — they just wanted to know how much longer Irene would be around. It had been 18 hours already.

"Is it over yet? How much longer?" You asked that as a child when you got your first vaccines or watched a scary movie. You asked it when you went through your first storm. You asked it when you had to sit through an interminable program (like a graduation). You asked it when you sat with your sick child. You ask it of the economic mess our country is in now.

"Is it over yet? How much longer?" You want to know so you can muster the energy to cope, to keep a realistic view of what is happening. But you need someone to tell you, someone who knows what you don’t know, who can see what you can’t see.

Where did the summer go?

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1

School starts tomorrow for the students, parents, and teachers of Hillsborough County. Each year it seems students like the rest of us struggle with one of the most basic of educational lessons: time management.

All the plans of what you would do seem a distant memory facing the reality of life; "tempus fugit" … time flees!

Whether in your personal world or clinical world, time not only flees but flies. Projects to be started get replaced with by other more "urgent" things. Often the urgent things could have been delegated to another or rescheduled, but too frequently, you assume you have to do get it done yourself. And then find yourself asking the question: "Where did the time go?"

How you use your time is your choice. Referees call it, prisoners keep it, musicians mark it, historians record it, loafers kill it, statisticians keep it, daydreamers waste it, procrastinators need more of it. Busy people run out of it!

A dose of you!

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
—Deuteronomy 31:8

Late one night, many years ago, Cathy and I went into our daughter’s room; she was about 7 at the time and sick with a cold and fever.

"Here is a dose of medicine that will help you feel better!" I said.

She looked at me and said; "I don’t want the medicine, I want a dose of you and Mummy. Will you please stay in my room till I go to sleep?"

A dose of you!

You have each experienced this request in one form or another…a child, a friend, family member, a co-worker, even a physician partner. "Will you stay a bit? What I really need is a 'dose of you,' your voice, your thoughts, your presence!"

When you realize their need and are present to them, not as a functionalist (one performing a task), but as the unique and gifted person you are, something special happens when listening and caring transform the moment.

Love went over the edge

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
—1 Corinthians 13:13

I was putting a shelf on the top of a built-in piece of furniture so we could display some of our collection of wooden ducks and loons. Cathy always places a large wood cutout word like FAITH. LOVE, HOPE up there as well. As I was setting up the shelf, LOVE went sliding towards the wall and slipped all the way down between the built-in and the wall. Impossible to get with any ease!

"Love just went over the edge!" I hollered to Cathy.

"Well, get it back will you?" she instructed.

Get love back! Isn’t that the desire of so many hearts? Some speak it out loud, others quietly pine, but all live out their hope of getting love back. Whether we know it or not the longings of our hearts all seek the real source of love. At many points in life’s journeys each of us want to get love back.

Who is #1?

Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called 'friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.
—Luke 22:25-26
Everyone wants to be #1 sometime. Whether in school with test results, or competing in sports and winning first prize, being number one is fun stuff. The western economy is built around the premise that everyone wants to be #1; cars, apparel, skin softener, mascara, even pet food is marketed to appeal to the owner’s ego!

The messages of the market place are that you are #1 or could be with a little…

The message of scripture is that you are created on purpose, with a future and a hope, and that your calling is to be much more than #1…you are called to serve and thereby invite others to see that being #1 is not where it is at.

Frères Jacques!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.
—Ezekiel 36:26

In Canada where my wife and I grew up, this was the opening line to the French song all children learned. It asks Brother John if he is sleeping as the morning bells are ringing: "Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques, Dormez vous? Dormez vous? Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines…"

Your first foray into a different tongue may have been "La Cucaracha" about the cockroach that couldn’t walk: "La cucaracha, la cucaracha, Ya no puede caminar, Porque no tiene, porque le falta, Las dos patitas de atrás."

Whatever your introduction was, I hope you continued learning a "new tongue!" Twenty six percent of American adults report that they could hold a conversation in a second language!

Who let the dogs out?

The Glory of God is a person fully alive.
—St. Ireneaus 2nd Century AD

Depending on how the question was asked, it usually meant someone was in trouble because the dogs being dogs were doing doggie things!

Oscar, Squire, Ripley, Finnegan, or Piper could be counted on to do 100% doggie things!

Not created to stay indoors all the time, but built to run, sniff, explore, and play, the dogs will look you in the eye every time and ask:

"Please let me out!"

"Please throw the ball!"

"Please let me get one good sniff in before I have to go back!"

Created to be fully alive, yet stuck inside, in a kennel, or the back seat of a car going somewhere they have no interest in going!

How about you?

CAPS LOck KEy!

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to get rid of your old self,… to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self.
—Ephesians 4:21-24

At least once a day I hit it unknowingly, only TO LOOK UP AND REALIZE THAT CAPS LOCK HAS BEEN ACTIVATED and now I have to re-type everything over again.

Few computer keys have the power to frustrate like the CAPS LOCK. "Enter" is fun because it makes things happen, "Control-Alt-Delete" is my power trip as it gives me the opportunity to tell Windows a thing or two. Well…at least try!

But CAPS LOCK sneaks up and ruins a great typing run. It can take reasonable words and make them appear like I am YELLING AT THE PERSON TO WHOM I am writing.

When I least expect it or need it…I hit the CAPS LOCK key.

What is past is prologue

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
—Eccl 1:9

You will find these words, "What is past is prologue," carved into the facade of the National Archives building in Washington DC. The place where our history is sheltered, studied, and restudied. A quotation from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this phrase has been interpreted by some to mean: “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

A more scholarly reflection describes it this way: Before archivists as a profession can write their prologue for the next century, they need to understand better their own past. What is Past is Prologue: A History of Archival Ideas Since 1898, and the Future Paradigm Shift by Terry Cook http://www.mybestdocs.com/cookt-pastprologue-ar43fnl.htm

I grew up in Canada, and almost four years ago had, with my wife, the honour of becoming American citizens. In reflecting on the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, we recalled the trials of our country as we saw them from north of the border in the early 70’s. Times then were challenging: wars, economic struggles, an energy crisis; all kinds of challenges faced these United States then as they do today.

I remember hearing the broadcast in 1973 by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian radio journalist, entitled simply The Americans. I have copied it below as the past was indeed prologue in many instances. Equally, the hope and the character of the people of this land is prologue to the way in which we will meet the challenges of the future.

Root beer, ice cream and a go-to guy!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
—1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

It was 82 degrees outside and it was only 9:30…at night. The humidity made you feel like a wet blanket but it was the summer solstice—June 21, the first day of summer. Summers in Tampa have a certain reputation that intimidates folk like me who have yet to experience the joy of August’s full embrace. I am however intrigued when my new friends here just grin as they say, "This is your first summer isn’t it?"!

To make the start of summer special, the hospital's Employees' Activities Committee (EAC) planned root beer floats for everyone. I served so well during the afternoon shift that I got to take a big cart around to the units that evening.

You have no idea how much joy a guy with an ice-cream/soda cart can bring to hard working associates! But it was much more than the floats!

100 years old on Father’s Day

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
—Exodus 20:12

Have you ever picked out a birthday card for someone who was going to be 100 years old?

For obvious reasons, there aren’t many of them, but Cathy and I found one this weekend. Once we had the card, we took it to the checkout counter, and the lady said, "You must being going to Louie’s party!"

"How did you know?" we asked.

"He is in here each day visiting and laughing with all of us. We just love him."

I met Louie later that day and although small and stooped in stature, he was bigger than life.

You gotta get in the water

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
—Matthew 7:7-8

Have you ever lost something of real value? Paycheck, wallet, car title, birth certificate, wedding license, wedding ring? Do you remember the sense of dread that overwhelmed you? The frantic desire to look everywhere? The frustration of discovering it was nowhere to be found? Or the overwhelming joy of finding the lost?

I tease my wife by saying that I never lose my stuff. Instead of thinking things are lost; I choose to always know where my stuff is. Such as knowing that the car keys are in the house … I just can’t put my hands on them!

One day at the dock I fell and hit the railing that stripped my wedding ring from my finger. Up in the air it went and when it came down it was 20 feet away in 26 feet of dark murky water. It all happened in slow motion. As I lay on the dock transfixed by the growing ring of ripples left where my ring entered the harbor murk I realized then if I was to find it that I must make it "bigger." So I grabbed a screw driver and tied on a length of line and tossed it to the center of the ring of ripples hoping that if I could find the screw driver, I could also find my ring.

My ring wasn’t lost…I knew exactly where it was…the bottom of the harbor. I just couldn’t put my hands on it.

You talkin’ to me?!

Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.
—1 Samuel 3:9

"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?"

So goes the line made famous by Robert De Niro in the movie Taxi Driver. However it isn’t just a line in a movie. No this is a fundamental question of life and any who live it… Who is talking to me? Of all the voices you hear in the course of a day who is really TALKING to YOU?

You go about your day doing your best to help those in your charge, to lead the best you can and make the best decisions possible all the while building the folk up and treating them as you would wish to be treated. Your focus is on them. You set aside the matters of your own heart in order to be present and do your best for them. Yet sometimes in the midst of your caring, serving, meeting, or working, they say something that seems to connect, to go to the heart of the matter you had been holding in for so long yet they knew nothing about it at all.

What do these stones mean?

In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, "What do these stones mean?" tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us…He did this so you might always fear the LORD your God.
—Joshua 4:21-24

It is Memorial Day 2011. This is the weekend that marks summer’s beginning and, more importantly, when we as a nation are invited to remember the past as we consider the future; to remember the horror of war, to honor those who served at their county’s request and died in the defense of freedom.

It is a time to remember the lessons of the past, the values, the history, which hopefully will teach us so we can embrace a more confident and fulfilling future.

So what were you doing this weekend? Beach? Concert? Did you watch the Indy 500 or the Coca-Cola 600? Did you go on a picnic? I hope amidst all the entertaining and fun things that you took time to remember and reflect.

I do this by going to a graveyard or a war memorial and ask the question: "What do these stones mean?"

I’m so right, I can’t be wrong!

Test everything. Hold on to the good.
—1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Ever met someone who was convinced of their "rightness"? Do you remember the power of their conviction, the refuting of questions, if they listened to you, or the "damn the torpedos, full speed ahead" attitude that compelled or intimidated you into following? Sales people practice this well, busy people do it all the time, arrogant people don’t know anything different.

Ever been that kind of person?

Being passionate about your position, belief or conviction is not a bad thing at all. In fact this is what you are given as the very drive that brings change to all aspects of your life and your world.

Right people, right place, right time!

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesperson to the world.
—Jeremiah 1:5

Ever wondered about the daily grind, the challenges that seem to always be right in your face, the endless tasks and where they all lead to?

Ever felt like packing it in, doing something else, something easier, less demanding?

Ever wonder if you are up to the task at hand?

I sure have...many times in my years of service. Wondered, but by God’s strength persevered, struggled and came out the other side tired, sometimes spent but smiling!

Before Google, there was Mum!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
—Proverbs 3:5-6

There is something about your Mum! Only she could know who was sneaking in late just by the sound of your steps on the stairs. Only a Mum could change a diaper, talk on the phone, and cook supper at the same time. Economic stimulus…mother could make a penny cry for mercy, quadrupling its value with coupons and sales. She was the comforter for disappointed test results, the consoler for love requited, and the encourager for anything your dreams called you to embrace…as long as it was safe!

Somehow she could help you with calculus and geography, literature and sonnets, history and presidents. She knew that pie was both edible and a key component in figuring out the properties of a circle. She was our Google. But she was so much more, because in her presence you found comfort and hope, not just a menu of interesting factoids. Every answer she provided was tailor made, with a bit of counsel or encouragement woven in. When was the last time you searched Google and had an answer that said, "You are on the right track, keep going, you can do it!"?

A Prince, a Princess, and Prayer

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light.
—1 Peter 2:9-10

Once upon a time there was a handsome prince and a beautiful commoner … and so begins the story that recently captured the attention of the people of the world.

Ever wondered why you weren’t born into royalty? It is the desire of each young heart to be special, to stand out and be respected, to experience the attention of the many. May older hearts have the same desire.

I well remember the wedding of Prince William’s parents and thinking, "They are so fortunate, that simply being born into Royalty brings with it all the stuff I wish I had." I confess that because it is the lot of each of us to have an "envy" seed. A seed that if it takes root, changes your life from the sunshine of being thankful for what you have, into the darkness of a bitter scavenging, cynical attitude of entitlement. An attitude that centers on self and does not consider the needs of others.

Being There

But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
—Psalms 22:19

Ever been alone in a crowd? People coming and going, busy chatting or working on something important, yet no one connects with you and there you are, all alone in a crowd.

It happens more than we might think as with text messaging, cell phones, iPods... we can be totally connected with those not present, yet miss the very person right in front of us!

Living History

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!"
—John 12:12-13

What did you do this past weekend? The weather certainly invited outdoor activities, work around the home, and time with friends. Perhaps you took time for worship or an afternoon’s sports event.

One thing I did this weekend was to look back in the past and see what others did years ago. I find looking back really helps me get today in perspective and look forward to tomorrow.

Saying the Right Thing

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
—Proverbs 15:23 NLT

How many times have you thought to yourself after a conversation or meeting: "If only I had said this or that?"

How many times have you left a patient and thought of something you could have said that might have helped them understand a bit better, or clear up some questions or worries they had?

We often have moments that are begging for the right thing to be said. Sometimes that takes courage, other times it takes wisdom, but it always takes compassion to say whatever it is in the right spirit.

I am thankful for those who speak a fitting word at the right time and in the right place.

As Americans, when we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we remind ourselves and others of our values and beliefs as a nation; that we are "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all." What a humbling responsibility to live out these values each day in our lives.

No Room at the Other Inn!

To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
—Mark 12:33

Ever found yourself having to be in three places at once? Have you ever had to call ahead to tell the kids you were running late? Ever missed an appointment because you were too preoccupied with the others of the day?

The clutter in our closets, supply drawers, or stock room pale in comparison to the clutter in our appointment book…you know that PDA (Personal Data Application) that rules your life!

For some reason as you find yourself seeking to be industrious, productive and helpful, only to find that the treadmill always goes faster and you are worn out just thinking of all you have scheduled to do!

Is that the best way to live out your day? Rushing hither and yon? Carl Jung said: "Busyness is not of the devil. It is the devil himself."

Keeping you so focused on what is the NEXT thing to do, that you are not able to consider, what is the IMPORTANT thing you to do. Considering the important thing too often happens too late in the game.

No Room at the Inn

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
—Heb 12:1

Airlines charge you for them. Therapists help you deal with them. Relationships or work can often suffer because you have too much of them. Homes are frequently overflowing into storage lockers because of them.

What is it? Excess baggage!

What strikes me as odd is that we hang onto it with zeal, paying up to $125 for the privilege of flying that third bag of stuff! Or, as Cathy and I experienced recently in our move to Tampa from Kansas, we had boxes, sealed and safely stored that had been packaged up in Ohio 11 years ago when we moved to Washington, D.C., and never opened but diligently moved to Tampa!

Making it new!

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
—Lamentations 3:22-23

It was a wonderful gift — a crescent moon on a ceramic base that when wound up played "When You Wish Upon a Star" — the delight and treasure of Martha, then two years old. Every night she’d wind it up and go to sleep listening to the familiar and comforting tune.

Then the horrible happened: the ceramic moon hit the hardwood floor and we had star dust.

Crying as she gathered the pieces, she ran to find me sobbing, "Daddy can you make it new again…can you fix Mr. Moon?"

When the Earth Gives Way and the Seas Overwhelm

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way.
—Psalms 46:2

When tragedy strikes, the first thought of caring people is; “How can I help?”

The first act of help is often a prayer: “Lord help them, be not far from them, Lord help me to help them somehow, someway.”

The world has responded in remarkable fashion, despite the challenges all face. When trouble strikes others, our woes and our problems take a back seat to their critical needs. We gladly set self aside to support those struggling with such travesty.

The Fan Cam

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
—Proverbs 15:30

It catches you totally by surprise and when it does, smiles, cheers, grins, joy spontaneously erupt! Children or grandparents, tired parents, or weary tourists all react the same when the "Fan Cam" catches them.

Whoever developed this idea of focusing on individuals in the midst of a crowd brilliantly highlights the innate need each of us have to be recognized.

We took our Canadian brother and sister-in-law to see the Montreal Canadiens play the Tampa Bay Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum. There were about 18,000 fans, a lot of them travelers from Canada. A gathering of friendly strangers that was transformed by the "Fan Cam" into what felt like a family reunion!

The Nominees Are...

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.
—Luke 16:10

Red carpet conversations, borrowed jewels on actors, shallow comments considered profound by the watching masses, who wears which designer, who looks best. Welcome to the Academy Awards—the annual festival of fashion that reminds me each year of who the real heroes of life are. They don’t walk red carpets!

When I think of people deserving an award, it has nothing to do with how much money they raised at the "Box Office" or whether or not they had the best musical score accompanying their daily work, or whether they had the best dressed award for daily style.

No. While interesting and entertaining, the Academy Awards have little to do with our daily lives.

Taking a good look!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
—Psalms 139:23-24 TLB

When was the last time you took a good look at life; family, health, finances, work or the future?

It isn’t always an easy thing to do nor is it necessarily fun! I have at times the unique ability to look and look and see the same thing over and over. I also have at times the ability to explain in what I think is unassailable logic why some things cannot change.

I don’t know about you, but I find that having another set of trusted eyes is most helpful. The other set of eyes help me to see not only what is but what can be!

Every Relationship Begins with "R"

Show respect for everyone. Love your brothers and sisters. Fear God.
—1 Peter 2:17

Aretha caught our attention: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me…"

So what does it mean? According to the dictionary, respect looks like this:

re⋅spect (noun): esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: "I have great respect for her judgment"

The Superlative Bowl!

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
—1 Peter 3:8-9

Did you have a fun time with friends last evening watching the "Super Bowl?" My wife and I certainly did as we enjoyed the friendly banter, the commercials, the game, and time with new friends.

What is "super" about the "Super Bowl" other than what we call it? Here are a few interesting facts: the average NFL salary is $770,000, the price of a 30 second commercial has dropped recently to $2,600,000, the viewing audience numbers some 106,000,000, the attendance was 103,219, the winning team members each got a bonus of $88,000, and the losing team each got $44,000. These might qualify for a title with a superlative!

Markers in Time

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
—Psalms 118:24

It was only 25 years ago that America witnessed the first space shuttle disaster as the Challenger disintegrated before our eyes 73 seconds into her flight. Gone were the people who, moments earlier, had waved a confident good bye at the launch pad.

Do you remember where you were when you heard of it or saw the news videos? I know exactly where I was…at the church facilitating a meeting of hospital directors.

Chaucer and the Desk Clerk

A word fitly spoken is as lovely as a golden apple in a silver basket.
—Proverbs 25:11

What do nine inches of snow, three days of 14-degree weather, and a stuck semi trailer all add up to? An amazing adventure in moving; that if we had known it all from the beginning might have made us wait another month!

Add to this four hours of winching the semi up the snow-covered road, and then add eight hours of driving with two dogs, a trailer, and my wife in white-out blizzard conditions. Cathy provided an extra sharp set of eyes and encouraging words all the way!

Let Freedom Ring!

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.
—Luke 4:18

On this day each year, our nation honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was more than 47 years ago that he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. You may have stood on those very steps when you visited Washington, D.C. He called the nation to let freedom ring:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.'"

"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, 'My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.'"

You're on the Fridge!

Never stop praying!
—1 Thessalonians 5:17

It is the family communication center, hall of fame, and bulletin board with messages, shopping lists, homework, photos, and other forms of art adorning its metal exterior.

The fridge does more than keep food cold, it keeps hearts warm!

The King’s Speech

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land where death casts its shadow a light has dawned."
—Matthew 4:16

His father, who had courageously led England through World War I, passed away a year ago. His older brother had abdicated the throne, choosing heart over kingdom. George VI, the younger brother, the reluctant leader, was now king, facing a Second World War, a kingdom in need of leadership and inspiration in the face of daunting challenges. George VI had a huge personal challenge, as he stammered so badly he dreaded public speaking, struggling to make himself understood.

His wife, later known as the greatly beloved Queen Mother, encouraged him to engage the help of a speech therapist to overcome his impediment. Exercise sessions, breath control, enunciation all resulted in a remarkable gift that helped lead the kingdom of England through their darkest days.

But the lesson was more than learning to overcome his challenges; it was about trust.