My friend is in the middle of a difficult workplace situation. He’s torn between pleasing his boss and certain career decisions that must be made. It rips his heart to have to be in the middle of a no-win situation. He’s losing sleep, anxious over the turbulence and disruption. I didn’t mean to dismiss the situation, but I asked, “In the end, in the final scheme of all things important, in light of eternity, where will this rank?” I have been... Read more
) Oscar Meyer has found a way to get down to the pure basics in life. They recently announced that actor Josh Sankey will travel the length of the country loaded with a trailer full of 3,000 pounds of bacon. His journey will make stops in 12 American cities and he’ll go without any form of currency, including debit or credit cards. He’ll have to barter his way for gas, motels and resturants. You can follow Josh herehere. You can... Read more
The key to the front door is now in the hands of strangers. They’re probably moving boxes in, thinking about what color to paint the walls, adjusting the couch against the front window just so. It’s an odd feeling. Mom died last year. Dad 10 months prior. The little yellow house in the woods kept the reality of their passing at bay. Now, it’s real. There was something about that house that was a lingering reminder of their life. Although... Read more
What’s important to me? There are some things that come right off the top of my head. Relationships with my family, my walk with God, friends, church and work. And there are the secondary things. Will my retirement be around when I’m ready to leave work? Will my car make it through another winter? And then there is another level: Will the washer need to be replaced? Will I be able see my kids for the holidays? Will I need... Read more
There’s one word that marks my life. It’s the word, “no.” Trying to live the disciplined life is a constant struggle that primarily centers around denial. It’s the method taught to me for decades first from my parents, later from the pulpit, and then from family members mesmerized by the lure of legalism. The true mark of obedience, as the thinking goes, is to simply say “no.” With any diet, you’ll find a whole list of no-nos. Less transfats means cutting... Read more
Jody Collins is guest posting today, on this Labor Day. She is giving her memories on her first job. Jody blogs at Three Way Light. She’s a retired teacher and married for 39 years, so she has scads of experience in wisdom. I was born and raised in Southern California, and for many years lived within fireworks-watching-distance of Disneyland.The summer I was 15-going-on-16, (the oldest of 5 children), my mother became a single parent. It was 1968; she was barely... Read more
Like many of you, I’m generally right on the edge for getting to work. I sit down at my desk with little time to spare. Mornings speed by too quickly and I make a beeline to the office.For years now, I’ve driven right past an exit marked, “scenic overlook.” I’ve never really been concerned about what I was missing, after all, there are places to go and precious little time to get there. But one day, I was actually a early... Read more
The long, winding road toward eternity is often filled with potholes and pitfalls, disappointment and despair. It’s fraught with unmet promises, unfaithful friends, and sadness. But not every step in the journey is difficult. In fact, most are light and easy and joyous. But when the road narrows and the fear creeps in, suddenly you wonder. “Should I turn back.” There’s still a distant light that beckons me The road can be a lonely one. Friends will disappoint. Lifetime partners can abandon... Read more
I must confess that I have an aversion to the term, “pursuit of happiness” and I bristle when people use it to justify their behavior. Happiness, although thrown into the Bill of Rights by Thomas Jefferson, is not really a Christian imperative. We act like it is – using it as an excuse to leave a spouse, to buy unnecessary possessions,or to gorge ourselves at the buffet line of life. I am a “happy” person – and I consider my outlook... Read more
We live in a cynical world. Just look at the level of snarkiness, distrust and complaint at every level. The political stage is ugly, but it doesn’t stop there. The online world is full of anonymous typists who spill destructive words by the millions. I’ve received a few myself. Civility is a lost quality, as people push in front of others in lines, zip from lane to lane on freeways, and freely curse complete strangers. I have worked with a self-appointed critic, a... Read more
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