Simplicity and Riding Bikes

Two weeks ago we were at the beach and rode bikes everywhere. In the morning we rode bikes to the general store for breakfast. We’d then ride the streets, in the shade of the trees, looking at the lavish beach homes. We’d stop by our condo to change into our swimsuits, getting back on our bikes to ride to the ocean.

There was a simplicity to it. Something not always familiar to my lifestyle in Atlanta. But I’m reminded of Richard Foster’s words on simplicity:

“The outer expression of simplicity must flow from the inner resources. It is learning to walk in the Spirit that builds the life of purity, unity, and grace. There is an inwardness that is central to our task; without it all is lost.” (Freedom of Simplicity)

Meaning, the joy known while riding the bikes was a taste of what can be known in any location, when a heart purges itself of complexities and anxiousness.

Tags: culture, faith

In Our Tricky Culture

The temporary becomes vital.

And the vital is ignored.

Tags: culture

Iphones and Meaning

My wife got an Iphone last week, subsequently I got her Blackberry. This all came about as my old flip phone finally died. Welcome to 2010, Russ. And as I drove away from the store, with my new phone (the Blackberry), a devise that is not an embarassment, I somehow felt more valid.

Things didn’t used to have this power. A hundred years ago, before consumer culture dominated our actions, things were things. Plastic and mental and aluminum that eventually wore down and broke. They didn’t have the power to grant feelings of meaning.

I can only imagine the day when I drive away from a store with an Iphone, the ultimate symbol of validity in our culture. I suppose I’ll feel super valid and current. Then a few weeks later it will inevitably become just my phone and I’ll need to buy something else.

Here’s a great article over at Q Ideas about these sorts of thoughts on consumerism and meaning. Here’s a teaser from the article:

“Before the reign of Queen Elizabeth, noble families were selective of their purchases; they reserved the consumption of goods only for items that would benefit the family’s name and legacy. New goods were not considered valuable, only old ones that stood the test of time. The change to enthusiastic spending by the nobles sparked a change in history — and in mentality — when items began to be purchased for personal meaning instead of family heritage. In other words, people began to consume goods in order to have value, specifically in the Queen’s court.” (Jason Locy)

Tags: culture, faith

Preoccupied With Being Liked

While we are to love everyone, we must be set free from needing others to like us. This drive to be liked actually preoccupies us and limits our ability to love. We hesitate to go into people’s worlds because we are so concerned about receiving definition of our own.

Imagine being free from other people’s approval.

I’m learning only the Creator can bring definition to the created. And the God who creates is also the God of love. Being defined by him frees us and propels us to love. Like I said, I’m learning this, I don’t have it mastered.

Fear and Ponies

We heard there was a free petting zoo, so we beared the heat and took my 2 year old, Josie, over to Lawson Stables in Sea Pines (Hilton Head Island). We saw the donkies and goats and pigs. We saw sheep and a llama. Josie touched their noses through the fences.

We sat on some stairs and watched a group of adults mount horses for a trail ride. Josie was constant, “Hawses, hawses, nay, nay.” She then saw two older girls riding ponies. It looked calmed and she immediately wanted to ride. I paid the $10 fee and put my two year old on the pony. I showed her where to hold on and we agreed I’d walk right beside her.

Just as the teenage girl led us onto the trail the pony smelled a used food bucket. He pulled his head down and stomped at it with his front legs. The teenage girl jerked his reigns and threw her shoulder into the pony. Panic came over Josie’s face. I quickly and calmly pulled Josie off the pony, and we watched the girl manhandle the pony.

“Josie, no ride,” she kept saying.

I told her it was ok and put her back on the pony. She didn’t yell or cry, but she certainly was unsure about my actions. I told her the pony got in trouble for not being obedient. She knows all about that and it seemed to register in her little mind. I held her hand the entire loop. She didn’t really smile until we got off the beast, and yes, it was a beast, at least to Josie. I guess in proportion it would be like me saddling a 13 foot monster.

I’m not sure she enjoyed the ride, but I know she need to get back on the pony. I want her to look fear in the face and claim it has no right in her life. Perhaps the pony is the beginning of such a life. At least it gives us something to talk about.

Tags: faith, family

Evaluating Life

Just a tip: Don’t ever evaluate your life when you’re tired.

I tried this two weeks ago, after a week of traveling and preaching and writing. I was exhausted and decided my life was pointless. I went to sleep quite depressed. I slept ten glorious hours. I woke up and my life was great again.

This is why God created the Sabbath. We need rest.

No Gratitude from a Begger

Last week I was filling my car up at the BP near my house. My wife and I have a standard rule to not give money to anyone who asks while at the BP. Mainly because the folks managing the BP don’t want you to, and there is always someone asking, and it’s a guarantee you’re being worked.

For some reason, probably a fear of becoming a greedy jerk, I gave $2 to a lady last week. It was Sunday morning and she was dressed up and had no money for gas to get to church (I know, good story…). I gave her the $2. She looked down at it, back at me, and said, “$2, my church is down by the airport.”

As the giver that didn’t resonate with me well.

My response, “Maam, the first words out of your mouth should be thank you. Nothing else. Just thank you.”

Lesson #1: Don’t give money away at the BP.
Lesson #2: Remember to say thank you.

Gratitude

I got several emails about the post last week – “repaying grace.” The thoughts from the emails can be summed up in this statement…While no true gift giver wants to be repaid, they do want to be thanked.

God is no different. Biblically, gratitude is both a command and a response. I think at times we choose it and other times we find ourselves already there. It ends up being a healthy place for the one being thankful. It is very difficult to be discontent and thankful.

Tags: faith

A Week at the Beach

Sorry for the lack of posts. I was at the beach. Yes, I was sunning and doing nothing. It was great. We went to Hilton Head with my wife’s parents.

Let me make a yuppie confession – I love Hilton Head.

So, I sat in a beach chair, sunglasses and hat on, watching my little two year old, Josie, run in and out of the waves. Brave little girl. Fearless (more on that in the next few days). So as I sat there, loving the beach and my family, I kept thinking of the renowned quote of C.S. Lewis:

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Tags: faith

Repaying Grace

My uncle has given me some great gifts over the course of my life. So has my mom and my Granny and my in-laws.

As a lifetime recipient of such gifts I’ve learned that these people don’t want to be repaid. And to attempt it would steal the joy they receive in the giving. If duty for repayment is a part of the transaction the graciousness turns to business. I do think some people use their money for control, wanting people to feel indebted to them. But greater people give because they love.

For years I thought I needed to pay God back for my redemption. He did all this for me, what would I do for him, but as I began to understand the nature of giving I began to see the Giver is hurt when repayment is attempted.

Tags: grace