The comfort zone

There will come a time and place when you're asked to do something that puts you in a place of discomfort. Maybe the tension is because it's something you disagree with or perhaps it's something that extends you beyond your comfort zone. There are only two repsonses to this kind of questions, yes and no. If the proposition is something you don't agree with, say no. If it is something that you are doing out of duty, say no. If it is something that you have a passion for, but are unsure of the outcome, say yes. If it is something that you want to learn more about, say yes.

The temporary discomfort that comes from the journey outside your confort zone is a fair trade off for the rewards of doing something new or different. Passion for something is a much a better gift than talent. People respond to passion, but they watch talent. Talent can be developed, but passion comes from within. Passion is a catalyst for movement. Doing something out of duty gets the job done, but there is no satisfaction. When I have a checklist of things that need to be done it feels good to check an item off, but when I do something I love it's hard to stop. The bottom line: if someone asks you to do something that you are passionate about, odds are they have faith in you and that should give you strength.

What is church?

Today I was having a conversation with my pastor, not that he's my personal pastor, but he's the pastor of the church I worship and serve at. I love the guy and he's become an important friend in my life in the short time that we've known each other. That must be what happens when you're part of a church plant. At any rate, the conversation we were having today was about the church and how it's become shaped as something. That shape may not be absolutely wrong or right, but it certainly is flawed. Our church is looking for ways to serve our community of Suwanee, Ga and we were thinking of the ways an inner city church does that; by supplying food, clothes, shelter, and compassion for those in their community. At that moment I had a picture in my mind of a group of people serving in a soup kitchen together. At the end of their time serving they weren't ready to part, so they shared their thoughts on what they saw that day. Enjoying their time, this pattern continued week after week and month after month. Through this one act, a small group was born soley based on the experience of serving and sharing. It makes me think what kind of changes to their lives would this group make? What else would they go on to do?

So could a church be based on serving? On a shared experience? What about small groups? We strive so hard to create small groups in church these days and most of time, in my limited observations, they fail or at least flail. It seems like in small groups today we watch a video or read a book to advance our spiritual formation, but Jesus didn't come for the healthy. He came for the sick and if we're in a small group at a church we're certainly healthy enough to be Jesus to someone sick!

It's late and I've had a long day; maybe my vision is of a super group of people and could never happen. Maybe building a church off of serving and the community that that would bring is a silly idea. I know there is no worship music or childrens ministry and it doesn't fit with what we've come to know as church in our religion let alone region, but it just feels as if there's truth in it and that's a fine place to start for now.

My first post-30 run

So the other day I went for my first run since turning 30. It's been a few months since my birthday and it was a few months before that that I took my first run. I used to enjoy running. It was time for me to unwind and somehow as my feet hit the pavement my troubles would disappear. Even if it had been a while between runs I could tighten up my laces and go without any ill affects. I guess 30 is that magic age when stretching becomes pretty essential.

As I sit here two days after my run waiting for my muscles to return to a usable state I ponder how sore I would be had I prepared appropriately for my run. This leads me to wonder what else I need to prepare for. I know the big things like retirement, and my kids' future, but how do I prepare for each day? I probably aught to start the day with prayer to prepare myself spiritually. A healthy breakfast to prepare my body for the days activities. Maybe a smile, so each encounter I have pleasant.

So, here's a :) for you! Remember stretch before and after you run!


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Now playing: David Crowder Band - Rain Down
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Procrastination

I am one of the fortunate few who enjoy their job. I work with friends, have a great boss, and the company sells trade show displays. I work for tries to do as much good as it can in the world. Our daily motto is to be a "blessing to all those we come in contact with, our customers, vendors, each other, and the community" and for the most part I think we do a pretty good job. The business that we're in is supplying trade show displays, so most of our clients have an absolute deadline to meet. I mean imagine the repercussions of having an empty booth because you waited to the last minute! Fortunately, that's never happened with any of our clients!

Here's the deal, I see the consequences of procrastinating every day. I know that the success our clients have is proportional to the time they allow to plan, design, and market their event, but still I procrastinate. I ignore the evidence I see everyday and I shortchange my family, faith, friendships, and myself. I've noticed that the things I procrastinate are the little tasks that need done, but are constantly on the back burner. So I'm going to give doing things when they need done a chance. Hopefully, I'll have some feedback for you down the road.

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Now playing: Damien Rice - Unplayed Piano ft. Lisa Hannigan
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Why the title?

Call me crazy, but I love tortillas. Always have and certainly hope I always will. There’s something magical about them. Whatever food goes into them is mystically transformed into a better version of itself. Peanut butter and jelly, meat, rice, yogurt, all are made tastier in the warm embrace of a flour tortilla.

If I could have the liberty to stretch that analogy, you could say Jesus is the tortilla of my life. Whenever I have the awareness to put something in His care it comes out better. My time, finances, work, fatherhood, being a husband...all those things become better when they are wrapped in the care of Jesus.

Jesus I love you; thanks for being my tortilla.

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Now playing: Kanye West & Mos Def - Good Night
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