Thought for the Week of July 9, 2012

"Life Well Lived"

As I get older, time seems to move faster. When I was a little guy, it seemed that Christmas took FOREVER to come around. Now the family celebrations seem to be clicking by way too fast.

One of the unfortunate things about aging, is the increased frequency of friends and family that pass on to the next plane of existence.

This past week, a guy that I went to high school with, and only a few years older than I, died suddenly from either a heart ailment, or a heat stroke. Another old friend from my home town, was diagnosed with cancer, and was told he has four weeks to live. Last month, a dear friend and fellow pastor, was told she had stage IV kidney cancer.  Last year starting last week I lost four family members. Uncle Carl, my Grandmother Lahoma, my Aunt Winona, then my Brother-in-law Marty Reece.

Mr. Hess, whom received the prognosis of advanced cancer this past week was one of the adults that had a positive influence on my life as a young man growing up in McLean, Texas. I grew up on a cattle ranch, and had worked with the adults since I was old enough to ride a horse. As I got older, I grew restless in my jobs at the ranch, and wanted to work for someone other than family. Mr. Hess was good enough to give me a job at his family farm and ranch operation. I learned that work was still work and best efforts were still expected, but that kindness was still kindness. Jakey, as he was called by his contemporaries, was always helping people out with money, or a job, or some food, and a lot of times he was never paid what he was owed, but he never stopped giving to those in need. I had the opportunity to have a great conversation with Mr. Hess a couple of years ago when my Dad had some medical challenges. Jakey was in one of the first classes that my mother taught in McLean, and through some rough times for both of our families Jakey and my parents always maintained a respectful and special friendship. I was at my mothers house working in her yard one weekend, and Jakey drove by, and took time to stop and talk for a few minutes. We chatted about this and that, then he told me how much he cared for my dad, and mom, and how he had always had great affection for them both. I took the chance to remind him that he was very kind to me when I was a teenage boy, struggling to find my identity, and how he helped in that process. It was one of those rare occasions where God allowed us the time and space to say the important things that so often go unsaid.

God rest your soul Jake Hess II. You were loved by many, and will be sorely missed in my home town.

Yes, I am a patriot.

It occurred to me, while reading the reactions to the passage of the Health Care Reform Act, that finally, after the previous nine Presidents of the United States failed to bring healthcare reform, we now can make the U.S. citizenry take personal responsibility, for their own heath care.  I will never understand why people take any news publication, or opinion at face value especially when the position is tenuous at best.

For the first time in the history of this great country of ours, we are putting an end to those that have taken advantage of the people that take responsibility for themselves, and forcing those without healthcare to at least pitch-in some money which should go toward the healthcare expenses incurred by every single tax payer.

I'm not sure if people just don't understand that we, as health care consumers have been paying for those that don't take personal responsibility for their own healthcare, or if there is such hatred for the President that if he were to come out for Oxygen, people would begin to suffocate themselves.

The conservative position is that everyone should take responsibility for their own well-being, which is exactly what will happen with "Obamacare". The conservatives are now against this law.

The individual mandate was the idea of the Heritage Foundation in 1996, one of the most conservative "think tanks" that exists. As Governor, Mitt Romney was for it then, and modeled his states healthcare reform based on the individual mandate. Now he has come out against it because it is a "new tax". Again, you and I have been paying that money in the form of higher healthcare costs for years. The individual mandate, shifts that cost from you and I and places it rightly so, on those without insurance.

As a proud citizen of the United States, I would like to proffer a suggestion. How about instead of having a non-thinking, knee jerk reaction built on misinformation and spin from "news" organizations like Fox news, stop and do some research on what the bill actually does for America. I'm not sure if that is possible for some because some people never learned to research a topic, and find both pro's and con's then make a conclusion based on their own original thoughts.

Again, I come back to the fact that as a tax payer, I'd rather my dollars go to educate all of the people in this country, rather than corporate welfare, for those not willing to pay the price for their mistakes born of greed, and worshiping money as their god.

Yes this country has problems, and both sides of the ideological spectrum have ideas on how to fix them. How about we focus on the good things about the USA, and not the fear mongering, and hate speech creating the divide which only seems to be growing. Find some common ground, be open to new thoughts, and both sides of an issue. You may find that when all is said and done, you aren't as far removed from each other as you thought.
God Bless America!!

Thought for the Week of June 25, 2012

"Comfort Zone"

.."yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." ~James 4:14

"What's holding your back?" Said my mentor, friend, and confidant. "What are you afraid of?" he continued. "Come on man, you don't want to be one of the meek, scared people in this world that never learn to push themselves, then live a life full of regrets do you?" That was enough for me to re-set my resolve, and continue without giving fear a foothold in my mind. I never will forget that conversation, and remember that moment as the day I took responsibility for my successes and failures, finally realizing it was my choice, and only my choice to make.

I have found myself avoiding things that would take me out of my comfort zone several times in my life, sometimes I still do, but for different reasons than the fear of the unknown. Of course we all have to balance risk and return, weigh the positive and the negative outcomes, but I can't tell you how often I let my mind create a justification for not doing something, then later wishing I had summoned the courage to move forward. When I look at life from the perspective of being "a mist that appears for a little time.." I recall the old saying of "Who's going to care in a hundred years". With faith in God, and an ear in tune with the Holy Spirit, courage to move forward with what is presented, is not nearly as hard to choose.

Choose to let God's love shine through you this week. Tell someone what you love about him or her today. Take that chance; you may be surprised at the return.

Peace and Grace!!


Scott

Thought for the Week of June 4, 2012

“Impedance”

I was very blessed to grow up on a working cattle ranch in Texas. As a child, I thought it was just horrible being way out in the country, not having other kids to play with all the time, and having to go work with the grown men. I had no idea the life-long lessons I learned then, would be with me, and influence decisions to the degree, which they have.

The experience of working with large animals was something most kids in my community shared. There was a learned respect for cattle and horses simply because they were ten times larger than the average person was, and if you were not careful how you moved and handled yourself, you would probably get hurt, possibly even killed. Being in a position where it was you and that animal in a pen, the threat of injury or death very present, and being tasked with accomplishing something with that animal that might not be natural for the animal, presented a daunting challenge to a young person. Learning to position yourself, carry a certain posture, and make the right amount of noise at the right time, accompanied with appropriate arm waiving, was critical to the successful disposition of the animal.

We had a few renegade head of cattle that seemed to have an attitude of obstinacy. You could follow all of the methodology you had learned from watching the adults, and sometimes be successful in manipulating the old cow into the proper alley, then to the proper pen. However, some would rather run over you than follow your direction. It was important to read the body language of an animal, to know when it was time to head for the fence, and get to safety. Thankfully, those animal personalities were the exception rather than the rule. I always wanted to find a way to communicate with the animals that what I was trying to get them to do was not going to hurt them, and that in fact, it was in their best interest to follow my instructional gestations. It was highly frustrating at times to be making a substantial effort in a hot, dusty, and odor rich environment and not achieve the result desired. The cattle became frustrated or at least agitated as well, because they had to start over, and go through the process of being sorted into the right area.

I had a God moment back then, and realized that what I was trying to do with the cattle was exactly what God was doing by sending His Son to live and walk among us. God can’t force us to go the direction He wants us to go, but He sure can waive His arms, make noise, and position Himself in a way to help guide us to a better place. I’ve spent years of my life playing the role of the obstinate cow, not looking for God, my head down, and headed to where I wanted to go. I’ve even run over, knocked down, and kicked at, a few people that I didn’t see as re-presenting Christ.

At the end of the day, my pain, frustration, regrets, and emptiness, were because of not following God’s will for my life. Do not get in your own way in your journey. The cliché “Let go and Let God” is ever true in my life. When I have attempted to shut God out, and take it from here, I end up having to go through a process again. It was frustrating, but necessary. God will win, as it should be, so kick up your feet and go with the stream of living water that is taking you to His will for your life.

Peace and Grace!!

Scott 

Thought for the Week of May 28, 2012

"Balance Part II"

Passion and conviction have at times caused my purpose to become a little less clear than I would prefer. When I feel strongly about an idea, I have to remember to breath, and remain centered in peace. Sometimes I fail. When I don't fail, the exchange of thoughts and ideas flow without or at least with less tension. Coming from a place of balance, grace and peace helps to create an open and more accepting reception to what might otherwise be a contentious exchange.

Our ego demands that we be "the winner". In reality, both parties growing in relationship and understanding, is the best result, and the closer path to re-presenting Christ.

When I was young, I remember a former boss saying she did not like my attitude. I didn't understand, because we had minimal conversation. Emotional energy was something that I was just beginning to understand.

Having balance in verbal and non- verbal communications is how perceptions are created related to "who" we are, and what value we have to the people we interact with on a daily basis. It's hard if not impossible to hide emotional energy from those perceptive enough to recognize the whole person, yet some people are oblivious, as I once was, to that existence. I once read somewhere that non-verbal communication is 80% responsible for the successful exchange of information. 

Being open and hospitable, even vulnerable to everyone with whom we come in contact, is a conscious choice and is not sometimes our natural ego driven pre-disposition.

Be mindful of your whole presence. It's not hard to offer a smile, or a kind gesture. Try it and see if your day doesn't go just a little better.  I had a discussion with a friend about Karma, and even though it’s an “Eastern” philosophy, it makes sense to me. Just like most things in life, whatever you put out there, is what you get back. That philosophy makes me mindful and very thankful for God’s grace. J

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

~2 Corinthians 12:9 New American Standard Version

Peace and Grace!!!

Scott

Thought for the Week of May 7, 2012

"Transition in Stability"

Every year this time is emotionally charged for many people because of major transitions in reality, direction, and life in general. It is the end of a school year, the time for new appointments in all of the conferences in the United Methodist Church for clergy, and the transition time from Spring to Summer. Do you ever find yourself feeling less than "on top" during transition periods? I know I have. Watching people I love going through the changes during this time causes me to reflect on my path, both past and the possibilities for the future. This year because of the relationships I have created, was really less stable for me, than any previous years, at least that is my perception. 

During this emotional downward spiral, while praying hard for some relief and guidance, I kept getting the thought to just let it go. Just let it go. Just let it go, I've got this.. sounds simple.. not sure why it was not. I was able to figure out why I was feeling the way I was, and I did have to let go of things that I was cycling and processing in my mind, to get to the point of understanding where this mental state originated . I don't know how common of an occurrence it is for other people, but sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with change, commitments, deadlines, circumstance, and a nagging hyper self-critical voice, all my own creation.

How do you handle being overwhelmed? Where do you find your stability in times of transition? I am blessed with a strong network of support in the form of associates, family and friends. If it weren't for the people that truly love me, it would be unlikely if not impossible for me to function at a level that would be acceptable to me. Letting go, turning it over to God, with the understanding that the Creator is truly in control, and that I need to walk in faith, was the lesson that I needed to re-learn this weekend. 

It's true that I do have a big "S" on my chest, but it stands for "Surrendered", not for "Superman". Indeed I have surrendered all to God, I just need to be reminded of that at times. God has provided, once again, the solution to my pain and turmoil, even before I knew I needed a solution.

God is SO good.

Celebrate coming transitions in your life and know that you will carry on. Do not hesitate to reach out to those that love you, including your family of faith at St. Luke's. God will provide. Just remember to breath and that you are unconditionally loved.

"He replied, "What is impossible for people is possible with God." ~ Luke 18:27 NLT

Peace and Grace

Scott

Thought for the Week of April 30, 2012

This Saturday, an older man using a walker approached me at the gas station. He asked if I could spare 4 dollars for bus fare. I told him no but, I would be glad to give him a ride. He asked if I would mind stopping by the KFC on the way to get some chicken to take home to his sister, and daughter who were staying with him. I had to be somewhere at 2, and it was a little after 1, so I thought.. hey.. sure why not. We loaded up his walker, and headed for the KFC. He said he'd be right back, and went in to the kfc. I sat for a minute, and then decided I should probably go in as well. He had ordered a bucket of chicken, which is all the money he had, so I told him to order what he wanted, and I'd take care of it. When we got to his apartment on the other side of town, he pointed out a guy that was lurking over in the corner of the parking lot. He said  "See that guy over there, he's really down on his luck and homeless. I got some of the extra food for him, because he's not right in the head because of the Gulf War, he can't pay for his medicine, and doesn't eat often." 

He said he needed money to keep his lights on, and I referred him to a number he can call for public assistance. His story was long and sad, but very believable. Apparently, he had been well employed until an appendicitis surgery went wrong. He ended up sicker, and then had a stroke, while recovering he had a heart attack. Lost his job, and health coverage, and is depending on public assistance for his medical needs. All of this, and he was still giving charity to someone less fortunate than he was.


What I got from this, is no matter where you are in life, you can help someone, if you are open to the opportunities that God puts in front of you. 


Love one another, all the laws hinge on this one.