Just Some Thursday Thoughts

Ever wondered what goes through my mind on an average day? Here’s a sampling. Feel free to comment at any time :-).

So much of ministry is being with people where they are--not doing what one feels is good or "right"...

I know we can't always put weight on what people say; however, when more than one or two people say the same things then I think we must stop and consider what truth might be in their words and consider how God can begin to work with us to mold and transform our rough edges into the smooth, polished ones they can be...

We tend to think in extremes. I often wonder what would happen if we did not. Maybe life is not a matter of being “bad” or "good” or "right" or "wrong." Maybe it’s a matter of being present in the journey. We tend to focus on outcome--output--getting from one place to the other--finishing our tasks—getting things done--DOING. What would happen if we instead took intentional steps to BEING? What if we started trying to enjoy the journey—the process—realizing that right can go to wrong and wrong go to right in the blink of an eye. Actually, right to one person can be wrong to another. So maybe we should think less about judging right and wrong, good and bad, and focus on experiencing what is—focus on doing our best to live in healthy relationship and community with God and the world around us...

When does positive self-esteem/self-identity turn to arrogance and pride?...

Yes, there are always things that can be grown and strengthened and refined in us—like our understanding of people and situations and actions and group dynamics—and the acceptance that we cannot single-handedly change the world or fix everything that's wrong—and the practice of remembering that we’re not the center of the universe—and the ability to rest in God. But I don’t think room to grow should be seen as despicable current reality...

When we mess up, I think it’s important to recognize and name that we’ve goofed and then ask ourselves the hard question of what we could do differently next time. I don’t think it’s important to harshly punish or blame ourselves or deem ourselves unworthy. Our time is better spent learning and moving on...

So much of being a leader is coaching. So much is modeling and guiding and letting people develop their own strengths and talents--not doing things for them. That’s really hard for those of us who are perfectionistic doers...

I’m thinking that life is just one big circle and that we're presented with the same types of situations over and over and over again--just in different forms. I think it’s been this way throughout all of humanity. If I’m not careful, then, I’ll start to wonder what’s the point of it all...

What does it mean to be "honest"? Is honesty telling the truth? And should it be spoken at all times, even if it will do no good and/or actually hurt the person hearing it? Are there times when omitting elements of truth is better than raw truth? Actually, what is truth? Is it absolute? Is it changeable? Does that make it opinion? What’s the difference between truth and opinion? Doesn’t it all come down to belief?...

I think that’s about it for now.
Well, those things and bowling.
I’m thinking that I hope I bowl average or above :-).