Commitment

How does one decide the things that they will truly be committed? I think there are many factors that go into the answer to this dilemma. Have recently been thinking about why some people seem to be committed and others seems to go through life without such commitments. It dawned on me that everyone is actually committed. Some choose to be committed to being served and others choose to be committed to serving others. The reasons for such choices is very complex and varied. One theory is that much is determined very early in life.
I am also coming to the conclusion that what one chooses to be committed to (self vs service) is really a matter related to their heart. I am in a position where I see a great need for people to commit to serving in a particular area that many currently won't commit. Is it because the need hasn't been illuminated? No! Is it because the task is too hard or there is confusion? Maybe! To get someone to change the objects that they are committed will take a change of their heart. I continue to look for ways that will break the hearts of people!

Family

Yesterday my oldest child turned 26! Wow! Two thoughts entered my mind as I was trying to make sense of this very important day. First, I am way to young to have a son that is 26!!! Second, when I was 26 I had just welcomed my third child into the family!
I spoke with my son on his birthday. I would have loved to share a piece of birthday cake with him but that would be kind of hard to do since he is in Africa. It was weird to share this birthday with him because talking on the phone overseas can sometimes be less than desired. There is a time delay that really interrupts the conversation flow and lends itself more to single syllable responses.
I used to be able to freely give my son and my daughters advice about all sorts of things that they might be experiencing. Since they all live a considerable distance away from me it makes my advice less sought after and frankly I suspect less valuable. So much of what they are experiencing in their lives is so different than what I have ever experienced. My perspective or life experience may not really hold a helpful dimension.
This observation really leads me to a point. Most of all, I want my kids to know that I love them! I am extremely proud of them. Their life choices may not have been mine but I deeply respect them and believe that each will in their own way leave their mark on this world in a very positive way. What I am further discovering is that what I can give them is something that only I can give them. I can be their father and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world!

Beginnings!

Since moving back to the town that I grew up I have noticed some things that I really find fascinating. One really peculiar practice that it seems everyone accepts as normal is the involvement of themselves in the business of other people. I have frequently heard such inquisitive requests on a wide range of topics. Probably the funniest to watch as an observer was when a well-meaning man asked, quite innocently, if the woman's daughter he was conversing with was going to breast feed their new baby! The look upon her face was priceless! But you will never guess what she said to the man. Once the shock wore off, she preceded to tell him that her daughter was. I was shocked!

Why do we have such an acute interest in the details of other people? There seems to be an extreme value placed on knowing. To know is a way to derive clout and importance. What is really fascinating is how is seems that everyone knows their role and just plays along.

I hope that I can stay above the fray but I know that to do so will really stand out like a sore thumb. I find myself feeling tempted to be in the know. As a Pastor, I am used to dealing with sensitive information and believe that confidences need to be kept. Sounds like good sermon material!