Not Sticks and Stones

Yikes, there has been a lot of public name-calling lately; NBA sidelines, talk radio, and congested roads near you. We know name-calling in general is easy when you're angry, frustrated, thoughtless, and inarticulate. It's wrong when motivated by hate or power over the weak, when it is a lie or makes something sacred, profane. What we may not know is that well-intentioned efforts to rid our world of name-calling through huge fines on professional athletes and loss of jobs for public speakers, may inadvertently be shutting down important discussions and undermining personal strength.

Christ Himself called out some pharisees:

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Matthew 22:18

and he called out Peter:

"Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Mark 8:33

We need to be able to discuss that there are hypocrites and evil. We need names that capture a thousand words in one word and to look at each for the truth or falsehood it represents. When Mr. BMW aggressively doesn't merge properly onto the highway, putting me in danger, at that moment he is a selfish fool.

We need to see ourselves as strong and resilient. "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me" is more truthful and helpful than "Name-calling is crushing under all circumstances." Being thick-skinned is a desirable and practical trait to foster. The stronger we become, the more we are able to defend truth and those who are truly unable to defend themselves.

Love,
Mom

The End is Near?

Another doomsday has come and gone. We're still here. What to make of this?

But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone...So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
Matthew 24:36, 44

Anyone who identifies and plans for a specific doomsday of this sort is mega-prepared, but foolish. He has no authority to make such a claim and has no credibility when proven wrong. He misleads the vulnerable, instilling fear or false expectations.

Anyone who mocks the doomsayers is proven right, but foolish. He minimizes the reality of an end time and misses the opportunity to reflect on what is most important in life. He sucker punches those who do.

We're fortunate to know we need to be ready for an unknown end time. We also behave foolishly sometimes. Hopefully, when the next doomsday is announced, we will reflect on our preparedness, be kind to those having a foolish moment, and have a peaceful day.

Love,
Mom

Take a Great Break

You've finished strong and now you have down time.  There is a great temptation to swing between a frenzy of doing all the fun stuff you missed while you worked hard and a slug-fest of inactivity.  A little of this all-or-nothing can be absorbed but when this coexistence of extremes fails to bring steady happiness, consider that breaks are great for: 

Getting extra rest, eating decent meals, and getting back to fitness plans.

Getting together with family and friends who you miss.

Organizing your room, home, stuff.

Giving back to those in need and those who give to you.

Reading, writing, and thinking more deeply about God.

He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. Mark 6:31,32

Once you finish something tiring, hard, and structured, it's understandable to crave rest, ease, and flexibility...to sleep in, stay up late, and go as you please in between. But extended sloth will undermine your body, character, and future hopes.  The same discipline and structure that helped you to do well, can also help you to have a great break that is refueling, engaging, uplifting, refreshing, purposeful, regrouping, and fun.  You've earned it, kid.

Love,
Mom