10 Lessons, 10 Quotes
As one chapter in my life comes to a close and a new one begins, I feel like a reflection on the past few years as a campus minister is important. And, how better to express these lessons learned than through quotes from my favorite movies. They're in no particular order. :)
1. "How can we expect to teach children to learn how to read if they can't even fit inside the building?" - Zoolander
The key to fulfilled expectations is clear communication. I learned this the hard way. Again, and again, and again. And again.
2. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." - Gone with the Wind
You cannot make everyone happy. Especially in ministry. You must remember whose opinions you value the most and learn to let the others go. Just follow after God, and do your best.
3. "Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." - Casablanca
Ministry is all about relationships. Both vertical and horizontal. They bring support, healing, laughter, love, purpose... the list goes on and on.
4. "There's no place like home!" - Wizard of Oz
A Christian community can be like family. You always love them, but you don't always like them. Although my community felt ever changing at the BSU with people graduating and moving on, it was a home to me. I will always be grateful.
5. "I see dead people." - The Sixth Sense
Sometimes in ministry you shouldn't be afraid to see things that most people don't see. Breaking norms, finding and supporting new vision- these things bring new life to the Church.
6. "Houston, we have a problem." - Apollo 13
Waiting to give voice to problems = danger. Be willing to accept constructive criticism, and learn to be a quick problem solver...... definitely still working on this one.
7. "I'll have what she's having." - When Harry Met Sally
Despite how much I love this line, I'm using it in reverse. I think that it's important to find satisfaction in the things God puts in front of you. We spend so much time seeking after what other people have- success, families, marriage, houses, etc. Why not be grateful and content with what God has already given you?
8. "Nobody puts baby in a corner" - Dirty Dancing
Don't try to keep people in the corner. Allow other people the chance to shine. In ministry, the Church succeeds the most when people are given a chance to fulfill their giftings. It's how we all win. It's not about one, its about THE One.
9. "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." - The Godfather
Unlike the Godfather, learning the art of compromise can go a long way to smooth the ministry work environment. It's a team effort. If you are so set on getting your way, chances are the ministry will get the short end of the stick.
10. "You fight the fights that need fighting." - The American President
Maybe this seems contradictory following number 9. But the truth remains. Fight the fights that need fighting. Use discernment. Listen to God's direction. And do so with grace and humility.
There you have it. Some things I've learned, and some things I'm still working on. I love the process of refinement. :)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Happy Surprises...
Sunday AM. I was awakened by a phone from Dustin. We chatted about life for a few minutes, catching up on the events of the evening prior. As I do every other Sunday spent in Columbia, I then began the process of getting ready for service at Little Bonne Femme. I finished getting ready, grabbed my keys, and headed out the door. I was only a few minutes away from the church when I got another call from Dustin. It was strange to see his name come up on my caller ID again so soon, so I answered fearing bad news.
"Have you left for church yet?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, "Why do you ask?"
"You're going to want to turn around..."
And he continued to inform me that he found an email that said it was a special day at LBF. They gathered early this morning to worship, and then everyone left the church to go participate in a service project together for the rest of the morning. Sadly, I had missed it.
Now, at first, I was pretty disappointed. I've had so few opportunities to worship at LBF this summer with all my traveling, and with my move coming up, I'll only have a few more chances ahead. But the more I thought about it, the more moved I was by an example of the Church, being the Church.
This body of Christ followers had moved outside of its own walls, outside the comfort of the norm, to instead directly impact the community. Unfortunately it seems like the only news we hear these days about the Church is bad news. How refreshing, how happily surprising to see a church try something new! And how wonderful that in doing so, they show the world what it means to be true followers of Jesus!
"Have you left for church yet?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, "Why do you ask?"
"You're going to want to turn around..."
And he continued to inform me that he found an email that said it was a special day at LBF. They gathered early this morning to worship, and then everyone left the church to go participate in a service project together for the rest of the morning. Sadly, I had missed it.
Now, at first, I was pretty disappointed. I've had so few opportunities to worship at LBF this summer with all my traveling, and with my move coming up, I'll only have a few more chances ahead. But the more I thought about it, the more moved I was by an example of the Church, being the Church.
This body of Christ followers had moved outside of its own walls, outside the comfort of the norm, to instead directly impact the community. Unfortunately it seems like the only news we hear these days about the Church is bad news. How refreshing, how happily surprising to see a church try something new! And how wonderful that in doing so, they show the world what it means to be true followers of Jesus!
Friday, July 23, 2010
White Picket Fences
I've been thinking a lot about the American Dream, and wondering just what that means for my life.
In American society, there is pressure to reach certain goals. You know the ones I mean...
Two story house, white picket fence, 2.5 kids and a dog. The husband heads off to work in the city, while his wife stands on the front lawn waving him goodbye, anticipating his return. And we are told that if you achieve this (particularly before the age of 30) that your life will feel fulfillment. That you will find purpose and happiness and joy and love and... and...
Now, clearly, that description was a little facetious. The American Dream of today is much more complex than that. But you get the idea. The real question though, is why does it seem so hard for people to feel fulfilled, when so many people do in fact achieve the things we include in this "American Dream".
At one time, the couple in Revolutionary Road (a film I highly recommend if you're ready to be confronted with some tough images) were young, idealistic, and dreamed of a big life together. They longed for adventure, for passion, for love. But somewhere along the way, they lost themselves in the American Dream and their lives somehow came up short- despite the fact that they'd gained everything that the world told them would bring satisfaction.
In their own right, the elements that make up the American Dream are not really the problem. Marriage, careers, children, and a place to call home are blessings. But it seems too easy to get caught up in the logistics and material goal points. To spend our days keeping up with our neighbors and the people around us. In the process of chasing "the dream" I think that we lose something special- our very ability to do so!
As I prepare to enter seminary people are always asking me, "What do you want to do with that?" Honestly, I have no idea how it's going to work out! And the reason is because I think life is lived best without making my own specific plans, and instead, allowing space for God to shape, mold, and move me into places that I never dreamed of going myself. To instead, let my dreams be a blank canvas on which God can paint!
In Him, I believe that I can find the ultimate fulfillment. A fulfillment that is dependent solely on my growing relationship with him, and the process of learning to let my dreams match His.
Left to my own devices, I would simply settle for white picket fences.
In American society, there is pressure to reach certain goals. You know the ones I mean...
Two story house, white picket fence, 2.5 kids and a dog. The husband heads off to work in the city, while his wife stands on the front lawn waving him goodbye, anticipating his return. And we are told that if you achieve this (particularly before the age of 30) that your life will feel fulfillment. That you will find purpose and happiness and joy and love and... and...
Now, clearly, that description was a little facetious. The American Dream of today is much more complex than that. But you get the idea. The real question though, is why does it seem so hard for people to feel fulfilled, when so many people do in fact achieve the things we include in this "American Dream".
At one time, the couple in Revolutionary Road (a film I highly recommend if you're ready to be confronted with some tough images) were young, idealistic, and dreamed of a big life together. They longed for adventure, for passion, for love. But somewhere along the way, they lost themselves in the American Dream and their lives somehow came up short- despite the fact that they'd gained everything that the world told them would bring satisfaction.
In their own right, the elements that make up the American Dream are not really the problem. Marriage, careers, children, and a place to call home are blessings. But it seems too easy to get caught up in the logistics and material goal points. To spend our days keeping up with our neighbors and the people around us. In the process of chasing "the dream" I think that we lose something special- our very ability to do so!
As I prepare to enter seminary people are always asking me, "What do you want to do with that?" Honestly, I have no idea how it's going to work out! And the reason is because I think life is lived best without making my own specific plans, and instead, allowing space for God to shape, mold, and move me into places that I never dreamed of going myself. To instead, let my dreams be a blank canvas on which God can paint!
In Him, I believe that I can find the ultimate fulfillment. A fulfillment that is dependent solely on my growing relationship with him, and the process of learning to let my dreams match His.
Left to my own devices, I would simply settle for white picket fences.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
My soul, wait in silence...
"My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken."
Psalms 62:5-6
Waiting in silence.
Three little words that speak volumes about my life right now.
Its not an easy thing to do- wait in silence. When life seems chaotic, when we are searching for answers, when we need to experience the presence of God the most, oftentimes He responds in silence and asks that we wait.
Trust isn't static. Trust isn't a one time action or behavior, it is a continual process. And when God asks me to wait in silence, it's hard for me to trust. Something about silence seems to fight against my instincts. Perhaps it's the question marks that it leaves unanswered. Or perhaps its an inner discontent with the absence of distractions. Either way, the silence makes me uncomfortable and I distrust.
But when I was reading The Psalms tonight, I heard David loud and clear. Psalms 62 is a plea, an utterance for his own peace of mind. A reminder to himself that an answer IS coming, despite the fact that he was experiencing the deafening silence of waiting for the Voice to speak into his life.
"Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us."
May my soul sing, may my soul wait, may my soul remember.
Hallelujah to the God of silence.
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken."
Psalms 62:5-6
Waiting in silence.
Three little words that speak volumes about my life right now.
Its not an easy thing to do- wait in silence. When life seems chaotic, when we are searching for answers, when we need to experience the presence of God the most, oftentimes He responds in silence and asks that we wait.
Trust isn't static. Trust isn't a one time action or behavior, it is a continual process. And when God asks me to wait in silence, it's hard for me to trust. Something about silence seems to fight against my instincts. Perhaps it's the question marks that it leaves unanswered. Or perhaps its an inner discontent with the absence of distractions. Either way, the silence makes me uncomfortable and I distrust.
But when I was reading The Psalms tonight, I heard David loud and clear. Psalms 62 is a plea, an utterance for his own peace of mind. A reminder to himself that an answer IS coming, despite the fact that he was experiencing the deafening silence of waiting for the Voice to speak into his life.
"Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us."
May my soul sing, may my soul wait, may my soul remember.
Hallelujah to the God of silence.
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