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Awkward

Wow, I got distracted this morning with things like water coming out of my washing machine and forgot to post, and that, well, is sort of awkward.

Speaking of awkward, here is a sort of interesting thought to consider!

Of all the awkward people in your house or job there is only one whom you can improve very much. C.S. Lewis

Keep working on yourself and watch how it actually does impact others!

 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

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How’s Your Temperament

Yesterday I was on a call discussing some design issues, and I noticed that I was getting a little bit frustrated with the way the call was going.  I am not exactly sure why.  Well, actually I think I know – it’s more of a style issue with the person leading then with his position on the argument.

Anyway during the middle of the conversation another participant sent me an instant message which said “You sound angry”.

ARGH.

I hate that.  I didn’t want to be angry.  I had just read the first chapter of James, where he talks about being slow to anger.  I had no reason to be be angry.  For the most part is was just a conversation about ideas.  And I didn’t really feel that angry – but it was coming on out!

Later in the day I was reminded of this quote from C.S. Lewis

Provocation doesn’t make me ill-tempered: it only shows me how ill-tempered I am

Fitting.

and disappointing.

and well, provoking.

I spent the rest of the day with that heavy ache in the pit of your stomach when you know that you were not doing the right thing.  Luckily I get a new day today to have another go at it.  That’s why I love grace.

Maybe one day it will change my temperament!

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you! Ephesians 4:31-32

 

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Forgiveness

Wow, I am late getting of the gate today, yet I have been full of busyness since before the sun peeked its face over the eastern mountains.

I was a little unsure what bit of wisdom and morsel of goodness to pass on to you today, when I was reminded this morning of something I read last night.  This quote from C.S. Lewis is pretty thought-provoking.

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. – C.S. Lewis

It comes from his “Essay on Forgiveness” that I found published here.  The whole thought that is wrapped up in that sentence is really pretty expansive. 

I mean really, just imagine if we could actually extend forgiveness and mercy in the same way God has extended it to us.  Hm, it sure seems we may drastically change our behaviors and they way we interact with others when we stop and remember the healthy dose of forgiveness that we take directly from the Creator each day.  The inexcusable excused.  It’s quite remarkable, really!

12 And forgive us our debts,
   as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12  New International Version (NIV)
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Mere Mortals

In just a few weeks another Narnia movie will be released. On my way home last night, I heard an interview with a “C.S. Lewis expert”. He was talking about the several things about old C.S., like for instance that he died on the same day that JFK was shot and killed. But then he mentioned this quote from one of his books.

There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.
The Weight of Glory, “The Weight of Glory” (1942) p46

This struck me square in the face. Although I had heard something similar to this before, and maybe even have read this quote before, it was so new and fresh yesterday evening. Then last night I was listening to an interview with Francis Chan I found on the internet. In this interview, he was talking about having a passion for people, and asking if we really realize we are a supernatural being – full of the spirit and made to live forever. He also mentioned Paul’s anguish from Romans 9,

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people,

Paul so wanted he people to follow the Christ that it brought him sorrow and anguish. That’s seems to indicate a recognition of the state of people.

I just wonder what my day would be like if I walked around not looking at people at strangers – as just mere mortals – who are in the way, but as supernatural immortal people who just like you will arrive at one of two destinations in the end. How would that change your day?

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  Philippians 2:3-4 (New International Version, ©2010)