Tag: safety

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More on Risktaking

I have been continuing to think about taking risks and I thought I would share one more thought about this before I jump in my jumpy way to some other topics.  I am sure I will return back to this, as it seems there is something risky about the life of a follower of Christ – although we have made it a place of safety. ( not saying there is not a lot of safety and peace in that life as well).

I was talking about risks with one of my friend Jolly Don, and the thing he mentioned about taking a risk was very simplistic.  He was like – “how about talking with your neighbor”.  Funny isn’t it.  We think risks may be packing up and moving to China for a year, which is an incredible thing  to do, and very important.  But maybe the riskiest place for us is next door, or in the next cube or the person at the market?  I dunno, I am sure I could be debated about this, but it seems to be the place to start.  And when our Savior was asked “what do I need to do to inherit eternal life?”.  He responded indirectly with two things in Luke 10:

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 ESV

Maybe this first risk to take is to love God with everything you have, don’t hold back, and love those you meet as you would love yourself. Simple or tall order? Either way there’s no better day then today to give it a try.

“Do this and you will live” – Jesus Luke 10:28

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Treadmills

As I slide the key into the door this morning, I reached up to my arm and press the start button.

Well I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time
But I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah  – 3 Doors Down Krytonite

I walked across the room, hopped up on the treadmill and pushed the start button.

And if I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I’m alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I’ll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite

And I was off, running hard, working hard, sweating up a storm, but going nowhere – just looking at the handsome man in the mirror. ( no that was not the person on the machine beside me!).   I so dislike running on treadmills, but sometimes when I travel I will do it.  It feels to0 monotonousness.  It feels so binding, and so mechanical.  I like the variety, the wind in your face, the change in terrain, and challenge of getting out there and being a apart of it.

Wow!  sounds like our lives sometimes doesn’t it?  Running hard, sweating up a storm, but going nowhere.  Feeling mechanical, bound – going through the motions.  Afraid to engage, staying safe in the exercise room called ourselves.

It reminds me of a Matthew West song  “Motions”

No regrets no this time

Just ok is not enough

I don’t want to go through the motions,  I don’t want to live one more day.  without your all consuming passion inside of me.

What if you had given everything..

Today, lets get off the treadmill of life.  Work to get out of your place of safety, use the bold spirit you have been blessed with and fully engage. 

13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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Pushing Through the Falls

Last night, once I finally got home from late night basketball, I sat down and watched a little bit of the Fall-a-lympics.  Did you notice?  In the women’s snowboard, fall after fall.  Men’s skating – fall, fall, fall.  So many falls, that I eventually “fell” asleep, kicked back in my favorite chair and missed the great victory last night in men’s skating (disappointing ).

Anyway, while I was still awake, I was asking my lovely and multi-talented wife why she thought there were so many falls.    We both through out several theories, including that they tired ( like us), they didn’t get enough practice, or that is was Bush’s fault. (ok just kidding on the last one).   But ultimately we settled, and I think this is true, on that fact that they are having to push so hard because there is such a small separation between Gold and last.  They push so hard, and when you push yourself, sometimes  you make mistakes.   All of these athletes are capable of pretty incredible athletic accomplishments, but on the world’s stage we see them falter. They could pull back just a little and finish their event without a fall, but would fall would be any chance at a medal.  So, they go for it, they push themselves a little past what they can comfortable do, and when it works – its awesome!

So it is with our lives – physical and spiritual.  We can live in our comfort zone and never make a mistake, and never reap the reward.  Live it out on the edge.  Push yourself in your life.  Accept that you will not be perfect, but at times, things will work out in a way that you just can’t even imagine how awesome the reward will be.

This is why I love the Olympics.  It so inspiring, its so motivating, its such a microcosm of life.

So, lets take some risks, lets live a little bit crazy, step out of the place of comfort and lets impact others by pushing on the edges.

And then find your safety in God.

New International Version (NIV)Psalm 4:7-8

7 You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.