Daily Buffet

I was on a call with a vendor last week discussing a software issue.  We were discussing with the vendor about a piece of code that appeared to be misbehaving. The source of the problem could be debatable.    There was a new representative of the vendor on the phone, whom I had not spoken with before.  I was so impressed with the guy.  He demeanor so calm and helpful, when he could have taken a very defensive position.  And then at the end of the call I was so shocked as he cheerfully said

“Is there anything else?”

The question was asked with such winsomeness and joy that I was completely taken back. It was as if  he was really wanted to know if we had any other issues to discuss.  Very Nice.

I thought is was a great example of the type of leadership and interact that Jesus tells his guys about in Mark 10, after they attempt to build themselves up a bit.

42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10 NASB

I don’t fault James and John any.  We tend to spend a little more time thinking about ourselves more than others.  But man,  the Christ gives us a challenge.  And a difficult one at that!   Just imagine if we rose to that challenge every day and continue asked those around is “Is there anything else?”

Yesterday I set out for my morning run at dawn. It was a simple four mile run. Out two and back.  On the way out, I was running towards the massive harvest moon we have had this week.  It was incredible.  So bright, so clear in the morning sky.  And so amazing.  During those first two miles, the sky lightened but the moon continued to glow!   I made the turn and covered the ground in reverse, enjoying the pleasure of  the splendid colors of the morning sunrise.

Wow!

The entire run I was thinking how there is just no way this majesty could just happen.  It’s so simple, and so splendid.  The science of it all is fantastic. It’s function is perfect and it’s aesthetics are breathtaking  It seems to be the handiwork of a great designer. And it is good!

8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8(NIV)

Oh man, the anticipation of today is killing people.  Today is the day Apple has it’s big announcement.  Will they have a new iPhone, an iWatch? What thing will they unveil today that we just can’t live without?  The wait, the agony, the unknown!!

In all seriousness, I am interested in what they unveil today.  I love the mystery, the guessing, the wonder of what this group of great minds develops.   It usually ends up with some sort of thing that changes the way we live our lives, and even our culture. It’s fascinating.

Despite all of that, my most favorite product announcement of all time is still this one from Luke 2.

¹⁰ The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. ¹¹ Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city. ¹² This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying,

Here is a nice little song, with a mesmerizing video which I think you may want to watch.

http://youtu.be/E8WNYU9I5as

It’s like a trip down the Ocoee, with your head under water! I thought it is a nice peaceful journey with a solid prayerful message by Young Oceans playing in the background.  Something reassuring on this September 11th.

May I flee these selfish passions
and the cravings of the world
Father pull me from the deep
will you draw this soiled heart toward the shore
O lead me. I need Thee, my Lord

May we rest upon the mountain
and lay beneath your glorious light
and may we sing among the angels
that you alone can break the curse of night