Wow.
Exams are done.
Eric's birthday is done.
The retreat is done.
St. Louis overnight trip is tomorrow.
Spring classes start next week.
It's been a good couple of weeks and I've had fun being this busy.
An update to come on all of that will happen someday, maybe even this evening. We'll see.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
He has risen. He has risen indeed.
Easter is always filled with friends, family, church, eggs, bunnies, chocolate, and pretty dresses. This year was no different.
This year lacked a little something for me, though. As I picked up my flowers after church at the empty tomb, it hit me. I've been going through the motions of Easter without celebrating the Resurrection. I NEED the Resurrection. I LOVE the Resurrection. I LIVE because of the Resurrection. And yet... it had taken a backseat in the preparation for Easter.
What was the front seat? Well, I'd love to say that His death was there, but in reality, it was a few rows back.
As I celebrate Easter Monday quietly (because this is the day that I believe Jesus overcame death), I found this poem by Kara Root, a pastor in Minnesota. Enjoy.
I need the Resurrection
because my sister is sick
and can’t afford insurance,
because I’ve told a weeping Haitian mom,
“No, I can’t take your son home with me.”
because I’ve been rushed off a Jerusalem street
so the police could blow up a package that could’ve blown up us.
Because I’ve exploded
in rage
and watched their tiny faces cloud with hurt.
because evil is pervasive
and I participate.
I need the Resurrection
because it promises
that in the end
all wrongs are made right.
Death loses.
Hope triumphs.
And Life and
Love Prevail.
I need the Resurrection
because I’m tired and worn
the hours are long, the pay not enough
the second job barely covers the costs
for the kids to eat
the rent to be paid;
because life throws you some pitches
that you just can’t hit.
Because she left, and
I stayed.
Because some days a good cup of coffee
just isn’t enough.
Because I’m tired. . .
I need the Resurrection
because night gives way to morning,
darkness. . . to light
and because one day: all things will be new.
I need the Resurrection
because this life is so wonderful
despite its fragility;
the softness of dew on the morning grass
The house quiet while all are yet asleep
The promise of a new day.
Because each day comes and goes
And so many have now gone too.
I need the Resurrection
because I want one more day
with those who have already
Gone to sleep.
One more hello
One more long afternoon on the front porch
Telling stories
I’ve heard so many times
But long to hear again.
I need the Resurrection
because the story must not end.
I need the Resurrection
Because life has never
been as it should be
for me
or, I guess, for you.
I’ve never seen a rainbow
Or a lily. . .
a mountain, or a tree.
Yet these ideas are more
than just ideas,
and one day, I shall see.
I need the Resurrection
Because I long to touch, and feel, and smell
and wonder over
forever… this
Clean earth… which has been sullied.
One day, renewed.
And one day, as I use my senses
to drink deeply of all that is,
I shall see that Creation
Crowned, with a King.
He has risen. He has risen indeed.
This year lacked a little something for me, though. As I picked up my flowers after church at the empty tomb, it hit me. I've been going through the motions of Easter without celebrating the Resurrection. I NEED the Resurrection. I LOVE the Resurrection. I LIVE because of the Resurrection. And yet... it had taken a backseat in the preparation for Easter.
What was the front seat? Well, I'd love to say that His death was there, but in reality, it was a few rows back.
As I celebrate Easter Monday quietly (because this is the day that I believe Jesus overcame death), I found this poem by Kara Root, a pastor in Minnesota. Enjoy.
I need the Resurrection
because my sister is sick
and can’t afford insurance,
because I’ve told a weeping Haitian mom,
“No, I can’t take your son home with me.”
because I’ve been rushed off a Jerusalem street
so the police could blow up a package that could’ve blown up us.
Because I’ve exploded
in rage
and watched their tiny faces cloud with hurt.
because evil is pervasive
and I participate.
I need the Resurrection
because it promises
that in the end
all wrongs are made right.
Death loses.
Hope triumphs.
And Life and
Love Prevail.
I need the Resurrection
because I’m tired and worn
the hours are long, the pay not enough
the second job barely covers the costs
for the kids to eat
the rent to be paid;
because life throws you some pitches
that you just can’t hit.
Because she left, and
I stayed.
Because some days a good cup of coffee
just isn’t enough.
Because I’m tired. . .
I need the Resurrection
because night gives way to morning,
darkness. . . to light
and because one day: all things will be new.
I need the Resurrection
because this life is so wonderful
despite its fragility;
the softness of dew on the morning grass
The house quiet while all are yet asleep
The promise of a new day.
Because each day comes and goes
And so many have now gone too.
I need the Resurrection
because I want one more day
with those who have already
Gone to sleep.
One more hello
One more long afternoon on the front porch
Telling stories
I’ve heard so many times
But long to hear again.
I need the Resurrection
because the story must not end.
I need the Resurrection
Because life has never
been as it should be
for me
or, I guess, for you.
I’ve never seen a rainbow
Or a lily. . .
a mountain, or a tree.
Yet these ideas are more
than just ideas,
and one day, I shall see.
I need the Resurrection
Because I long to touch, and feel, and smell
and wonder over
forever… this
Clean earth… which has been sullied.
One day, renewed.
And one day, as I use my senses
to drink deeply of all that is,
I shall see that Creation
Crowned, with a King.
He has risen. He has risen indeed.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Slow Down
As I was recounting my road trip from last year with a few different friends, one common theme came up: "I wish I'd slowed down."
Yes, I've been to Oklahoma City, OK. Yes, I've been to Laughlin, NV and Needles, CA. Yes, I've been to Phoenix, AZ. Yes, I've been to Houston, TX. However... I couldn't tell you about any of them except for the traffic.
I wish I could go back and actually spend time getting to know even just one thing about each city. I was in too much of a hurry to get to know anything except the friends that lived in these cities... or the back of my eyelids.
My encouragement for anyone on a journey is to slow down. Take a day or two to rest and enjoy the sights along your journey. Those small moments won't really deter you from getting to your destination, but they will make the journey more fun and enjoyable. Plus, you won't have the regret of "I wish I'd done this or that."
So, next time you see a road sign for "The World's Largest Rocking Chair" (which is one of the side trips I DID take), pull off. It may seem silly, but I know that on the inside you were wishing you could stop. Do it.
Yes, I've been to Oklahoma City, OK. Yes, I've been to Laughlin, NV and Needles, CA. Yes, I've been to Phoenix, AZ. Yes, I've been to Houston, TX. However... I couldn't tell you about any of them except for the traffic.
I wish I could go back and actually spend time getting to know even just one thing about each city. I was in too much of a hurry to get to know anything except the friends that lived in these cities... or the back of my eyelids.
My encouragement for anyone on a journey is to slow down. Take a day or two to rest and enjoy the sights along your journey. Those small moments won't really deter you from getting to your destination, but they will make the journey more fun and enjoyable. Plus, you won't have the regret of "I wish I'd done this or that."
So, next time you see a road sign for "The World's Largest Rocking Chair" (which is one of the side trips I DID take), pull off. It may seem silly, but I know that on the inside you were wishing you could stop. Do it.
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