Ten years ago today, the world was a different place. That place seems to be fading from memory.
Ten years ago tomorrow, the world changed, the world cried, the world fell.
Ten years ago today, kids played outside with no idea of what time would bring.
Ten years ago tomorrow, the world remembered our friends and families mattered most.
Ten years ago today, employees went to work in anticipation of a paycheck.
Ten years ago tomorrow, paychecks were being donated to those in dire need.
Ten years ago today, our actions were directed by selfishness.
Ten years ago tomorrow, our actions were directed by brokenness in our hearts, which led to unity in our lives.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Hunt Is On
Throughout life most people seem to move around at least a little. I have now made my journey from Phoenix to Chicago with a 3 year pit stop in Anderson, IN. The growth and development of who I am since beginning this adventure has been something I couldn't imagine happening in any other context. After completing the race to graduate within the 4 year expected time limit, the welcome party to adulthood and the real world includes termination of your health coverage and the invitation to drive around dropping of a snapshot of your history while not having the dollars to pay for it.
For me, this included a range of locations. Returning to the world of personal insurance and restaurants of high school has been one of humility. Submitting resume after resume with the most common response of, "we are not hiring" is an experience that quickly takes a tole. The spirit of your Starbucks Grande Mocha that morning becomes the autumn leaves you find in your trunk in March; sad, dead, and crushed. I then began venturing into the virtual world of online applications and personality exams with no response to say your answer to "would you stay after hours or ask a coworker for help?" says you can't make coffee.
Luckily, the tone of this search turned around. It went from the minor keys of rejection to the major keys of the juggling act of multiple offers. Now you have a different challenge, how to not say no while not saying yes long enough to hear from your preferred job. I was stressed. I was the egg on the hood of a car in Phoenix in July with the dust shower of a haboob about to cover the sun. Then it all was done for me. God made the decisions for me. God made options I didn't even think of. God heard me. God removed the dust from the sky, made it spring outside, and turned the egg in to a dancing spring flower.
No, the hunt is not completely over. But I am secure in God and have seen more and more of Gods provision.
For me, this included a range of locations. Returning to the world of personal insurance and restaurants of high school has been one of humility. Submitting resume after resume with the most common response of, "we are not hiring" is an experience that quickly takes a tole. The spirit of your Starbucks Grande Mocha that morning becomes the autumn leaves you find in your trunk in March; sad, dead, and crushed. I then began venturing into the virtual world of online applications and personality exams with no response to say your answer to "would you stay after hours or ask a coworker for help?" says you can't make coffee.
Luckily, the tone of this search turned around. It went from the minor keys of rejection to the major keys of the juggling act of multiple offers. Now you have a different challenge, how to not say no while not saying yes long enough to hear from your preferred job. I was stressed. I was the egg on the hood of a car in Phoenix in July with the dust shower of a haboob about to cover the sun. Then it all was done for me. God made the decisions for me. God made options I didn't even think of. God heard me. God removed the dust from the sky, made it spring outside, and turned the egg in to a dancing spring flower.
No, the hunt is not completely over. But I am secure in God and have seen more and more of Gods provision.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
What are borders?
Country borders seem strange to me. I crossed one recently and had an amazing time. I crossed the border of the U.S. and Canada. I showed my passport and entered the world of the northerners who say "eh." Yes, I did actually hear it used. I discovered a great land on the other side of this line that has been drawn. I discovered great people on both sides. I discovered a little more about one special person as well.
To begin, this was an adventure that took two explorers, myself and the person I admire most, to Detroit, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Camping on Lake Erie. I have to say, it was most definitely an adventure of true exploration. I had never been anywhere on that list of destinations. I had heard so much and thought so much about the people who lived there and the way the cities were. Well, most of my ideas became the dropped wine glass you are forced to throw away. They didn't do their job anymore. No wine or truth was held inside because what the real experience seemed to need was a newly purchased Niagara Falls coffee mug.
Detroit, the city of "crime, emptiness, and poverty", showed me great cuisine, community, and the sweet gentle conversation of two people who have see the city in all lights. Yes, Detroit is a struggling city of few people. On the other hand, I did see a community of the people that take pride in what they do have and will stick together through the tough times. The small breakfast bread shop that had lines out the door showed a true community as the patrons walked in and quickly embraced others as a cactus getting the first summer monsoons rainfall. The sellout crowd celebrating a legend in the Detroit baseball community was filled with the joy of a young child's first professional game. Detroit is place I experienced something different than I had in mind. Detroit challenged my perceptions and attitudes. Detroit put perseverance in perspective.
On the other side of the "line," which says this is mine and not yours by some birthright reason I am yet to comprehend, the people were...well...people. I know Americans do not see Canadians as nonhuman and do not create policies targeted at such people "taking advantage" of our country but crossing a border brought those thoughts to mind. As an American, I was asked almost no questions about why I was entering the country and I was not required to prove I would not stay in Canada longer than I had verbally stated. I was free to roam the world as I pleased with extremely limited requirement. This is a privilege I do enjoy and have remained advantageous of through out my life but I desire for all persons to explore and see other lifestyles to gain understanding of differences and similarities. This should not only come through textbooks but through cultural and community engagement. This is where I seem to see the face of God the most. I see God's face when I am looking at another person's face. I see the diversity and creativity of God. I understand that God is for all and wants the engagement of communities, not simply tolerance. Canada is not much different from the U.S. The U.S.'s similarities to Canadian people is what has created a peaceful border for so many years. The similarities between the U.S. and persons from the other side of our southern border is what should build, not a wall, but a gateway of understanding and freedom to explore and engage.
Toronto was a place that needed a new mug for itself as well. The adventures of cruises, waterfront bike rides, 1,151ft high lunches, and memory making created an experience that can only be captured by the idea of a mosaic. It was pieces of life coming together to become something beautiful, relaxing, inspiring, new, and whole. Eating lunch with the birds and an angel was beautiful, simply the presence of my co-explorer was relaxing, the cultural engagement and boat excursion inspired further seeking of Gods face in our world, and the conversations with new people made the mosaic of a masterful vacation.
The next stop on our trip cannot be described without exploration, adventure, and experience. Driving down the street and coming up to see God's creation falling 326 feet to create the picture perfect Niagara Falls was jaw dropping. Taking a shower in the mist on a boat was so much more. It revitalizing your inner drive for life because it is a sloppy wet kiss from the One who loves us most. Taking the journey of an ant underground and behind the falls give a perspective that can only be discussed by painting a picture of a miner who broke the water pipe that delivers water to all of North America. The power that existed in front of us seemed to only point to one conclusion; the Creator is powerful yet calming with one stroke.
Our last exploration destination of Lake Erie was enjoyed under the stars, on the beach, with s'mores, sunsets, and, of course, bugs. Camping is always an exploration. Simply setting up a tent can push your mind to understand the "simple" instructions and envision the end result of a shelter for the next few days. Camping brings humans directly into nature and removes the luxuries of modern life. Camping brings a couple that usually relies on technology to a table for a game of cards. A child is removed from the sight of a screen of any type and put on the saddle of a bike to explore the outdoors. Camping reminds us of the basics of life and shows the luxuries are truly luxuries.
The adventures that took place with my co-explorer are ones that ultimately relaxed, revealed, and re-energized the soul. These adventures were ones that put me in a place to take on my coming adventures of job interviews, house hunting, and relational development. I thank my co-explorer for the love, support, and creative ability that was showcased through out our explorations. I also thank God for creating a place so diverse it gives us a reason to explore and constantly revealing more characteristics through the creation.
The next stop on our trip cannot be described without exploration, adventure, and experience. Driving down the street and coming up to see God's creation falling 326 feet to create the picture perfect Niagara Falls was jaw dropping. Taking a shower in the mist on a boat was so much more. It revitalizing your inner drive for life because it is a sloppy wet kiss from the One who loves us most. Taking the journey of an ant underground and behind the falls give a perspective that can only be discussed by painting a picture of a miner who broke the water pipe that delivers water to all of North America. The power that existed in front of us seemed to only point to one conclusion; the Creator is powerful yet calming with one stroke.
Our last exploration destination of Lake Erie was enjoyed under the stars, on the beach, with s'mores, sunsets, and, of course, bugs. Camping is always an exploration. Simply setting up a tent can push your mind to understand the "simple" instructions and envision the end result of a shelter for the next few days. Camping brings humans directly into nature and removes the luxuries of modern life. Camping brings a couple that usually relies on technology to a table for a game of cards. A child is removed from the sight of a screen of any type and put on the saddle of a bike to explore the outdoors. Camping reminds us of the basics of life and shows the luxuries are truly luxuries.
The adventures that took place with my co-explorer are ones that ultimately relaxed, revealed, and re-energized the soul. These adventures were ones that put me in a place to take on my coming adventures of job interviews, house hunting, and relational development. I thank my co-explorer for the love, support, and creative ability that was showcased through out our explorations. I also thank God for creating a place so diverse it gives us a reason to explore and constantly revealing more characteristics through the creation.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Lines, Cash, and Smile!
This morning was an adventure we all try to avoid. Every few years, this place calls your name and lets you keep using your car. We all dread the experience now but when we were 16 years old we couldn't drag our parents there fast enough. This blog has coincided with my official relocation to Illinois and therefore, I was forced into the unpleasant alter-universe of the DMV, where manners and logic are rejected.
Although this blog is more about the journey, today felt so much more focused on the ends rather than the means. Getting my Illinois drivers license was the target and how it happened, I didn't care. When I arrived at the DMV, you go through one line to get your number to wait in another line. This gentleman decides to tell me that they do not take visa but they take all other major companies, cash, or check. Well of course, I find my wallet holding only visas. Then I tell the royal mannered gentleman that I need a first time Illinois license and to do so I will need a Certificate of Residency. "I know what you need. Just give me what you have." Once he has reviewed my papers for apparently the sole reason of self gratification, he send me to the person with the real power of accepting or denying my license application. This gentleman doesn't have the snap of the welcome team but simply speaks as much as my mailbox outside. Through the entire transaction he opts for pointing and grunting as opposed to using vocabulary. The next step in the process was the most shocking of them all. The written test. After spending hours online reviewing the paperwork I would need to prove I am the person I say I am with 3 different forms and that I am living at where I say I live with 2 additional forms of identification, the website failed to inform me that I would be taking any exams. Which is funny because I thought the next exam I would take would be a little further than 2 months after graduating from college. Pop quiz! The quiz was almost an insult because they ask you to match colors and shapes with names. Sounds like 1st grade to me but at least it was the easiest quiz I had taken in over 6 years. Then the time came. Photo shoot. They dont give you a mirror or a warning of the flash that causes you to need Jesus to put dirt in your eyes to drive home.
Overall, it was an adventure. I met interesting people who have somehow ended up working at the DMV, a job I don't envy. I didn't get the time to ask about their stories today but I know they have them. All of the people in that place from all over the world seeking to have permission to go on adventures of their own. Seeking the ability to use a car to explore the world and meet other people. Just as a bicycle is freedom to explore. The DMV is place that issues not drivers licenses but explorer certifications. I hope that I am able to achieve this and not simply sit passively behind the wheel but to notice my surrounding and what it takes to get from place to place.
Although this blog is more about the journey, today felt so much more focused on the ends rather than the means. Getting my Illinois drivers license was the target and how it happened, I didn't care. When I arrived at the DMV, you go through one line to get your number to wait in another line. This gentleman decides to tell me that they do not take visa but they take all other major companies, cash, or check. Well of course, I find my wallet holding only visas. Then I tell the royal mannered gentleman that I need a first time Illinois license and to do so I will need a Certificate of Residency. "I know what you need. Just give me what you have." Once he has reviewed my papers for apparently the sole reason of self gratification, he send me to the person with the real power of accepting or denying my license application. This gentleman doesn't have the snap of the welcome team but simply speaks as much as my mailbox outside. Through the entire transaction he opts for pointing and grunting as opposed to using vocabulary. The next step in the process was the most shocking of them all. The written test. After spending hours online reviewing the paperwork I would need to prove I am the person I say I am with 3 different forms and that I am living at where I say I live with 2 additional forms of identification, the website failed to inform me that I would be taking any exams. Which is funny because I thought the next exam I would take would be a little further than 2 months after graduating from college. Pop quiz! The quiz was almost an insult because they ask you to match colors and shapes with names. Sounds like 1st grade to me but at least it was the easiest quiz I had taken in over 6 years. Then the time came. Photo shoot. They dont give you a mirror or a warning of the flash that causes you to need Jesus to put dirt in your eyes to drive home.
Overall, it was an adventure. I met interesting people who have somehow ended up working at the DMV, a job I don't envy. I didn't get the time to ask about their stories today but I know they have them. All of the people in that place from all over the world seeking to have permission to go on adventures of their own. Seeking the ability to use a car to explore the world and meet other people. Just as a bicycle is freedom to explore. The DMV is place that issues not drivers licenses but explorer certifications. I hope that I am able to achieve this and not simply sit passively behind the wheel but to notice my surrounding and what it takes to get from place to place.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Exploration
Bugs are hitting my chest, my legs are pushing around the crank arms, and the wind is blowing by my ears in a way that make it impossible to hear the sedans and minivans whizzing by in such a rush that they make me a just another component in their obstacle course to happiness. The reality of the situation is, they just passed it. It was me, riding my bike. A bicycle is something that transforms a person. It is newly found freedom to the child, adventure to the teen, and transportation to the urbanite. For me, all of these are true when the saddle is my recliner, the road is my Sunday football game, and the passing scenery is my commercial breaks from the stress of life. I am removed from the work schedules, friendship drama, and never ending to-do lists. I am transported to a new world of exploration.
So many people have simply seized to explore. This seems to happen as people transition from childhood to adulthood. When a child's sense of adventure becomes the sun at dusk, the child's mother calls s/he home for safety. What if this safety of walls, roofs, and televisions was abandoned. When a person enters the world with such an adventurous spirit, there is truly so much to discover. The problem seems to be a settling for the routine. Americans need to get out and explore, dive into adventure, ride into a risk or two.
Through this space of an online blog, I am going to share my stories of exploration. Some will be stories of riding a bicycle, some on the "L" train in the city, some will be in the car. All will include interaction with self, others, earth, and God.
So many people have simply seized to explore. This seems to happen as people transition from childhood to adulthood. When a child's sense of adventure becomes the sun at dusk, the child's mother calls s/he home for safety. What if this safety of walls, roofs, and televisions was abandoned. When a person enters the world with such an adventurous spirit, there is truly so much to discover. The problem seems to be a settling for the routine. Americans need to get out and explore, dive into adventure, ride into a risk or two.
Through this space of an online blog, I am going to share my stories of exploration. Some will be stories of riding a bicycle, some on the "L" train in the city, some will be in the car. All will include interaction with self, others, earth, and God.
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