Is anyone there?

After several years of inactivity, along with my retirement earlier this year, I'm considering becoming active again at this site.  

My question is this: Did any of you--who used to be notified when I posted--receive notification of this post? If so, please comment below, or text/email me. I'd like to know if this is still active.

David

Calendar Tyranny and Lenten Decisions

The calendar is telling me it is time for Lent. You have to be kidding me!? There are way too many things to do, and far too much on my mind for me to choose, let alone pull-off some sort of fast.

Yet this day continually gets shoved in front of my mind.

• First a friend speaking of what she and her husband were thinking of fasting for lent. It can't be that time already?!  
• Then the news of early parades and parties in New Orleans, where they stretch out the windfall of Fat Tuesday's exuberant excessiveness. Ugh. 

And now, it is Monday. And I am in no frame of mind to choose what to lose. So maybe I should just begin thinking about Memorial Day preparations instead?

Wait. As I labor over the issue, it becomes obvious to me that I have no habits that need trimming away! Every pattern of my life is well ordered, and every indulgence is well deserved, thank you very much.

Oh, how I wish that were true. So I visit once more a lesson from  Barbara Brown Taylor, in her reflection entitled "Settling for Less." And once again, it helps. It helps in a lenten sort of way. I encourage you to read it HERE.  I dare you.

May you and I be aware of our journey. The calendar is telling us, it's time.

David

For my US American Friends: Reflections from November 2016

I wrote the following on Election Day, 2016.

Glad to exercise my right to vote today. I love my country. However, having lived for a time in others, I have seen the resulting agonies of civic collapse. I write this with the prayer that when the dust of this election settles, my US friends will seek ways of peace, and leave their vitriol behind. 

Very dignified, kind and beautiful people and cultures, in nations around the world, have known times of murderous civil unrest, no access to food, fear of neighbor and government. No matter one's views on "American Exceptionalism," a look across the pages of our own history should shock us back into the humbling truth that we US Americans are not immune to these potential horrific realities.

As I read those saying: "I can't wait for this election to be over," I get it. But there is also an underlying implication that we are exempt from the suffering which our fomented hatred and divisive rhetoric can levy.

There is a limit to the amount of pressure a society can take from the raging, hateful, selfish banter rehearsed day after day on our media outlets--especially social media ones. Are we superior to other cultures who have more recent experiences of societal melt-down? I fear that we are not.

This seems to be our take: "Our nation is divided, and I'm on the right side." Before pushing that point too hard, ask yourself if you love your "enemies," or, if you would prefer to live in a war zone? 

We are not exempt.

-------------

And so today, nearly two years later, 

• How do you choose to live and love? 
• How much news do you need to watch? 
• How many talk shows do you need to follow in order to memorize "your" beliefs?
• How are your preferred civic leaders speaking, tweeting or commenting in peaceful ways?

We have turned a corner away from working together, and our new destination is not a pleasant one.

If any choose to comment here or on Facebook, I ask you to keep it civil, humble and (dare I dream?) hopeful. 

Here, There, Believe--Transitional Realities

I'm not usually a poet. But sometimes the genre can say it best for me.

These thoughts were in my heart as I prayed for a nephew, his wife and family preparing to leave their US home for a very foreign land. Those who have left home behind for long distance obedience will likely understand this best.

HERE, THERE, BELIEVE

Transitional Realities

(From one who loves and believes in you.)

by David Hayes

Here

Box by box, 

one armchair and ironing board at a time,

we say goodbye. 

Parting with life—with our reality—

choosing this mad calling, 

over common reason.

And children go along, for the ride, 

and newness, that you, nor they

can imagine. 

You question your decision every day or so,

but only for a moment… 

Soon tossing another memory in the “give away stack” 

with a smile no one else sees,

or understands.

There 

Horns are honking with a foreign tone,

and mouths are speaking of different things,

and there are people who know nothing of you 

or your loves, 

or your sacrifices,

or your life…

There are children playing other games,

and teachers teaching other histories

and other alphabets,

and there are lunches smelling and tasting like something other  

than you’ve ever imagined,

And all of this happens

so very far, 

far away.

You wonder sometimes if you can cross that distance.

(Sure, you can fly and ride and walk into your new home.)

But can you learn games and histories and alphabets and sounds and smells and tastes? 

Can you cover the distance to them? 

To them, these whom you love before meeting, 

and to whom you give so much, before seeing?

So you hesitate at the chasm, it hits you again— 

the leaving of your close neighbor!  

your dear friends!  

your precious family!

Believe

Somehow they, 

THESE strange ones who have captured your heart,

will become your close neighbor  

Your dear friends 

And your precious family

And thus, you hold to this determined audacity not to apologize for your apparent desertions.

Peace to you, from Peace-Source.

Strength to you, from the Mighty One.

God’s hope abound in you, 

        for he who has begun this good work, will be faithful to complete it.

The Possibility of Hospitality

Step Out…

Relationships are difficult.  After some time living in a major city, I’m learning that beginning a conversation can be far more difficult in an urban environment, than in suburban or rural areas.  There is one stunning exception, and I’m still testing the waters.  It is the intimidating path 

                                       of descending 

                                              the social ladder.

The Problem: Relating Our Way Past Walls of Fear

People in cities are more walled-off than others.  There are many reasons.  Where I live part-time here in Chicago--and on my street especially, making eye contact means you will likely receive multiple requests for “spare change” from neighbors. And there is a limit to the amount of spare change one can give away.  Eye-contact means potential invasion into my comforts. Plus, avoiding eye contact is a far quicker way from Point A, to Point B.

Sometimes it’s a matter of language.  

• There are 39 languages spoken in my neighborhood alone. Thousands of people around me come from another part of the world.
• At other times it is simply a matter of unclear channels—there is much mental illness in my corner of Chicago. It is on reason for the community of those living the winter in tents under a nearby bridge.  I’ve had several failed conversations, because the one with whom I attempted to speak was simply living in a different reality.

My Dad taught me the importance of eye-contact. But the rules of engagement here are different. Try to make eye contact with those on the street, and they will fear what you are thinking. Or what you are wanting. 

Or, they will ask you for something. 

What do we, who call ourselves by the name of Christ, have to offer them?  

Ice Breaker #1:  Need Looks Eye-to-Eye with Need

Step Up….

If you look closely, you’ll find margins—intimate spaces where a question might be welcomed. For instance, if you need directions while riding a bus or train, you will probably be greeted with kindness and assistance. If you need neighborhood information while sitting in a coffee shop, there is the possibility of hospitality.  

Once a woman with a bad reputation made a scene over Jesus at a dinner party. I love the story as found in Luke 7:36-50.  The “righteous” ones that hosted the dinner resented the intrusion of this woman.  They didn’t see her; they were embarrassed by her.  

“Then he (Jesus) turned toward the woman and said to Simon,

Notice how Jesus’ love is reflected beautifully in verse 44 when he speaks truth to the host.  Notice how he does not look Simon the Pharisee in the eyes as he speaks to him, but instead he looks at the “sinful woman,” and he speaks to Simon:  

“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The woman needed and found grace.  

Jesus needed, and found someone to whom he could 

express His Father’s love and grace.

Need looks eye-to-eye with need.

Is there some love you need to give away?

Ice Breaker #2:  Humility Overcomes Dominance

Step In….

Especially where humanity is compacted into tight spaces, dominance is feared. There is a lack of trust—or at least diminished confidence in those with more power and thus privilege. The lower the economic class (or privilege) of city neighbors, the lower their trust in those who have life easier.  

On my block in Chicago, I have privilege.

People tend to resent those with more….more money, more power, more privilege.  And when we come into the presence of those with less, we quickly devise fears of their every possible advantage; advantages such as 

• violence, 
• street savvy, 
• or mooching off of my tax dollars!

John, a first century follower of Jesus said,  John 4:18 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, 

because fear has to do with punishment. 

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We are called to live beyond fear, and beneath our privilege. The Christian’s privilege is to humbly serve, when we could be served. This is why Jesus said this to his followers in Luke 22:27: 

For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? 

Is it not the one who is at the table? 

But I am among you as one who serves.

Step Down….

So where can we find the possibility of hospitality? Is it possible that Jesus’ wisdom teaches us to find the possibility of hospitality, 

not by climbing the social ladder, 

rather by descending it?  

If you hang out with the privileged, they think they don’t need what you have.  If you hang out as a needy one—

as Jesus did—

with the underprivileged, 

you may find a place of rich welcome. 

I’m still testing the waters.  

I’m seeking to learn my way into 

the possibility of hospitality 

from a position of need, and 

a position of humility.

My daughter wrote this haunting lyric. I wish you could hear the music.  It reminds me of the call of Jesus to forsake our privileges, and to seek out humility.  

Is it time to be empty?

time to be empty

Have we felt that, maybe, 

We don't need to be filled?

Afraid to know what it's like

Not to overflow?

When was the last time,

I sought fulfillment for someone other than me?

It's time to be tired

It's time to pour out

And to feel the strength 

of being empty

Make us uncomfortable

Take away all our fear

Show us your power

When we are empty. 

Place us in the agony

Of the world outside our door

Place us in your river

Where we can feel the water roar.

We need to feel you

Moving and changing the world. 

(lyric by Alyssa Stanley)

In Luke 14:13-14, Jesus said, 

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

I challenge you to new steps in the year ahead.

Life Around the Corner (For the Winter Weary)

Three nights ago, the forested hills surrounding our home were smothered in the thick of snow.   Warmer days and dismal rain uncovered dull brown earth—and urged us toward despair; the remaining icy white patches threatened yet to have the last word.

While there is no sign of LIFE in the soil or branches out my window, I cherish the certainty of it. 

Even now beneath chill-soaked soil, brown pulp is weaving cheery yellows and whites of nascent daffodils.  While we slept last night, the dogwood and redbud were quilting ribbons in their hidden, mysterious places. Petalled greens and lavenders and yellows and pinks and whites and rubies are being born from wooden stems, papery bulbs and spongy clay.  

Like a surprise welcome party for weary and unsuspecting travelers, LIFE awaits us around the corner.  

Can you believe in that?  Hold on. Listen. Watch.  It's going to be a great show.  

Love in a Mesa Hotel Breakfast Room

At breakfast this morning I saw him. He sat in his wheelchair, looking like a wounded soldier.  Blood seeped from a gaping wound, through a bandage wrapping his head. (I felt the bandage so unworthy to receive his blood.) His slump reminded me of an oddly broken branch.  And--

I LOVED HIM.

I prayed for a way to express my love for this middle aged man.

Soon I saw her, the angel delivering his simple breakfast.  His sad and loving wife tucked a napkin gently under his chin.  (I felt the paper to be so unworthy of such a high calling.)   Moments later she stood at the breakfast bar, next to me—weak and mighty; her face displaying agonizing doubt, rugged determination. She spoke of his brain cancerAnd--

I LOVED HER.

I could not continue to simply gaze in admiration at their beauty. I approached, so deeply moved by my love for them, no longer able to hold back. I sat down with them—listening, caring, loving, patting, blessing, praying, smiling, assuring, comforting, these dear ones in their pain. They were sick and I visited them at the table next to mine. And--

I LOVED THEM.

And it was not as if I had a choice. This flame of Love in me leapt with passion as I gazed on their beauty.  The love was so deep that I could no longer see them.  I saw Jesus. And-- 

I LOVED JESUS.

Daily they pass me by, looking angry, broken, haughty, busy, important, lost, happy, or peaceful. They co-exist in my spaces and places.  Do I miss the opportunity to see their glory?  The glory of the Only Begotten?  That--

GOD IS WITH US!  

                   Can’t you see HIM? 

(Matthew 25:31-46)

How to Start Toward a Cross

Each year I post this article from Barbara Brown Taylor.  I think it is a worthy read, if you dare say you would follow the way of the one who went to the cross.

http://runawaypastor.blogspot.com/2010/02/must-read-article-by-barbara-brown.html

Thoughts From Beside A Vacation Fire

The Need for Good Wood

We heat our home with wood.  I enjoy the primal way of staying warm.  Daily trips to carry in firewood, and the occasional hauling out of ash, help connect my mind and my body to my existence.  

Our stove is a newer model, and is highly efficient.  When well-seasoned fuel is used there is much heat, little ash, and the chimney breathes free of dangerous creosote.

I’ve learned however—from many seasons of heating with wood—the importance of gathering wood a full year-of-months before it is needed.  Firewood requires time to season, allowing quiet breezes and noisy winds to blow.  It needs a summer of heat to prepare it for its winter use.  Firewood needs time to be reduced to nothing but fuel.

I can hear readiness in the musical clank split wood makes when thrown into the sheltered pile for its final weeks before burning.  I feel the difference in the weight when I carry it into our family room. When the wood is ready to burn, it tells me.  

But oh those awful winters when fuel is gathered too late to season well.  There is no song as it collides in the pile.  It begrudges being carried to the fire.  It hisses and simmers on the coals as it seasons in the stove—releasing toxic moist creosote up the chimney in dark smoky rebellion.  The stove glass clouds, then stains a sickening brown with the polluted bi-product of wet unseasoned wood.  It resists service at all costs. 

Seasoning the Soul

My spirit also needs seasoning.  I’m simply not my best when the moistures of media, constant e-communications and over-busyness saturate my days.  There is a clear correlation between seasoning-quiet, and soul-efficiency.

For those who create for a living, taking the time for seasoning is a tough investment to make.  It is the act of burning, after all, which pays the bills!  Is not production what matters—what is noticed?  

Tough Questions for Those Who Create for a Living

How long has it been since you have stepped away and allowed your soul to season?  How long has it been since you’ve felt the kick of creativity?  Have you been forcing production, and not joyfully creating?  Have you found yourself doing “new” work, while feeling no joy in the process?  Are you hissing and simmering and producing smoky sludge, when you know you can light-up and inspire!  When you’ve known yourself to be a source of renewal and life to those for whom you burn?

Step away.  Put yourself on hold.  Stop giving yourself to a simmering half-yield.  Reserve your forced attempts at production, until your heart sings and transports lightly to the nascent coal-bed of creation.  

Give again!  Live again!

Beginnings, Resolutions and Getting Ahead of Ourselves

Beginnings

Beginnings are fraught with opportunity. At the beginning of any game, an underdog has an opportunity. When we start the engine of our car, we can aim them down any highway we desire…and that aiming has everything to do with where we will go. When we open our eyes in the morning, who's to limit what could be accomplished, change or develop during that day.

Resolutions

Today, I’ve been wondering about our resolutions. We want to lost weight, or gain income or travel or retire or build our career. And we imagine ways to help us accomplish these things. We map a course with every intent to keep to it.

But what if our plans are not the best ones? What if our prejudices are not wise? What if our desires will not accomplish what is best? What if the Mighty One wants to do something more mysterious, more altruistic, more big-picture? 

I’ve been thinking—in a somewhat lighthearted way—about Joseph and Mary of scripture. What if Joseph had a resolution to keep a good name for himself the year an angel told him to take a pregnant girl as his wife? What if Mary’s passionate resolution had been to stay thin for the year? What if the Wise Men had resolved to stay near home that year? What if Herod had vowed to exercise his mighty authority, even if it required vicious and hateful action? (Oh, evidently he had.) 

Getting Ahead of Ourselves

Are we getting ahead of ourselves? I guess what I’m getting at is the importance of leaving room for God to do God stuff with your plans. Maybe we shouldn’t be so certain that we know exactly what is best for us? Maybe God's priorities are different than our own?  Perhaps approaching a new year in humility quoting Mary's "Let it be for me as your Spirit wills it," would be the wisest of attitudes.  

Just wondering…

Enemies? Or Those With Whom We Disagree?

My childhood was marked by the fear of my nation's cold war adversary--the USSR. As sad as it is to admit it, as a very young child, I once questioned if it might be best if my country would get the war over with by launching a first nuclear strike. In my childish way of thinking, that would solve the problem. I was following the ways of fear.

Not My Enemies
Today I know people who would have been destroyed in such a horrid act of violence. These people are not my enemies. They have names. I've lived in their neighborhoods, eaten in their homes and worked, worshipped and played side-by-side with them. They are my family. I love them.

Jesus' teaching, that we should love our enemies, is possibly best obeyed by getting to know our enemies--until they are our enemies no longer.

Action Step
Is there a nation or a people whom you fear enough to hate? Is there a religion or system you despise? Could you take the initiative to meet with one of these "enemies" long enough to know them? Have dinner with them? At your house or theirs? I did not say to meet them in order to agree with them; but for the purpose of knowing them--(even serving them). And if you know them, mightn't you love them? For the Christian, the answer of course is: "Yes."

If fear rules, which it does midst unknowing (or ignorance), then my enemies will remain enemies. I will live with a desire for their demise and for my own safety.  The only path to safety seems to be through destruction of the other.

Why Not?
Fear brandishes hateful weapons with the intent of relieving fear.

Love delivers goodwill with the intent of bringing peace.

More on this, and what brought it to mind, coming soon.

Thanksgiving Meditation

Pilgrim Gratefulness

Is it possible for us to be truly thankful again? We have so much. So little is left for which to pray. 

We agonize over new styles for each season, not over our children starving in harsh ones. We put back for retirement, rather than winter meals. Our prayers are for more, while theirs were for enough. We text and sext and post and tweet for attention. They petitioned the Almighty for blessing. Is it possible for us to know pilgrim gratefulness?

Momentary Happiness

Is it possible for us to know more than momentary happiness? Our joys come from what we acquire, possess and own. Theirs came from believing they had received sustenance from Divine hands. We drive by fields of corn destined for fattening calves or filling fuel tanks. They saw kernels of corn, measured out in weathered hands, so many grains per family member, per day. Their children, at risk of not surviving winters, ours at risk of childhood obesity. Is there anything that can make us happy—once and for all?

Extreme Living

Is it possible for us to be satisfied? Our candies must be sour, our sports extreme, our closets walk-in, our lawns without dandelions, our temperatures perfect, our cupboards full, our churches mega; all of our dreams must be fulfilled. We are drunken with plenty and sated with what was once a king’s envy. And we cry out for more, we kick and we scream like spoiled children because we haven't yet found enough. 

And we will not, until we humble ourselves and seek something Higher than our own wishes.

And Jesus Says

God blesses you who are poor, 

    for the Kingdom of God is yours.

God blesses you who are hungry now,

    for you will be satisfied.

What sorrow awaits you who are rich,

    for you have your only happiness now.

What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,

    for a time of awful hunger awaits you.  (Luke 6:20b-21a & 24-25a NLT)

—and he also said—

“I’ll say it again—It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”  (Matthew 19:24 NLT)

And in Mary’s famous “Magnificat,”

    “He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

He has brought down princes from their thrones

    and exalted the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

    and sent the rich away with empty hands.  (Luke 1:52-53 NLT)

Is it possible for our hands to be so full of stuff, they leave our hearts empty of gratefulness and satisfaction?

The Subtle Slide of Individualism

No Compromise

An uncomfortable realization shook me from a discussion with my wife and dearest friend yesterday.  (One would think that after all our years of marriage, our accumulated wisdom would kick-into-gear each time we have a decision to make.  Right?  Nope.)

We were working through a question, and suddenly, each of us slid into our individual preference.  It was so natural to slide into an answer that matched our individual desires.  I wanted what I wanted.  And she wanted what she wanted.  (And for those of you who are engaged or newly married; after thirty-four years of marriage, our desires still differ.  Thank goodness, we still have varying ways of doing life and perceiving issues.)  In this case, there was no hint of understanding the other’s position on the matter.

No Compromise

Now, I know what you are probably thinking.  This is the time for compromise.  Both of us must be at least somewhat comfortable with outcomes.  Right?  This type of thinking was precisely the problem.  We had gotten onto the subtle slide of individualism.  

As people who seek the ways of Jesus in our lives, “comfort” should not be our goal.  “Preferences” should not reign supreme.  Our personal positions are not what we signed-up to defend, or took vows to follow.

Higher Ways

And so yesterday morning, we were suddenly confronted with our self-seeking preferences.  We needed to remember that the most comfortable, desirable, logical or acceptable ways--are not necessarily our way.  We need direction from the One to whom we give our allegiance.

Not, WWJD.  No.  But, as we pray and seek and live toward wisdom, what does he ask of us?  And so we agreed to abandon the subtle slide, drop our preferences, and pray for wisdom that is higher than ours.

After this time of seeking, we may still disagree.  His direction may require some “middle road.”  But not for our own sakes.  There is a higher way, and we can’t afford to slip-slide away from it.

A Day in the Life

Ten hours of solid, sweet sleep birthed me into this day.  Sweet prayer, a cleansing shower and a fruit smoothie took me to my office where nothing would go as planned.

Need took me to meet with the Sherriff, then to purchase two very large McDonald’s breakfasts for a homeless couple whom I encouraged and sent on to better help.  

Another couple wept with me as they tried to find a ways to forgive one another, and as I tried to help them see how very worthy of love each of them are.

A beautiful young woman who has invested most of her life in a relationship wept as she wondered at the future left in it.

A day of surprises and unexpected blessings and challenges.  Another day in life.  Most things I planned to do were left undone. 

And its OK.

Long Before the Finish Line

I just stood in 83 degree heat, on the edge of a a sun-soaked highway for twenty-five minutes waiting to see someone I've never met, nor likely ever will.  And I missed him.  He had already gone by. 

Long Race
And so, I grabbed lunch with my wife, then ran off to the same highway, and this time had to wait only minutes to cheer and encourage someone else I don't know.  His name is Mark Pattinson, and he is from the United Kingdom.  He, and many other men and women are passing through my hometown as they compete in the RAAM--Race Across America.
 
They started at noon, one week ago today, and have ridden from the west coast, covering just under 2,300 miles (so far), and are on their way to a finish line on the east coast at Annapolis, Maryland.  A race--on a bicycle--of 2,996 miles.  So far, the ones passing me today have traversed roughly 330 miles each day.  Desert, mountains, heat, and only catching a hour or so of sleep per day....want to sign-up?

Once when I ran a  mini-marathon (a tiny, inconsequential accomplishment by comparison), a gentleman of a different race, from a different city ran alongside me--long before the finish line--for a full minute shouting encouragement into my broken spirit.  He must have seen it in my eyes. He clapped. He told me I was doing great! He shouted: "Great job!" He told me I was almost there.  He was not a participant in the race, yet, he was. His encouragement got me to the finish line. 

Today it is my turn.  I'm following the racers online, and when they pass the bottom of my hill--long before the finish line--I'm going down and cheering them on.  To Mr. Pattinson I said, "You're doing great!"  I clapped and screamed: "Great job!"  And he waved with a weary hand, looked at me and smiled.  His support van was right behind and some inside said to me:  "Thank you."

Thank ME?

I reflected on what I yelled to the rider.  They were the same words that a sixty-plus year old black man shouted to me when I wanted to quit on a 13.1 mile run.  Somehow, in the great big picture, I was able to give back what was once given to me.  And as cliche as it may sound, I had to hold back tears of joy.

We Can Help
I'm reminded that somewhere in my life--every day--there is someone trying to accomplish something, and they may doubt that they can finish. Some are friends that I know; and others I may never know, or ever see again. Some are tired, some are tempted to quit, or doubt that they are really making a difference. They need my assurance, they need my encouragement that they are doing a great job!

I guess I'm just asking you to keep an eye out for someone doing something...maybe for a cause you are not a part of. You may just give them the shove they need. Your encouragement may be what gets them to the finish line! Who can you encourage today?

By the way: you can track the racers by clicking on this link: http://www.tractalis.com/raam2013/ .

Let me know if this gives you any encouragement targets the rest of us can use.