Have you ever read a ‘how to’ article or book about fishing? I subscribe to Field and Stream magazine, so I have plenty of fishing articles to read. During the spring and summer, the articles inform me of different species of fish and what their behaviors are during that particular season. The theory being, if I can predict their behavior I’ll know where to find them, which in turn allows me to catch them (hopefully the big ones.) The latest article about catching big Bass in the summertime grabbed my attention. When I finished the how to’s and micro fishing lessons on paper, I thought to myself, “WOW fish are so predictable.” It’s true, fish are very predictable.
When it comes to predictable creatures, fish are among the top in nature; among the top ten in my very unscientific observations. This got me thinking about dads and where they fall into the predictability measurement? In general, I would rank dads around seven or eight out of ten when it comes to predicability. If you are a dad, think about it, do you have the same routine when you get home from work? Do you participate in the same weekend activities every weekend? If you are honest, I’m sure there is at least one area in your life that is predictable to those around you. Having routine is not necessarily bad, however, most of the time we engage in routines for selfish reasons. We have routines because they are comfortable for us!
In my opinion and experience with my own kids, our lives should be anything but predictable. I have found that when I slip into routines and patterns, my kids begin to predict my behaviors in a negative way. It usually sounds something like this, “No, Dad won’t want to do that because he’s too busy doing...” We tend to have our own interests that occupy our minds so much that we can’t (or won’t) take a spontaneous moment with our kids. In the daily process of becoming a better father, I have had to force myself out of routines and predictable patterns in my life. When I do, I see the joy and surprise on my kids faces. I know kids love to be surprised by a dad who is willing to break routine just for them.
Predictability in fish can help you catch the big one; predictability in relationship with your kids can kill the relationship. Don’t be a predictable, dumb fish. Break out of your routines. Stop being predictable to your kids. Surprise them! Have fun with them today for no reason other than to show them you love them.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saviors Ball
Do you remember the movie “Monster’s Ball”? This movie was about a father and son who worked on death row. If you have seen this movie, you may be wondering where I am going with this. Most of the plot doesn’t apply to what hit me the other day, but the one thing about it that flashed into my head was how reverent the guards were to the inmates on their final day. The last meal they ate was comprised of anything the inmates wanted. The inmate was allowed to eat his meal in any fashion he wanted, even inside with his favorite music playing or outside with the sun shining on his face for the last time. The inmates requests for their last meal was treated as sacred. The inmates walk to the execution chamber, known in the movie as “the monster’s ball,” was held in high regard, as well. Each guard on duty was respectful and reverent.
For some reason this movie popped into my head one Sunday while we were preparing for communion. At first, I was wondering how this movie related to communion, but after a little more thought I realized the connection. Christ knew His death was coming, so He prepared to spend His last meal with friends that He had come to know and love. His last meal was just the way He wished. This was the meal that He must have looked forward to. He had planned what room in the city He would need, and He sent two of his disciples to secure it. He knew He wanted to rock their paradigm one last time, so He prepared to wash their feet and told them to eat of His flesh and drink of His blood. During that last meal, Christ left His disciples with specific instructions on remembering their last meal together. He instructed them to remember all that He did for them by symbolically eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood on a regular basis. His last meal was, in fact, His perfect last meal. However, shortly after His last meal “the monster’s ball” began. Christ was taken to the authorities where they treated Him, not with respect and reverence, but with contempt and mockery. The last hours of Christ’s life was filled with torment and hate from outsiders. He spent the last hours of His life with zero dignity.
As I sat in my chair pondering these thoughts, I had to ask myself this question: Do I prepare myself physically, mentally and spiritually for honoring and remembering the last meal that my savior ate with His disciples? You’ll probably agree that most of the time we simply walk through the motions ignoring the impact of what Christ did for us when His body was broken and His blood was shed. We don’t treat communion with the reverence that death row inmates receive during their last meal. This idea has hung around in my head since that morning. I continue to ponder whether I can live my life every day with a full consciousness of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. If I take this seriously, I am certain it will have an impact on my spiritual perspective and my relationship with Christ. This is why we practice communion and what we should be practicing daily as we prepare ourselves for life in this world. I pray that remembering Christ’s last meal and “the monster’s ball” will impact your actions and thoughts daily.
For some reason this movie popped into my head one Sunday while we were preparing for communion. At first, I was wondering how this movie related to communion, but after a little more thought I realized the connection. Christ knew His death was coming, so He prepared to spend His last meal with friends that He had come to know and love. His last meal was just the way He wished. This was the meal that He must have looked forward to. He had planned what room in the city He would need, and He sent two of his disciples to secure it. He knew He wanted to rock their paradigm one last time, so He prepared to wash their feet and told them to eat of His flesh and drink of His blood. During that last meal, Christ left His disciples with specific instructions on remembering their last meal together. He instructed them to remember all that He did for them by symbolically eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood on a regular basis. His last meal was, in fact, His perfect last meal. However, shortly after His last meal “the monster’s ball” began. Christ was taken to the authorities where they treated Him, not with respect and reverence, but with contempt and mockery. The last hours of Christ’s life was filled with torment and hate from outsiders. He spent the last hours of His life with zero dignity.
As I sat in my chair pondering these thoughts, I had to ask myself this question: Do I prepare myself physically, mentally and spiritually for honoring and remembering the last meal that my savior ate with His disciples? You’ll probably agree that most of the time we simply walk through the motions ignoring the impact of what Christ did for us when His body was broken and His blood was shed. We don’t treat communion with the reverence that death row inmates receive during their last meal. This idea has hung around in my head since that morning. I continue to ponder whether I can live my life every day with a full consciousness of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. If I take this seriously, I am certain it will have an impact on my spiritual perspective and my relationship with Christ. This is why we practice communion and what we should be practicing daily as we prepare ourselves for life in this world. I pray that remembering Christ’s last meal and “the monster’s ball” will impact your actions and thoughts daily.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cars and Character
The other day I was reading an old sermon given by Charles Spurgeon that was very thought provoking. Spurgeon wrote about the power of the Holy Spirit. However, he created a whole new visual, a real manly visual, of how the Holy Spirit working in our lives parallels how cars and trucks are built. Those of you who know me will agree that I am a car and truck guy. This idea got me excited. I started to think about the cars that I love and would, if I had the money, fill my garage with.
My favorite car of all time has to be the 65 Chevelle Malibu SS. The hard body lines. The 327 motor. WOW! What a sweet car. Every time I see one, I have to at least do a double take. If I’m honest, I have even done u-turns to get a better look at times. Then there are the trucks I love. I love to see an old Jeep CJ7 that has been modified to handle the rigors of serious off road adventures. And, the original Dodge Power Wagon has to be one of the coolest trucks ever produced. As I think about these vehicles in light of my own life and my own character, I notice a couple parallels.
The first parallel I notice is that on average most of the vehicles I love have been worn out over a period of time. Most of them are older than I am, and the years and miles of life have worn out parts, worn down motors and even taken their toll on the body of the vehicle. This is something that I, and I am sure all of us, can relate to. As we go through life we get worn down. Jobs, finances, bosses, wives, kids and friends take their toll on us. The demands of life wear us down and sometimes wear us out.
The second parallel is when placed in the hands of the right person these great old vehicles can be restored to like-new or even better condition. I have seen what time and a good plan can do for a worn out 65 Malibu. My good friend is in the process of building an old Land Cruiser that will be sweeter than new when finished. I would like to think I could be restored in the same way. When I turn myself over to the Holy Spirit, He begins working His plan and using His skills to make my life and my character better than I can imagine.
The process of rebuilding a vehicle is not cheap or easy. It definitely is not pain free. I have had my share of vehicle projects take their toll on my knuckles. The same can be said for our lives and our character. It’s not an overnight process. It is not a cheap and easy fix. We have all seen examples of cars that have been patched together and called “restored”. The end result of that quick-fix project is not very rewarding, and the insides of the car still need further repair. The quick-fix vehicle doesn’t last or run like it should This is true for our lives, too. We can quickly put on a show and talk the talk, but does that amount of effort stand the test of time? If we want to be real men, the kind that stand strong for those around us; the kind our wives and children are proud to stand by, it takes time, dedication and sometimes hard and painful work. My hope and prayer is that, like me, you will commit to the process. Give yourself to the Holy Spirit and let Him work His wrenching magic in your life and character. You just might turn out better than you ever thought possible.
My favorite car of all time has to be the 65 Chevelle Malibu SS. The hard body lines. The 327 motor. WOW! What a sweet car. Every time I see one, I have to at least do a double take. If I’m honest, I have even done u-turns to get a better look at times. Then there are the trucks I love. I love to see an old Jeep CJ7 that has been modified to handle the rigors of serious off road adventures. And, the original Dodge Power Wagon has to be one of the coolest trucks ever produced. As I think about these vehicles in light of my own life and my own character, I notice a couple parallels.
The first parallel I notice is that on average most of the vehicles I love have been worn out over a period of time. Most of them are older than I am, and the years and miles of life have worn out parts, worn down motors and even taken their toll on the body of the vehicle. This is something that I, and I am sure all of us, can relate to. As we go through life we get worn down. Jobs, finances, bosses, wives, kids and friends take their toll on us. The demands of life wear us down and sometimes wear us out.
The second parallel is when placed in the hands of the right person these great old vehicles can be restored to like-new or even better condition. I have seen what time and a good plan can do for a worn out 65 Malibu. My good friend is in the process of building an old Land Cruiser that will be sweeter than new when finished. I would like to think I could be restored in the same way. When I turn myself over to the Holy Spirit, He begins working His plan and using His skills to make my life and my character better than I can imagine.
The process of rebuilding a vehicle is not cheap or easy. It definitely is not pain free. I have had my share of vehicle projects take their toll on my knuckles. The same can be said for our lives and our character. It’s not an overnight process. It is not a cheap and easy fix. We have all seen examples of cars that have been patched together and called “restored”. The end result of that quick-fix project is not very rewarding, and the insides of the car still need further repair. The quick-fix vehicle doesn’t last or run like it should This is true for our lives, too. We can quickly put on a show and talk the talk, but does that amount of effort stand the test of time? If we want to be real men, the kind that stand strong for those around us; the kind our wives and children are proud to stand by, it takes time, dedication and sometimes hard and painful work. My hope and prayer is that, like me, you will commit to the process. Give yourself to the Holy Spirit and let Him work His wrenching magic in your life and character. You just might turn out better than you ever thought possible.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Eleventh Hour
The eleventh hour. Typically this is the last possible moment you have available to accomplish a goal or task. As a natural born procrastinator, I have spent most of my life frantically working in the eleventh hour. I recently had an eleventh hour hunting experience that taught me a lesson about my relationship with Christ.
One area of my life in the last three years I have not procrastinated in is bow hunting. I am usually so psyched for the season to begin every September that, according to my hunting buddies, I get started too early. This year was no exception, however, my eagerness did not create an early opportunity to shoot a nice buck. I hunted five to ten days a month for three straight months without getting the opportunity to shoot a buck.
Like most things in my life, I found myself hunting on the last day of the season. That night I sat for three hours while the temperature dropped and the wind blew at me so hard and cold I was sure it was trying to knock me out of my tree stand. Finally, at the time of day when I could barely see my sight pins, the buck I had seen three weeks earlier (the buck I had wanted to shoot all year) walked within ten yards of my stand. As I pulled my bow to full draw he stopped in perfect position for a deadly shot. This was my time. This was what I had waited for, practiced for and rehearsed in my mind all year for. The eleventh hour; the hunter gets his reward for a long hard year of hunting. This was my time.
I settled my sights as best I could, aimed and fired. As soon as I let the arrow go I watched the buck’s reaction. I was hoping he would trot 40 yards start to get dizzy and fall over lifeless. When I saw him trot off 40 yards, stop and try to figure out what in the world just happened, I got excited. Then, he walked calmly out of my life. I had blown it! I had the opportunity I was hoping for. The opportunity most hunters dream of. An opportunity for redemption. An opportunity to prove I have what it takes in the heat of the moment. When everything was resting on me to get things done, I had failed.
After a few days of being able to reflect on what went wrong I realized that this moment was much like the lives of most of the men I know, myself included. We are always looking for that moment to be the hero. We want to come through in the clutch. We want the people in our lives to know they can count on us to come through for them; that we are prepared to make an impact.
The teaching moment for me sounded like this: Most guys don’t succeed due to a lack of preparation for that moment. It is true! Think about the times when you have succeeded in the heat of the moment: a job interview, a big sales pitch, that walk off home run in your softball tournament. You spent a lot of time practicing, rehearsing and preparing for that moment. The question becomes why don’t we prepare for everyday moments like we would for those big moments?
If I’m honest, I feel like most of my everyday life is made up of little eleventh hour moments: moments with my wife, moments with my kids and even moments with my co-workers. Those little moments when I have been put in the perfect situation to come through for someone else. I can speak to someone’s heart or act out the love of Jesus. At the time, these moments don’t always seem all that significant, but I have no idea how significant my response can actually be. These little everyday moments may be the opportunity to impact the lives of people around me, and, sadly, most of the time I blow it!
I have found that the only way to prepare for these everyday moments in my life is to spend time preparing for them with God. The only way I know how to react to my children the way Jesus would is to spend time with my heavenly father. The only way to know what Jesus would say to my wife in a critical heart moment is to spend time with Him. Spending time with Jesus to prepare myself for life’s moments is the only way I can prepare to come through in the clutch of everyday life. I hope and pray that you, too, will see that our success in the clutch, the big or little moment, is dependent on how well we prepare. Our preparation for life’s moments only comes from spending time with the one who was perfect in the clutch, Jesus Christ. I know this year I am going to be spending more time preparing for those moments with Jesus. (And more time preparing for that buck next hunting season.)
One area of my life in the last three years I have not procrastinated in is bow hunting. I am usually so psyched for the season to begin every September that, according to my hunting buddies, I get started too early. This year was no exception, however, my eagerness did not create an early opportunity to shoot a nice buck. I hunted five to ten days a month for three straight months without getting the opportunity to shoot a buck.
Like most things in my life, I found myself hunting on the last day of the season. That night I sat for three hours while the temperature dropped and the wind blew at me so hard and cold I was sure it was trying to knock me out of my tree stand. Finally, at the time of day when I could barely see my sight pins, the buck I had seen three weeks earlier (the buck I had wanted to shoot all year) walked within ten yards of my stand. As I pulled my bow to full draw he stopped in perfect position for a deadly shot. This was my time. This was what I had waited for, practiced for and rehearsed in my mind all year for. The eleventh hour; the hunter gets his reward for a long hard year of hunting. This was my time.
I settled my sights as best I could, aimed and fired. As soon as I let the arrow go I watched the buck’s reaction. I was hoping he would trot 40 yards start to get dizzy and fall over lifeless. When I saw him trot off 40 yards, stop and try to figure out what in the world just happened, I got excited. Then, he walked calmly out of my life. I had blown it! I had the opportunity I was hoping for. The opportunity most hunters dream of. An opportunity for redemption. An opportunity to prove I have what it takes in the heat of the moment. When everything was resting on me to get things done, I had failed.
After a few days of being able to reflect on what went wrong I realized that this moment was much like the lives of most of the men I know, myself included. We are always looking for that moment to be the hero. We want to come through in the clutch. We want the people in our lives to know they can count on us to come through for them; that we are prepared to make an impact.
The teaching moment for me sounded like this: Most guys don’t succeed due to a lack of preparation for that moment. It is true! Think about the times when you have succeeded in the heat of the moment: a job interview, a big sales pitch, that walk off home run in your softball tournament. You spent a lot of time practicing, rehearsing and preparing for that moment. The question becomes why don’t we prepare for everyday moments like we would for those big moments?
If I’m honest, I feel like most of my everyday life is made up of little eleventh hour moments: moments with my wife, moments with my kids and even moments with my co-workers. Those little moments when I have been put in the perfect situation to come through for someone else. I can speak to someone’s heart or act out the love of Jesus. At the time, these moments don’t always seem all that significant, but I have no idea how significant my response can actually be. These little everyday moments may be the opportunity to impact the lives of people around me, and, sadly, most of the time I blow it!
I have found that the only way to prepare for these everyday moments in my life is to spend time preparing for them with God. The only way I know how to react to my children the way Jesus would is to spend time with my heavenly father. The only way to know what Jesus would say to my wife in a critical heart moment is to spend time with Him. Spending time with Jesus to prepare myself for life’s moments is the only way I can prepare to come through in the clutch of everyday life. I hope and pray that you, too, will see that our success in the clutch, the big or little moment, is dependent on how well we prepare. Our preparation for life’s moments only comes from spending time with the one who was perfect in the clutch, Jesus Christ. I know this year I am going to be spending more time preparing for those moments with Jesus. (And more time preparing for that buck next hunting season.)
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