Heart's Longing

Today I read a note by someone I know. They were writing in their blog about the fact that in a month their son would be moving out to go to university. With a great deal of heart and truth this dad wrote about how this was right, good and fitting for his son to go - but that it hurt. There was a separation - a changing of the relationship that he knew was permanent.

I have to say that I can't imagine that. I mean, I really can't imagine my kids leaving my house in any permanent way. Don't get me wrong - I know it's going to happen. In fact, my wife and I have often talked about the fact that our job is to raise kids that are wise, independent, able to fend for themselves and who have seen (and hopefully have also chosen) a life that is spiritually connected to Jesus Christ.

Maybe, in the wisdom of God, these "separations" happen gradually. On Sunday my son will be going to camp for the very first time. He is only 8. And, to be honest, my heart sort of aches a bit at the prospect of him being gone for 6 days. It's not because the camp is questionable. It's not because I don't think he is ready. In fact, the camp looks great - wake boarding, waterskiing, archery, swimming - everything! And, he is going with a kid his age from church to a camp that has it's sights set on growing his heart for Jesus. What more could a parent ask for?

So, I am excited for him and all that next week holds for him. I will be praying that he is safe, that he has tonnes of fun - and that the faith he has in Jesus grows. Somehow, however, - I suspect that I am going to have to grow as well. Maybe it's a growing in faith and trust that God has my kids well in hand.

Hmmm, seems like change makes us grow in ways that we never would have on our own.

Perceptions

If I asked you what your neighbour is like, what would you say? What about the guy down the hall at work? The person you see every day at the gym? Your pastor? The clerk you see at the store?

A few years ago Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book entitled, "Blink" in which he argued that most of us will make as effective of decisions in the immediate as we would if we were given a longer period of time to consider the options. His point? Over the course of time most of us become highly adept at reading situations, sizing things up, coming to accurate conclusions and processing data.

I think I have been learning that this is less true when it comes to people. One of the great gifts that God gives us is the input, advice and wisdom of other people. 

In fact, one wise writer says 

"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame." 

(Proverbs 18:13). 

Another wise man once wrote, 

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise." 

(Proverbs 15: 31). 

Still another quote reads this way, 

"To one who listens, valid criticismis like a gold earring or other gold jewelry." 

(Proverbs 25: 12)

Clearly, wisdom is on the side of listening long before speaking. Today I (re)learned and was reminded of the need to listen long to people - not just for their words, but for their heart. My folly is to jump in too quickly, debate too soon, tweak ideas and words too eagerly. 

Call me slow to lear certain lessons if you want, but I am treasuring the value of listening to the heart of others before speaking. It makes things like figuring out truth, standing side by side and seeing the problem for what it really is a lot easier in the long run.

Jesus

I know - a blog entry about Jesus. It seems to much like Sunday school. Can't I come up with anything more compelling. The short answer - nope. I will add my comments in a minute, but for just a minute listen in to a fantastic clip from N.T. Wright about Jesus. Here's the link:

http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/index.php?ct=store.details&pid=V00934

A few weeks ago I went to take some courses at Acadia University. The first course was all about Jesus - and the most popular and challenging views of Jesus. Beyond the CS Lewis lord, liar, and lunatic options there are any number of opinions including notions that Jesus was an Aryan, (I know - that one took some work to appreciate), that he wasn't Jewish, wasn't divine, was a "cynic" in the classic/ cultural sense of the word, that he was disinterested in Scripture and was more of a rogue, that he didn't exist at all, that he was more like a magician than a saviour or teacher etc.

For a week we pored over the evidence, looked at the writings of historians - both secular and religious of Jesus' time - examined the manuscript evidence, poked around in archeological findings including Dead Sea Scrolls and Oxyrhynchus,  looked at extra biblical material - and read the accounts of the gospels themselves.

On one level the scientific and theological part of me was very compelled by the evidence, the data and the sheer volume of material that one has to consider is staggering and overwhelming in its import and impact. In fact, I could write a month's worth of blog entries about just these sorts of matters and in much more detail.  But more than that, can I simply say that apart from any religious convictions or heart matters - my esteem, regard, respect and honour for the teacher, person, leader and man that Jesus was and is - sharply up and to the right! I mean, even if you have issues and questions - a sheer investigation of what he said, how he acted, what it all meant in its original context - it makes him arguably the most compelling figure in human history.

Allow me to also add that in addition to my esteem going up - my heart simply grew in love for Jesus. It is simply impossible for someone to take serious what he said, did, taught and accomplished - and not be moved in some way. And by take it seriously I mean what Wright meant - read the stories, hear his words, imagine yourself there with him, understand the audacity, the courage, the humour and the power of Jesus' words and actions in their context - bet you can't do it and remain the same.

Go ahead, I dare you!

It's Been a While

Hey there reader,

I know - its been a while since I have written. I am making my way back - and hope to put up a few posts on some things that have been rattling around in my mind the past while.

In the meantime, take the time to look at this fantastic clip form Dallas Willard. He is, conceivably one of my most favourite authors/ thinkers of all time.

Check it out - and drop a note to let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwXFP1U7f5U&feature=player_embedded&hd=1