500,000. Individuals. With faces and names and families who grieve their loss. Half a million precious children of God. When they told Him of His friend Lazarus’ death, Jesus wept. Lots of our friends and neighbors are weeping right now. I hope they know we grieve with them. I hope they know Jesus holds each […]
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Prince Of Shalom
Every Christmas we hear the ancient words of Isaiah: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. I’ve wondered a lot about that last phrase, never more that during this insane year. What could it possibly mean […]
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How About Tomorrow?
Becky put up some outdoor Christmas lights this weekend. Not a big deal for most folks. But this weekend was also the 33rd anniversary of the day I met two paramedics following a 10-foot fall – while installing outdoor Christmas lights. This time our neighbor helped. Everyone kept their feet on the ground. We’re not […]
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Listening Is Hard.
A few weeks back, I made a commitment to listen. It was clear to me that there were voices and ideas I didn’t completely understand. I wanted to know, as much as it’s possible, what it’s like to see the world from a perspective different than my own. The only way to accomplish that is […]
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What Will They Remember?
These words haunt me. None of us can know how we’ll be remembered. I pray for wisdom, because I do not want to be remembered as a silent friend. “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.Not to speak is to speak.Not to act is to act.” ― Dietrich […]
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“Our” Wine
Last time I talked about my vineyard. I traced a personal response to Jesus’ story about a vineyard owner. It’s the way Americans tend to view most lessons, because we’re an individual-oriented culture. As I learn more about Jesus, I’m not sure it’s the best perspective. He spoke frequently in the context of community. The […]
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Noisemakers
Principles written on paper aren’t worth much. Unless, of course, they’re backed up with action. High-sounding honor codes mean nothing if they’re not reflected in tough choices. It’s the behavior that’s matters. I’ve told you before that in later years my classroom operated on a single principle: Everyone (including the teacher) gets treated with dignity […]
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Will It Be Okay?
Yes, it is going to be okay. I know that, because I know who holds my future in His hands. I absolutely, positively know it is going to be okay. What I don’t know is when it will be okay, or exactly what okay will look like. I believe in science and math. I’m a […]
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You Can’t Cram For The Test
A test paints a picture. Good teachers craft tests to provide a carefully-targeted picture of what students have learned. Great teaching is the process of helping students prepare to do as well as possible on the test. The ultimate job of a great teacher is to anticipate, as much as possible, the difficult, inescapable, real-world […]
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Cool To Be Kind
“We can choose to be kind…rather than right.” Very cool guidance from an expert on dementia care – when dealing with someone who struggles to remember, we can give up our right to be right and choose kindness instead. We frequently tend to forget that elderly people who struggle to remember details because of dementia […]
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Here It Comes!
2019: A brand new year. Time for the lists. Best of. Worst of. Top 10. _____ of the year. And resolutions. There will be lots of resolutions, things to begin or end, to do more of or less of. Gyms will be crowded for a couple of weeks. Nothing really special about New Years Day. […]
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Not How I Would Do It
A tiny baby in a manger. Vulnerable. Poor. Experienced gossip, injustice, discrimination. He could’ve come with an army of angels, but he chose to be born and to live among the marginalized and disenfranchised. Christmas isn’t about the conquering Savior. It’s about sacrifice and service and strength in weakness. It’s probably not how you and […]
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