Monday, February 25, 2008

Invited

Far away but invited
Distant but sought
wandering and apathetic
It's time to go back
Time to see
Time to hear

If I lie on the beach will I soak up the sun?
Will feel the warmth?
Can I breath in the air?

Will I stand up or will I sit down?
Will I run with the horses or fall in the thicket?

The jug is cracked
water lost
lips parched

And I, I want to be like a tree
planted by the streams of living water
I want to be unmovable
unshakable
let my roots go down
let them go down deep
rooted and grounded

A hand lifted high
yet eyes remain closed

The yearning soul
the longing spirit

A feast of rich food
a banquet of aged wine
a honey pot on the shelf
honey from the rock

Sunday, February 24, 2008

What's Missing

I've been watching quite a bit of the American election process. The primaries that will decide who will run for the Presidency of the United States. I've watched several of the debates and countless reports on the candidates rallies as well as the election night coverage, with the self-named 'best political team on television' (words can't express who arrogant that is and how nauseating that is!!)

I know that I'm from Canada and that the political issues are different, and I know that I'm from Alberta and thus I risk offending most people who will read this, however I simply cannot refrain from making this point:

There has been an almost total absence of any discussion on one of the most important issues that impacts not only the United States, but every other country on earth: the issue of climate change.

I have heard NONE of the candidates speak about this issue. I have heard no questions directed to the candidates on this issue in ANY of the debates. I have not seen even ONE news report on the primaries deal with this issue. I have NO idea what any of the candidates plan to do about this issue. Okay, well I guess I do have an idea: they have NO plan to do anything.

In some ways this isn't exactly shocking, but what is shocking is that this issue simply isn't on the radar of the candidates, the American media or the American public. This is utterly appalling.

Do you know what the main issues are? The economy and the immigration problem. Both are major issues at every turn because the problems with both are interfering with the pursuit of the so-called 'american dream'. Of course, the same basic pursuit certainly impacts our Canadian populace, but the issue is at least of real concern to many Canadians.

This issue of climate change is very complex and there are no simple answers, but the absolute silence on the current campaign trail is more disturbing to me than I can express. At a time in world history where such a global problem exists, we need the sharpest minds working on solutions and we need the very best in world leaders to be giving genuine leadership to this issue.

At a time when cynicism about government and political leaders is at an all time high, I am saddened to say that this issue is having that effect on me: I too am becoming cynical about what really drives these candidates and whether they will actually act as leaders and make difficult decisions, regardless of whether those decisions are politically popular or not.

I've often wondered how committed to 'democracy' I really am. Well, let me put it this way: I am NOT into 'populism'; meaning that I do NOT believe that leaders should simply do the will of the people. That's not leadership. The role of leaders it to have a more in depth understanding of the issues and be able to make judgements about what decisions are needed, regardless of whether they are 'popular'.

So as we watch the unfolding of the American political process, I invite you to watch and listen with me to see if the issue of climate change even is raised in the coming months.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

An Inconvenient Service


I've been thinking about the nature of voluntary service. Like cleaning a house, helping people move, stepping in to help out with short notice, doing things without being asked.

There are times when we are willing to step up to the plate and times when we are not. There are times when it's convenient to serve and times with it is inconvenient. Most people are willing to get involved when it's convenient because it makes us feel good; but things change when it becomes inconvenient. I want to say that being willing to help out in spite of inconvenience is a sign of maturity but while that is often true, it isn't always the case.

I think our present day culture of being served, being entertained, and being entitled has led to a culture of convenience. (I'm continually amazed that the 'convenience store' near my house is able to stay in business, but I certainly am willing to occasionally go there and pay $1 more for a jug of milk simply for the 'convenience'!)

I see examples of both all around me: some who will jump in and help and serve regardless of whether it's convenient or inconvenient, and others who mostly just step up to the plate when it's convenient. Yet I'm left with the realization that I need to assess how tied I am to convenience. I am becoming more accepting of inconvenience or less? Some days I'm not sure. Some days it changes. I guess I hope that in the overall picture of things, that I'm moving in the right direction. Can't blame the culture. At some point you have to suck it up and get some maturity!

A few years ago, one of my favorite worship leaders, Paul Oakley wrote a song entitled: 'It's all About You'

One line from the song goes,
It's all about You, Jesus And all this is for You For Your glory and Your fame
It's not about me, as if You should do things my way.

One of my friends, Mike Tkachuk does a humorous version on this line, to make a point:
It's all about me, Jesus and all this is for me; for my glory and my fame
It's not about you, because you should do things my way.

One of the reasons why Paul Oakley's lyrics in this song have struck a chord with people (pardon the pun!) is because we know (or should know) that the gospel of Jesus is a gospel of service, and very often that makes it a gospel of inconvenience!

just some things I've been thinking about.