I'm gonna score!

This Fall my son started competitive soccer in the Under 5 division of Omaha Football Club. I am the Assistant Coach of his team, "The Huskies." It's a great group of boys who are starting to learn and love the game of Soccer. Each week we have a 45 minute training session and a 45 minute 3 vs. 3 game. There are four goals (one on each side of the small field) and no goalies. The ball is continuously put back into play from one corner of the field in order to maximize touches for the players. It's different at first, but the kids catch on and it gives them a lot of experience and fun.
Last week's game was our fourth one and it was against the Punishers. The name of the team was deceiving because they only had three players and two of them had little interest in soccer that day. In fact, one of our players switched jerseys and played for the other team so we didn't have to wait for the coach to convince all 3 to be on the field at the same time. All of my boys wanted to play, but because it was especially muggy that afternoon, all of them were eager to rest and drink Gatorade too. So substitutions were a bit more frequent than what you would see in the World Cup. I guess at 4 & 5 years we have to temper our expectations a bit.
By this game, all of the Huskies had scored at least one goal except for one player; little Braden. Braden is the youngest and smallest player on the team. He tries hard but gets pushed off the ball easy and frustration sets in fast. But last week's game was different. Braden was getting opportunities to dribble and shoot. Finally, after putting one in the net for the Punishers, Braden scored a goal for the Huskies. It was a great moment for Braden and his Mom who feverishly cheers him on during the games.
Towards the end of the game Braden's Dad showed up. And since his Dad hadn't made it to any of the games yet, his Mom made sure to announce this to Braden. I made sure to sub in Braden for the final 5 minutes of play hoping he would get a chance to show off for his Dad. Sure enough, in the last minute of the game, Braden got a hold of the ball at midfield and broke away toward the goal. As he approached the goal, anticipation was building for a perfect scene as Braden's Dad was sitting just a few feet away - prepared to celebrate the moment the ball touched the back of the net. As Braden's Mom yelled, "Shoot Braden! Score!" Braden put his foot behind the ball and struck it well. A little too well though as the ball soared just over the net.
Unlike professional soccer fans who mock players that shank a shot over the goal, all the parents encouraged Braden with a chorus of "good try!" Soon after, the game was over and following the post game handshake with the Punishers (who we punished), the boys scurried to the sideline for Caprisun and fruit snacks - two more things you won't find in professional soccer. I watched as Braden got a hug from his Dad and walked off the field jubilantly with him. I realized the momentary disappointment had passed for Braden and was appropriately overshadowed by the mere presence and support of his Dad.
Reflecting on this later, I realized this was an image worth remembering. So many times in my spiritual journey, I have missed the goal by a mile and then proceeded to alienate myself from God in shame. But over time and because of the promises of grace and forgiveness through Christ, I found that God is still cheering me on. As long as I continue to do my best to love Him and love others, I don't need to dwell on the disappointments. I don't have to hide my head in shame. I can confidently run to the sideline, grab my juice box and smile up at my Heavenly Father. And the best part is that He's already smiling back down at me.

188 mph and still didn't escape

A few weeks back, a motorcyclist in Iowa made a critical decision in his life. While traveling 89 mph in a 55 zone, the cyclist was spotted by an Iowa Patrolman. Instead of pulling over, the man had a not so bright idea. "I'll outrun them." He proceeded to accelerate his Suzuki Hayabusa to the eye-popping speed of 188mph as he swerved between cars, rode the shoulder and used thin dotted line between lanes on I29 to navigate traffic, and in the process, leave the squad cars behind. He thought he could escape. There was one little problem; the plane tracking him above.

The other day I was thinking about how exhilarating and frightening this ride must have been. I'm sure the rush of adrenaline this man experienced was beyond what we could imagine. But I wonder if he ever paused for a second to think how close to death he was? One foreign object on the shoulder, like a semi's tire tread, could send the bike and him out of control. An unexpected lane change from a car - one that was expecting a bike traveling at over 150mph - would spell disaster. Still the rider traveled all the way to Omaha where he thought he had found the perfect hiding spot. Again, he had not outran the plane.

After his arrest, the cyclist acknowledged that had he know that he would have been caught, he would have never tried to escape. Interesting hindsight, yet not very surprising. I doubt many criminals, after being caught, are thrilled with their decision to try and run and have no regrets even though they were unsuccessful.

This motorcyclist reminded me, oddly enough, of myself. Not because I like to ride motorcycles at speeds of 100mph (I've never even ridden a motorcycle). No, the reason this story reminded me of myself is because at one time in my life I tried to outrun God, which I found out is even crazier than trying to outrun an airplane. Following high school, I spent the first 4 years of my life trying to escape God's love for me. I wanted to go my own way and do my own thing. It took a while to realize that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't resist or escape God's plan for my life. I knew the truth about His love for me, and once I slowed down and accepted it, I regretted trying to run in the first place (although God has used those 4 years in many great ways).

Some might say, "you're a Pastor, that's different." But it's not. God's love is amazing and enduring for one person as it is to the next. He plays no favorites. He's just looking for the people who are willing to slow down and let Him into their lives. It takes humility, openness and us loving God back. Once that starts, you realize that running wasn't that fun after all.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090806/NEWS01/708069818/0/FRONTPAGE

What did she just say?

I arrived at a local hospital yesterday for lunch with someone, and because it is a busy hospital, finding a parking spot was going to be challenging. I waited for car to leave for a while, but as I was waiting, I saw a front row spot open up so I sped over a couple rows and snatched it up.

As I prepared to exit the vehicle with my Arby's feast in hand, I looked in my side mirror as another car that was circling for a spot drove by. I don't know why I glanced at this moment, but in doing so, I witnessed the other driver's reaction to me getting the spot she had been searching for. Since I am an above average lip reader, I was immediately able to pick up on the word she used to describe me. Obviously I can't repeat this word, but it's safe to say that it's not one that any of us would use around our mother. And, since we were in a hospital parking lot, it should be noted that the word is not used by gynecologists during examinations.

Oddly enough, after uttering this word and driving to the next row, this woman found a spot. I was a few hundred feet ahead of her but wondered if I should slow down and ask her if she really thought that was an accurate description of a person who got the parking spot she wanted and whom she did not know at all. But since I had hot Arby's roast beefs in my hand (of which a friend was waiting on) and I didn't want to risk being beat up by a woman twice my age, I decided to move on to my lunch.

But the incident stayed with me. And did so for a couple of reasons. I was reminded that the words in James 3 - "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." The tongue is indeed a powerful tool that sometimes becomes a hurtful weapon if we're not careful. This woman didn't see that I read her lips and I doubt she was frustrated enough to say that word to my face. It could be that her day was going poorly or that the stress of her hospital visit got the best of her. I hope that it was just a moment of weakness - we all have them.

This parking lot encounter also reminded me to say "what if" before I get frustrated and lash out at other people in the privacy of my car or elsewhere. It's easy to do. But if I consider the feelings of that person and their reaction to my words if they heard it, then the times I am tempted to be loose with my words - no matter how justified I think I am in calling someone stupid or whatever - I will reconsider and keep my mouth shut. Or better yet, use my words to uplift, encourage or compliment someone. I know, easier said than done. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try. It's either that or I start parking really far away in spots that no one wants, which is a more improbable solution.

The Circle of Life

When I hear of the phrase "circle of life," I usually think of the cheesy Elton John song in the movie The Lion King. But recently that phrase is taking on a new meaning.

About a month ago my wife asked my son Jackson what kind of birthday party he wanted, and he quickly answered, "Star Wars!" This came after I told him he couldn't watch Star Wars until his 4th birthday. As a boy (and an adult) I was a huge Star Wars fan so I found it interesting that my son was also becoming enamored by the franchise. Even more, I realized that after looking through some old photos that my 4th birthday (in 1979) was also a Star Wars party. Wow. Now that's the "circle of life."

I will really enjoy the party tomorrow. It will be a great celebration for my son (one that he has been counting down for a while), and it will be a bit nostalgic as well. I will love taking a picture of my son in his Star Wars shirt and Jayhawks hat. He's definitely taking after his Dad in many things. Thinking about it tonight, however, has made me hope that my love for Star Wars and Jayhawks are not the only loves I pass down to my son.

In fact, I hope tomorrow is a joy and a reminder that more than my interests and hobbies, I want to pass down my love for Christ. I know that it's my responsibility to demonstrate the love of Christ in a very real and consistent way so that my son will want to know more about Him. Sure, I will continue to read Jackson the Bible, take him to church and pray with him. But I know that my son must witness my love and devotion to Christ in order for him to really want to experience a relationship with Jesus. I can't make him love Christ or convince him with eloquent speech. It's up to me to show him what matters most. So, let the parties continue and the Jayhawks keep winning, and more than anything, may Christ live through me.

Bloopers

I had a nice lunch with a friend of mine today. At the pizza place we were eating at, they had a few TV's with ESPN on. I noticed the special segment they were running was on bloopers of the week. They highlighted a second baseman from the Mets who dropped a foul ball and cost them the game against the Yankees. Another player, from a team who I used to love - the Cubs - caught a fly ball in the outfield, and thinking it was the third out, tossed it into the stands for a lucky fan. Unfortunately for him, there were only two outs and a man on base - who subsequently scored.


After watching the plays 3 to 4 times (since ESPN loves to over-analyze), I started to wonder how long those players would have to hear from the fans about their mistakes. Even more, how long would these guys punish themselves?


Although I am not a Major League baseball player who plays on national television, I have made my fair share of mistakes as a Husband, Dad, Pastor, etc. But I have had a few that were extra embarrassing ones as well as some that have hurt myself or others a great deal. Haven't we all? It's those big mistakes that really stick. The type of mistakes that cause us and others to analyze them over and over again. Their the ones that make us wish we had a rewind button, or better yet, one of the deneurolizers from "Men in Black" that we could use on everyone we know.


One of the many reassurances that we have from the Bible is that our mistakes, no matter how big or embarrassing, can be wiped away for good by God through his Son Christ. Scriptures tell us that when we take our biggest mistakes to Christ for forgiveness, "He will remember them no more" (Hebrews 10:16-18).


But sometimes I forget this, and as a result, I punish myself for while. I soak up the guilt until I almost drown. With my head just above water, I realize God is just waiting to wipe the guilt and shame away forever and make the slate clean again. Then, I finally let it go and move on.


So I guess these two fielders reminded me again that even our biggest mistakes can be forgotten by our God and Savior. No matter how big, He is ready and willing to give us a clean slate. It's up to us though, to let go and forgive ourselves. As for the Cubs and Mets fans? That will take a few big hits, home runs and diving catches to earn their forgiveness. I guess we can all be thankful that God is neither a Mets, nor a Cubs fan. http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=5025941

Ready to Bloom

Lately I have been out of sync. Not able to concentrate as well and my prayer times are unclear too. Today though, I was praying in my bedroom and during the prayer I was briefly distracted, or so I thought, as I began thinking about the roses I planted a couple of weeks ago.

Two weeks ago I decided to buy 5 rose bushes and plant them in a bare spot beside my house. I had never planted rose bushes before, and proceeded to plant them just like every other flower or shrub. But later that night a friend mentioned how difficult roses can be to plant and take care of. I did some quick research and soon realized that I had not taken this project as seriously as I should have. After reading some good tips, I went and purchased some compost (aka manure) and some bananas. I also dug out some coffee grounds. According to some rose bush enthusiasts, roses love bananas and coffee grounds.

So, I dug up the newly planted roses and replaced some of the dirt around them with compost, baked banana peels and coffee grounds. I also put some peat moss around the top of the soil for added moisture absorption. After my research and hard work, last week I had yellow and red roses blooming.

Back to the prayer. God brought the roses to my attention to show me that planning and care that I put into the roses (which was a lot more than anything else I planted) was the same level of commitment and care He put into his plan for me. It was good to hear that, although I wondered how the banana peels factored into my spiritual life. (;

A New Level of Complaining

At the beginning of this year, we did a series at church entitled 24. We had 5 challenges that were 24 themed. One challenge was 24 hours without complaining. Once you started the challenge, anytime you failed, you had to start over. It took me a several tries before I made it the entire 24 hours. Even though I really dislike others complaining, this exercise helped me realize how much complaining I did myself.

Right now I am reading through Jeremiah, and as I read through chapter 20 earlier this week, I was struck by Jeremiah's complaint in chapter 20. Jeremiah, amidst his ranting, cries out to God, "I wish I was never born." Now that is a new level of complaining. I know I have had my fair shair of "pity parties," as my mother would call them, but those complaints would never reach the point that Jeremiah arrived at in his prophetic journey.

As I reflected on Jeremiah's statement, I realized that there is some good perspective to draw from it. First, as bad as it may get for me, I will probably not have an entire city/country that hates me and criticizes me. As difficult as things may get, I have plenty of friends and supporters that God has put around me. The other thing that Jeremiah's complaint has brought to my attention is that during our lowest points in life it is important to be open and honest with God, but to do so with an attitude of honor and love for God. In this same rant, Jeremiah makes it clear that, "the Lord is with him like a mighty warrior," and that we should praise Him who will rescue those in need.

So, thanks Lord, for staying right by my side and listening to my many complaints. Help me to remember that you are the "Mighty Warrior" that is ready to fight my battles for me.

Fear Factors

I remember watching that show called "Fear Factor" when it first came out. It was interesting to see what they would use to try and frighten or gross someone out with each week. Whether it was lying in a coffin full of snakes or eating a pigs head, the folks at NBC always had something new and disgusting for contestants to overcome. After a while though, the show became rather routine since most people would eat anything (or at least try) and risk whatever with 50k waiting at the finish line.

But it seems to me that between the TV news, the paper, Oprah, Dateline and the rest, there is a new, yet less entertaining reality show that is ongoing. The constant message from these outlets is "what you should be afraid of now." Identity theft, scams, swine flu, the economy, gas prices - the list goes on. After I watch or read something like this, my initial reaction is, "how should I protect myself from this? What should I do to prepare for the worst?"

Once panic gives way to reason, however, I begin to accept that there will always be something that I can choose to be afraid of. And that's the key; it's a choice. As a person of faith, I know that God is bigger than identity theft or the most recent flu epedimic. I always try to remind my self of the 23rd Psalm where it says, "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me." That verse is both comforting and challenging. It's great to know that God is with us no matter what the newest scare is, but it is a very real challenge to remember that when it hits home.

Time Thieves

This week I was chatting with someone about a recent hassel they endured when switching cable companies. The switch took way too much time away from him and his family and he was very upset with that company. I couldn't blame him. In fact, I could relate. Recently we updated a few rooms in the house by selling some furniture and electronics and changing things around. It all started with, "I've got an idea." But the idea and the plan did not go smoothly. A faulty cable resulted in multiple trips to Sam's Club and the furniture has been a whole other ordeal.

As I have reflected back on these situations, I now describe them as more than a hassel - I think the proper description would be "time thieves." These are situations that usually begin with good intentions and end with regret and little added value to our lives. I can think of many times that I wanted to save us money or improve something, only to regret it later because of the time and energy it took to accomplish my original goal.

So, in looking back, I wondered, "how can I avoid these time thieves?" The best solution I came up with was to use the lesson I learned at the end of a regrettful situation - such as, "it wasn't worth it" - and apply it to my future decisions. Moving forward then, I should ask myself, "is it worth my time and energy to do this?" Once I ask myself that question, I will remember the failures of the past and the time I have lost. And hopefully, I will be able to accurately determine whether my "idea" is really a good one.