paradoxum

In October of last year I wrote concerning the "missional church":

In typical form, the IC (Institutional Church) sees the "success" the EC (Emergent Church) appears to be having in doing "missional" work...and then...they see a "successful" church like Redeemer doing "missional" work and they jump on the bandwagon with both feet! Before you know it, the IC is "missional" and suddenly "every member in ministry" is defined as every member doing "missional" work in the community.

The EC's critique of the IC leads them to a renewed sense of "ministry" or "mission", and their apparent "success" in this area eventually draws the attention of the IC. What began as a reaction against the IC, is eventually absorbed into the IC. Now, that hasn't happened yet, but I believe it's not too far away.

 For once, I may have been prophetic. I hope I wasn't. See this, and this.

I am the father of five wonderful children. My oldest recently graduated from High School and turned eighteen. My youngest is about to turn eight. A few days ago my three youngest children left home on a glorious adventure with their grandparents, aunts and uncles.

My house is very quiet.

In fact, right now, I hear a lawn mower playing a tune in a neighbors yard down the street. I hear the keys on the keyboard clicking and clacking. I hear the whine of the A/C (yes, it's ridiculously hot). I usually can't hear those kinds of noises. I am alone.

I miss my kids. I miss the noise of my family. I miss hearing my name called.

I miss telling stories.

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Tonight my son graduates from High School. It doesn't seem real. It's amazing to see how much he has changed in just this one year. He has become a young MAN. So, in honor of him, I have written this "Ode to Jordan".

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I suppose many of you have already heard that the Danes are the happiest people in the world. If you haven't heard - then go HERE and watch an amazing 60 minutes piece.

As I've thought about this over the past few weeks, I think I'm convinced that we (ME) put way too much pressure on "life". As a result, "life" puts pressure on us. In the end, either we get out of life what we want/expect, or we don't. Either way, the price is the same because the expectation is the same. And the price? Life takes out of us what it must to give us what we think we want / need. It is a price that cannot be measured in dollars, but in wrinkles, weight (not physical, and not kavod, but rather anti-kavod)...in sighs...in disappointment.

 I think the Danes are on to something.

Lower your expectations of "life". Actually begin to live as if life is not about you. If you do - and I have on rare occasion - then, I think, you give something to "life"...and she, in return, gives something back to you. And it, my friend, is heavy (kavod).

Why don't I blog more?!?! Let me tell you why...

I work 37 hours a week as a collector - yes...if you don't pay your student loan...I will call you. Actually, you best hope I am the one calling you because you will actually enjoy giving your money away. 

I coach basketball 10 hours a week. I was coaching a middle school basketball team - one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done - and now I'm beginning to coach a 12U AAU / YBOA team.

I have a wife. We have 5 kids. Do you realize how much laundry 7 people generate? It isn't the washing that gets you...and if you don't know what I mean...then you don't know what I mean...and you have to be male. Do you realize how much food 5 kids eat?!?! (ages 7 - 17...4 boys and a princess) Do you realize how many toys can get in your yard when you have five kids or how many video games you can accumulate or how many book bags, pencils, and important school papers clog up your house?!?!

I love blogging...I just love my family, basketball, and my job more. I'll be back...someday...I promise.