Compassion

I have been thinking about the word "compassion" today. Do we only have to be compassionate in big things, like poverty and abuse? I assume that is not the case for us as Christ followers. I am under the assumption that all of our responses, spoken or in action, should be presented in a spirit of mercy and love; compassion! And how do we share with people we love when they are making a literal "ass" of themselves? I would want to know if people in my life (people who genuinely love me) are standing around shaking their heads when I am acting contrary to my Christian calling - acting in a way that is anything but compassionate. OK - it would most likely break my heart, but isn't a broken spirit and a contrite heart what God desires? Help me out here friends. How do you approach those loved ones in your life that are tearing down rather than building up? Choosing when to display their compassion based on a selfish end result rather than immediate relationship opportunity!?!

All Used Up!

So, I'm cleaning out a desk drawer and find a sticky note. My first inclination was to throw it in the trash pile. Then I decided to read it. I don't know if any of you ever read Erma Bombeck, or even know who she was. But trust me when I say she was a wise woman! Anyway - here's her quote that was on my sticky note.

"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

My, my...I better get busy. Maybe you should too? Here's the thing; in the United States this day launches us into a week of celebration. The fourth of July is just around the corner and while BBQ and fireworks will reign supreme, I hope we remember the amazing privilege we have to share our God-given gifts in freedom as needed. Imagine what the world really would be like if we all used up our gift and talent quotas each day!?!

Remembering Rusty

I know many people my age who had negative experiences growing up in the church. I am sorry their formative years were not filled with the sparkling reflection of Jesus Christ I saw week in and week out. I also know people who had amazing experiences in the church as kids and grew up to find alot of it was an act...at least every day except Sunday, that is. I realized that along the way too, on occasion. And yet, I often find myself wondering why I was able to grow up still clinging to the church as the greatest hope we have for sharing the life and love of Jesus with the world?
I just returned from planning a "Celebration of Life" (funeral service) for a dear friend, Rusty Vaughan. Rusty died yesterday, at the age of 91. At every milestone in my life Rusty was there...communion, confirmation, baptism, first solo in church, car accidents, graduations, call to ministry decisions. But more importantly Rusty was there in the every day activities of life. As a teenager I would often hop in my car and drive out to Bob and Rusty's house just to visit. When I came home from college I always dropped by their house to say "hi". There were times I wondered how I was going to buy my school books when I would receive a check in the mail from Rusty and Bob. There were times when new music books would appear on the dining room table with my name on them. There were many hugs and general words of encouragement. And there was always great comfort food. I have not spent face-to-face time with Rusty over the last 10 or 15 years...but I often think about her influence on my life when I am in worship, or when I am visiting in someone's home and they exhibit exemplary hospitality. Rusty Vaughan was the perfect balance of Mary and Martha we find in the Gospels. She could work diligently not seeking recognition, just desiring to serve and offer comfort. But she was also willing to sit and share in affirming conversation. Jesus loved Mary and Marth both so very much, and lifts their individual gifts up for us to see in Scripture. Their lives reflected the One whom they loved so very much. Rusty's life reflected the One whom she loved so very much.
I suppose I have begun to answer my own question. I am able to cling to the church as a beacon of hope for sharing Jesus because I have always known His reflection through the lives of church saints in my life like Rusty Vaughan. I will remember Rusty Vaughan...but even more important I will remember the reflection of Jesus Christ that radiated through her life. I pray that my remembering will lead me to do the same! Who do you remember as a reflection of Jesus Christ?

The Westminster Dictionary of Theological terms defines the latin phrase, sensus plenior, in this way: ("fuller sense") A term used in biblical interpretation for the view that there is meaning to Scripture passages beyond what was originally intended by the biblical writers and that this meaning emerges through the life and experience of readers. (p 255)

I have been reading blog after blog these past few years and experiencing sensus plenior. Then the other day it hit me - if I experience a "fuller sense" when reading other blogs, wouldn't it be even more expansive if I blogged myself? Of course I do not know the answer to that question yet. But I am starting my journey to a fuller understanding and experience of this world God has created and placed us in with this blogspot. I look forward to entering into conversations that will lend deeper and fuller meaning to the "stuff of life".