It makes little difference how fast you are in 100 meters when the race is 400 meters.
George MacDonald
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
I don’t know where I’m running now, I’m just running on
Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I’m running behind
Running on Empty, Jackson Browne
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:24
The other day I was taking my kids to school. Suddenly while going up a large hill in our neighborhood I heard a little "ding" go off in my car. Then since it is such a smart car on the dash board a computer message came up and told me that "we were very low on fuel". We were in a traffic jam and this is a new car. I had no idea how long we could run on empty. In the states I knew that the warning light usually means you have plenty of time to get gas. BUT ... we are not in the states. Some things are different here. To make matters worse, our car started to make a very unique smell. A smell of fumes, I thought. I am not a mechanic but for the sake of this story I think we were out of gas and literally running on fumes. Luckily I
I made it to the gas station.
I say all of that because it seems like a very good metaphor for how I have been feeling lately. I feel like I have been running on fumes. I feel drained emotionally, physically and even spiritually. I know the warning light has went off. I can feel it. But what does one do when you are out of gas personally. I know there has to be some 10 step book to this problem. I know there has to be a message out there that is a good three point sermon by some well intending pastor. All of the points probably start with the same letter. I know there are solutions. Probably a good google search would be give me 100000000 's of solutions.
BUT ... I am not sure that is what works. Sure they can help. I know I am probably not the only one who is or has experienced this feeling of "empty". I think it happens quite regularly with "driven" people. We just become so preoccupied with our success, our "to do" list that we simply forget to stop at the gas station and re-fuel.
This is what I must do on a regular basis. I need to stop and re-fuel. I think each person has a different type of fuel therefore it can be different ways of refueling, not a simply 5 step process.
I remember hearing a message one time by Bill Hybels (pastor of Willowcreek Church) about the three guages. He talked about your emotional, physical and spiritual guages. It was probably the best message I ever heard on that subject and I do not think it had some pre-set process to help you. It talked about taking the daily time of checking your guages. The reason I ran out of gas in my car was one of two reasons and probably a little of both.
I did not look at my gas guage before I took off that morning for my errands. But, I looked at the gas guage a few days before and remembered thinking : "Wow, we need gas in the car." YET.. I did nothing about it. My life is like that also. I often do not check my guages enough and sometimes I do notice the levels are low and do nothing about it. Both can have the same result: running out of gas.
I see life and my service to God as a marathon not a dash therefore I must keep a check on my guages. I have to find ways of refueling even amongst my "busyness". I do not have a lot of set answers for this. I am really hoping to write this and as a result do something about my "gas guage" and if someone else reads this that they may look at their levels as well.
I know for me reading scripture and writing a little about it seems to fill me up. I know it is important for me to read and think about the Bible. It is water and food for the soul.
Drink and Eat.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
being a father
I have been thinking a lot lately about ...
being a good father.
I guess it is dawning on me that we have a girl who now has 14 years and a son who has 9 years. The Spanish people use the word "have" regarding thier ages. Yo tengo años.
I was explaining to one of my Spanish friends who is also a father of a young teenager the other day that we do not have our kids living with us much past 18. Once they turn 18 they go to college, then get a job and their apartment and so on.. Here they often live with their parents until the get married which is not that bad but they often do not get married until they are 30. wow. In that case my friend has several more years to be concerned but we do not. We have less than 4 years before she enters into college. Of course we would still be able to speak into her life but not like she is while she is at home.
This is exactly what I have been thinking. Am I speaking into my kids the things that will prepare them to be a well functioning adult some day. Will they be responsible? Will they be hard workers? Will they be trsut worthy ? Will they keep a clean house? Will they make their bed? Will they practice piano without us here to tell them ? or even brush their teeth without being told? All of these things matter to me?
What will our kids be like when they grow up? I have been thinking about these things lately and I hope I am pouring into my kids like I do my work. I read a book by Andy Stanley where he says " Love your family and do your work not love your work and do your family. I really disliked the way that hit me. I way too often pour myself into my work and it is a very noble job for the world and then I give my wife and kids the leftovers. I do not know about you but do you really eat the leftovers in the fridge? More often than not I do not because why? Because they are just that: leftovers. They are the scraps, Sure it may not be bad but it is not the fresh off the stove stuff that you ate the day before.
I want to give my wife and kids much more than I normally give them. For me I constantly have to draw boundaries and say no and schedule it in my outlook before someone takes it. But I also must more into my life the life of Christ and experience his fullness. As He fills me up then I have more good things to give and out of my overflow come my actions and words and this is what I can give my kids.
They will not be Christ followers just because we go to church most Sundays. We want them to see Jesus in us 24/7. We want them to see us live our lives in an authentic way in front of them. This is what we want them to catch. One of my friends Rodd Rhode says that Christianity is not taught but caught. If that is the case then it is very important how I live my life in front of my kids.
larry de madrid
being a good father.
I guess it is dawning on me that we have a girl who now has 14 years and a son who has 9 years. The Spanish people use the word "have" regarding thier ages. Yo tengo años.
I was explaining to one of my Spanish friends who is also a father of a young teenager the other day that we do not have our kids living with us much past 18. Once they turn 18 they go to college, then get a job and their apartment and so on.. Here they often live with their parents until the get married which is not that bad but they often do not get married until they are 30. wow. In that case my friend has several more years to be concerned but we do not. We have less than 4 years before she enters into college. Of course we would still be able to speak into her life but not like she is while she is at home.
This is exactly what I have been thinking. Am I speaking into my kids the things that will prepare them to be a well functioning adult some day. Will they be responsible? Will they be hard workers? Will they be trsut worthy ? Will they keep a clean house? Will they make their bed? Will they practice piano without us here to tell them ? or even brush their teeth without being told? All of these things matter to me?
What will our kids be like when they grow up? I have been thinking about these things lately and I hope I am pouring into my kids like I do my work. I read a book by Andy Stanley where he says " Love your family and do your work not love your work and do your family. I really disliked the way that hit me. I way too often pour myself into my work and it is a very noble job for the world and then I give my wife and kids the leftovers. I do not know about you but do you really eat the leftovers in the fridge? More often than not I do not because why? Because they are just that: leftovers. They are the scraps, Sure it may not be bad but it is not the fresh off the stove stuff that you ate the day before.
I want to give my wife and kids much more than I normally give them. For me I constantly have to draw boundaries and say no and schedule it in my outlook before someone takes it. But I also must more into my life the life of Christ and experience his fullness. As He fills me up then I have more good things to give and out of my overflow come my actions and words and this is what I can give my kids.
They will not be Christ followers just because we go to church most Sundays. We want them to see Jesus in us 24/7. We want them to see us live our lives in an authentic way in front of them. This is what we want them to catch. One of my friends Rodd Rhode says that Christianity is not taught but caught. If that is the case then it is very important how I live my life in front of my kids.
larry de madrid
Friday, March 11, 2005
In remembrance of March 11th, Madrid
Friday, March 11th, 2005
Today marks one year since the Madrid train station bombings. As I watched the news this morning on the television they have planned several events here today honoring those victims.
There will be 5 minutes of silence at 12 noon. It is hard to believe that a year has passed. So many things have changed so many things are the same.
It a large urban area such as Madrid life goes on at a rapid pace but those touched personally will never be the same. They have lived a year of pain and hurt and for many despair.
I am reading a book by Henri Nouwen entitle the Prodigal Son. It is about the parable that Jesus tells us in scripture about the father with two sons and the yougner one wanted his inheritance NOW. He received it and took off for another country and then squandered it on wild living. He bascially tried to survive for a time living off of waste. He finally wants to come home and face his past. As he journeys home his father greets him. He welcomes him in open arms. He embraces him and his son falls to his knees. This is the portrait that Rembrant captured and that Nouwen writes about. The image of a son returning to the Father.
This morning in my time with my heavenly Father I was drawn to the passages below. I was drawn to what Jesus said of those who are tired, heavy laden, worn out, burned out, burnt,
He says to me. Learn from me. Let me carry you. I still remember this verse and a song that was written about this years ago by Scott Wesley Brown entitled "He will Carry You". If you know this song it will put you back in the Big 80s but it is a "grace" song. It is about accepting the love Jesus offers you.
Here are the verses I read this morning from three different translations. It is my pray that the people of Madrid will seek the love and grace of Jesus. That they will come to Him and let Him minister to them. For what I have learned on my journey is that when I feel tired, lonely, hurt, etc... I often examine my life and relaize I have not been in my Father's arms
Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.
28Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
28"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Mateo 11:28-30
28Ustedes viven siempre angustiados; siempre preocupados. Vengan a mí, y yo los haré descansar.
29 Obedezcan mis mandamientos y aprendan de mí, pues yo soy paciente y humilde de verdad. Conmigo podrán descansar.
30 Lo que yo les impongo no es difícil de cumplir; la carga que les hago llevar no es pesada".
Today marks one year since the Madrid train station bombings. As I watched the news this morning on the television they have planned several events here today honoring those victims.
There will be 5 minutes of silence at 12 noon. It is hard to believe that a year has passed. So many things have changed so many things are the same.
It a large urban area such as Madrid life goes on at a rapid pace but those touched personally will never be the same. They have lived a year of pain and hurt and for many despair.
I am reading a book by Henri Nouwen entitle the Prodigal Son. It is about the parable that Jesus tells us in scripture about the father with two sons and the yougner one wanted his inheritance NOW. He received it and took off for another country and then squandered it on wild living. He bascially tried to survive for a time living off of waste. He finally wants to come home and face his past. As he journeys home his father greets him. He welcomes him in open arms. He embraces him and his son falls to his knees. This is the portrait that Rembrant captured and that Nouwen writes about. The image of a son returning to the Father.
This morning in my time with my heavenly Father I was drawn to the passages below. I was drawn to what Jesus said of those who are tired, heavy laden, worn out, burned out, burnt,
He says to me. Learn from me. Let me carry you. I still remember this verse and a song that was written about this years ago by Scott Wesley Brown entitled "He will Carry You". If you know this song it will put you back in the Big 80s but it is a "grace" song. It is about accepting the love Jesus offers you.
Here are the verses I read this morning from three different translations. It is my pray that the people of Madrid will seek the love and grace of Jesus. That they will come to Him and let Him minister to them. For what I have learned on my journey is that when I feel tired, lonely, hurt, etc... I often examine my life and relaize I have not been in my Father's arms
Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.
28Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
28"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Mateo 11:28-30
28Ustedes viven siempre angustiados; siempre preocupados. Vengan a mí, y yo los haré descansar.
29 Obedezcan mis mandamientos y aprendan de mí, pues yo soy paciente y humilde de verdad. Conmigo podrán descansar.
30 Lo que yo les impongo no es difícil de cumplir; la carga que les hago llevar no es pesada".
Saturday, March 05, 2005
experience life
Lately I have been taking a different approach to my devotional life. I have been reading an entire book of the Bible for the entire month. I simply read it over and over and over and over and over, you get the picture.
I will read it in NIV version, Espanol and in the Message. For some reason in this season I have been enjoying reading out of The Message. Today I read First John. It is also pretty cool with some of the New Testament books in that you can read the entire book in one setting. I can do this and I have a hard time focusing on anything for any amount of time.
From the book of First John and the first chapter.
3We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. 4Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!
It would have been pretty awesome to have been around in those days. These guys experienced Jesus in real time. They were with him. They heard him teach. They are with him and drink with him. They went to parties with Him. They hung out with him at the Lake. They talked deeply and they probably talked about sports and weather some as well.
They also saw him crucified. They experienced those hours on the cross in that way. They also experienced the resurrection. They talked with him after that. They experienced the Day of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit came upon them. They saw the early church when it was very early. They were able to experience "Communion" with Jesus.
As a result the writer tells us that they can remember this. But the writer also speaks to us today. Jesus lives in my heart today. Sure, I did not get to eat with him and go to parties or sit by the lake with him but I can experience life with him. He becomes real to me. He is personal.
I want to tell others about this experience but I also want others to experience this new life as well.
I will read it in NIV version, Espanol and in the Message. For some reason in this season I have been enjoying reading out of The Message. Today I read First John. It is also pretty cool with some of the New Testament books in that you can read the entire book in one setting. I can do this and I have a hard time focusing on anything for any amount of time.
From the book of First John and the first chapter.
3We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. 4Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!
It would have been pretty awesome to have been around in those days. These guys experienced Jesus in real time. They were with him. They heard him teach. They are with him and drink with him. They went to parties with Him. They hung out with him at the Lake. They talked deeply and they probably talked about sports and weather some as well.
They also saw him crucified. They experienced those hours on the cross in that way. They also experienced the resurrection. They talked with him after that. They experienced the Day of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit came upon them. They saw the early church when it was very early. They were able to experience "Communion" with Jesus.
As a result the writer tells us that they can remember this. But the writer also speaks to us today. Jesus lives in my heart today. Sure, I did not get to eat with him and go to parties or sit by the lake with him but I can experience life with him. He becomes real to me. He is personal.
I want to tell others about this experience but I also want others to experience this new life as well.
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