As Good As it Gets

My friends in Wisconsin and Ohio will get a giggle out of all this. We had a blizzard in S.C. last night. Less than 1/2 inch of snow fell. But . . . Anna and Abby had as much fun in less than 1/2 inch, as your kids have in a foot. I am not suggesting all things are relative. But maybe in some things, like snow, I am suggesting just that.

Heard three mission trip reports yesterday at Headquarters. Besides the great passion I felt from the leaders who went, I noticed that what makes someone happy in the jungles of Peru and in India is totally different than what makes people happy in West Columbia, S.C.

From the political front, Christians have a reputation for giving the glass is half empty spin on everything. Barack Obama is a win on two fronts. First, the involvement of the next generation in the political process is in a historic shift. Second, is the need to see people of different racial/ethnic backgrounds followed and trusted as leaders. The most under appreciated resource in grass roots America is Latino, Asian, and African background people. When they lead, we mistrust them, and seldom follow them like we would a white guy. We also pat ourselves on the back when we give them the smallest responsibilities. They know that, btw. MLK's dream is yet to be reality, but we are closer than ever.

My politics are different than Obama's. His politics scare me. Yet, so did John McCain's. Politics scare me. For the most part, with the exception of Mike Huckabee, they all were reading off of "get me elected" scripts.

Truth is local communities of people who profess to be Christ followers are responsible for becoming the change we wish to see. Not President Obama. Not Oprah. Not John McCain. No matter what your politics look like, President Barack Obama is as good as it gets. Let's pray for him and let him lead.

Resolute - Low Bars

By now some of our best intentions for 2009 could be gone. A low bar for you may be a high bar for me. So, among other things, I have two issues to address in this new year.

1) Stop drinking out of the milk jug. One of my dirty little secrets . . . My oldest daughter, Anna, busted me early this week for drinking out of the milk jug. I am not sure she can accept the fact that as a man, drinking out of the milk jug reflects my desire to save the environment. Think about the paper cups and glasses I am saving. My decision to swig could have a positive affect on our environment for 500 years. First person I ever saw do it was Granny Street over 45 years ago. She was way ahead of her time. But, family is more important so I will quit.

2) Start treating our cat, Lilly, better. Again, maybe a man thing. For someone who can't articulate all that well, she controls conversation and decisions in our lives. She is overweight and no one cares. She is lazy. She uses our new couch for a scratching post and no one cares. With no expectations, no accountability, I struggle a bit with that relationship. But, Lilly rules. I need to accept that fact. Besides, serial killers often mistreat animals in their early years. So, I try to pet Lilly once a day reflecting my desire not to be a serial killer. If I become one I know Lilly could be a early victim. Awkward? Yes but . . . it is getting easier.

A low bar for you may be a high bar for me. Maybe that is okay. You can advise and support me out of your strengths and experience. I can refuse to stay where I am. I can commit to new and better, whatever that means.

One reason we fail is that we think in leaps instead of baby steps. Losing 10% of you current weight is proven to make you healthier. Exercising 20 minutes a day, three days a week will matter. Spending 7 minutes with God, every day, if it is better than what you are doing now, will make a difference. So, move on. Set a goal. One you can reach. Pet the cat. Walk past that tempting . . . ummm . . . milk jug. You and those around you will enjoy the results!