Embracing Limitations

David Lose again finds the most fascinating analogies for use in the church that helps move the church into new understandings about what the church should be like.

Phil Hansen is another example of how we in the church need to look at ourselves. Hansen makes a comment towards the end of his TED Talk that caught my attention. He says as he destroyed each project he learned to let go... let go of outcomes... let go of failures... let go of imperfections.

I thought of how we in the church struggle with letting go... letting go of outcomes... letting go of failures and imperfections... after-all we have to get it right the first time. Why do we in the church have such a hard time letting go and letting God work For Hansen... while having a limitation that he thought was life ending. He discovered that he had life and life abundantly.

Below is what David Lose wrote about embracing limitations and enjoy the video at the end.

See You Out on the Road


Faced with a condition that made his hand shake and thereby seemed to destroy his dreams of being an artist, he took his neurologist’s advice to “embrace the shake.” When he did, he eventually discovered a number of remarkable ways to make art that didn’t compensate or overcome or even transcend his shaking but rather employed it to lead him to new creative ventures and vistas.

What Hansen discovered was that far from reducing creativity, limitations actually increase it. Limitations set boundaries, close off the obvious routes forward, and invite – actually force – you to think differently.

In one sense, as Hansen explains, this feels like “thinking outside the box.” But in another, perhaps deeper sense, it’s really about thinking inside the box, the box of your limited self and resources. And that’s the thing: all of things we need to create – resources, abilities, time – are not inexhaustible and therefore set limiting factors that can deter us or, with a bit of grit, wit, and perseverance, can spur us to think differently and move to a new, heretofore unimagined space.
It will be easy to see this as a “if life gives you lemons…” kind of story. But it’s much, much more: it’s about accepting limitations – all of our limitations – not only as part of who we are but also as the source of what we can do, see, and be. In order to embrace our limitations we need to be ready to experiment, to fail, to keep working even when it feels fruitless, and in all these ways eventually discover something new.

This video is about art, and it’s about creativity, but it’s also about life. What might your or my life look like if we saw our limitations as invitations instead of impediments? And what might our congregational life be like, I wondered as I watched, if we saw our limitations also as gifts from God, as the places where the crucified God shows up to invite us to something more than we’ve accepted and also to accompany us as we journey into – not just through but actually into – our limitations to discover more abundant life?

Zip-Line and Faith

This past weekend I had the opportunity to scratch off one of my bucket-list items... Zip-Lining. Kathy & I, and our oldest daughter and her family spent the weekend in Mackinaw City. For me it was about getting some rest... the daughter, son-in-law, grand-kids went to Mackinac Island, and we rested by taking a drive. Although it wasn't the best time to be up there... there was a gigantic May-Fly hatch and there were billions of fly's that coated everything. Nonetheless... it was a good time and we enjoyed ourselves and the time to rejuvenate. 

While we were up there we decided to go to one of Michigan's original tourist traps... "The Mystery Spot" just west of St. Ignace. Kathy and I were there 38 years ago on our honeymoon. While there have been some up dates to the "Spot" it still looks pretty much the same as it did on our honeymoon, one thing new is they now have a 1000 ft zip-Line now and my opportunity to scratch off a bucket-list     

item of zip-lining.

For the adventurist type... like me... this was a no-brainer... I was doing it, but Kathy and our daughter not so much. So... the son-in-law, grand kids, and I went for the two tiered zip-line and it was a blast.

While zip-lining can be dangerous, and there are regulations and protocols to be adhered to... it is relatively safe and a lot of fun to do. And... it does take a bit of faith to run off a platform attached to a cable some 30 ft above the ground. Furthermore, if your like me a bit on the hefty side, it can take a bit more faith to take that plunge. Of course... I didn't have that problem, being the adventurist type, but the heart did beat a bit faster than normal.

All this to say... the zip-line can be a metaphor for our faith. It is literally a leap of faith to run off that platform. If we can place our faith in the harness surrounding us and connecting us to the cable life-line, then to make that leap shouldn't be much of a problem. 

One person on the platform did hesitate for a moment as they were unsure of making the leap. However, after watching others make the leap... they were able to do the same. Did this person have less faith? Hard to say... but leaps and faith do say something about our faith. Are we open and willing to take leaps of faith? Do we do these leaps only after we are assured it will be ok? or are we willing to take such leaps on faith alone? The bible story of Peter attempting to walking on water comes to mind here.

The zip-line may be a relatively safe leap of faith for many, yet it can be challenging to make that leap because of fear. Our faith in God can be the same and for many in the church it is pretty safe too. But I've talked to people who struggle to have faith in a God who allows death and destruction to take place. To have faith in a God where people are hurt and killed for no apparent reason. To have faith in someone unseen and unproven can be a particular hindrance to faith. I'm reminded of doubting Thomas where he had to see Jesus himself before he believed.

In life... there is a point where you have to make the jump... the leap... take the step into which is unknown. And when one does this they are doing it on faith. Whether it is faith in themself or faith in God. 

The zip-line was a thrill to scratch off my bucket-list, and for me it reminded me of my trust in a God who provides if I'm willing to to leap off the ramp for the ride of a life time.  

See You Out On the Road

   

New Destinations

I am officially on vacation from Cross Lutheran, and I'm also no longer their Interim/ Transitional pastor. This means I am taking some vacation time to transition myself into my next transition/ interim congregation. 

Though... at this moment, 9:20am on Wednesday May 15 I have no idea where this call may be. Well... I sort of do, but they haven't made their decision as of yet that I know of. I met the leaders of the congregation last night and we had conversation about what their transition might look like. It was good conversation and I suspect... or at least I hope they saw value and will ask me to lead them through the transition process. 

This got me thinking about New Destinations for me and for the congregation. Some of them seemed pretty anxious about this journey. There is a survival sense about them and it's reminiscent of a couple of bible stories. One... that of Peter walking on water, where he was gun ho and doesn't only to lose focus, but survival mode kicks in. The other, of all of them crammed into the upper room wondering after Jesus is put to death what they are going to do next. Certainly... survival is a most forefront thing on their minds.     

Both of these stories... and you might be able to think of others similar, offer the same response. They lost focus about what was the main thing... that being Jesus. The church leaders I met with last night had for the most part the same thinking. Their focus was about how they were going to survive as a congregation rather than on how they were going to share Jesus with their neighbors.

For them the destination is themselves, and how they are going to maintain that status. It seems... like many congregations think... that what we currently have is better than looking at what could be. Rather than look towards the future... they would rather reminisce of what was. We don't want to make any mistakes... or at least not the same ones over again. It seems their thinking can't get beyond what they've known. I say these things not to be critical, but to make the point this is what holds back congregations rather than opening them up to new discoveries. 

To quote Albert Einstien, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Which is what congregations do when crisis happens. They hunker down. It's a human temptation for security. We see this in Jesus' friends behavior, our own behavior, and in the behavior of our country. When we sense instability, fear, and tension we default to a fight or flight mentality. Most of the time it's FLIGHT. We would rather run from a crisis than preserver and endure one. 

For me... and this is easier said than done... I try my best to keep focus on Jesus. I know personally that God provides... I've experienced it first hand, but it can also be terrifying. I try to keep focus on looking forward through the windshield to what is coming rather than focusing on the rear view mirror at what was. We need to look at the past occasionally so that we remember the good of the past, but our focus needs to be looking forward so that we can see what is in front of us. If not... there will be disaster for sure.

So... we need new eyes if we are to see a new destination. This will take some creativity and imagination. Another Einstien quote I like is, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." I'm sure there are those who would disagree, but the point is if you have knowledge and don't implement you don't get anywhere. Imagination is the force that brings about the necessary knowledge to turn some-thing into "something." It is really about having new eyes to see new discoveries.


See You Out on the Road. 

David Lose has again stirred me and challenged me to rethink how I approach life and ministry. The question of how I look at problems or challenges. Give it a read and I believe you will have a similar response as I... you will look at this differently. 

See You Out on the Road

Are You Facing a Problem or a Mystery?

Posted by DJL on May 7, 2013 

I’ve been struck recently – recently as in the last 10 years or so! – by how frequently I hear people (and especially people in the church) name the challenges in front of us “problems.”
We have a problem in church attendance.
Biblical illiteracy is the problem.
The problem is that people have a poor understanding of stewardship.
Etc.
I understand this urge. Faced with a challenge – and even more a challenge that has at its heart a threat – we tend to turn to our problem solving skills. That makes sense: we are, I believe, by evolutionary disposition and experience very capable problem-solvers. (Evolution definitely favors the species that can identify, solve, and overcome threatening problems!)

But sometimes the challenge in front of us is not a problem, but a mystery. Let me explain. A problem, according to this point of view, is a challenge or need that has a recognized context, set limits and variables, and presents itself for solution. Typically, the key task in solving problems is amassing more information and, based on careful analysis of that information, making changes at the level of technique or practice.

But sometimes the context has changed and so the limits and variables involved are unknown. In short, sometimes the rules of the very game we are playing change, and in this situation more information not only doesn’t help us but sometimes actually confuses us by inducing us to operate by the rules of the old game and context rather than take seriously the foreign terrain in which we find ourselves. These types of challenges are better termed mysteries.

What’s challenging about all of this is that mysteries – at least of the non-who-dunnit-type – can’t be solved. Rather, mysteries can only be embraced.  They don’t require more information, but rather a curious and open heart, a willingness to suspend past assumptions and judgments in order to be surprised by what manifests itself in this new context and world. Which is just what makes mysteries so vexing – to the degree that we are wed to past practices that succeeded in a different context, a mystery makes us feel either frustrated or incompetent, and all too often a bit of both.

So is church attendance a problem? Or are changing attitudes about church participation and the spiritual life more generally a mystery?

Is biblical illiteracy the problem? Or is living in a world with multiple meaning-making stories a mystery that we haven’t faced before (at least not for about 1500 years!)?
Is the problem that we don’t understand stewardship? Or is the fact that more and more of us want to give money not because we feel like we ought to, but because the organization we’re supporting makes a tangible difference a mystery worthy of our attention?

Depending on how you answer those questions, your response will vary greatly. If you see these things as problems, likely you will think hard about the techniques and practices successfully embraced by the last generation and apply them harder and hopefully better. If you believe, instead, that the context has changed and we are confronted by a mystery, you will want to talk with people, ask lots of questions, see if you can figure out what values and stories are motivating and moving people, and in general try to describe, understand, and embrace this brave new world as fully as possible.

Which is another thing that makes mysteries challenging. The first step can feel like you’re not doing that much. Asking questions and trying to understand a context doesn’t fit the normal list of things “to do” that can be checked off.

But here’s the thing: if the context really has changed, then the practices honed and refined and employed with such success in the previous context won’t work, and while you’re busy checking off your list of things to do, you’re likely also burning yourself out as none of your hard work seems to change your essential situation.

Mysteries, therefore, require not only a curious and open heart, but also a modicum of courage and faith, trusting that if we embrace this context and world – a context and world still beloved and embraced by God – then appropriate ways of being and acting (including lots of things to do ) will eventually suggest themselves.

So the next time you have a problem, ask yourself: Is this a problem to be solved, or a mystery to be engaged and embraced? The way you answer that question – heck, even asking it in the first place – might just make all the difference.

Spirit Factor

May 5, 2013                                             

John 14:23-29

I saw a T-shirt the other day with this printed on it… “Did you ever get the feeling that life is like a bird and you’re the parked car?”

Prayer

Last week we reflected on Jesus’ new command to “Love One Another.” Our story today remains in that same context. It is the context of Judas leaving, Jesus predicting Peter’s denial, then Jesus crucifixion.  This setting or context ranges from chapter 12- 17 is about Jesus’ last week on earth. So… Jesus is spending this last week preparing or at least trying to prepare his friends for his departure. Thus we see at the beginning of Chp 14 Jesus doing this.

o     He tells his friends not to worry.

o    That he is going to prepare a place for them, but they can’t go with him… at least not at this point.

o    His friends wonder how they will get to where Jesus is going if they don’t know the way.

o    Jesus tells them that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

o    But they still didn’t get it.

o    Jesus tells them to have faith in him and in God, and that they will do even greater things than he.

Then Jesus goes back to his love language telling his friends to love people, and that he will send his Holy Spirit to help them.

Which… is where our story today begins.

Do you remember the TV shows of MASH, Cheers, Seinfeld, and Friends?

These are some of the greatest TV show in history. Why do you suppose this is true? What was it about these TV shows that endeared them to us?

I believe for the most part these shows were about life… the ups & downs. They helped us dream about what could be. They offered a sense of belonging and comfort. It was a place where everyone knew your name… a place where you could be friends and build a relationship. There was an intimacy or a Spirit Factor that drew us to them. These shows had a Love, Trust, Peace, a sense of Belonging, Community, and an Identity about them that our spirits crave. These are the things that the world has a hard time giving us… in fact, can’t give us.

What can a Spirit Factor do for us at Cross Lutheran?

 Spirit Factor Empowers Us.

If we take a look back at the first part of Chp 14… Jesus tells his friends of a life-altering Spirit Factor that will change everything for them. You see… Jesus spent 3 years teaching & training them to do God’s work after he leaves. Jesus’ only requirement… was too have faith in him, and faith in God. And, Jesus spirit will help them with all of this.

Similarly… Jesus offers us this same life-altering Spirit Factor that will change and transform our lives.

Do we have faith in Jesus?... do we have faith in God?

Does Cross Lutheran have faith in Jesus?... in God?

Jesus tells his friends if they do have faith they will do GREAT things… in fact they will do even GREATER things than Jesus.

If you have faith Cross Lutheran… you will do GREAT things for the kingdom of God.

The Spirit Factor of Jesus will empower you to the greater works of God.

Spirit Factor Gives Direction.

Jesus spent 3 years teaching his friends to Love God, Love Others, to Follow Him… and to have faith & believe. Simple Right!! These are simple basic teachings that give direction for our lives and our lives as community. These are the teachings that we crave… and that the world can’t provide. Teaching of Love, Trust, Peace, Belonging, Community, and Identity. And the Spirit continues in teaching and reminding us of these things. To Love God, Love Others, to Follow Jesus, and to have faith & believe.

These are our directives for living.

Spirit Factor Gives Peace. 

The peace Jesus gives us through the Spirit is not the world’s definition of peace.

-                             Having a nice home in the safe burbs will not give peace.

-                             Having a secure job or a high income is not peace.

-                             Having lots of things will not bring you happiness or peace. 

    This is the part that I felt like I was the parked car... I can tell you that I didn't find any peace this past week. Last Thursday I learned that I will not be going to serve a church in Port Huron. Some things came apart and I'm not going. The powers that be within the synod told me not to worry that there are a couple of options. She told me that we have your back covered. (I gave the look of not being convinced.) You know the look. Yet I had a peace about the whole event. I know God will provide... I know this because I've experienced it. So... as the events unwind and they seem to be chaotic, I still have a peace about how and what might happen. That peace is in here... (touching my heart).

 

     Peace comes when our lives are transformed by the living presence of Jesus in our lives. And

     this peace Jesus gives us through the Holy Spirit is more than we can ever imagine. What does

     peace in our lives mean?

          Peace… means the end of all hate, but it also means so much more.

          Peace… means a feeling of inner well-being, but it also means so much more.

          Peace… means an end to emotional & disturbing tensions, but it also means so much   

                           more.

          Peace… means the settling of the soul, but it also means so much more.

This peace is not a passive peace… it’s an active and working peace that propelled Jesus’ friends into an active discipleship and mission, and will propel us as well. Peace is confidence in the Spirit that goes beyond a place where everyone knows your name, and into the arms of God who loves more than just your name.

Closing:

There is an ancient Greek legend that when the gods made the human species, they fell to arguing where to put the answers to life so the humans would have to search for them.

One god said, "Let's put the answers on top of a mountain. They will never look for them there."

"No," said the others. "They'll find them right away."

Another of the gods said, "Let's put them in the center of the earth. They will never look for them there."

"No," said the others. "They'll find them right away."

Then another spoke. "Let's put them in the bottom of the sea. They will never look for them there."

"No," said the others. "They'll find them right away."

Silence fell ....

After a while, another god spoke. "We can put the answers to life within them. They will never look for them there."

And so they did.

The Spirit Factor Empowers Us, Gives Direction, and Gives Peace. My friends… it’s all within all of us.

See You Out on the Road