Perspective

I've been busy working on several things lately and haven't been able to blog as much as I would like. Even so I've jotted down several catchy new titles that you may see in the future. Among them are "A good hair day", "Does she know yet", and "Well I thought it was funny".

Even with those ideas still churning around in my head I can't write about them just yet. Amidst the other things I've got going on the devastation of Haiti is weighing heavy on my heart. I have to make an effort each day to stop TV rubber necking and turn off the news in order to stop from getting depressed.

I can't image such mass destruction. I can't fathom such a loss. And yet I hurt for them.

I don't know if you are in the same place or not but here are some things I've done that have helped me and I'm hoping they'll help the people of Haiti:

1) I gave. It didn't help a whole lot but it helped a bit. I know my money can't go too far but I'm hoping that it can help a bit and combined with the efforts of others will go even further. I give to umcor http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ for things like this but there are several others as well.

2) I turn off the TV. I check in each day but nothing much new happens. Watching over and over doesn't help the problem so I think of other ways to think about these people instead of dwelling on their devastation.

3) I pray. Its both the most and the least I can do. It's the least I can do because it doesn't take any special skill, money or a lot of time, but its the most I can do because this problem is greater than me and in need of Divine intervention and comfort.

4) I listen. This is also part of prayer but an important step none the less. I listen to the Holy Spirit and see where God is working. I got a call yesterday from someone in my small group asking if we can make a project out of sending toys to Haiti for the children who have lost everything. I see other churches gathering health kits. I see teams organizing to go on mission trips. I've heard of dog trainers going with their dogs to rescue bodies. In all of these things I am in prayer and am seeing where I can do my part.

I'm still sad for Haiti. I know it is a long journey they have ahead of them but I want them to know that I share a small part of their sorrows and am wanting to do what I can.

Until Everyone Hears,

Yumming your yuck

Here's a different twist on the saying that I've been using for the past few months. I preached about people who "yuck your yum" this Sunday. You know the type that takes some great news you have and rains all over your parade.

Well this is a different issue. Sometimes we are stuck with yucky and we need some help in seeing the yummy side.

I'll give a literal example. When I was in kindergarten, we had to be members of the clean plate club or else. I don't remember what the "else" was but I think it was bad. One day they served broccoli. At the time, I'd never had broccoli but I gave it a shot. It was way overcooked and smelled like garbage. I took a bite and nearly threw up and it took me 15 years to discover that I actually like broccoli raw or prepared properly. In order to save myself from the "else", I came up with a strategy to finish the broccoli. I held my nose, I put salt on it, and I drank milk after it really quickly.

Other things can be just as yucky. Working in a job you don't like; having a neighbor that you really don't get along with; dealing with a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day - call all be really yucky. And at times there's really not much you can do. Sure you can quit, move, or hide your head under the covers but those may not be immediate or practical solutions.

So here are some tips for yumming your yuck:

1) Hold your nose: Some things just stink. Try not to think about it. If you can fool some of your other sense, perhaps it won't be so bad. Take a picture of your favorite vacation spot to work. When things get bad, remember the fun you had on vacation.

2) Put salt on it: Sometimes we just need to add a little flavor to something to give it some kick! Try instituting crazy shirt Thursdays or group lunch Fridays. Can you get to know your neighbor better? If so, throw a party. If not, would a fence help?

3) Drink some milk quickly: At times we've just got to go ahead and do the yucky thing but if we do it quickly and wash it down with something yummy afterwards, it eases the pain. Schedule your favorite things to do so that it balances out with all the yucky things in life.

4) Keep trying: You never know if its just the situation that's making something yucky or if its the actual thing. Try doing something again later and you never know. You may like it!

5) A yummy surplus: Fill your life with as many yummy things as possible. For me I look to God first. I feel that because of God's grace, I've received many blessings in my life. I try to count my blessings and the yucky things just don't seem as prominent anymore.

So here's to a year of yumminess. May all you do be filled with good aromas, a flavorful spice, and a spoonful of sugar. And may all your blessings push out the yuckiness in life.

Until Everyone Hears,