"Do it Again"

“A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, ‘Do it again’; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, ‘Do it again’ to the sun; and every evening, ‘Do it again’ to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”GK Chesterton, Orthodoxy, chapter 4

Rabbi Martin Levin offered a wonderfully simple description of spirituality: to be spiritual is to be constantly amazed.

Perhaps that is why Jesus tells us adults that we need to become child-like in our faith.
I wonder why kids lose their ability to be amazed?
I wonder what I may have done as both a parent and educator to contribute to this lost ability?
What amazes you?

GK Chesterton Reading

Perhaps God exhalts in monotony
perhaps God is "stuck" in internal infancy
a place of awe and wonder
a place of play and discovery
a place of joy and trust
Every day He says to his creation "do it again"

Things I learn from my kids

In the last year or so Allie has become more aware of what it means to be adopted. She's always trying to figure out how everyone is related to each other, who's her step brother and sister, and their spouses.

After yet another conversation explaining that Daddy (Randy) is both her and Sarah's father, but Kaitlyn's grandpa, Allie pops up with, "I have 3 daddys."

I'm quite sure that another conversation along with illustrations of the family tree is around the corner. But being Allie she surprises me with,
"I have Daddy - Randy;
I have my China-Daddy; and
I have God my Father, who is my daddy."

Once again she surprised with her deep and profound understanding of God.

Sacred Time with my Daughter

The guys were at an all day basketball tournament and my 8-year old daughter Allie and I were having lunch at China House. (Allie was 20 months old when we adopted her from China)

In the midst of our conversation Allie said, "You are my real mom, but not my birth mom." I nodded and affirmed her statement, "Yes, you are correct." Then I asked, "Do you ever think about your birth mom?"

Allie replied, "Yes, but she is probably old, like 100 years old. Or maybe she's dead."

I listened then said, "I doubt she's dead. I think she might be young...young like your sister Sarah who is 30 years old."

Allie asked, "Could I meet her? [her birth mom]

I said, "No, because we don't know her name."

Allie said, "Well I could write her a letter and send it to her."

I paused, "Writing a letter is a good idea, but I don't think she would get it...what would you say to her?"

Allie stated, "I am your daughter, Allison Min Joy Tate."

She stops and laughs then tells me her birth mom would not know that name, so Allie replaces it with her Chinese name, Tong Min-Min. This is also a name her birth mom would not recognize, but Allie continues her imaginary letter,

"Even though you did not keep me, I would still love you." Signed Allie

What a statement of faith.
Allie teaches me so much about my own faith. I believe that all kids have a deep sensitivity to God's Spirit, but God's grace has touched this kid's life and she knows it and has a heart of graditude.

Surprise

Last January after the death of my dad; 2 major surgeries; and a tough year in ministry a friend gave me a devotional book called "Jesus Calling." I was very thankful for my friend's gesture and deeply appreciated her prayers and support; however, to be honest I was suspect of a devotional book. Devotional books are very personal and what one person loves another person may not.

I was surprised that I fell in love with "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I immediately connected with her story because it began in the community of L'Abri started by Francis & Edith Schaeffer. Sarah's writings are a blessing and encouragement each day -- to connect to the Father, Son and Spirit; to live in the flow and grace of the Spirit; to trust and wait on God; to rest and not strive for approval and recognition.

Even though I do not read the devotion every day, I can't tell you the numerous times I have sat and wept because the words written were exactly what I needed for that moment. I gave a copy of this book to my wwKids leaders. Often I would text various leaders asking, "Did you read your book?" believing that the words would touch them as well.

Sarah also has a kid's edition of "Jesus Calling" which I love as much as the adult version.

God's gifts and blessings often come in packages I don't readily appreciate. My desire today is to have eyes to see and join in where the Spirit is moving.

Reflections on Mary - Luke 1.26-38

I want to be beautiful on the inside and out like Mary.

When I am thoroughly shaken, trembling with fear
I want to be like Mary.

When I have doubts and questions about how things will play out
I want to be like Mary.

When God remind me that nothing is impossible with Him (1.36)
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Yes, I see it all now, I am ready to serve." (1.38)

When God's plan involves uncertainty and public embarrassment,
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Let it be with me just as you say." (1.38)

When God's way is unclear and I can't see the trail
I want to be like Mary, confident
"believing what God said, believing that every word will come true." (1.45)

Luke 2.33. . . "this child (this situation) will mark both the failure and recovery of many in this community. . . a figure misunderstood and contradicted -- the pain of a sword thrust through me. But the rejection will force honesty in the community as God reveals who they really are."
Then I will be like Mary.