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Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, July 31, 2005
In Praise of Slow
A "new" movement is now apparently on the rise in Western society. In reaction to the frenetic, unhealthy, lightning speed with which we live our lives, people are now deciding to "slow down" and "enjoy life."
A recent Maclean's magazine article on "In Praise of Slow" outlines this trend towards living life at a slower pace.
It's not actually "new" - just a re-hash of the same old "smelling of the roses" philosophy. But now, the difference is that people are now making money out of giving advice to others to "slow down."
Another interesting point made in the article is that this movement seems to be mostly accessible to the financially secure. Otherwise, most people still struggle with paying the bills, taking care of the kids, mortgage, etc. while trying to balance a healthy lifestyle that allows "smelling the roses."
What do these movements of "simple living", "slower living", "living below your means" really accomplish in the end? That one arrives at death in a better frame of mind? Ultimately what?
It's a tough juggle to "slow down" when responsibilities weigh down upon you. But, I guess ultimately, it's a setting of priorities and disciplining oneself to follow through.
Carpe diem, but slowly??
A recent Maclean's magazine article on "In Praise of Slow" outlines this trend towards living life at a slower pace.
It's not actually "new" - just a re-hash of the same old "smelling of the roses" philosophy. But now, the difference is that people are now making money out of giving advice to others to "slow down."
Another interesting point made in the article is that this movement seems to be mostly accessible to the financially secure. Otherwise, most people still struggle with paying the bills, taking care of the kids, mortgage, etc. while trying to balance a healthy lifestyle that allows "smelling the roses."
What do these movements of "simple living", "slower living", "living below your means" really accomplish in the end? That one arrives at death in a better frame of mind? Ultimately what?
It's a tough juggle to "slow down" when responsibilities weigh down upon you. But, I guess ultimately, it's a setting of priorities and disciplining oneself to follow through.
Carpe diem, but slowly??
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Song of the Azalea
What do the recent London bombings have to do with the Communist Youth League?
There is a wonderful small book just recently published this year by two local authors which chronicles the life of an ordinary man, Kenneth Ore, who was caught up in the Communist movement as they came to power in China. Forsaking his comfortable bourgeouis roots, he embraced the hardships of Party life in order to "save" his fellow comrades from their pitiful futures. Unfortunately, his journey ends in disappointment and disillusionment and he eventually immigrates to Canada to seek a new beginning.
I highly recommend the book. My review can be read on amazon.ca. Check it out! (I am anothervoice99.)
There is a wonderful small book just recently published this year by two local authors which chronicles the life of an ordinary man, Kenneth Ore, who was caught up in the Communist movement as they came to power in China. Forsaking his comfortable bourgeouis roots, he embraced the hardships of Party life in order to "save" his fellow comrades from their pitiful futures. Unfortunately, his journey ends in disappointment and disillusionment and he eventually immigrates to Canada to seek a new beginning.
I highly recommend the book. My review can be read on amazon.ca. Check it out! (I am anothervoice99.)
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Oops...We Did It Again
Why are we adopting again? Especially since Paul has aplastic anemia?
Well, it's a faith that things will turn out okay. Paul has made a remarkable recovery, considering that a year ago, he was literally at death's door. However, we cannot live life in fear of what may happen. Even if he was perfectly healthy, an accident could remove him from our lives.
So, we choose to live life out maximally even with death on our heels, as it is for every one of us. I guess our mottos are "Carpe diem" (Seize the day) and "Carpe aeternitatum" (Seize eternity) and to make choices that have eternal worth.
We look forward to welcoming daughter number two!
Well, it's a faith that things will turn out okay. Paul has made a remarkable recovery, considering that a year ago, he was literally at death's door. However, we cannot live life in fear of what may happen. Even if he was perfectly healthy, an accident could remove him from our lives.
So, we choose to live life out maximally even with death on our heels, as it is for every one of us. I guess our mottos are "Carpe diem" (Seize the day) and "Carpe aeternitatum" (Seize eternity) and to make choices that have eternal worth.
We look forward to welcoming daughter number two!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The Stork Is Coming!
Today, we finally received the long-awaited referral for the adoption of our second daughter (tentatively named Jocelyn which means "joyful, happy"). The only sadness is that she will not have the chance to meet her grandfather.
So, we anticipate her arrival in Canada SOON, Lord willing!
So, we anticipate her arrival in Canada SOON, Lord willing!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Rage, rage against the dying of the light
Those were the words in the closing of Paul's eulogy to his father today. Paul did a great job and was able to finish it without completely breaking down. It's all been so surreal, my father-in-law's sudden death.
Still, we have the hope that we will be reunited with him one day in heaven. On the day of his fatal stroke, my father-in-law had framed two Scripture verses he had received at the PNE one year earlier. The verses were:
That very night he died. He had been planning to hang up the plaques on Father's Day.
What is the hope of life after death? Is it real? Or just a comfort to those left behind?
Still, we have the hope that we will be reunited with him one day in heaven. On the day of his fatal stroke, my father-in-law had framed two Scripture verses he had received at the PNE one year earlier. The verses were:
For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Christ came to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15)
That very night he died. He had been planning to hang up the plaques on Father's Day.
What is the hope of life after death? Is it real? Or just a comfort to those left behind?
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Adoption is the Best Option
NOTE: This is NOT a treatise on the issue of abortion. Others are much more articulate and well-versed than I am on the subject. This is only a thought.
Dr. Morgentaler was recently honored with an honorary doctorate degree at UWO for his work in promoting abortion. In his acceptance speech which was full of misinformation and half-truths (i.e. lies), he championed himself as being "dedicated ... to the struggle to achieve rights to reproductive freedom and ... women are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."
What about the dignity, respect and protection of the unborn?
He goes on to say, that "Women cannot fully participate in society and assume their full potential unless protected against the vagaries of unwanted pregnancies."
That is the first time I've heard of pregnancy described as a vagary. Women can't fully participate in society - what kind of nonsense is that?? It's a good thing that Dr. Morgentaler's mother did not consider her pregnancy with him to be "a vagary" and abort him.
He goes on further to say, "Women cannot be fully equal unless they have control over their reproductive functions."
Again, more rhetoric. Are women mere reproductive machines that can be turned on and off because they have access to abortion? He fails to recognize the unique and privileged position women have in reproduction.
It's too bad Dr. Morgentaler didn't become a champion of adoption of unwanted children instead of becoming a murderer of them.
Women who relinquish their children for adoption should be supported by society, rather than shamed or ostracized. They should be applauded for their honesty in facing their situation and giving their child up for better circumstances. Instead of assuming that "biological is best", society should support adoption as a good option instead of abortion. Then, more "wanted" children would be born rather than "unwanted" children aborted.
Dr. Morgentaler was recently honored with an honorary doctorate degree at UWO for his work in promoting abortion. In his acceptance speech which was full of misinformation and half-truths (i.e. lies), he championed himself as being "dedicated ... to the struggle to achieve rights to reproductive freedom and ... women are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."
What about the dignity, respect and protection of the unborn?
He goes on to say, that "Women cannot fully participate in society and assume their full potential unless protected against the vagaries of unwanted pregnancies."
That is the first time I've heard of pregnancy described as a vagary. Women can't fully participate in society - what kind of nonsense is that?? It's a good thing that Dr. Morgentaler's mother did not consider her pregnancy with him to be "a vagary" and abort him.
He goes on further to say, "Women cannot be fully equal unless they have control over their reproductive functions."
Again, more rhetoric. Are women mere reproductive machines that can be turned on and off because they have access to abortion? He fails to recognize the unique and privileged position women have in reproduction.
It's too bad Dr. Morgentaler didn't become a champion of adoption of unwanted children instead of becoming a murderer of them.
Women who relinquish their children for adoption should be supported by society, rather than shamed or ostracized. They should be applauded for their honesty in facing their situation and giving their child up for better circumstances. Instead of assuming that "biological is best", society should support adoption as a good option instead of abortion. Then, more "wanted" children would be born rather than "unwanted" children aborted.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Compassion vs. Competence
Lessons on how to be a good physician are taught and re-taught to me each time I have an encounter with the medical profession.
As we dealt with the sombre truth that Paul's father was possibly not going to pull through his stroke, the doctors each took a different approach.
The first one, the emergency physician, Dr. Clinical was rather cold - "Your father appears to have had a very serious stroke and it doesn't look good. You will have to prepare yourselves for the worst." When I asked for more details (like what kind of stroke), he became somewhat terse and when I identified myself as a physician, he became even more terse and irritated. OK, what's the deal here? I was just trying to obtain more information to ensure that the family was not being railroaded into a decision that they would regret later. The impression left by this physician was that the Emergency Department was busy and they needed the bed, so make a decision NOW.
The second one, the neurosurgeon, Dr. I'm Burned Out was even worse. "He's not going to make it. There's nothing we can do." Basically, "I don't have the time of day to explain anything to you that you don't need to know and I'm busy." Not even a "sorry".
Only the "lowly" resident (he actually was near the end of his training) was kind enough to truly express some empathy for this incredibly difficult situation and to give the family time to come to their decision to withdraw life support.
Another reminder that patients want compassion from a physician first and foremost and competence later.
As we dealt with the sombre truth that Paul's father was possibly not going to pull through his stroke, the doctors each took a different approach.
The first one, the emergency physician, Dr. Clinical was rather cold - "Your father appears to have had a very serious stroke and it doesn't look good. You will have to prepare yourselves for the worst." When I asked for more details (like what kind of stroke), he became somewhat terse and when I identified myself as a physician, he became even more terse and irritated. OK, what's the deal here? I was just trying to obtain more information to ensure that the family was not being railroaded into a decision that they would regret later. The impression left by this physician was that the Emergency Department was busy and they needed the bed, so make a decision NOW.
The second one, the neurosurgeon, Dr. I'm Burned Out was even worse. "He's not going to make it. There's nothing we can do." Basically, "I don't have the time of day to explain anything to you that you don't need to know and I'm busy." Not even a "sorry".
Only the "lowly" resident (he actually was near the end of his training) was kind enough to truly express some empathy for this incredibly difficult situation and to give the family time to come to their decision to withdraw life support.
Another reminder that patients want compassion from a physician first and foremost and competence later.
What is Dying Peacefully?
Irony of all ironies.
Early Father's Day morning, Paul's father was taken to hospital because he was feeling ill with nausea and vomiting after his usual evening walk. He was an extremely fit and healthy man (who was 78 years old chronologically, but 60 years old physically) with no symptoms or medical problems. On route to the hospital, he fell into a coma from which he never recovered consciousness. The family came to the agonizing decision to withdraw life support and he died "peacefully."
What does this really mean - dying "peacefully"? Does it merely refer to the absence of pain? Or dying when all you have purposed to do has been accomplished? Or dying when you know God? So many unsaid words, so many missed opportunities (e.g. we had planned a summer trip together as a family since we couldn't go last year due to Paul's illness), so many memories not to be had (Janelle had only known her grandfather for 1.5 years). But most of all, the pain of not knowing where Paul's dad stood with God.
As the family reels from this unexpected devastating loss, words of comfort seem to be so trite. What was the purpose for his untimely departure from this earth? Why on Father's Day? Was he saved?
Early Father's Day morning, Paul's father was taken to hospital because he was feeling ill with nausea and vomiting after his usual evening walk. He was an extremely fit and healthy man (who was 78 years old chronologically, but 60 years old physically) with no symptoms or medical problems. On route to the hospital, he fell into a coma from which he never recovered consciousness. The family came to the agonizing decision to withdraw life support and he died "peacefully."
What does this really mean - dying "peacefully"? Does it merely refer to the absence of pain? Or dying when all you have purposed to do has been accomplished? Or dying when you know God? So many unsaid words, so many missed opportunities (e.g. we had planned a summer trip together as a family since we couldn't go last year due to Paul's illness), so many memories not to be had (Janelle had only known her grandfather for 1.5 years). But most of all, the pain of not knowing where Paul's dad stood with God.
As the family reels from this unexpected devastating loss, words of comfort seem to be so trite. What was the purpose for his untimely departure from this earth? Why on Father's Day? Was he saved?
Monday, May 16, 2005
Drug-Free
It's been a long haul, but yesterday, Paul took his last cyclosporine pill (and all the other "prophylactic" pills against diseases that immunosuppressed patients are vulnerable to). His hematologist has given him the "okay" for now, but his counts will continue to be monitored to make sure that he doesn't have another relapse or that his aplastic anemia morphs into something else more sinister (like leukemia).
Feeling somewhat anti-climactic, as it has been such a series of ups and downs this past year. A year ago, we were anxiously awaiting a hospital bed for Paul to be treated. A year ago, I was dealing with the spectre of being a widow and the children being fatherless if the treatment did not work. A year ago seems like a lifetime ago, and yet seems like only yesterday.
Hurray that my husband is now "drug-free"!
Feeling somewhat anti-climactic, as it has been such a series of ups and downs this past year. A year ago, we were anxiously awaiting a hospital bed for Paul to be treated. A year ago, I was dealing with the spectre of being a widow and the children being fatherless if the treatment did not work. A year ago seems like a lifetime ago, and yet seems like only yesterday.
Hurray that my husband is now "drug-free"!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Time is of the Essence
My Palm just recently fritzed out on me, blowing away the last year and a half of my datebook (probably coinciding with the beginning of Paul's illness). The data is LOST and irretrievable. (I need this data for my work but that's another story and I'll just have to survive without it.) Was this a heaven-sent message to me about my value of my time?
"Run, Lola, Run" (a German movie which is similar to the movie "Sliding Doors") plays out three possible scenarios, all differing by only a few seconds. However, the outcomes are vastly different. How I have often wondered about how things would be different if...
Even as recently as two weeks ago, my daughter and I narrowly escaped a brush with death, as a careless woman driver backed her SUV into our walking path without checking behind her. Thank God we were not walking any faster, as we would surely have ended up under her wheels, as she rushed off with her daughter somewhere. I only shudder to think about "What if...?"
Prior to the 13th-14th century, the "equal hours" clock that we are familiar with was not in popular use. Timekeeping existed, but with "unequal hours."
Another reminder to me that I must not be a slave to my time or schedule. Although time is of the essence, I need to realize that it is God's timing, not mine. Even a few seconds can make a huge difference.
"Run, Lola, Run" (a German movie which is similar to the movie "Sliding Doors") plays out three possible scenarios, all differing by only a few seconds. However, the outcomes are vastly different. How I have often wondered about how things would be different if...
Even as recently as two weeks ago, my daughter and I narrowly escaped a brush with death, as a careless woman driver backed her SUV into our walking path without checking behind her. Thank God we were not walking any faster, as we would surely have ended up under her wheels, as she rushed off with her daughter somewhere. I only shudder to think about "What if...?"
Prior to the 13th-14th century, the "equal hours" clock that we are familiar with was not in popular use. Timekeeping existed, but with "unequal hours."
Another reminder to me that I must not be a slave to my time or schedule. Although time is of the essence, I need to realize that it is God's timing, not mine. Even a few seconds can make a huge difference.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Giving versus Receiving
At our local church's weekly mom's discussion group, the topic today was "giving vs. receiving". Which is easier? For children, the answer is obvious - receiving. But, they do so joyfully and without expectation to reciprocate to "rebalance" the unspoken scale of obligation. Adults find it is easier to give because the giver has a sense of empowerment (to be able to be in a position to give in the first place) and the recipient may feel vulnerable (in order to receive). We feel more compulsion to "re-right" this unspoken scale of obligation by reciprocating in kind instead of just receiving.
Often, we are not able to give joyfully or unconditionally unless we ourselves are filled emotionally, spiritually, sometimes materially. Our gifts may have unspoken conditions attached, e.g. I have given you this gift; therefore you must respect and love me.
How this is so different from Christ's giving to us - He who gave so freely to us including His very own life.
That's why until we are filled with God's love alone, it will be difficult to give as freely as He wants us to. That's why we continue to hold onto the things of this world (see my blog entry on "Operating from Pain.") Until that pain is removed and replaced with enough love and trust in His provision, we won't be able to give joyfully and freely. Only then would it be possible to live sacrifically so that others could simply live (see "Living High and Letting Die").
God and I are still working on this...
Often, we are not able to give joyfully or unconditionally unless we ourselves are filled emotionally, spiritually, sometimes materially. Our gifts may have unspoken conditions attached, e.g. I have given you this gift; therefore you must respect and love me.
How this is so different from Christ's giving to us - He who gave so freely to us including His very own life.
That's why until we are filled with God's love alone, it will be difficult to give as freely as He wants us to. That's why we continue to hold onto the things of this world (see my blog entry on "Operating from Pain.") Until that pain is removed and replaced with enough love and trust in His provision, we won't be able to give joyfully and freely. Only then would it be possible to live sacrifically so that others could simply live (see "Living High and Letting Die").
God and I are still working on this...
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Professionalism or Pretentiousness
Everyone is a "professional" these days: in addition to the usual doctor, lawyer, dentist, teacher, engineer, we have professional sports stars, professional "domestic engineers", professional plumbers and other tradespeople, professional writers, professional life coaches, professional accountants and even professional clergy. The original meaning of "profession" was a type of job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education: the medical/legal/ teaching profession or the traditional jobs that need a high level of education and training, such as being a doctor or a lawyer. In other words, it was used to designate a special skill with special learning often with a self-governing body. Now, the word "professional" has been used to describe any job implying that the person is well trained and skilled.
I recently attended a course at the local teaching hospital supposedly to "learn" about medical professionalism and how to best teach the medical residents. I was eager to learn from others how professional attitudes could be imparted to the "next generation."
After discussing a hypothetical scenario in which a medical student was going to be reprimanded for unprofessional behavior and attitude because he was consistently and defiantly late for his group learning sessions, one of the supposed "professors" teaching the course barrelled through the door. He made a lame excuse that he was "busy" and that was why he was late. That wasn't the irritating point. He then proceeded to disagree loudly on how if the student would be reprimanded for tardiness, many consultants would be accused of the same "unprofessional attitude and practice." I would agree with this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, this fellow failed to recognize that it wasn't so much the lack of punctuality, but the total lack of remorse on the student's part (because he continued to be tardy) and lack of consideration of others' time. It is a definite reflection of the myopic and self-centred view of our profession.
He then monopolized the rest of the session with his condescending attitude towards the other participants with contrarian and inflammatory statements and repetitions of what others had already said (so much for good listening skills!). It was obvious he had not read the teaching material in advance either.
So, I left the session in disgust (also, my parking meter was running out of time).
Although I am hardly the paragon of punctuality in my work (due to circumstances beyond my control), I always make it a point to strive to be on time. I am very conscious of others' time and always try to remember to apologize sincerely for being late. It's not so much "professionalism" but common everyday courtesy and consideration of others.
Isn't that what patients want? What are we presenting: professionalism or pretentiousness (i.e. an excuse for bad behavior)??
I recently attended a course at the local teaching hospital supposedly to "learn" about medical professionalism and how to best teach the medical residents. I was eager to learn from others how professional attitudes could be imparted to the "next generation."
After discussing a hypothetical scenario in which a medical student was going to be reprimanded for unprofessional behavior and attitude because he was consistently and defiantly late for his group learning sessions, one of the supposed "professors" teaching the course barrelled through the door. He made a lame excuse that he was "busy" and that was why he was late. That wasn't the irritating point. He then proceeded to disagree loudly on how if the student would be reprimanded for tardiness, many consultants would be accused of the same "unprofessional attitude and practice." I would agree with this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, this fellow failed to recognize that it wasn't so much the lack of punctuality, but the total lack of remorse on the student's part (because he continued to be tardy) and lack of consideration of others' time. It is a definite reflection of the myopic and self-centred view of our profession.
He then monopolized the rest of the session with his condescending attitude towards the other participants with contrarian and inflammatory statements and repetitions of what others had already said (so much for good listening skills!). It was obvious he had not read the teaching material in advance either.
So, I left the session in disgust (also, my parking meter was running out of time).
Although I am hardly the paragon of punctuality in my work (due to circumstances beyond my control), I always make it a point to strive to be on time. I am very conscious of others' time and always try to remember to apologize sincerely for being late. It's not so much "professionalism" but common everyday courtesy and consideration of others.
Isn't that what patients want? What are we presenting: professionalism or pretentiousness (i.e. an excuse for bad behavior)??
Sunday, March 20, 2005
The Dress or Grace, Grace and More Grace
I used to sew a lot (since high school when I made some of my own clothes) but it's a hobby that has been reduced to only clothing repair as necessary. Now, my 2 1/2 year old daughter is wearing a dress that I made for my eldest niece (who is now 11 years old).
The dress is a symbol of my stage in life 10 years ago and how I spent my time. Much of it was engrossed in escaping the pain of singleness by trying to experience as much of life as possible including: all kinds of skiing, scuba-diving, sea-kayaking, hiking, back-packing, cycling, knitting, dining at fine restaurants, shopping for gifts and clothing, learning how to gourmet cook, travelling around the world, learning photography, enjoying music concerts, socializing, etc. I confess that I even frequented coffee places - including Starbucks (ugh!). My time was spent in the pursuit of pleasure to numb my loneliness which I fully acknowledged but was too angry with God to work through. Thus, I had time to sew two dresses (as I also made one for my then-pregnant sister who was carrying No. 2 niece) as well as two coats for them!
Now I reflect back and see how this valuable time was frittered away because I was escaping my pain. However, these experiences also serve to remind me that I once was there, the ultimate Christian yuppie. Thus, I am NOT here to judge others or to say that pleasure is evil, but to be humbled by the knowledge that by grace alone did God rescue me from my plight. Not my plight of singleness (although that was a plight for me) but the plight of my estrangement from true fellowship with Him.
The dress is a symbol of my stage in life 10 years ago and how I spent my time. Much of it was engrossed in escaping the pain of singleness by trying to experience as much of life as possible including: all kinds of skiing, scuba-diving, sea-kayaking, hiking, back-packing, cycling, knitting, dining at fine restaurants, shopping for gifts and clothing, learning how to gourmet cook, travelling around the world, learning photography, enjoying music concerts, socializing, etc. I confess that I even frequented coffee places - including Starbucks (ugh!). My time was spent in the pursuit of pleasure to numb my loneliness which I fully acknowledged but was too angry with God to work through. Thus, I had time to sew two dresses (as I also made one for my then-pregnant sister who was carrying No. 2 niece) as well as two coats for them!
Now I reflect back and see how this valuable time was frittered away because I was escaping my pain. However, these experiences also serve to remind me that I once was there, the ultimate Christian yuppie. Thus, I am NOT here to judge others or to say that pleasure is evil, but to be humbled by the knowledge that by grace alone did God rescue me from my plight. Not my plight of singleness (although that was a plight for me) but the plight of my estrangement from true fellowship with Him.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:3-5 NIV)
Life's Tsunamis
Would it take a tsunami to awaken you to change your life?
How does God speak to each one of us in our lives? For some, He uses the gentle pitter/patter of light rain. For others, the tsunami of tragedy (i.e. loss of life/limb or whatever we hold dear) is required to get our attention. For most, it is somewhere in between.
As in the parable of the house built on the rock vs. the house built on the sand, the true test of what we have founded our lives on becomes painfully apparent. If we are not rooted and planted firmly in Jesus Christ Himself, we will surely be swept away when a tsunami hits us. Even our human relationships that we depend so much on can be removed.
What is the foundation of YOUR life? Could it withstand the tsunamis of life? If not, then building it on the solid foundation of Christ may make a difference in the next tidal wave...
How does God speak to each one of us in our lives? For some, He uses the gentle pitter/patter of light rain. For others, the tsunami of tragedy (i.e. loss of life/limb or whatever we hold dear) is required to get our attention. For most, it is somewhere in between.
As in the parable of the house built on the rock vs. the house built on the sand, the true test of what we have founded our lives on becomes painfully apparent. If we are not rooted and planted firmly in Jesus Christ Himself, we will surely be swept away when a tsunami hits us. Even our human relationships that we depend so much on can be removed.
What is the foundation of YOUR life? Could it withstand the tsunamis of life? If not, then building it on the solid foundation of Christ may make a difference in the next tidal wave...
"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:47-49 NIV)
Hotel Room
After reading my various blog entries, a good friend shared with me a great quote, "A person does not spend time decorating the hotel room where he/she goes to spend the night."
We as Christians "ought" to know that our lives here on earth are only but a temporary "stop" on our journey that lasts for an eternity. Yet, do we live as we really believe this? Look around and see how we spend so much time and energy "decorating" our earthly lives with various pursuits and goals and not much for the real work of Kingdom building. Why do we foolishly live as if the "hotel room" is the final destination and our "home"?
We as Christians "ought" to know that our lives here on earth are only but a temporary "stop" on our journey that lasts for an eternity. Yet, do we live as we really believe this? Look around and see how we spend so much time and energy "decorating" our earthly lives with various pursuits and goals and not much for the real work of Kingdom building. Why do we foolishly live as if the "hotel room" is the final destination and our "home"?
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. You ought to say instead, "If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15; NET)
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Operating from Pain
I have a theory that people operate mostly from a position of pain. What does this mean?
Everyone has some motivation in their lives for what they do and for how they react. If you dig deeply, right down to the core, the answer is often emptiness or "existential dread" (as Thomas Merton says). To deal with this fear, there are several possible reactions:
1. Denial (fright response) - "Pain doesn't exist and thus nothing is bothering me. If it is there, I'll just ignore it and maybe it'll go away."
2. Escape (flight response) - "I know that the pain exists but I'm going to do my damnedest to suppress/dull it. I'm going to run away from it any way I can."
3. Confrontation and Dealing With It (fight response) - "Pain exists, but I will deal with it. I don't always know why it happened but it will not overcome me."
Almost like the Nietzsche quote, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."
We can see the various reactions to this "existential dread" in all of us. How much time and energy is spent trying to fill that void with various hedonistic pleasures including vacations and travel, materialism, education, self-improvement courses, book clubs or entertainment including movies, theatre, concerts, games, fancy food? Or for the family person, pouring our lives into our children so that they can be "successful" and have a "leg up" on the next person and reflect how wonderful parents we are. Not that any one of these pursuits in themselves are necessary "bad" or "evil", but we fail to acknowledge WHY we do what we do. We are all trying to escape...
In the end though, we all face the same fate - death. Not one escapes this fate.
Where does this leave us? Well, firstly, what are you doing with your time and energy, and for what purpose? Secondly, the next time you're angry or upset at someone, including when you disagree with how they are living their lives, think "what position of pain are they operating from?" and see if it changes your view that irritating situation.
See my next blog entry on the "Hotel Room".
Everyone has some motivation in their lives for what they do and for how they react. If you dig deeply, right down to the core, the answer is often emptiness or "existential dread" (as Thomas Merton says). To deal with this fear, there are several possible reactions:
1. Denial (fright response) - "Pain doesn't exist and thus nothing is bothering me. If it is there, I'll just ignore it and maybe it'll go away."
2. Escape (flight response) - "I know that the pain exists but I'm going to do my damnedest to suppress/dull it. I'm going to run away from it any way I can."
3. Confrontation and Dealing With It (fight response) - "Pain exists, but I will deal with it. I don't always know why it happened but it will not overcome me."
Almost like the Nietzsche quote, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."
We can see the various reactions to this "existential dread" in all of us. How much time and energy is spent trying to fill that void with various hedonistic pleasures including vacations and travel, materialism, education, self-improvement courses, book clubs or entertainment including movies, theatre, concerts, games, fancy food? Or for the family person, pouring our lives into our children so that they can be "successful" and have a "leg up" on the next person and reflect how wonderful parents we are. Not that any one of these pursuits in themselves are necessary "bad" or "evil", but we fail to acknowledge WHY we do what we do. We are all trying to escape...
In the end though, we all face the same fate - death. Not one escapes this fate.
Where does this leave us? Well, firstly, what are you doing with your time and energy, and for what purpose? Secondly, the next time you're angry or upset at someone, including when you disagree with how they are living their lives, think "what position of pain are they operating from?" and see if it changes your view that irritating situation.
See my next blog entry on the "Hotel Room".
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
After A Year
The most recent visit to the hematologist Monday was a milestone for Paul, as he has been given the official okay to start tapering his immunosuppressant, cyclosporine. Good thing too, as his kidneys are affected by the drugs and not working as well as they should. Lord willing, he'll be off his medications by May 15 (last day) and ironically, a year after his original diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia.
So much has changed in a year. Life has been turned upside down and shaken down to its very core.
So, that's why we choose to speak out on what God's mercy has given us. Cause to celebrate His blessing of life to us and conviction to share this blessing with others. Including materially, in a sacrificial manner. Not trying to sound self-righteous at all, but perhaps it has come across this way.
At least judging by the relative silence in response to our last email pointing out how by "living high" we are "letting (others) die."
Life is curious indeed.
So much has changed in a year. Life has been turned upside down and shaken down to its very core.
So, that's why we choose to speak out on what God's mercy has given us. Cause to celebrate His blessing of life to us and conviction to share this blessing with others. Including materially, in a sacrificial manner. Not trying to sound self-righteous at all, but perhaps it has come across this way.
At least judging by the relative silence in response to our last email pointing out how by "living high" we are "letting (others) die."
Life is curious indeed.
