Dolly’s leash is made of woven nylon, colored blue gray, and roughly 6 feet long. When we are walking, this is her lifeline. When a car approaches, or we walk by another dog, I grip the middle of the leash and keep her close at my side as far away from any harm as I can.
Now Dolly is not one of those trained to heal kind of dogs. She is more of a pull as far as I can on the leash until I am strained in my breathing kind of dogs. I don’t know that I can properly put into writing the sound she makes when she’s straining as she does, but its something like “hecccchhh, heccchhh, heccchhhh”.
So, this leash is her lifeline. Yet she wants more. If I were to let her go. Unleash her. She’d most likely take off (probably eventually come back when called) on some sort of dog adventure, maybe get struck by a car, beat up by a dog, eat a dead animal, or just simply have a blast until she decided to come back.
Freedom. Running care free. Running wreckless. Are there too many leashes in this world? Things which constrain us? Even things which keep us restrained from harm? Society has its fair share of leash needs. They are there to keep order. Parenting surely has its fair share of leash needs. But they are there to protect, coach and guide our kids to be unleashed. Faith has its fair share of leash requirements. But they are there to protect coach and guide ourselves to be unleashed.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Mornings with Dolly: Unashamed Pooping
Dogs seem to have the innate ability to poop in public. Dolly is no exception. Her preference however is to find some nice tall grass amid which to do her doodie....err...duty. Not only is this on any given public road or property, but under the direct surveillance of their master, or in my case, their walker.
I wish to a degree that I didn’t care as much about where I pooped. In the figurative sense. I mean, this is a very personal experience. In some cases ashamed, dependent upon a previous day’s diet. I digress....back to the figurative sense. We really care too much about others seeing us in our vulnerable state of beings. Donald Miller has written in many cases about how Adam and Eve walked around, pre-fall, naked and unashamed. When they had to poop, they probably did as Dolly. Perhaps amid some taller grass. Perhaps not.
I want to be able to figuratively poop unashamedly. To not care too much. Certainly there are times where discretion is appropriate when dropping a figurative number 2. But I am encouraged to open up a bit more. To figuratively walk clotheless, and drop a big deuce when I am so inclined.
I wish to a degree that I didn’t care as much about where I pooped. In the figurative sense. I mean, this is a very personal experience. In some cases ashamed, dependent upon a previous day’s diet. I digress....back to the figurative sense. We really care too much about others seeing us in our vulnerable state of beings. Donald Miller has written in many cases about how Adam and Eve walked around, pre-fall, naked and unashamed. When they had to poop, they probably did as Dolly. Perhaps amid some taller grass. Perhaps not.
I want to be able to figuratively poop unashamedly. To not care too much. Certainly there are times where discretion is appropriate when dropping a figurative number 2. But I am encouraged to open up a bit more. To figuratively walk clotheless, and drop a big deuce when I am so inclined.
Mornings with Dolly: The Alarm Thwap
So my wife and two boys are sharing a room in a house full of the extended Fossum family. The Rick Fossums are in four twin beds in a long narrow room. Sort of like I’d picture in some sort of sea vessel. There is no door to the room. My first morning with Dolly was started with the unwelcome entry of Dolly clacking down the wooden floor and nudging her snout into mine. I probably shushed her away to which her reply was simply turning her head from me and showcasing the unceasing thwap-thwap-thwap of her tail against the mattress. On some mornings, this would leave me irritated—it is vacation after all, and it is only ten to six in the morning, for gosh sakes. But for some reason, this was a welcome sound.
Now I think I heard a comedian one time talking about dogs and the fact that they have no concept of time. And that they are as happy to see you if you’ve left for 1 minute, or a day—they are always SO happy to see you. There is an unbridled joy to a dog. And Dolly clearly was sharing hers with me via her tail thwap. So I went downstairs with Dolly with the dog walk in mind.
As I was sitting in a chair and lacing up my shoes, Dolly was tearing around the house excited to be up, excited to have people up, and excited to be a dog. My sister-in-law descended the stairs and non chalantly said good morning to Dolly. Now I was thinking that she’d have been something like “DOLLY, calm down!”, but she wasn’t. She immediately found understanding and pleasure in Dolly being a dog. I gotta admit, I found that quite cool. Too often we course correct things which may not need it, or even by nature, allow it*.
Dolly IS a dog. And a very excited and happy dog in the morning. Perhaps thrilled to go take a pee, but equally as thrilled to be awake and alive. I wanna see the morning like Dolly does. I wanna thwap my tail upon awaking.
*Clearly there is a time and place for course correction for both dogs as well as folks, but all to often we are critical and correcting when patience and understanding is what is required.
Now I think I heard a comedian one time talking about dogs and the fact that they have no concept of time. And that they are as happy to see you if you’ve left for 1 minute, or a day—they are always SO happy to see you. There is an unbridled joy to a dog. And Dolly clearly was sharing hers with me via her tail thwap. So I went downstairs with Dolly with the dog walk in mind.
As I was sitting in a chair and lacing up my shoes, Dolly was tearing around the house excited to be up, excited to have people up, and excited to be a dog. My sister-in-law descended the stairs and non chalantly said good morning to Dolly. Now I was thinking that she’d have been something like “DOLLY, calm down!”, but she wasn’t. She immediately found understanding and pleasure in Dolly being a dog. I gotta admit, I found that quite cool. Too often we course correct things which may not need it, or even by nature, allow it*.
Dolly IS a dog. And a very excited and happy dog in the morning. Perhaps thrilled to go take a pee, but equally as thrilled to be awake and alive. I wanna see the morning like Dolly does. I wanna thwap my tail upon awaking.
*Clearly there is a time and place for course correction for both dogs as well as folks, but all to often we are critical and correcting when patience and understanding is what is required.
Mornings with Dolly: An Introduction
So I am on vacation with the family and have left the heat of Atlanta for the cool breeze (at the moment) of the Maine coast and Bailey Island. Now Bailey Island is a wonderful sleepy lobster fishing village where I’ve vacationed since I was a child. I figured this would be a great place for some deep thought and some unique inspirations for me to think and write about. Well, its taken a while for me to find a launching point. Perhaps the first few days were solely intended to encompass good family time, conversations, and certainly some cold beer.
Little did I know that amid all of God’s splendor of the “Down East” Maine coastline, my inspiration would come from a medium-sized, floppy eared, black mutt named Dolly. Perhaps I need to give a nod to Donald Miller’s recent blog postings from his own dog, but we really can’t target some of our sources of inspiration, and if it happens to come from an animal who takes an unabashed shit while you stand and wait, so be it.
So I’ve decided to create a few postings drawn from my morning walks with my brothers dog, Dolly.
Now my wife and I are dog people, and my boys certainly would like to be. But I have confirmed something as to my household and dogs. While on vacation getting up and going for an hour-long walk across an island is quite nice, regardless of how early you get started. However, a cold rainy Monday morning when you need to get to the office is another story. I love dogs. We just don’t own one. So this brief stint at dogging it is fun, but will most likely leave the conversation as we exit off the island in a week or so.
Little did I know that amid all of God’s splendor of the “Down East” Maine coastline, my inspiration would come from a medium-sized, floppy eared, black mutt named Dolly. Perhaps I need to give a nod to Donald Miller’s recent blog postings from his own dog, but we really can’t target some of our sources of inspiration, and if it happens to come from an animal who takes an unabashed shit while you stand and wait, so be it.
So I’ve decided to create a few postings drawn from my morning walks with my brothers dog, Dolly.
Now my wife and I are dog people, and my boys certainly would like to be. But I have confirmed something as to my household and dogs. While on vacation getting up and going for an hour-long walk across an island is quite nice, regardless of how early you get started. However, a cold rainy Monday morning when you need to get to the office is another story. I love dogs. We just don’t own one. So this brief stint at dogging it is fun, but will most likely leave the conversation as we exit off the island in a week or so.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Pelotons
According to Wikipedia, a peloton is "a field, bunch or pack...the large main group of riders in a road bicycle race. Riders in a group save energy by riding close (drafting or slipstreaming) near (particularly behind) other riders. The reduction in drag is dramatic; in the middle of a well-developed group it can be as much as 40%."
I heard mentioned once the concept of spiritual pelotons. We all should ensure we have at least one peloton in our lives. Groups of folks who we take the life race/ride alongside who serve as teammates. People we ride closely with who can work together to "reduced the drag" in life. As per the above definition can reduce life's drag by as much as 40%. Imagine that. I can think back on many times where I could have used a drastic reduction on the headwind in my life.
I assume much of the benefit of the peloton is derived from a self-awareness and a selfless awareness:
*Of course the maximization of a bad thing is not good. I recall Bill Cosby in a stand up bit say something like "I was talking to a friend who did cocaine 'cause it 'intensified his personality' to which I replied, 'what if you're an asshole.". Obviously we need to be careful as to our peloton choices.
I heard mentioned once the concept of spiritual pelotons. We all should ensure we have at least one peloton in our lives. Groups of folks who we take the life race/ride alongside who serve as teammates. People we ride closely with who can work together to "reduced the drag" in life. As per the above definition can reduce life's drag by as much as 40%. Imagine that. I can think back on many times where I could have used a drastic reduction on the headwind in my life.
I assume much of the benefit of the peloton is derived from a self-awareness and a selfless awareness:
- A self-awareness to recognize when I might be in need of rest (whatever that might look like). In addition, we also need to be transparent and prideless enough to allow this to happen. Sometimes a "buck up" approach is not the answer, and a willingness to say "help" is what is needed.
- A selfless awareness to ensure I am in tune with the other members of my peloton. To understand when I should take the lead and provide a draft to take on the headwind for another.
*Of course the maximization of a bad thing is not good. I recall Bill Cosby in a stand up bit say something like "I was talking to a friend who did cocaine 'cause it 'intensified his personality' to which I replied, 'what if you're an asshole.". Obviously we need to be careful as to our peloton choices.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Act Your Age
I don't know how long ago C.S. Lewis lived and when specifically he wrote things, but I am constantly challenged and enlivened by some of his work. I follow a Twitter account which provides daily tweets (gosh what would C.S. think about his work being tweeted). A little while ago, this caught me both as genius and incredibly joyful. It read as follows:
"When I became a man, I put away foolish things including the fear of childishness & the desire to be grown-up"
"When I became a man, I put away foolish things including the fear of childishness & the desire to be grown-up"
Forgettable Me
I was reading an article on an illustrator recently (his name escapes me), and he was commenting on his rendering of George Bush as Time’s Man of the Year. This got me thinking about the ongoing Iraq war. And the Afghan war. And as I sat at NTB waiting for my new car tires, CNN is sharing as to how Wycleff Jean is continuing to raise awareness for Haiti relief. And lest we forget New Orleans post Katrina. And of course our current BP oil fiasco.
We continue to be bombarded by our world, and the thousands (or is it even millions) of media outlets and influences which vie for our time and attention. I’ll admit, I had forgotten about some of the above issues. Shame on me, I guess. Throw in our own individual influences which pull for our time (work, family, etc.) and it is a wonder we have time to truly consider a lot.
While not a big list guy, and I certainly struggle with keeping things top of mind prayer-wise. Perhaps more self discipline is required in this area. How on earth can we pray for it all? Well certainly we can’t. But the Bible makes it clear that the Spirit groans for us in prayer (Rom 8:26). And understanding that God knows our hearts, he knows where our prayers would go—even when we forget. This helps. But I feel like I gotta do more. Or at least more often.
I am reminded of Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty when he’s substituting for God. And he is reeling and confused from all the prayers lifted up to him. Once again, thank God for God. He is so out of this world, that He can make sense of it all. Amid all of the chaos and unending need, He knows us individually. Knows our hearts, our prayers—spoken and unspoken.
We continue to be bombarded by our world, and the thousands (or is it even millions) of media outlets and influences which vie for our time and attention. I’ll admit, I had forgotten about some of the above issues. Shame on me, I guess. Throw in our own individual influences which pull for our time (work, family, etc.) and it is a wonder we have time to truly consider a lot.
While not a big list guy, and I certainly struggle with keeping things top of mind prayer-wise. Perhaps more self discipline is required in this area. How on earth can we pray for it all? Well certainly we can’t. But the Bible makes it clear that the Spirit groans for us in prayer (Rom 8:26). And understanding that God knows our hearts, he knows where our prayers would go—even when we forget. This helps. But I feel like I gotta do more. Or at least more often.
I am reminded of Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty when he’s substituting for God. And he is reeling and confused from all the prayers lifted up to him. Once again, thank God for God. He is so out of this world, that He can make sense of it all. Amid all of the chaos and unending need, He knows us individually. Knows our hearts, our prayers—spoken and unspoken.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Faith Choice
I remember when Bob Dylan went through his "Christian" period in the early eighties and he had a song on his Saved album which had a line in it which read "You gotta serve somebody. It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but your gonna have to serve somebody...". I remember the song was vintage nasally Dylan and included the gospel-like choir, I assume to help drive home the christian message. I like Dylan's understanding of the fact that there is a choice in faith.
We lost a friend to cancer yesterday. In times like these—and particularly with the brutality of cancer—what we believe and where we've chosen to place our faith seems to have a bigger significance*. It can allow for comfort and an unworldly peace. And can also create confusion, anger, and despair.
I have another close friend going through his own battle with cancer. He has shared some wonderfully faith-inspired statements as to why this thing, this horrible cancer, has stricken him. Statements like "for some reason God wants me to go through this" and "perhaps someone needs to see me go through this". I trust and pray that he'll beat this disease, but it is strongly evident where has chosen to place his faith.
When our faith choices are considered in our day to day, and we try to consistently view things through the lens of this chosen faith, perhaps things like death can make more sense**.
Hebrews 11:1 states "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.". In Joshua 24:15, the author charges the audience to "choose this day whom you will serve".
Hope? Unseen? The choice is ours. Everyday.
* Though truthfully, I believe there are no times more significant than others.
** Clearly this is not a wash my hands and everything is gonna be okay 'cause I have faith in God time. There is very real tragedy and loss. And we all should certainly do our best to bear each others burdens and participate in areas of grieving and support.
We lost a friend to cancer yesterday. In times like these—and particularly with the brutality of cancer—what we believe and where we've chosen to place our faith seems to have a bigger significance*. It can allow for comfort and an unworldly peace. And can also create confusion, anger, and despair.
I have another close friend going through his own battle with cancer. He has shared some wonderfully faith-inspired statements as to why this thing, this horrible cancer, has stricken him. Statements like "for some reason God wants me to go through this" and "perhaps someone needs to see me go through this". I trust and pray that he'll beat this disease, but it is strongly evident where has chosen to place his faith.
When our faith choices are considered in our day to day, and we try to consistently view things through the lens of this chosen faith, perhaps things like death can make more sense**.
Hebrews 11:1 states "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.". In Joshua 24:15, the author charges the audience to "choose this day whom you will serve".
Hope? Unseen? The choice is ours. Everyday.
* Though truthfully, I believe there are no times more significant than others.
** Clearly this is not a wash my hands and everything is gonna be okay 'cause I have faith in God time. There is very real tragedy and loss. And we all should certainly do our best to bear each others burdens and participate in areas of grieving and support.
Friday, July 2, 2010
A Fly Guy?
Okay, there are so many opinions when it comes to theological discussions (or ideological, or any discussion for that matter). So many views, beliefs, facts, and options. And I dig exploring the who, what, where and why of things—and perhaps try to be a catalyst for deep conversation, consideration or even confrontation—but sometimes, with some folks, I feel as though I may be a fly in the ointment.
I had a conversation with a neighbor who's a good friend, confidant, and someone who enjoys the deep dive. We were discussing this whole fly and ointment thing. He challenged me with a consideration. Am I a fly in the ointment? Or am I trying to BE the fly in the ointment? Its one thing to honestly discuss and debate. Its another to poke, and perhaps annoy.
I so value friends like this. Folks who challenge you to check your intentions...
I had a conversation with a neighbor who's a good friend, confidant, and someone who enjoys the deep dive. We were discussing this whole fly and ointment thing. He challenged me with a consideration. Am I a fly in the ointment? Or am I trying to BE the fly in the ointment? Its one thing to honestly discuss and debate. Its another to poke, and perhaps annoy.
I so value friends like this. Folks who challenge you to check your intentions...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Close But Far
Last night I was at my first born's swim meet. These are pretty chaotic, noisy, sweaty events where children ranging from what seems like four through about eighteen swim across a pool, all the while mom's, dad's and kids are yelling at them. While I am aware these are screams of encouragement, sometimes it just seems like a herd of cats. So there I am, eating a burger, watching the swimmers, admittedly enjoying myself amidst the chaos, and a dear friend of mine is in the ER.
There are so many occasions where we are going about our daily lives unaware, or at least removed from the major life occurrences of our friends, colleagues, even our fellow man. We are aware of global injustice, AIDs, abuse, as well as folks close to us battling life-threatening disease, joblessness, etc. While there is SO much of this we have no control over, we can make an impact. Be it in international awareness, local movements, or simply being available to others, it is our duty to keep our antennae up to opportunities. Not necessarily some hippie sign-waving thing (unless of course that is appropriate), but just to be there to encourage, or to give of yourself.
My folks spent some time in Uganda working with an orphanage and school. While there, they were struck by the poverty and living conditions of the Ugandans. They were moved to want to sell their possessions, or at least pare way down. One of their Ugandan hosts shared his thoughts on that. He said something like, You live in your culture, not ours, it is okay to live in your culture.
We can't experience things for others, or take away life experiences (or tragedies) from others. BUT we can act, love, serve, encourage, pray, be available. THAT we can choose to do.
There are so many occasions where we are going about our daily lives unaware, or at least removed from the major life occurrences of our friends, colleagues, even our fellow man. We are aware of global injustice, AIDs, abuse, as well as folks close to us battling life-threatening disease, joblessness, etc. While there is SO much of this we have no control over, we can make an impact. Be it in international awareness, local movements, or simply being available to others, it is our duty to keep our antennae up to opportunities. Not necessarily some hippie sign-waving thing (unless of course that is appropriate), but just to be there to encourage, or to give of yourself.
My folks spent some time in Uganda working with an orphanage and school. While there, they were struck by the poverty and living conditions of the Ugandans. They were moved to want to sell their possessions, or at least pare way down. One of their Ugandan hosts shared his thoughts on that. He said something like, You live in your culture, not ours, it is okay to live in your culture.
We can't experience things for others, or take away life experiences (or tragedies) from others. BUT we can act, love, serve, encourage, pray, be available. THAT we can choose to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)