Things Change!

I received a You Tube video on the exponential pace of change in life. (see it ) It ends with the question, "So what does it all mean?"

I don't figure I have the complete answer to that question. I do know that having a mission, a focus, a purpose, in life helps put that question in perspective. That life grounding reality has never changed.

Today I was reading a story about Jesus (Mark 10:35-45) that reinforced experience--life's not easy. That said, there's a counter-balance. It's name is purpose, or focus, or a mission. That, along with some help that's bigger than we are, can carry us through.

Here's my take on this story, my paraphrase, my thoughts...

Two students of The Teacher, James and John, ask for reserved seats of prestige and recognition. Jesus, asks, "are you willing to go through the tough stuff with me?"

They both say "yes!"

The Teacher, Jesus, replies, "Good! I can't promise you the recognition, but I can promise change and tough stuff."

Ain't that the truth! We can count on challenges with everything that changes.

Change...it's always been around. Foraging to stone tools, wood to iron, knives to guns, walking to space travel, typewriters to laptops...and that doesn't begin to get into relationships (now, relationships, there's a place of some changes!)

I don't think it will stop and that's OK! Things change. God doesn't change...purpose, mission, focus will craft a way through the growing, living landscape of change. Living Love (Think Love of God, love of neighbor and love of self--Matthew 22:36-40) is a dependable way, the way of The Teacher.

I can't speak for you, but I'm curious about what's next, even as I shy from change. I'm willing to play and create in the gifts of each new day, after I focus on the mission, the path, the way. I'm confident that with my purpose, with Living Love, and with the Way of The Teacher. All shall be well. No, better than well...exciting, joyous, adventurous!

Thanks--It's a way of living!

1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 4Q, 5Q, 6Q, 7Q, 8Q, 9Q, 10Q...."You're welcome!"

So goes an old joke. It reminds me to live a life of gratitude. So I put it on my license plate to remind me to live with a sense of thanks.

I've learned that everyday holds reasons for thanks...gifts...blessings...good stuff...all I need to do is pay attention and choose to say "Thanks."

I'm not alone. Authors of ancient prayer practices saw this. My mentors saw this. I've read it in psychology and business writings. It seems to bubble up everywhere. Gratitude is a powerful way to live. Most of all I've experienced it for myself. I'm healthier, more relaxed, happier, and nicer to be around when I'm looking for what is good and what is God. I'm better off when I'm thankful.

How about you?

Koinonia Online

I'm new to the world of blogging and old to the quest to share that which is good & God. Welcome to an experiment in sharing the journey of faith and life.

My hope is to share some thoughts that shape faith and life for me. My desire is to hear what you are thinking as well. My desire is that then we can have a conversation that creates new possibilities.

My community at Palmyra First UMC is exploring Koinonia--Communion with God in Community, this Lent. One-hundred and one of us are experiencing small groups, "Koinonia Groups" as a part of this experiment of experience. Our study is built on the foundations of worship and sermons that are inspired first from the truths of scripture, and secondly from Dirty Word by Jim Walker (Discipleship Resources). We're mixing fun and faith...how cool is that?

What are you experiencing of the holy, the good, of God?

10,000 Joys in Christ
Dave Harris