6 Promises to Young Adults -- An Open Letter

Dear Friends,  I want you at the table.  I'll admit that I don't always know how to say that well. I humbly ask for your help.   Let's talk!

This letter took shape in my mind from an impulse, "I want to encourage Young Adults to Vote!"  Sitting down to write, I realized I was thinking of something far bigger than simply voting. Voting is only one small piece of exercising your vision in this world.

We share a future, and in that unfolding season my time of leadership is setting while yours is rising.  I need to lift you up and make space at the head of the table, if I am to lead responsibly.  I'm interested in your ideas, partnership and directions.  My deepest wish is to be an advocate for you; to be an cheerleader for you; and if you desire, a mentor for you.

As a pastor, I could frame my hope of passing the mantel, and for strong community, with the stories and convictions of  my faith.  Indeed that's my personal foundation.   But, I don't need to share my faith in order to offer my hope and invitation.  I can just as easily call to you from a framework of vital community, making the point with best practices from many disciplines.  My interest is not based on you agreeing with me!  No matter how I slice it, your voice is necessary.  Without you in the conversation around the table, the future is dim.

Here are my commitments and intentions:

1. I'll listen to you.  (And if you think I'm not listening, I want you to tell me.)
2. I'll honestly share my thoughts, especially if you ask.
3. I'll be as transparently me, as I know how.
4. I'll give you genuine encouragement and feedback.
5. I'll get it wrong sometimes.  When I mess up, I will make amends.
6. I will welcome your help on all these things and more.

When I was in my twenties, I remember serving on an regional education team that generously mentored me. Within two years, that group risked inviting me into leadership as chairperson. Looking back, I could not have filled that responsibility well without support and encouragement.   I am deeply grateful for that trust, model, and mentoring.  I am richer for it.

I seek to share that gift offered to me, not because I want you to do what I prefer, or to vote for the candidate that I like.  My wish is to celebrate your gifts.  I desire your participation, listening, and leadership. I have a responsibility to you, helping you to accomplish important and world sustaining things. I'd love to hear your insights and ideas.

So... I thought I'd start by asking.  Maybe we can pull up a chair for coffee or a meal and talk?  I'm looking forward to your reply.

10,000 Joys -- Dave Harris

Where am I Going?

Where are you going?  I think, when I run, and this question was on my mind as Coda (the dog) and I (the person) were running our 5K loop this morning.

My mission, this morning, was dog training in an exercise format.  That meant we didn't run straight when Coda wasn't executing a reasonable "heel", I'd change directions, turning around, run up a driveway and back, to help her watch her handler--that would be me.

When we came to a construction site, and it frightened her, we circled back to the worker by the truck, to stop for her to be petted.  I asked first, and then let him know that I wanted to train a dog that was comfortable around workers.  Also I shared I didn't think that they needed a skittish or aggressive dog near job sites.  He petted.  I thanked.  On we ran.

We took purposeful detours for traffic, puppies, and children along the way.  All so that we accomplished the mission.  And then I began to notice how much this is like life, leadership, parenting and so much more.  I was teaching my dog good citizenship and it mean that my agenda had to adapt in the circumstances of the experience (the run).

As a parent, grandparent, friend, leader, pastor, neighbor, and person,  I often have to adapt to be a good, loving citizen of the world.   I'm always pursuing my mission (life purpose, goals, integrity-- pick the term most helpful for you, they work about the same for me) even when the tasks and path need to adapt.

I believe that I have a valuable purpose in life and it's what life's all about in many vital ways.  (Think either it's God given, how I'm made, connected to the cosmos... like before, don't get hung up on the word here.)  For me it's all about living love with humility, justice and kindness while using the things that make me me (faith, music, ideas, ADD, energy, broad-inclusive thinking, ...).  That's how I seek to live.

I always need help with that.  I always have to adapt the strategies, agendas and tools of any given day to accomplish my purpose well.  I'm always diminished if I get off track with that big goal, because I become a little less me  (a little less missional, a little less what God wants, a little less what I'm designed for... pick again).

So, in all things, I work to include those around me.  Sometimes I play games with my grand kids or students that I would never choose for my own amusement, but I choose them for love.  I do some things with my wife because it's fun to be with her, and love her, not because the activity is my first choice.  (Like the days she inquires, "Wouldn't it be fun to work in the flower beds today?")  And I'm still on my mission of living love... of using my uniqueness... even with the detours and unanticipated choices!

And sometimes, I need to say, "no" or change directions, just like I do with Coda (the dog) on runs.  And sometimes I run, knowing the mission isn't increased speed, or hill work, but a pet that can be a suitable companion in living love.

Who am I?  Who is my handler, or who am I watching?  Does your identity, or mission work with the groups I find yourself in?  How often do I get off track?  What simple invitations might I offer or respond to, so that I am true to my path and respectful of those with whom I find myself?  I asked these questions this morning.  Maybe they have some value for you.   Let me know how your run is going!