Memorial Day, that uniquely American holiday, comes with some baggage. We see it as just another day off from work; or an opportunity for the family to get together for a picnic at the lake; or the first true picnic for the summer; or the first day of summer vacation time; or a hundred other ways that we can think of to consume the special hours that are ours to spend.
The Indy 500 use to be raced on Memorial Day, but now it is held on the Sunday before. I can remember one Memorial Day in Nashville, cleaning our VW Bug (white with Sun Roof and pop-out windows) inside and out while listening to the race over the radio.
Originally it was called Decoration Day – where everyone flew the American Flag with great pride and took time to pause offering a prayer of thanks for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as a member of our armed services. Communities would hold parades, bands would march and floats would carry veterans from previous military conflicts. Then the community would gather at statues erected in honor/memory of those who served the country in WWI, WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. Red, white and blue wreaths would be laid and small American flags would decorate the graves of any man or woman who had served our country in uniform. But, alas, traditions change.
Now the emphasis is on grilling, waterskiing and “getting” away … it is one of the heaviest traveled weekends in our nation. We might … just might … give a passing thought to those who died while defending our freedom … but it is not the major occupation of our activities for this day off of work. I do wonder if at some point in the future there will come along those who will attempt to re-write our history books resulting in re-naming this day once again – moving it further away from a day of remembrance. Oh, because of some very dedicated individuals and families, the graves are still decorated with small American flags and floral wreaths are still laid in memory of those who died while defending our country, but the parades are starting to die away. Our emphasis is starting to shift.
If you have ever attended a funeral service for anyone who has served our country you just might have heard a bugle piece played called TAPS. It was played today at the beginning of the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coke 600. Much to the surprise of many there are lyrics which are a part of this sad sounding song with a deep rich meaning. The overriding message is that all is well because we are in God’s hands.
Hearing TAPS played is one of the fond memories I have of summer youth camp at the Methodist Youth Camp in Leesburg, FL. After cabin devotions, lights were turned out, we climbed into our bunks, and then Taps would be played followed by the playing of The Lord’s Prayer. As the last words of that prayer were sung you would drift off to sleep knowing that all is well because God is near and our souls were safe in his hands.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.
Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.
While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.
Memorial Day is more than just picnics, wreaths and flying the American flag … it stands as a reminder that our lives are safe because of the sacrifice of others … all is well …
Quote for today: Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A story for Memorial Day Weekend
I loved Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” stories. There is a small book in my library of some of those stories … here I share the story that he entitled: “The Old Man and the Gulls.” This weekend remember someone who has given their life so that you might live.
It is gratitude that prompted an old man to visit an old broken pier on the eastern seacoast of Florida. Every Friday night, until his death in 1973, he would return, walking slowly and slightly stooped with a large bucket of shrimp. The sea gulls would flock to this old man, and he would feed them from his bucket. Many years before, in October, 1942, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was on a mission in a B-17 to deliver an important message to General Douglas MacArthur in New Guinea. But there was an unexpected detour which would hurl Captain Eddie into the most harrowing adventure of his life.
Somewhere over the South Pacific the Flying Fortress became lost beyond the reach of radio. Fuel ran dangerously low, so the men ditched their plane in the ocean. For nearly a month Captain Eddie and his companions would fight the water, and the weather, and the scorching sun. They spent many sleepless nights recoiling as giant sharks rammed their rafts. The largest raft was nine by five. The biggest shark...ten feet long. But of all their enemies at sea, one proved most formidable: starvation. Eight days out, their rations were long gone or destroyed by the salt water. It would take a miracle to sustain them. And a miracle occurred.
In Captain Eddie's own words, "Cherry," that was the B- 17 pilot, Captain William Cherry, "read the service that afternoon, and we finished with a prayer for deliverance and a hymn of praise. There was some talk, but it tapered off in the oppressive heat. With my hat pulled down over my eyes to keep out some of the glare, I dozed off."
Now this is still Captian Rickenbacker talking..."Something landed on my head. I knew that it was a sea gull. I don't know how I knew, I just knew. Everyone else knew too. No one said a word, but peering out from under my hat brim without moving my head, I could see the expression on their faces. They were staring at that gull. The gull meant food...if I could catch it."
And the rest, as they say, is history. Captain Eddie caught the gull. Its flesh was eaten. Its intestines were used for bait to catch fish. The survivors were sustained and their hopes renewed because a lone sea gull, uncharacteristically hundreds of miles from land, offered itself as a sacrifice. You know that Captain Eddie made it.
And now you also know...that he never forgot. Because every Friday evening, about sunset...on a lonely stretch along the eastern Florida seacoast...you could see an old man walking...white-haired, bushy-eyebrowed, slightly bent. His bucket filled with shrimp was to feed the gulls...to remember that one which, on a day long past, gave itself without a struggle...like manna in the wilderness.
Quote for today:
We who are left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly and spent
Their lives for us loved, too, the sun and rain?~Wilfred Wilson Gibson
It is gratitude that prompted an old man to visit an old broken pier on the eastern seacoast of Florida. Every Friday night, until his death in 1973, he would return, walking slowly and slightly stooped with a large bucket of shrimp. The sea gulls would flock to this old man, and he would feed them from his bucket. Many years before, in October, 1942, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was on a mission in a B-17 to deliver an important message to General Douglas MacArthur in New Guinea. But there was an unexpected detour which would hurl Captain Eddie into the most harrowing adventure of his life.
Somewhere over the South Pacific the Flying Fortress became lost beyond the reach of radio. Fuel ran dangerously low, so the men ditched their plane in the ocean. For nearly a month Captain Eddie and his companions would fight the water, and the weather, and the scorching sun. They spent many sleepless nights recoiling as giant sharks rammed their rafts. The largest raft was nine by five. The biggest shark...ten feet long. But of all their enemies at sea, one proved most formidable: starvation. Eight days out, their rations were long gone or destroyed by the salt water. It would take a miracle to sustain them. And a miracle occurred.
In Captain Eddie's own words, "Cherry," that was the B- 17 pilot, Captain William Cherry, "read the service that afternoon, and we finished with a prayer for deliverance and a hymn of praise. There was some talk, but it tapered off in the oppressive heat. With my hat pulled down over my eyes to keep out some of the glare, I dozed off."
Now this is still Captian Rickenbacker talking..."Something landed on my head. I knew that it was a sea gull. I don't know how I knew, I just knew. Everyone else knew too. No one said a word, but peering out from under my hat brim without moving my head, I could see the expression on their faces. They were staring at that gull. The gull meant food...if I could catch it."
And the rest, as they say, is history. Captain Eddie caught the gull. Its flesh was eaten. Its intestines were used for bait to catch fish. The survivors were sustained and their hopes renewed because a lone sea gull, uncharacteristically hundreds of miles from land, offered itself as a sacrifice. You know that Captain Eddie made it.
And now you also know...that he never forgot. Because every Friday evening, about sunset...on a lonely stretch along the eastern Florida seacoast...you could see an old man walking...white-haired, bushy-eyebrowed, slightly bent. His bucket filled with shrimp was to feed the gulls...to remember that one which, on a day long past, gave itself without a struggle...like manna in the wilderness.
Quote for today:
We who are left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly and spent
Their lives for us loved, too, the sun and rain?~Wilfred Wilson Gibson
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Reflections on some recent news
A few reflections from the local newspaper:
1. The Dalai Lama wrote an ob-ed article recently reflecting on his religion of choice. He shares that while growing up he believed that his religion was the best of all the religions in the world. Then he grew up and began to meet outstanding men and women of other faiths. He discovered that all religions had the same core center – not to do any harm to others, but to seek their benefit. Anything other than that is a misread or misunderstanding of their religion. What he calls for is more tolerance … we are just not tolerant of those who think, act, look differently than us. He believes that out of a desire to dominant and control we see others as inferior and thus the intolerance.
2, As has been reported in various news media this week the Texas Board of Education is trying to re-write history. Daniel Ruth began is St. Pete Times Opinion article on this subject … “Let’s see if we have this straight. U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy, who ruined untold innocent lives as a besotted red-baiting vigilante, was a peach of a fellow. Check. The words of the treasonous Jefferson Davis should be held in the same esteem as Abraham Lincoln’s. Got it. And Thomas Jefferson, one of the fathers of the country in more than one, couldn’t hold Ronald Regan’s teleprompter: 10-4.” Other changes they have passed are: The Civil War was not over slavery, but states rights; the slave trade is to be known as the Atlantic Triangular Trade; and there shall not be any negative comments about genocidal treatment of the American Indians and the Ku Klux Klan. What this reminded me of was how Nazi Germany tried to re-write history by classifying the concentration camps as work sites. The danger here is that the “softer” we make history sound the easier it will to repeat its negative effects on society.
3. There is a political race in Connecticut, like the one we are witnessing here in Florida, where someone with deep financial pockets can spend their own money is huge amounts all for the purpose of getting elected. The senate race in Connecticut includes Linda McMahon, the CEO of the WWE which glorifies sex, violence and pornography. The good thing is that once she declared her desire to run for the senate seat WWE began to clean up its act. Here in Florida we have the former CEO of a major hospital group that had to pay a $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud and now he wants to run our state. Ouch!
4. And the sad news is that one of the good guys, Art Linkletter, passed away. Mr. Linkletter proved, like Bill Cosby, that it is possible to make a lasting impression by providing good, clean, family safe humor. Mr. Linkletter you will be missed!
Quote for today: from an unknown source …
My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done;
Leave countless marks for good or ill, ere sets the evening sun.
This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray:
Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.
1. The Dalai Lama wrote an ob-ed article recently reflecting on his religion of choice. He shares that while growing up he believed that his religion was the best of all the religions in the world. Then he grew up and began to meet outstanding men and women of other faiths. He discovered that all religions had the same core center – not to do any harm to others, but to seek their benefit. Anything other than that is a misread or misunderstanding of their religion. What he calls for is more tolerance … we are just not tolerant of those who think, act, look differently than us. He believes that out of a desire to dominant and control we see others as inferior and thus the intolerance.
2, As has been reported in various news media this week the Texas Board of Education is trying to re-write history. Daniel Ruth began is St. Pete Times Opinion article on this subject … “Let’s see if we have this straight. U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy, who ruined untold innocent lives as a besotted red-baiting vigilante, was a peach of a fellow. Check. The words of the treasonous Jefferson Davis should be held in the same esteem as Abraham Lincoln’s. Got it. And Thomas Jefferson, one of the fathers of the country in more than one, couldn’t hold Ronald Regan’s teleprompter: 10-4.” Other changes they have passed are: The Civil War was not over slavery, but states rights; the slave trade is to be known as the Atlantic Triangular Trade; and there shall not be any negative comments about genocidal treatment of the American Indians and the Ku Klux Klan. What this reminded me of was how Nazi Germany tried to re-write history by classifying the concentration camps as work sites. The danger here is that the “softer” we make history sound the easier it will to repeat its negative effects on society.
3. There is a political race in Connecticut, like the one we are witnessing here in Florida, where someone with deep financial pockets can spend their own money is huge amounts all for the purpose of getting elected. The senate race in Connecticut includes Linda McMahon, the CEO of the WWE which glorifies sex, violence and pornography. The good thing is that once she declared her desire to run for the senate seat WWE began to clean up its act. Here in Florida we have the former CEO of a major hospital group that had to pay a $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud and now he wants to run our state. Ouch!
4. And the sad news is that one of the good guys, Art Linkletter, passed away. Mr. Linkletter proved, like Bill Cosby, that it is possible to make a lasting impression by providing good, clean, family safe humor. Mr. Linkletter you will be missed!
Quote for today: from an unknown source …
My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done;
Leave countless marks for good or ill, ere sets the evening sun.
This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray:
Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reflection on Pentecost
Reflecting on Pentecost I share what I’ve just recently read from Carlo Carretto’s book, The God who Comes, pages 88-89.
When God reveals Himself in His nature as one and in His actions as three, Pentecost penetrates the depths of man’s heart.
His soul is enflamed and He becomes inebriated with the light and with life.
It is as though he were going beyond his own limits, leaving his old earthly city, to enter the new land of God.
For the first time he touches the frontier of Christianity, he is aware of the nature of the Kingdom.
At the same moment in which you discover – or rather, live – the experience of the Unity and Trinity of God within you, you discover and live the unity of your human existence.
You need no longer ask yourself, “Who am I?”
You know it, see it, you live it.
Pentecost is not about a calendar event – regardless how significant the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered believers – it is about what happens to the individual who is touched by that all consuming power. Finally, it starts to make sense what Jesus said about having abundant life.
I especially like the phrase, “inebriated with the light and with life” as in “filled with new wine.”
Here is to life – all of it – lived to its fullness – lived with abandonment, utter joy and exuberance. Life lived with no regrets – released from previous mistakes and missteps.
The time is now to stop flirting with God’s enriching and freeing Spirit and simply allow the Holy Spirit to take over! The invitation, via Pentecost, is to come join the party! Oh, that I would appropriate this truth in my life and stop beating myself up for the past mistakes (too many to count) and join the party!
Quote for today: “When we get full of ourselves, we get empty of God.” Unknown source
When God reveals Himself in His nature as one and in His actions as three, Pentecost penetrates the depths of man’s heart.
His soul is enflamed and He becomes inebriated with the light and with life.
It is as though he were going beyond his own limits, leaving his old earthly city, to enter the new land of God.
For the first time he touches the frontier of Christianity, he is aware of the nature of the Kingdom.
At the same moment in which you discover – or rather, live – the experience of the Unity and Trinity of God within you, you discover and live the unity of your human existence.
You need no longer ask yourself, “Who am I?”
You know it, see it, you live it.
Pentecost is not about a calendar event – regardless how significant the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered believers – it is about what happens to the individual who is touched by that all consuming power. Finally, it starts to make sense what Jesus said about having abundant life.
I especially like the phrase, “inebriated with the light and with life” as in “filled with new wine.”
Here is to life – all of it – lived to its fullness – lived with abandonment, utter joy and exuberance. Life lived with no regrets – released from previous mistakes and missteps.
The time is now to stop flirting with God’s enriching and freeing Spirit and simply allow the Holy Spirit to take over! The invitation, via Pentecost, is to come join the party! Oh, that I would appropriate this truth in my life and stop beating myself up for the past mistakes (too many to count) and join the party!
Quote for today: “When we get full of ourselves, we get empty of God.” Unknown source
Monday, May 24, 2010
Holy Boldness
When it comes to sports teams we are bold with our enthusiasm – wearing T-shirts, ball caps, flying car window pennants and plastering our bumpers with various bumper stickers declaring our loyalty and commitment. We are very bold …
When it comes to our political affiliations we are bold … some extremely so. Here too we are quick to declare our opinions concerning various candidates, policies, legislation and positions – with little regard to who might be in earshot of our voices. Also, like our favorite sports teams, we place on our bumpers or signs in our front lawn declaring our intention and desires. We are very bold …
When it comes to our children and even more so, our grandchildren … friends and neighbors beware … we can be obnoxiously bold … and rightly so. We quickly pull out the pictures, stop total strangers (as a couple did recently at a local movie theatre when they took the seats behind us), willing telling any and all who would listen about their latest accomplishments, their over-all cuteness, how smart they are, etc. We are very bold …
But, when it comes to our faith we become timid, hesitant, reluctant, and afraid that we might offend. It is almost as if we are members of the SSCB (Secret Society of Closest Believers) … afraid that someone might discover that we are followers of Jesus. After all, we do not want to be identified as a Jesus-freak, one those “kind” of people, a Bible thumper or someone who would offend others because of our faith. Somewhat like a colleague of mine who always wore a silver cross, but normally carried the cross in his shirt pocket. No bumper stickers here. No proclamations, no declarations, no sharing … we are NOT very bold even though scripture calls us to a Holy Boldness.
M. Cocoris tells the following story in his book on evangelism: Hugh Lattimer once preached before King Henry VIII. Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the sermon and ordered Lattimer to preach again on the following Sunday and apologize for the offence he had given. The next Sunday, after reading his text, he thus began his sermon: "Hugh Lattimer, dost thou know before whom thou are this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king's most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life, if thou offendest. Therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease. But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest--upon Whose message thou are sent? Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholdeth all thy ways and Who is able to cast thy soul into hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully." He then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday--and with considerably more energy.
Or, even better still, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, would ask at the regular small group (called Class Meetings) gatherings, “Who have you offended, on behalf of the Gospel, since we last met?” I’m not sure how I would answer that question. I’m not sure if I would even continue to participate in a small group where that kind of question would be included in the general discussion. But, it does give me pause. Where is my Holy Boldness … if I truly believe in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?
I am bold about my sports teams, about my grandchild and my political positions taken … but my faith. Dear Lord, allow me to be filled with the Holy Spirit so I can be Bold about my relationship with you! Amen.
Quote for today: The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meeting and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. Commonly attributed to Goethe
When it comes to our political affiliations we are bold … some extremely so. Here too we are quick to declare our opinions concerning various candidates, policies, legislation and positions – with little regard to who might be in earshot of our voices. Also, like our favorite sports teams, we place on our bumpers or signs in our front lawn declaring our intention and desires. We are very bold …
When it comes to our children and even more so, our grandchildren … friends and neighbors beware … we can be obnoxiously bold … and rightly so. We quickly pull out the pictures, stop total strangers (as a couple did recently at a local movie theatre when they took the seats behind us), willing telling any and all who would listen about their latest accomplishments, their over-all cuteness, how smart they are, etc. We are very bold …
But, when it comes to our faith we become timid, hesitant, reluctant, and afraid that we might offend. It is almost as if we are members of the SSCB (Secret Society of Closest Believers) … afraid that someone might discover that we are followers of Jesus. After all, we do not want to be identified as a Jesus-freak, one those “kind” of people, a Bible thumper or someone who would offend others because of our faith. Somewhat like a colleague of mine who always wore a silver cross, but normally carried the cross in his shirt pocket. No bumper stickers here. No proclamations, no declarations, no sharing … we are NOT very bold even though scripture calls us to a Holy Boldness.
M. Cocoris tells the following story in his book on evangelism: Hugh Lattimer once preached before King Henry VIII. Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the sermon and ordered Lattimer to preach again on the following Sunday and apologize for the offence he had given. The next Sunday, after reading his text, he thus began his sermon: "Hugh Lattimer, dost thou know before whom thou are this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king's most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life, if thou offendest. Therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease. But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest--upon Whose message thou are sent? Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholdeth all thy ways and Who is able to cast thy soul into hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully." He then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday--and with considerably more energy.
Or, even better still, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, would ask at the regular small group (called Class Meetings) gatherings, “Who have you offended, on behalf of the Gospel, since we last met?” I’m not sure how I would answer that question. I’m not sure if I would even continue to participate in a small group where that kind of question would be included in the general discussion. But, it does give me pause. Where is my Holy Boldness … if I truly believe in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?
I am bold about my sports teams, about my grandchild and my political positions taken … but my faith. Dear Lord, allow me to be filled with the Holy Spirit so I can be Bold about my relationship with you! Amen.
Quote for today: The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meeting and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. Commonly attributed to Goethe
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pentecost
On this Pentecost Sunday – the birthday of the church – here is an observation made by James White in his book, Rethinking Church. His point is this – if the church doesn’t rethink what it means to be the church in the 21st Century will it survive much longer? We get caught up in traditional ways of doing things … remember the 7-last words of the church? “We have always done it that way!” … that we fail to see the new possibilities that God has and is opening up to those who call themselves after his name.
If people would have been asked in 1968 which nation would dominate the world in watch making during the 1990s and into the twenty-first century the answer would have been uniform: Switzerland. Why? Because Switzerland had dominated the world of watch making for the previous sixty years.
The Swiss made the best watches in the world and were committed to constant refinement of their expertise. It was the Swiss who came forward with the minute hand and the second hand. They led the world in discovering better ways to manufacture the gears, hearings, and mainsprings of watches. They even led the way in waterproofing techniques and self-winding models. By 1968, the Swiss made 65 percent of all watches sold in the world and laid claim to as much as 90 percent of the profits.
By 1980, however, they had laid off thousands of watch-makers and controlled less than 10 percent of the world market. Their profit domination dropped to less than 20 percent. Between 1979 and 1981, fifty thousand of the sixty-two thou-sand Swiss watchmakers lost their jobs. Why? The Swiss had refused to consider a new development—the—the Quartz movement—ironically, invented by a Swiss. Because it had no main-spring or knob, it was rejected. It was too much of a paradigm shift for them to embrace. Seiko, on the other hand, accepted it and, along with a few other companies, became the leader in the watch industry.
The lesson of the Swiss watchmakers is profound. A past that was so secure, so profitable, so dominant was destroyed by an unwillingness to consider the future. It was more than not being able to make predictions—it was an inability to re-think how they did business. Past success had blinded them to the importance of seeing the implications of the changing world and to admit that past accomplishment was no guarantee of future success.
Pentecost was a new experience for those gathered in that Upper Room. The Spirit, the Power of God had been released on all of those believers. They had gone back to Jerusalem, as Jesus had instructed, and waited – in prayer and fasting – until the Holy Spirit came. When it came they were filled with amazing enthusiasm – even in the light of possible persecution and death at the hands of the established church leaders of that day.
Truly our prayer should be today: “Lord, as unto Pentecost – do it again, Lord, do it again!” But, it would mean change … and a lot of it! Are we really open to changing what we are “doing” in the name of the Kingdom of God? Are we open to new ways of thinking? Worshipping? Behaving? It is scary … just a little … especially when it means Spirit-filled change …
Are you ready? The original disciples had prayed themselves ready ... had fasted themselves into a state of being prepared for whatever God had in store for them. Maybe we need to start to do the same so God can ... DO IT AGAIN!
Quote for today: Sometime back the Associated Press carried this dispatch: "Glasgow, Ky.--Leslie Puckett, after struggling to start his car, lifted the hood and discovered that someone had stolen the motor." Associated Press.
If people would have been asked in 1968 which nation would dominate the world in watch making during the 1990s and into the twenty-first century the answer would have been uniform: Switzerland. Why? Because Switzerland had dominated the world of watch making for the previous sixty years.
The Swiss made the best watches in the world and were committed to constant refinement of their expertise. It was the Swiss who came forward with the minute hand and the second hand. They led the world in discovering better ways to manufacture the gears, hearings, and mainsprings of watches. They even led the way in waterproofing techniques and self-winding models. By 1968, the Swiss made 65 percent of all watches sold in the world and laid claim to as much as 90 percent of the profits.
By 1980, however, they had laid off thousands of watch-makers and controlled less than 10 percent of the world market. Their profit domination dropped to less than 20 percent. Between 1979 and 1981, fifty thousand of the sixty-two thou-sand Swiss watchmakers lost their jobs. Why? The Swiss had refused to consider a new development—the—the Quartz movement—ironically, invented by a Swiss. Because it had no main-spring or knob, it was rejected. It was too much of a paradigm shift for them to embrace. Seiko, on the other hand, accepted it and, along with a few other companies, became the leader in the watch industry.
The lesson of the Swiss watchmakers is profound. A past that was so secure, so profitable, so dominant was destroyed by an unwillingness to consider the future. It was more than not being able to make predictions—it was an inability to re-think how they did business. Past success had blinded them to the importance of seeing the implications of the changing world and to admit that past accomplishment was no guarantee of future success.
Pentecost was a new experience for those gathered in that Upper Room. The Spirit, the Power of God had been released on all of those believers. They had gone back to Jerusalem, as Jesus had instructed, and waited – in prayer and fasting – until the Holy Spirit came. When it came they were filled with amazing enthusiasm – even in the light of possible persecution and death at the hands of the established church leaders of that day.
Truly our prayer should be today: “Lord, as unto Pentecost – do it again, Lord, do it again!” But, it would mean change … and a lot of it! Are we really open to changing what we are “doing” in the name of the Kingdom of God? Are we open to new ways of thinking? Worshipping? Behaving? It is scary … just a little … especially when it means Spirit-filled change …
Are you ready? The original disciples had prayed themselves ready ... had fasted themselves into a state of being prepared for whatever God had in store for them. Maybe we need to start to do the same so God can ... DO IT AGAIN!
Quote for today: Sometime back the Associated Press carried this dispatch: "Glasgow, Ky.--Leslie Puckett, after struggling to start his car, lifted the hood and discovered that someone had stolen the motor." Associated Press.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
What's in your backpack? - Part 2
Disclaimer: Some of today’s thoughts grew out of watching the movie, Up In The Air.
What’s in Your Backpack? … It really is an interesting question. The backpack is a symbol of the baggage that you carry around and so the question centers around packing your backpack … remembering that everything and everyone that you decided to pack adds to its weight. The weight will cause the shoulder straps to cut into your shoulders (i.e. adding pain and discomfort), cause some back pain (pulls you backwards and not forward) and slow you down in what you are able to accomplish. It is a rather serious question.
So … what have you chosen to pack into your backpack?
Step #1 - Every picture, every nick-knack, collectable, book, piece of furniture, etc. … literally, everything that “clutters” your life at some point simply makes your life more complicated and heavy laden. Do you have a good picture of what is in your backpack now?
Step #2 – Now imagine that your backpack is under the threat of catching on fire. Quickly … what are the first five items that you would extract from your backpack? Those are actually the only items that really matter … everything else can be gotten rid of or sold in a garage sale. Your backpack is much lighter isn’t it? Life is less complicated? Do you have sense that you are freer?
Step #3 – Now think about the people that you would add to your backpack. Remember that for every person you add they bring their own agenda, demands and expectations … and every time a person is added the drag on your life becomes heavier and more cumbersome. The question that needs to be asked here is, which one of the people in your backpack will be there in the case of a dire, life threatening emergency? Those are the keepers, everyone else are nice for the ride – the present time – but at some point in the future will only disappoint you in some significant way.
So, what is in your backpack? What/who have you chosen to keep? What/who have you chosen to discard? A friend literally lives her life under the 3-month rule – if we haven’t used it or heard from them within the last 3-months then do we really want it cluttering up our life? If the 3-month rule is too harsh then try a 6-month or an 8-month rule simply to start getting use to managing the stuff and people in your life. Just remember that whatever you decide to hang on to will simply weigh you down … it is your choice!
Quote for today: People who matter are most aware that everyone else does too. Malcolm S. Forbes
What’s in Your Backpack? … It really is an interesting question. The backpack is a symbol of the baggage that you carry around and so the question centers around packing your backpack … remembering that everything and everyone that you decided to pack adds to its weight. The weight will cause the shoulder straps to cut into your shoulders (i.e. adding pain and discomfort), cause some back pain (pulls you backwards and not forward) and slow you down in what you are able to accomplish. It is a rather serious question.
So … what have you chosen to pack into your backpack?
Step #1 - Every picture, every nick-knack, collectable, book, piece of furniture, etc. … literally, everything that “clutters” your life at some point simply makes your life more complicated and heavy laden. Do you have a good picture of what is in your backpack now?
Step #2 – Now imagine that your backpack is under the threat of catching on fire. Quickly … what are the first five items that you would extract from your backpack? Those are actually the only items that really matter … everything else can be gotten rid of or sold in a garage sale. Your backpack is much lighter isn’t it? Life is less complicated? Do you have sense that you are freer?
Step #3 – Now think about the people that you would add to your backpack. Remember that for every person you add they bring their own agenda, demands and expectations … and every time a person is added the drag on your life becomes heavier and more cumbersome. The question that needs to be asked here is, which one of the people in your backpack will be there in the case of a dire, life threatening emergency? Those are the keepers, everyone else are nice for the ride – the present time – but at some point in the future will only disappoint you in some significant way.
So, what is in your backpack? What/who have you chosen to keep? What/who have you chosen to discard? A friend literally lives her life under the 3-month rule – if we haven’t used it or heard from them within the last 3-months then do we really want it cluttering up our life? If the 3-month rule is too harsh then try a 6-month or an 8-month rule simply to start getting use to managing the stuff and people in your life. Just remember that whatever you decide to hang on to will simply weigh you down … it is your choice!
Quote for today: People who matter are most aware that everyone else does too. Malcolm S. Forbes
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