An example

We have been visiting, well I haven't, but my family has, a dying man. He is in hospice and has pancreatic cancer. As they discussed treatments, he decided to reject them. He's a beacon of strength and faith. His wife passed away not too long ago and shortly after he decided that he'd had enough of his medications...and stopped taking them. The doctor told him that he was a big boy and could do what he wanted to...I don't want him to go. But, my guess is he's tired, knows his destination and misses his wife.

He's the perfect person for the role he plays at our church - he's the greeter. He has a smile on his face and candy in his pocket. You don't really notice that he's got a hearing aid until you get to know him and talk with him but get no response. He's not unfriendly...he just can't hear you! You learn to live with that and speak to his face. He's full of wisdom and know how. His garden produces and abundant crop which he gladly shares. We get invited over quite a bit when it's harvest time - and we love it. Frankly, we love him. 

It's a funny thing because I'm only a friend to him because of my kids and wife. For some reason, he was drawn to my kids and my kids to him...we'd see him at church and he'd shake my hand, pass out candy to the kiddos and talk about gardening. See he knows we are interested in that and as I mentioned, he's a pro. Not only at gardening...but, talking about stuff that we're working on. He's perfect for that job...see? 

As I think about him I can hardly keep from tearing up. What's more weird is that I've only spent about 4 hours with him total...my family a little more...but, not as much as we should have. He's been to my house looking at my garden, letting us borrow his tiller and introducing my family to his brother - I was at work and missed out. So, why is it that this is affecting me so much? 

My guess is that he's the real life rendition of the person I want around my kids. He's gentle when he speaks, but very confident. He smiles....a lot. He is very giving. He's patient (at least around us). He's full of wisdom. He knows the Lord. He doesn't love this life more than he should.

Look for that kind of man to be an example to you...I hope that's me someday.

Bona fide hate

I just realized that I almost spent my entire drive to work seething. If I had a super power and it was laser beam eyes...I would have used them. It absolutely IRKS me that 2 cars in different lanes can be driving the EXACT same speed limit. And, you know, it doesn't matter how fast they are going...The issue that eats at me is their obliviousness to others. In my righteous anger (an impossibility for me - I'm sure I've had a post about that at some point) I would split their cars down the middle with my laser beam eyes - and, in my mind, as they were sitting on the side of the road - due to the fact that they wouldn't have understood anything that happened because of their complete disregard for their surroundings - would sit bumfuzzled at their status. They would have not had a clue that it was me, because basically, nobody else exists but them, right? They would be wondering, "Why am I not moving? Has something changed?"

- Yeah, I was that fuming mad. 

Notice - I said almost...I almost spent my entire drive to work seething...You know, I've noticed that people get angry the most at what they are blinded to that occurs in their own lives. Shortcomings of their own displayed in other folks. I quickly looked around to make sure I wasn't blocking traffic. Then, I started thinking that maybe it's not only holding people up in traffic where I am being oblivious to others. I think the Holy Spirit was thinking, "Finally...he's heard something I said." Things started pouring in... a. lot. of. things. 

I hate that the theory still holds true about being blinded and having the same flaws that you are disgusted by the most. Cuz I have been feeling a lot of disgust and frustration lately. I think God may be doing an overhaul on me.

What makes you mad/disgusted/hateful?