Spinning Teacups

It would seem to me that we can compare life to the ever popular amusement ride "Spinning Teacups". Have you ever thought about it? Life throws us several spins and turns itself and then we think it is fun to reach out and make our cup spin even more and ever faster. For some the challenge seems to be how fast you can make it spin. Maybe it gives them a sense of control over the situation. They really don't have control over when it starts or when it ends but hey they can control how fast their cup goes, even if it makes them sick. I mean even if you stop trying to spin the cup you don't have any control over when it actually stops spinning. Oh, so many parallels to life.

I guess my question would be why do so many of us continue to make the ride worse for ourselves  when we can just accept the spins and turns that come instead of adding so many more. Well,of course, some would say it is the thrill and excitement, the adrenaline rush, but I say it is a sense of control. If I am the cause of the grief or stress in my life I can tell myself that if I make the right decisions then it will all be fine but if I am not the one in control then I have to say that I have no power and that sounds weak. It is not weak but we perceive it to be weak. Surrender sounds weak but actually it is strength and trust. If we surrender to someone it is an ultimate sign of trust. We believe that person will do what is best for us, take us where we need to be. If they don't surrender becomes harder and harder, until it is impossible. 

What I don't understand is why so many of us don't trust God. He knew the beginning, He knows the end so why do we not think He is capable of handling our middle. Isn't it kind of like driving with a blindfold and the navigator not having the map. I want the map to be current and the person next to me knowing how to read it. I can't think of a single person or entity other than God who fits that description. He knows the road, all the turns, all the bumps, all the potholes and all He is asking is for us to let Him help us down the road. Why won't we let Him?

Modern Day Stoning

So I saw a lady that I have not seen in years the other day. We began to talk and she was telling me she had divorced, which I was not surprised for when I had seen and talked to her more often I could tell she was not happy and it wasn't a good marriage. Anyway, she was talking about her boyfriend and that his divorce would be final soon and that he was a new Christian and that they tried going to church at some different places but were afraid that people would condemn them, so had a hard time going consistently. 

Why do we as Christians do that to others? I told this person what I felt was the honest truth. It's going to happen, no matter where you go. We all sin, just because I don't know someone's sin doesn't mean they don't sin. Just because I do doesn't mean I should point it out to them every time I do. I think it is so sad that we lose potentially great Christians because people are scared you will figure out their sin if they don't constantly point out yours.  I don't remember Jesus winning over people by condemning them, He acknowledged their sin but He did not add to their burden He offered them a way out. Isn't that our role as Christians today, to show them He is the way out of our sin.

I know I am not perfect and I know no one else is either. Isn't that what Grace and Mercy are about? I want to know the real people, the people that Jesus sees and loves. I believe if people can't see your faults they probably aren't going to see your gifts either. I feel it might be impossible to hide one part of your life and yet be completely transparent in another part. If you are keeping your sin in the shadows it is going to eventually shadow the good as well. Don't you think the reason God can love us so much is He can see all of us and knows how those pieces fit together? That is the person I want to know the one He sees. It breaks my heart when I hear people that are afraid to go and worship out fear of other sinners' judgement.

John 8:7 NCV

When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he raised up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone at her.”

You know some people might say we don't have stonings in this day and age but I say they have been altered slightly. Instead of actually throwing rocks we throw words and looks of condemnation, accusations and gossip. You know I told this woman, if you want to go to church you should go, as long as you are right with God it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. He is the only one who matters and He will give you what you need. The one I worry about is the new Christian, what do we show him about Christianity, what are we teaching him about love, mercy, compassion and Grace? How will he grow into a mature Christian in our churches today?

Parent/Teacher

There was only one perfect parent and he asked his son to be tortured and die for the benefit of those who did not understand, appreciate his sacrifice or admit their own sin. He got angry and made decisions that were not liked or agreed upon.

There was only one perfect teacher and his students were difficult, jealous, and didn't always understand the lesson.  He also paid the price for them regardless of their understanding.

Why do we as parents fear allowing our children to make their own mistakes while we can be there to help them cope with the consequences. No matter how great of a parent we think we are, we cannot control the decisions our children make any more than God can control the decisions that we make. We are not perfect children, nor are our children. I believe our goal is to teach our children how to deal with injustice because we all have to at some point. Which means we can't always keep them from making mistakes or shelter them from difficult circumstances or uncomfortable situations. Let them learn while you are around to guide  (not force) their decisions and cushion their fall. What happens when they leave without ever being able to experience the inevitable situations they will one day have to face without you?