Fun On Water

So today was a big day. I wouldn't say that I've got much in terms of deep thoughts, but it was a fun day. I spent the day in a white water kayaking class. We started last night doing some simple work on our paddling strokes on a little pond. Today we hit the river. The best part of the whole deal from my perspective is that it gives me a chance to be a part of their paddling club. So if all goes well I should be out on the river twice a week for the rest of the summer. I have to admit I'm pretty excited about those prospects. I can foresee one potential downside to it all, though. I can totally see myself so falling in love with it that I'm going to have to buy all of the stuff...I'm tempted to do so already. Maybe I'll win the lottery this summer and I won't have to worry about it... it could happen... maybe...

Lists are Hot

As I've been channel surfing this past week or so I've noticed that lists are hot, especially on vh1 and to a certain extent on one of my favorite channels comedy central. It feels as if lists are everywhere, countdowns are everywhere. Do I really need to know the 50 sexiest video moments? What is this obsession with who's best, who's on top? It reminds me some of the old chant (I apologize if I get this wrong, you can correct it in your own brain...) "Good, Better, Best...never let it rest... until your good is better and your better is best!"

One of the things I've been learning over this past year is that I'm never going to be the best at everything, if anything. (I know a real shock to most of you.) Yet there has always been a part of me that's wanted to be a superstar at everything I do. Not that there's anything wrong with giving your best effort, but what's wrong with good enough? I want to believe that good enough is enough. If that is case what good do these lists do? They really only serve as a reminder to me that I'm not the best, but I'm okay with that now.

So I'm left wondering what it says about our society that these lists are so popular? Why is it that VH1 gets such good ratings from these programs that keep creating more? Sure they make good bar talk, good small talk, but I've got think there is something more to it...what is it?

Stretching

I haven't always been good about stretching. I know that I should do it before and after I run, but I haven't always done it, and rarely have I done it as thoroughly as I should. Yet in those times when I've been more intentional about stretching I find that I am a better runner. I am loose and can run relaxed, the running is somehow easier.

Is that not the same in life? When we stretch ourselves we become, little by little, more flexible. Life becomes somehow a little easier because we can handle a wider variety of things. In some ways, when we stretch ourselves we become better people. Much like physical stretching if we don't keep doing it consistently, at least a little bit, it seems we loose some of that flexibility.

Competitive Spirit

I went for a run today through the Glenwood Canyon. Between here and Glenwood Springs there are a number of rest areas long I-70. I'm not sure if the rest areas are an excuse for trail heads and/or places to put in the river or if it's the other way around. Either way I can see myself benefiting from this deal. For most of the stretch there is a biking path, basically a side walk that runs along the river. While it is under or next to the freeway most of the time it really doesn't seem to matter because you're always next to the river and the huge canyon walls are amazing. It's a nice place, too, because it is generally pretty flat.

So that's where I went for my run today. I wandered down to the Grizzly Creek rest area and ran back up river towards Hanging Lake. When I turned around I discovered shortly thereafter that my competitive juices had kicked in. I stopped to walk a little so I could take in my water. As I was doing so a couple of rollerbladers passed me by. As I started running again, without even realizing it I started gaining on them. Shortly after passing them I found myself racing after a couple of groups of rafters on the river. It was really kind of exhilarating.... good times!

Big When Small

I was watching "Boy Meets World" the other night when Shawn essentially said, "While out on the road I saw the stars, universe, etc. and I felt so small, but then I realized that when I'm with my friends I feel real big" What a great notion. I got a sense of that hiking up to Hanging Lake. Walking up to the trail head through the cavern of mountains on either side and endless sky up above. It was easy to feel very small. It made me glad that I saw that episode of "Boy Meets World" the other night, because I came back to that sentiment expressed by Shawn.

While I love my independence. I've loved every adventure I've taken. I've loved driving across the country, and much of Canada. I love the freedom. I'm going to love my summer in Colorado. Yet there is something about it that leaves you feeling a little bit smaller, a little more alone. When I am with my friends I don't feel that, I feel big. I feel important. When I am feeling my best in life it is when I am spending time with friends, being filled with their love and energy. It is these sorts of experiences, realizations that convince me that God really did create us to live in community. We were created one and for another. What a beautiful gift that is!

Ups and Downs

It's interesting how different things in life can teach you about different things in life. As I was hiking today I was reminded again how much more I like going uphill than downhill. I tend to prefer that when I'm running as well. There is something about the struggle, having to work harder that reminds me that I'm alive and what I'm doing. Coming downhill is more painful in some ways, probably because I don't use those muscles as much. Coming downhill I often feel out of control, and that can be scary.

In other parts of life how often do I end up taking the more difficult, uphill route so that I'm always having to work, to struggle. It reminds me that I'm alive, it reminds me what I'm doing. When things start going downhill emotionally it hurts, I suppose because I so often try not to use those muscles otherwise. It also feels out of control, as if I'm spiraling into an abyss, and frankly that can be scary.

Now then, we often talk about the seasons of life and compare them to the seasons of the year. I wonder, then, what it says about me that I like winter the best, with fall coming in a close second?

Hangin' Tough

If you are reading this it probably means you know me, which is to say you recognize that I'm not the toughest cat around, in fact in a lot of ways I'm down right wimpy. Yet today I went for a little hike at Hanging Lake and I of course was wearing my sandals, but there were a number people on the trail with hearty hiking boots and even hiking poles. What else would you wear besides sandals? This was far easier of a hike than Half Dome, the hike by which all hikes will forever be judged, and I wore sandals to the top there. Although, I must admit, it did make me feel a little tougher.

I think I now understand the whole Rocky Mountain thing a little more. The trail was awful rough and rugged. While not as long or difficult as some of the hikes Lisa and I took a couple of summers ago in Oregon and Washington, it was not nearly as smooth of a trail, though. The lake was a fun place to write my sermon for Sunday. If I can figure out some of my computer struggles I hope share some pictures.

Random Thoughts

I was given a chance to buy some Bolder Boulder pictures today. If you squint just right, it looks like I might even be a runner...

Speaking of the Bolder Boulder, we were given an ice cold beer at the end. I have to admit it was quite tasty. It just was the first time I had a "breakfast beer". Even having enjoyed it I can't help but think that perhaps 8:00 a.m. is a bit early...

I've noticed that the fan on my room has a bit of a squeak to it. It's not all so bad because if you use your imagination even just slightly it kind of sounds like crickets. Not bad for falling asleep. A relaxing, soothing noise and a nice cool breeze...

When I graduated from college and moved to California I was taken by the observation that there were really no young people around town. In talking to my other friends living in other parts of the country they said there weren't really many people in our age group where they were living. I was working on the theory that perhaps much of our generation had been abducted by aliens. I now have a different theory. I think the post college crowd is right here in Colorado. There appear to be a lot of 20-something's living around here. I might also add that I have yet to see any ugly people in this valley. What's up with that?...

Did you noticed I've recently added some links that I enjoy over on the left hand column? Perhaps it'll give you some more things to do while killing time online...

Fahrenheit 9/11

I caught a clip of the "Fahrenheit 9/11" film and I'm not really sure what to think. I suppose Mr. Moore might actually have some good points to make. I'm just not so sure about how he is going about it. First of all it seems there has been an attempt to make it more controversial than it is in order to generate publicity. It reminds me some of the recent publicity/hype around "The Passion" movie. The other thing that didn't sit so well with me in the preview of "Fahrenheit 9/11" was the role that Michael Moore appeared to play in the film. My understanding is that film makers at their best simply disappear, are relatively unnoticed, especially on screen. From the preview it was as if Mr. Moore were playing a prominent role in the film, it's as if it is a film about him, his politics, his crusade. While I might be on board with his cause, or whatever, I don't know about the method... as usual that may just be me.

Redneck Woman

I recently caught the video for Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman". I must admit it's kind of a catchy tune. It's sense of getting in touch with average Joe, small town person brought me back to that John Cougar Mellancamp song, "Small Town".

I've noticed that Gretchen Wilson has been on several late night talk shows in recent weeks. She appears to be a country music star on the rise. How much longer can she claim to be in touch with her down home, redneck, roots? Or has that already passed? Perhaps it's reminiscent of J-Lo's "Jenny from the Block", was that even buyable? What is this fascination with wanting to be average?

I know that there is a part of me that is drawn to be "normal" to be average if you will. It tears at me because there is a part of me that wants to be a superstar at everything I do. I suppose the ultimate would be the best at being normal. Yet is that really even possible?

Perhaps the key is, what all of this is about, is being comfortable with who you are. Good at some things, great at others, poor at any number of things, and being satisfied with those proficiencies. I guess that's why people are attracted to shows like "Average Joe". Why people cheer for the underdog. Why songs like "Redneck Woman" become popular... Makes sense I guess. Since God created us, what we are probably is good enough. Perhaps it's not such a bad idea to celebrate it in others...in ourselves.

90

Today my Grandmother turns 90. You'd hardly know it to meet her, but she is. I remember my Grandfather's (the other side of the family) 90th birthday when he said to me, "If I'm not careful I might start getting old soon." It seems my grandparents on both sides of the family truly lived that notion of age being in the head.

90 years old, that's a long time. I try and do anything for 90 minutes and I get tired. How much longer is 90 years? What kind of changes has she lived through? As I child I can't imagine that cars and phones were all that present around northern Minnesota. Now she gets e-mails from around the world from Grandchildren. World Wars... Great Depression... Civil Rights Movement... dot com boom... Political Scandals... And that's just on the grand stage, what else is there? What an amazing life she has lived. How much more can things change in her lifetime? It's an amazing, incredible thing. Happy Birthday!!

Alone Time

So I finished, "Into the Wild" and I'm left thinking about Chris McCanndless, the young man who the book was largely about. One of the themes kept jumping out at me was Chris's struggle between desiring solitude and the intimancy of friends. Wrapped up in that was Chris's sense of adventure, an insasiable draw towards it really. With little surprise to many I found myself relating to Chris on one level or another, and actually it was a little scary. A little scary because Chris wound up dead. Granted his urges were stronger than mine, so I'm safe on that level, but are there things I should be concerned about?

Part of the draw to move about the country, to drive here and there, is the freedom of being alone. The urge to venture often comes as I start to get close to others. Although, I must admit there are times when the imminence of an oncoming adventure brings a closeness with others that is brought about by the safety of leaving soon and not getting too close.

I've also come to a realization recently. I love my alone time. In fact, I've found myself fighting for it, and toughting it, more and more over the last few years. Yet I find myself need to make a confession that I really like people, and I need people. I desire the intimacy of friends, but instead I find myself keeping them at arms length. That is what scares me. In that distance, in that isolation, there is a certain sort of death I suppose.

Rite of Passage?

As I have continued on reading "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer I came across the following quote on page 182:

"It is hardly unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders; engaging in risky behavior is a rite of passage in our culture no less than in most others. Danger has always held a certain allure. That, in large part, is why so many teenagers drive too fast and drink too much and take too many drugs, why it has always been so easy for nations to recruit young men to go to war. It can be argued that youthful derringdo is in fact evolutionarily adaptive, a behavior encoded in our genes."

An interesting notion... daring, reckless behavior is a rite of passage. It does sort of make sense. How then do we harness such acts? How do we use this as a positive within our cultural context?

Harry Potter

For those who are keeping score this is my third, somewhat related, post this evening....

Today I went and saw, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and absolutely loved it. I wasn't all so surprised because I think it was my favorite of the books so far. I thought it had the best twists, turns, and surprises for me in the book. However, what struck me most was the powerful message of family that I got.

In the world of Harry Potter magic is a powerful thing, but even more powerful yet is family. It is most evident in the "potronous" spell, where one must think happy thoughts and Harry works it with thoughts of his parents. It becomes even more powerful when thinking of what appears to be his new family. Through all of the stories we see the power of three friends working together, forming a family of their own in a sense. We see the power of relationship with Hagrid the friendly giant befriend Harry and friends, as well each of the creatures that he cares for.

Harry Potter is infested all over with power of relationships, it is a story driven by relationships. One of the incredible parts of this most recent movie is that the ultimate betrayal is that of a friend, that is what is unforgivable. Relationships mean something in the world of Harry Potter.

Relationships mean something as well in our world, but it seems that they are often missing or they are distanced. I believe that God created us to live in community, to live in relationship with one another. Despite inventions we claim to bring people together like e-mail and cell phones, increasingly fewer people know who their neighbors are. We can communicate readily with these new inventions, but they also keep us at a distance with one another. There is no real replacement for face to face interaction with one another. That sort of relationship is, as the commercial says, "Priceless" for it is a gift from God.

Destiny?

As I was watching the previews before the movie I was struck by the preview for "Spiderman 2" as the words scrolled across the screen, "This summer one man will face his destiny." It struck me as I was watching and reading, "How many of the movies out there are at some level about facing/discovering ones destiny? It seems any movie/story with a clear hero is about claiming that destiny. I've started reading "Into the Wild", which is largely a story of a young man who set out to fulfill his destiny of living off the land in the wilds of Alaska. He was inspired by many of the great authors of the classics. What is our obsession with destiny?

It seems that is very tied into that ancient question of what is my purpose in life. It is the same place that Rick Warren starts with "A Purpose Driven Life". We as people of faith often turn to Jeremiah 29:11 as means to define our purpose, our destiny. I think our nature is to want to fulfill our destiny and so we devour self-help books, we join clubs, we go to church every week, we try to be good... but can we really do it? We strive for it, but without the help of God we are simply in capable. Does that mean we shouldn't try? I don't think so. In fact, I say watch the movies, read the stories, get inspired to fulfill your destiny. Then get on your knees and pray. God will lead you there.

Shrek

I suppose I should warn you, this is actually the first of three posts I plan to make this evening all largely related to my movie watching experiences this past weekend....

On Saturday I went and saw "Shrek 2" and I must admit I enjoyed, perhaps not as much as my family but it was good fun. Perhaps it was because Holy Trinity Sunday this weekend it got me thinking in that direction. To go back to the first "Shrek" Princess Fiona regularly changed back and forth between a beautiful princess by day and an ogre at night. So I started wondering if perhaps this could be the start of analogy to describe the trinitarian nature of Christ? Then I remembered my systematic theology classes and figured there must be at least 35 heresies in that notion. Yet I didn't want to give up on the notion.

So as I thought some more on it, since it just wouldn't go away, I wondered if maybe it could be better used to describe the two natures of Christ. On the one hand she was completely human. On the other hand she was completely an ogre. Yet she was only one person, she was Fiona. Now I suppose if you really wanted to push and stretch things we learn what that one underlying essence of her is would be love and ultimately truth. That's probably stretching things a bit much, but perhaps it's something worth chewing on. I do think it could work to describe the two natures of Christ.

Sunday Review

Well, I survived my first Sunday. Thankfully this is a low key, kind of casual sort of congregation. First of all because the bulletin went to the printers before we got the songs for the week it turned out we had Christmas carols listed as our hymns and I forgot to put in that there was a sermon. Oh, but they got a sermon any way. The children's message just didn't really make a whole lot of sense. How do you explain the trinity any way? I thought I had a good plan with colored water, but it fell flat. Sometimes I guess you just don't know until you try it in front of people Such was the case today. The sermon was okay, I think I missed the mark a little bit. Part of the challenge is coming in and trying to read the congregation before really knowing them. I was also a bit nervous so it became a bit rambling. Next week should be better... On the up side I had my first person ask if I am in the pool of candidates for the call committee to look at... It should prove to be an interesting summer... Now that Sunday festivities are done I do believe it is time to nap.