echoes of redemption

This is a terribly backwards post to start the new year with… but here we go.

Last night Emily and I were shopping at Wal-Mart and I saw powdered donuts on the end-cap of an aisle. Of course, we haven’t bought powdered donuts since we were in college, but I threw in my plea anyway: Ohhh… powdered donuts sound good…

Emily: yeah they do… (mischievous smile) Let’s get ‘em.

Me: No way. It’s January THIRD – everyone has fitness goals right now. You know how much of a quitter you would have to be to buy powdered donuts in January?

It’s the beginning of the year and we’re almost universally uncompromising on our goals. Of course, that might change as time moves on (typically bottoming out around the beginning of summer). But we’re dedicated (at least to the illusion) now.

Which begs the question, why don’t I set more goals around the concept of sustainability?

Our lives are arranged around the idol of productivity and we work until we have nothing left. We don’t rest. We don’t breathe. And after a while, we don’t even enjoy life anymore.

But Jesus lived differently.

Jim Gaffigan said that he wants to live like Jesus because Jesus seems to eat and sleep a lot.

And he’s right.

Jesus took a lot of time to rest. To breathe. To enjoy life.

This year, I’m continuing to refine a goal I’ve had for the last three, but only taken seriously for the past year: sustainability. Can I design my life rhythms for the long run? Can my marriage get stronger over time instead of weaker? Can my body get more healthy because of how I’m taking care of it? Can my gifts and skills be sharpened by times of intense use and committed rest?

On another personal note, I’ll be spending a year studying the life and teachings of Jesus (and I would love for you to join me). The study is designed to be sustainable – and has a lot of rest. Because that’s what Jesus did.

And it’s no good just to read about how Jesus lived if I’m not willing to adjust my life to become more like him.

To the models and mentors shaping me this year…

Mike Johnson –  For all you poured in to me for five years, and for challenging me to dig a little deeper and find what God put in me. For teaching me how to craft a narrative – because it’s an art that has changed the way I’m impacted by the story of God. And for your blessing as Emily and I set out for New York.

Jason – For being able to see the forest through the trees. For listening to me curse when things needed to be cursed about. And for modeling leadership, servanthood and humility through it all.

Eric Haney – For your selfless service to the country. For writing an incredible book that challenged me on so many levels, but mainly that taught me that we’re all capable of vastly more than we imagine. And for the phrase intestinal fortitude - because I need more of that.

Rob Bell – For being a man of peace. Because that’s what a follower of Jesus should look like – and your teachings challenge me to grow to be more like him. And for reminding me to walk, don’t run when it comes to starting a church because it’s going to be a fantastic journey

…thank you.

Often the relationships you need to grow are right next to you.

It’s the friends that always have insight into what’s going on in your life – and you need to go to them more often.

It’s the authors whose writings makes you think – and you need to order their newest book.

It’s the speakers who challenge you every time – and you need to subscribe to their podcast.

Our society tends to take us down the path of individualism and isolation rather than community and interdependence. So instead of relying on one another, growing from shared experience and ideas, we find ourselves isolated and making decisions alone.

But nothing grows outside an ecosystem.

In order to become the kind of people we dream of becoming – to live the lives we were designed to live – it takes a community of people to help us grow. To travel with us. To sharpen us as we sharpen them.

So find friends who can see the forest through the trees in your life – make them your mentors.

Look for models to shape your life after, even if you may never meet them.

And always journey with a group.

Because we are designed to do great things – together. And sometimes the break through you’re looking for is right next to you.