WoW - Rapid Fire

 My little darlings,

It's been about three years (!) since my last post.  Coincidentally, one of you is about to turn 3 :)

Despite this, I have certainly been keeping a list of items I want to bring up with you.  Besides not making or finding the time to write, it's also a little intimating to try to write an elaborate post about fleeting, but important thoughts and concepts I want to bring up, so I'm making a 'rapid fire' post to share these.

1. 
   Yolk - in an egg, the yolk is the yellow spheroidal mass of stored food that forms the inner portion of the egg of a bird or reptile and is surrounded by the white (Merriam Webster).  In the Bible, a yolk, such as Matthew 11:29-30, refers to a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal (dictionary.com).
   

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

2. Everyone is created in God's image: This is a fearsome, beautiful, and hard-to-remember concept, but we are told of this truth in the Bible in so many places (here's a list!), such as Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."  This includes YOU, your family, your neighbors, your friends, your enemies, those who are stronger than you, weaker than you, speak a different language, worship in a different way, have a different religion, set of beliefs, a different cultural background.  It includes those that you simply don't get along with.  

When we have difficulty getting along with others, we should remember this truth.  God loves that other person as much as he loves you.  And this leaves no room whatsoever for bullying of any kind.  This includes gossip, rumors, putting someone down, making fun of them.  We should be a shining light to others, pointing them to God's love through our actions and our words.  It's certainly easier to do with those we get along with, and agree with.  This is even said in the Bible, that even sinners love those they are familiar with, but we are to rise above differences by loving everyone. May others know God's love through their relationship with you, my darlings.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

3. The diminishing returns of materiality - America is great.  America is awesome.  Really, it is.  From living abroad, I recognize this even more.  And I stick to my theory that so many countries have beefs with us because we are too much- or not enough- of different things.  Too conservative, too radical about sums it up.  We are just a lot of a lot of things. While we are blessed, as a nation and by God's grace, as a family, with a certain level of material security, there is also an over-emphasis on stuff. This is arguably a tenet on which our economy thrives, as buying begets more jobs, opportunity, wealth.  But an important aspect underlying the wisdom or folly of purchasing is WHY.  Once basic needs are met, there is a diminishing return on purchasing goods, services, experiences, anything.  For example, if someone is homeless, and receives a small, safe studio apartment, there is a larger benefit in this transition from living on the streets than there would be in moving from a studio apartment to a 2-bedroom house.  On a less drastic scale, if you're needing some new clothes for a new job or life transition, buying a few good pieces for X-dollars may be just what you need, versus spending 2X on more than you need (and more than you've budgeted for), and you may truly be happier with less, as it's less to manage.  As Christians, this also points to what should be a deep seed in all of our financial dealings, which is tithing and using our money and resources wisely, that we may share the Gospel with others.  This may mean we stay within our budget so we can continue tithing, or that spending a little less on needs allows us to minister to the 'least of these' through para-ministries.  For me, there is a constant tension between the beauty and subtlety in our culture, which comes at a premium cost (vegan handbag!), but helps bring shalom a little closer through responsibly practice, and also denying all forms of excess in the name of helping the exploited and poor among us.  'Among us' is far away for most Westerners, but when we know there are young little Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are in want for clothes, healthy food, warmth, and safety, it simply puts our own wants in a different perspective.  May you orient your life and decisions with this in mind.

On a related note, there is a joy beyond comprehension in ministering to others through your special talents, interests, and gifts.  For example, the orphanage project  I did years before you were born, in India, has captured my heart all of these years since.  In fact, they just finished the Blue Haven school that I had a small part in helping design (Ministry post).