News of the record-breaking five-hour-53-minute Australian Open final match greeted me this morning as I checked email. I still can't wrap my mind around such an intense competition lasting that long. Can you even imagine? The marathon showdown delighted fans around the world, and rightfully earned descriptors such as "amazing" and "incredible". But tennis isn't the only place we … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2012
Life lessons from overtime, extra innings and five-hour-53-minute matches
Finding faith along the shore of a lake
The cool Minnesota lake, just one among ten thousands, laps at the shore, its waters pulled imperceptibly, drawn mysteriously, beckoned silently in a single direction. I imagine my life, just one among ten thousands, being imperceptibly pulled, mysteriously drawn, silently beckoned. “Come forth and follow Me,” I hear, turn, and respond, desiring the single direction, the focused goal, … [Read more...]
Finding vital connections in road construction zones
Even though the calendar declares we're still solidly in the middle of winter, I doubt I'm the only one dreaming of carefree, adventurous summer road trips. Driving on the open road instills a sense of freedom and escape, not easily recreated when we're homebound during cold, snowy winter months. During previous summers I have found myself behind the wheel - driving to Mt. Rushmore, … [Read more...]
What a backwards shower curtain taught me
Every morning as I drag myself out of bed, and stumble to the shower, I can always count on the predictable smile that will soon light up my face. It isn't the the hot water - though that helps. It isn't the 10 minutes of relative peace and quiet - though that's relished. It isn't even the dedicated time to pray - though that lifts my soul. No, what brings a smile to my face … [Read more...]
From Complementarian to Egalitarian: When God’s Call Inspires Change
Several years ago when we first began looking for a family vehicle, I fell in love with Mercedes Sprinter vans and suddenly, I couldn't escape being inundated with Sprinters. UPS drivers sported fancy brown Sprinters. Fed-Ex drivers delivered packages in Sprinters. Hotel shuttle drivers drove Sprinters. Everywhere I turned, I saw a Sprinter, or so it seemed. Similarly when I applied … [Read more...]