Author: Wick

I was reminded recently by someone I love, that it’s easy to find bad things to say about anything if we’re looking. Cynicism is as popular today as “Twister” ever was…and you don’t have put your right hand on red. If you’d search through my 200+ posts, you’d probably find some things I’ve been cynical about. But I would hope you’d find less than more. So I figured the world deserved a reminder that I’m a pretty optimistic guy.

Heck, I’ve even been a member of the Optimist Club. Although I haven’t made it much at all since becoming a father. They meet early morning, and my wife usually appreciates me spending that time at home. Whether getting ready for the day with the girls, or just hangin’ out.

There are things that I get cynical about. If you know me, you probably know the specific things. But I think even the things that get me the most cynical, I don’t run from or refuse to participate in/have dialogue with. I think that’s where a cynic becomes unhealthy, and there is the danger of a “hermit” type existence. (I realize this whole paragraph is annoyingly vague)

So in a day and time where many of us are natural cynics, how do we continue to participate in many of the sources of our cynicism? (school systems, economy, government, religion, etc.)

I think a whole lot of what Jesus was talking about.

There are places for incredibly relevant thoughts, and new ideas, and words that offer life. Words that bring Truth, Justice, and communicate God’s Love/Hope for the world.

But how/when we offer those words may be important too. Maybe it means we spend more time working on our method of delivery, taking into mind how Christ delivered His own message to us.

In college, we were required to plan our own funeral for a class. After singing at a man’s funeral this past Monday, I realized I should probably go back and make a few changes.

A primary theme in the funeral was the celebrating of this man “going home”. How Heaven and Earth were celebrating the “homecoming” of a great man…etc.

It was good. It honored the man, his family, and those who loved him.
It echoed their thoughts/beliefs/etc.

But as I sang during the services, I got a bit choked up. Not because of the song I was singing (about God’s presence, etc). Not because we had lost this man. I’d never actually met him, although I’d met some of his family/friends, and he was considered a part of our church family.

But because, as much as I’m excited about being present with Jesus in paradise, and in the New Creation sometime after that. (or however that’s all gonna work out) I really really love this life. Most every part of it, although the specific parts that came to mind in that moment were being a husband and a father. And how much it’d really suck to leave my daughters anytime soon. Not in a guilty, “I’m worshiping these things above God” kinda way. But in the sense of a husband. A father. A brother. A son. A friend. Etc. Someone who was created for these purposes.

I think that’s why I really like what light recent theology/biblical interpretation has shed on things that we’ve moved away from as a Church somehow. Things like new creation, and how God intends to “make all things new” as opposed to “all new things”. That this life, this world, and the relationships I’m building, etc…are all, and will all become a part of what is to come.

I’m gonna get serious for a sec.

If I died tonight in my sleep, please don’t tell my daughters or my wife that I’ve “gone home”. They probably wouldn’t believe you anyways, if they’ve listened to me.

I’m fine with them believing I’m with Jesus, and waiting along with them and the rest of creation for God to reveal Himself completely, and I want them all to continue working/enjoying towards that day. Whether it came in their lifetime or not. And based on what I read in scriptures, and have chewed on…I would then eventually return with all those who have passed…with Christ when/as He restores all things, and pours Himself out completely. A New Heaven, New Earth, combined/connected through the New Jerusalem.

Of course, I’d want my wife to go find a good-looking millionaire and remarry. But lucky for her, and my daughters, I’m planning on waking up tomorrow….:)

Sunday night, our church hosted a Southern Gospel Quartet based locally. If you know me, you already know how much I was looking forward to this event, compounded by the fact that they were locals. Not 100% because of the music style…I don’t mind barbershop too much. 🙂

But I noticed two things, through the gut-piercing harmony, and car salesman-esque personalities. (though I’m sure they were great guys, I’m just a cynic at times) One, were the lyrics. About 80% of what they sang about talked of “leaving this place”, “riding that glory train”, or a “home up yonder”. Given – I’m really excited about what God will do someday, completely revealing Himself, etc. I’d definitely sing about it. But it seemed they were saying this life is a commercial for where everyone should really want to be. No songs about this life being a part of God’s plan, etc. Maybe it’s just really hard to work the lyrics “feeding the hungry” into a 4-part harmony…cause I’m sure each of these guys would offer their shoes to someone if it’d help them experience Jesus. It made me wonder if this was just Southern Gospel theology, or are there actual Southern Gospel groups with decent lyrics? Cause there were a few songs that talked simply about Jesus, and how much peace God offers, etc. But I don’t think I’m brave enough to search.

But the second thing I noticed, was the impact the songs had on many of those present. I think the lyrics actually may have played a small role in what was going on with some. There was a sense of nostalgia happening, and I believe the Spirit of God moved through the room, reminding many of early moments in their faith. Times when they were excited about anticipating the work of God. Excited about the transformation and Hope that God offers a life. God offered to renew that same presence in that moment in those lives. This wasn’t being done because of well delivered middle-aged humor, or annunciation of those performing, and definitely wasn’t due to most of the lyrics.

It was the same sensation I get when I get up early in the morning on any campground and have time to myself. To walk while the sun is still rising, quietly taking in whatever scenery is nearby. (preferably some body of water, or some sort of wildlife) It takes me back to moments when I was growing up, at various camps I had privilege to attend, and found quiet times away from life. God met me there.

I can get down with that.