Choosing to Notice Life
Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Another day,
A friend asked a question. The normal, culturally common, not-really-expecting-an-answer question. My friend asked, "How are you doing?" I answered in the typical response of deception: "I'm fine."
I asked the next question, changing only one word. I asked, "What are you doing?" My friend's response spoke of actions and duties, tasks and work. We moved on to a deeper discussion, truly answering those "How" and "What" questions.
Since our discussion, I've thought more about myself - my who and how and what, my when and where. I've thought about a why. I decided to reinforce meaning of each answer, of each question, of each action, of each experience.
Read my what-I'm-doing confessions. Identify your own. And, take time to find out more of yourself as your "doing" hides (or reveals) your "being."
Noticing a smile in the face of a friend. Hearing the sound of birds choosing to joyfully begin my day with a musical wake up call. Feeling cold air one more time before the spring colors and summer heat find a home. Searching for a missing piece in this puzzle of Godliness and contentment and great gain. Grabbing a moment in time; seeking to hold it and be held by it just a little longer.
Listening as a friend tells me his problems: He wishes he could cry his hurt out but the decades of denial locked the pain deep, deep, deep inside. Listening to John Mayer and joining him as we're Waiting On the World to Change. Sensing the awareness of how some of those changes are up to us. Remembering the fact that many changes will have little to do with us.
Realizing time refuses to slow down; the pauses depend on us to choose to rest a moment and notice life. Talking on the phone to a young man who is learning what life in ministry is really like. Texting a friend about the past and present as we speculate about the future. Anxious to hear the new David Wilcox CD. Thinking about how spiritual disciplines are moments of wonder, of freedom, of sitting beside my Father at the true "living room" of life. Hearing Pierce Pettis confess a belief in the State of Grace. Reading words of honesty as Paul lovingly challenged the Colossians and us.
Eager to see how the Listener will answer a few prayers. Hopeful of better news for a friend's health. Dreaming of better news for a friend's future. Grateful for that Listener who always listens - whether I detect any answer or not.
Indebted for this moment, any moment. Recalling the peace of a pause, the glory of a second, the marvel of standing still to remember and rejoice and realize what life's all about.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Becoming aware of God is like becoming aware of our breathing. We simply need to be quiet and pay attention.
(Keri Wyatt Kent, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity)
Chris Maxwell's article about singer/songwriter David Wilcox is in the new issue of Northeast Georgia Living. He will write more about his interview with Wilcox in upcoming Another Days, but you can obtain that magazine here:
"David Wilcox and His Tunes for Fellow Travelers"
Northeast Georgia LivingSpring, 2009
http://www.northeastgeorgialiving.com/
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Another day,
A friend asked a question. The normal, culturally common, not-really-expecting-an-answer question. My friend asked, "How are you doing?" I answered in the typical response of deception: "I'm fine."
I asked the next question, changing only one word. I asked, "What are you doing?" My friend's response spoke of actions and duties, tasks and work. We moved on to a deeper discussion, truly answering those "How" and "What" questions.
Since our discussion, I've thought more about myself - my who and how and what, my when and where. I've thought about a why. I decided to reinforce meaning of each answer, of each question, of each action, of each experience.
Read my what-I'm-doing confessions. Identify your own. And, take time to find out more of yourself as your "doing" hides (or reveals) your "being."
Noticing a smile in the face of a friend. Hearing the sound of birds choosing to joyfully begin my day with a musical wake up call. Feeling cold air one more time before the spring colors and summer heat find a home. Searching for a missing piece in this puzzle of Godliness and contentment and great gain. Grabbing a moment in time; seeking to hold it and be held by it just a little longer.
Listening as a friend tells me his problems: He wishes he could cry his hurt out but the decades of denial locked the pain deep, deep, deep inside. Listening to John Mayer and joining him as we're Waiting On the World to Change. Sensing the awareness of how some of those changes are up to us. Remembering the fact that many changes will have little to do with us.
Realizing time refuses to slow down; the pauses depend on us to choose to rest a moment and notice life. Talking on the phone to a young man who is learning what life in ministry is really like. Texting a friend about the past and present as we speculate about the future. Anxious to hear the new David Wilcox CD. Thinking about how spiritual disciplines are moments of wonder, of freedom, of sitting beside my Father at the true "living room" of life. Hearing Pierce Pettis confess a belief in the State of Grace. Reading words of honesty as Paul lovingly challenged the Colossians and us.
Eager to see how the Listener will answer a few prayers. Hopeful of better news for a friend's health. Dreaming of better news for a friend's future. Grateful for that Listener who always listens - whether I detect any answer or not.
Indebted for this moment, any moment. Recalling the peace of a pause, the glory of a second, the marvel of standing still to remember and rejoice and realize what life's all about.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Becoming aware of God is like becoming aware of our breathing. We simply need to be quiet and pay attention.
(Keri Wyatt Kent, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity)
Chris Maxwell's article about singer/songwriter David Wilcox is in the new issue of Northeast Georgia Living. He will write more about his interview with Wilcox in upcoming Another Days, but you can obtain that magazine here:
"David Wilcox and His Tunes for Fellow Travelers"
Northeast Georgia LivingSpring, 2009
http://www.northeastgeorgialiving.com/
5 Comments:
Thanks, Pastor C. We are all in too big a hurry, I guess. Keep working on us.
BL
You are very sneaky changing How to What in your question. Glad you take the time to ask and inspire us to do the same
Chris,The Lord sure gives Your Words at His Timing.We only have so much time, and once it's gone it's gone.People who I have taken for granted as always being there move on,or go to Be With Our Lord.Time in Faith is something which goes by too fast.When I was in my 20's I always figured 50 was ancient.Now that I'm over 50 I see it's not.During this week coming up to Good Friday,and Easter I see this in view of how much of The Lords time I have wasted.I am just so thankful that He Forgives.And I now Pray that I see more of Him in my life.Chris thankyou for stirring my Faith with these topics.May He Bless You and Your Family as Much as The Maxwells Bless Others.
I am trying very hard lately to notice more of the things I should be noticing and less of what I should not. I am realizing it is all abou choices and I am not very good at making the right ones but I am working on it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thanks Preacher Man,
You hit this one right out of the park.
You think "just maybe" this is way God gave us two eyes,two ears and only one mouth?
May we all stop,look and listen at the railroad tracks of our life.
Blessings to you and your Family...
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