What Goes Around

Nothing to do on an afternoon, so Micah and I came up with an idea.  We would write a story for about 10 minutes and then read them to each other.  Here is what I came up with. One more present under the tree.  The green wrapping paper sparkled from the flashing white lights on the tree.  This small gift was almost lost beneath the wrinkled piles of paper strewn around the living room, but as Micah felt around for any last presents his hand felt the hardness of the box.  He pulled it out and said, “Who is this for?”  It had no name written on it.  None of the family claimed it as being from them.  So it was a mystery.  Dad said, “Micah, why don’t you open it.”  So Micah tore into the wrapping like he had on every other gift that evening.  He revealed a wooden box that looked like a hand made jewelry box or a music box.  Everyone looked on, not knowing who it could possibly be from.  Maybe it was a mistake.  ...

What do you do on days that you have nothing to do?  Here is what I did. I woke up in the same clothes that I wore yesterday, so that made it easy to hop out of bed and begin the day.  Then I made my morning chai with a bit of coconut milk in it for the extra special taste of Christmas.  I put a hat on my head so as to not have to comb my hair.  Then I got on the computer and looked at Facebook and played Bejeweled.  Fun times.  I thought about my goals for a moment or two before grabbing a cookie.  Then I filled out a volunteer application for an organization that I am interested in working at.  I was encouraged by two people to go out and take a walk, so I did that.  One time around the block I went.  I stopped by the skate park to say hi to people and then came home.  Once at home, I had some Coke.  I ate another cookie and that brings me to this very moment.  I wrote a blog about nothing.

I know everyone and their dog are talking about introverts these days.  I guess since it is the "in" thing to do that I will join in.  Since I am an introvert it makes me a bit of an expert on it.  I call it The Study of Self. We all know that introverts think before they speak usually.  I was thinking about this as I thought about the Bible study I go to.  Some good advice for all Bible studies or small groups is that those who are introverts need time to speak.  Just because the person doesn't pop up with an answer doesn't mean they don't have something to say.  Just give a few seconds of quiet and they might just open their mouth.  I know that is true with me.  I often have something to contribute but can't seem to find the open space to jump in.  So the opportunity goes by and I sit quietly. What would it look like to have a whole Bible study group of just introverts?  There wouldn't be a lot of the chit chat that goes on. ...

The other day I went to a church service at a small church where there wasn't a great sound system.  Actually, this could be my church every week.  But it was another church.  And the singers sounded off key a bit.  I cringed a few times.  I started thinking about how awful it sounded.  But then something happened.  I had an epiphany I guess.  I thought about how God hears our singing.  He never cringes.  Every praise that goes up to Him is like the sweetest sound.  How dare I make fun of people offering their sincerest praises to God.  Who should care how the sound system is lame or the singers aren't perfect?  The music isn't for me.  It is a offering to God.  And He hears our hearts.  Now I can make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

I hope to never eat there! Somehow I have the menu for Burger King.  There is one that just opened in a mall near us.  First time in Delhi.  There is no beef, but they do have a mutton whopper.  No thanks! So as you can see, the menu says "Taste is King".  I'm not sure about that.  But I doubt that they are allowed to have this on their menus in Thailand.  Thailand honors their king very highly.  Last week I read about some people getting arrested for talking bad about the king.  People must show respect to the King. This also made me think about my King, Jesus.  Do I show him as much respect as he deserves?  Do I honor his name?  Am I offended when those around me don't show him respect?  I wish we lived in a country that showed Jesus as much respect as they show the king in Thailand, because it would cause me to think about it more.  Maybe if I keep this menu around it will remind me.  I certainly don'...