Eyes On the Road

“Forget what is behind and strain towards the future” Philippians 3

I saw something amazing as I was driving down Highway 17 two weeks ago. The entire sky was covered with dark clouds with the exception of this one area. The picture does not adequately capture how amazing the real image was, and I think I know why.

At least four factors contributed to the low-level resolution of the picture. In order, 1) I was moving while 2) taking with my cell phone through 3) my shaded windshield because 4) I WAS DRIVING! At fifteen I thought it was a great responsibility to operate a car, stay in between the lines, and have everyone else on the road trust that I knew what I was doing. Apparently at thirty-one, I think I can cover all that, plus fumble for my cell phone, and take a picture. As distracted as I was chasing this picture, it could have been worse. The sun could have been behind me as I followed all of the steps I described.

The scripture above comes from one of Paul's letters to a new church start. He begs them to learn from past mistakes, but let them live in the past. As a minister, I often reflect on mistakes I have made in services, in meetings, or in pastoral care (there have been three total - one of each ever in my career....give or take) I listened as members rehash mistakes from previous months, years, and decades. Paul would ask us to stop looking behind us as we operate heavy machinery and look towards the future.

As the picture suggests; darkness may be behind us, but we will always have the chance to turn around and face the light.

Forgiveness is a dish best served NOW

23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

The picture above was taken during the Tennessee/Ohio game I attended last weekend. Ohio had the ball, was only down a couple of points, and if they moved down the field they could have tied the game. Unfortunately (for Ohio) the quarterback threw an interception that led to a touchdown. Ohio then had a steep hill to climb, a much louder crowd to overcome, and they were likely feeling less confident about their ability to do anything about it.

The quarterback's fellow teammates had at least three options just after this play. (1) They could be angry at him and refuse to play their best. His guilt could be compounded by their anger and disappointment. (2) They could assume he will never improve and they have no hope, ultimately bringing about the same result as option one. (3) They could rally around him and let him know that they have made mistakes too and that they believe in him.

Great teams foster environments of forgiveness and encouragement, and I am pleased with our team. As we continue to create opportunities for social interaction, I hope you will find one that works for you. These opportunities to meet, worship, and serve with one another give us the chance to grow as individuals and as a team. The more you know about a person, the more likely you are to understand their highs and lows.