Been meaning to blog about this...Heather suprised me for Christmas and got me a digital slr camera (Olympus e-500)! She rules. Got to take Syd out tonight in the "freezing" weather and let her run around Rollins while I took some shots. Also posted a couple cute pics of Heather and the girls.
Well there hasn't been much time for blogging as of late. What with 2 weeks of Hebrew (thankfully finished now), a youth building full of raw sewage (almost cleaned) and life in general. So I am not really sure where to begin or what sort of update to offer, so instead I will give you a Dallas Willard quote that I absolutely love. (Though this quote comes from a a different book, I was reminded of Willard's unique ability as I have started reading Renovation of the Heart)
I believe my two kids are daily reminders of the truth of this quote. We always know what they are thinking and feeling. It cannot be hidden. It's amazing how I lose this ability myself. Somewhere along the lines we become adept at "growing up" and masking things. Well now I'm just butchering Willard's quote, so I should just quit writing and let you read the quote. Hope you enjoy...
Interestingly, “growing up” is largely a matter of learning to hide our spirit behind our face, eyes, and language so that we can evade and manage others to achieve what we want and avoid what we fear. By contrast, the child’s face is a constant epiphany because it doesn’t yet know how to do this. It cannot manage its face. This is also true of adults in moments of great feeling—which is one reason why feeling is both greatly treasured and greatly feared.
Those who have attained considerable spiritual stature are frequently noted for their “childlikeness.” What this really means is that they do not use their face and body to hide their spiritual reality. In their body they are genuinely present to those around them. That is a great spiritual attainment or gift.
--Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy
The important thing is to make the best use of one's possessions and capabilities--there are still plenty left--and to accept the limits of the situation, by which I mean not giving way to feelings of resentment and discontent.
--Letters and Papers From Prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
That quote kicked my backside this morning. I am far too easily discontented. The guy is in prison (for standing up to Hitler's regime) and penning those words. I'm surrounded by comfort. I can't control my circumstances, but like Bonhoeffer, there does seem to be a choice regarding feelings of resentment and discontent. To choose either is often my inclination and really the easy choice. I want that to change.
As a related aside, I have updated my "Devotional Materials" section for 2007. Really enjoying my choices thus far.
