Tilling...

The other day while in the produce section at my local Kroger, I thought to myself, "Now this is the way to have a garden! Get in the car, go the store, buy some really nice fruit, go home, make a fruit salad and pig out - how cool."

In Luke chapter one we're introduced to some folks who set the stage for us; they did the work of preparing the way. If you think about it, their interaction with the living God was life-changing for them as well as life-changing for us. Their story is only one chapter in God's story; and each chapter "tills the ground" for another.

We are sometimes frozen in time; thinking that unlike those who came before us, we're finally getting it right (a bit arrogant don't you think). In truth we're actually in Kroger; enjoying what others have made possible. Don't get me wrong, this is very cool. It's funny, each generation thinks they're finally getting it right, and maybe in some ways it's true.

However, when I pause long enough to listen to my mom's stories (which I've a lot of lately), I realize that she has spent her entire life preparing the ground for others (and me). Her life has been one of sacrifice after sacrifice as she humbly follows the call of Christ without fanfare.

In church today fruit pickers get all the glory, but the life-long and often overlooked hard work is in tilling the ground.

Thanks mom...

1. Who has made it possible for you to do what you do?
2. What ground are you tilling for others?
3. What happens when tilling ceases?

I think back to all who have made my fruit picking possible - it's a long list and I'm grateful...

Peace out.

I'm back...

The blog-o-spheric pressure has got to me. Actually, the other day I went to a large group meeting in Ann Arbor and Shane Claiborne was the main speaker (if you don't know who he is then google his name). It was very very cool. One of his answers during the Q&A was most insightful and yet I have a hunch it will be grossly overlooked or ignored. Question: The issues you raise are so overwhelming, but where do we start? Answer: I suggest you start by spending significant time with Jesus and let him lead you (loosely paraphrased).

I thought to myself, Wow, that's not what we want to hear. But, it got me to thinking; Ron, get the blog back up and running so you can share a few thoughts as you read through the book of Luke. It's the best way to listen to what Jesus is trying to say.

So, over the course of the next few months we'll work through Luke and together simply listen to what God has to say. Why Luke? It is often referred to as The Gospel of Compassion, and as we all know, Compassion Rules!

There you have it. I know, it's not rocket science, but let's give it a shot. After each section, which I'll pick as we move along, I'll pose a few thoughts and a few questions to get you going.

That's all for now - see you later this week. Oh, you might want to start reading he book of Luke. Read slow, pray hard, listen long.

Peace out...