Jupiter's Ring from behind the planet as seen by Cassini spacecraft

Now THAT's somethng that you don't see everyday.

It's Easter!

I've always looked upon the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter as a sort of "non-day" historically. It's the middle of three days and there's nothing special that's assigned to today. So, I've used the day as a kind of contemplative day. Yesterday is a day of sorrow and grief - for the wrong I've done and for what caused the death of my Savior; and, tomorrow is a day of celebration - life's victory. Today is in between. So, in a contemplative mood I pose a question to any readers: What is the most significant thing that any single person could do? In a quick pass though my mind (some would say that would be a short cut) I can think of several things that might be of interest - relieving sorrow, providing for the poor and afflicted, leading someone into a life of faith with hope and promise. There are more, I'm sure. ANyway, tag, you're it.

Medical update (if you're interested): The back surgery is healing nicely. It seems to be an overall improvement although not the removal of all pain that I had hoped for. Maybe in the next few weeks, as things continue to heal in my back, the pain in my leg will also improve. It's hard to believe that last Friday marked two weeks from the surgery. I'm back at work and my "weight restriction" has been removed - as it relates to how much I can carry - still "don't be crazy, Gene." I marvel at modern science.

I leave you with a note of peace and hope for the future. In the link is an article from Newsweek magazine about this Christian faith. I think it particularly good in that it doesn't proselytize and doesn't bash either. There are some interesting questions posed. I know, more questions. Seek answers! But don't give up. Don't grow weary. Hope is just around the corner.

A Tough Day

Day 8 after surgery. It's also the second day of my class on the "School for Congregational Development." This is the last full day of the second semester. Next month is the reunion and free discussion/debriefing. First Day 8.

I did alright. The back is not the problem - it never was. My leg aches. I'm trying not to do too much and at the same time determine when I need to do exercises to strengthen the leg muscles after surgery. I've got a doctor's appointment next Thursday. Hopefully he takes out the staples in my back (I think there's nine or ten) and I'll find out what I can do and not do. I tend to want top do more than I can/should.

The class is great. We're discussing the Millennium generation in generational theory and how it relates to what the church needs to do to relate to that generation. It did a really poor job with the last one (Gen-X'ers) and needs to be poised for this one or else there will be a crisis in church activity. Although the class is taught by the Episcopal church, the issues are valid regardless of label and can be applied to all congregations. That's what I find so interesting about the program - and so relevant. It's good to know that in many ways my church is already doing the right things. The one thing that was so cool about today was when we watched the "final" episode of Buffy - where she dies by diving into the vortex. There were so many Christian symbols in the story that we took a very long time getting through the discussion. I hope that I can take things back to my church and back to other churches to help them be better able to relate. After all, that's what Christianity is all about -- a relationship -- after all.

Just Another Day

Only it isn't. Went back to work for part of the day today. The 2 inch scar in my back looks pretty cool. Not that anyone cares. But if they would care, would they case because they want to, have to or need to? And, what's the difference?

Well, "have to" is easy to dismiss. Who hasn't been told they "have to" do this or that? There's nothing gained in that. Have to's, as they relate to people are those who feel a burden out of some deep guilt that was laid on them in their youth or other subjective moment. Have to's don't "have to" - they just do because they don't know otherwise.

What about the "need to" person. It sounds reasonable. They have a desire, a need to do something for other people. But why? What makes them do it? Why do they feel they need to? I really don't want "need to's" either. If someone has a need to do something them it's a burden for them and doing something is only self-fulfilling. It focuses inward instead of outward.

So, what about "want to's?" Well, let's see. If someone wants to do something for you it reflects on their personality. It still doesn't mean that it will happen, but at least the attitude is right. And, isn't THAT what it should be about? I mean, if someone's attitude isn't right about the reason for doing something then why do it? It's only self-serving.

Think about four walls. What's so special about four walls? Why do we take comfort in four walls and why do we never seem satisfied with only three? More musings next time, bloggers! Think about walls . . . .