Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Brand New Day

Some kind of magic
Happens late at night
When the moon smiles down at me
And bathes me in its light
I fell asleep beneath you
In the tall blades of grass
When I woke the world was new
I never had to ask

It's a brand new day
The sun is shining
It's a brand new day
For the first time in such a long long time
I know, I'll be ok

Most kind of stories
Save the best part for last
And most stories have a hero who finds
You make your past your past
Yeah you make your past your past

It's a brand new day
The sun is shining
It's a brand new day
For the first time in such a long long time
I know, I'll be ok

This cycle never ends
You gotta fall in order to mend
It's a brand new day
It's a brand new day
For the first time in such a long long time
I know, I'll be ok

"Brand New Day" Joshua Radin

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Human Condition

"Sometimes I wish my life were more exciting. I get bogged down in the everyday. Life seems so routine, so mundane. By the time I handle my responsibilities, all my energy is sapped. I long for a sense of anticipation, an experience of vibrancy, a challenge."

I'm currently in Disciple II (A United Methodist weekly Bible study). At the beginning of every lesson is a "Human Condition" that challenges us to be completely honest with the week's topic and examine how we are carrying out our lives. The statement above was our Human Condition for the past week.

I couldn't agree with it more and regretfully admit that I've been there! I believe we get so bogged down in our own life that we can't see outside, the needs of others, and the challenges out there for us to accept and conquer. We wake up, go to work/school, then go home....do it all over again. Isn't there more to life than that?!?

The absolute most common response to our non-listening question of "how are you?" to one another is "I'm so busy!". EVERYONE IS BUSY! The man on the couch is busy in his eyes! Are we really that busy!?! Or do we just like saying it because it makes us feel needed and/or important? Yes, we work hard! But are we doing all we can?

Rob Bell said, "Being busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to...We must examine the rhythms of our life if we're ever going to will the one thing."

Step outside yourself! I am guilty of using the "busy" buzz word...feeling sorry for myself and my crazy schedule (that I have created!). I don't want to go through the motions of life. I don't want to be an energy snapper. I want a vibrant experience! I want to be challenged!

I want to use the gifts God has given me to stretch as far as possible. We have to be careful to not over stretch...because then they are no good. Also know I am not saying that we are not doing important things! Sometimes it does seem as if there is not enough time in the day. I just want to pay attention to those around me and not be so caught up in myself! I want to make the time I do have count!

For my daily "blessing/prayer/song", check out this song by Matthew West called "The Motions". Funniest moment of the day: Linda and Sandy going crazy on my facebook wall :)