“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst
of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” – Art Buchwald
Calgary’s unemployment rate reached 7.9% in
February, the highest it has been in 20 years. For many workers in Calgary,
these are the worst of times. Many have moved to other cities where the
unemployment rate is lower and many are still looking for that elusive job in
Calgary. How does one stay healthy when they are not working, but working hard
at finding that next job? Some friends and I put our heads together and came up
with this list. Although there is some overlap, they are categorized into two
groups: practical supports and spiritual supports.
Practical supports:
· Evaluate and eliminate excessive debt – it may
be time to downsize your home or get rid of that collector car
be time to downsize your home or get rid of that collector car
· Track your finances – determine where your
money goes
money goes
· Don’t be afraid to find professional counseling
– a counselor will have good advice on how to stay emotionally healthy
– a counselor will have good advice on how to stay emotionally healthy
· Stay connected through networking –
friendships, former colleagues, the guy at that coffee-shop close to your
former job
friendships, former colleagues, the guy at that coffee-shop close to your
former job
· Have some fun – find a way to continue to
pursue your hobbies
pursue your hobbies
· Keep a daily routine – get up at the same time
every day, eat three meals a day
every day, eat three meals a day
· Create a job search plan – then work that plan
· Volunteer:
help others while helping yourself
help others while helping yourself
· Exercise – for fun or for competition, stay
fit.
fit.
Spiritual supports:
·
Daily Bible reading – it should
go without saying but it does not
Daily Bible reading – it should
go without saying but it does not
·
Daily prayer – again, it should
go without saying, but it does not
Daily prayer – again, it should
go without saying, but it does not
·
Weekly longer prayer time –
pray daily but then find those longer times once a week
Weekly longer prayer time –
pray daily but then find those longer times once a week
·
Weekly prayer partner – pray
with someone else
Weekly prayer partner – pray
with someone else
·
Monthly prayer partner who is
outside of your regular networks of people – someone with whom you can be
really honest
Monthly prayer partner who is
outside of your regular networks of people – someone with whom you can be
really honest
·
Monthly coach/spiritual
director conversation
Monthly coach/spiritual
director conversation
·
Annual or twice per year
solitude retreat
Annual or twice per year
solitude retreat
·
Meditate upon Bible passages
Meditate upon Bible passages
·
Meditate upon nature
Meditate upon nature
·
Read in theology
Read in theology
·
Read practical leadership
material
Read practical leadership
material
·
Read the news
Read the news
·
Read popular literature and
popular culture material
Read popular literature and
popular culture material
·
Look for mystery and wonder in
life
Look for mystery and wonder in
life
· Expect miracles
I would love to have
someone write and tell me what their experience has been in following some or
all of these ideas. Best of times, or worst of times, right now is the only
time we have.
someone write and tell me what their experience has been in following some or
all of these ideas. Best of times, or worst of times, right now is the only
time we have.
“Failure
is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating
enough.” – Elon Musk
is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating
enough.” – Elon Musk
I stared at this quote for the last few minutes as the cursor blinked on and off
on my laptop screen. I have been wondering if I agree with the entire quote.
Does it represent reality? Should it represent reality? I need to parse it out
and dissect it to see if I can acknowledge any truth in its sentiments. Allow
me to walk you through my logic.
on my laptop screen. I have been wondering if I agree with the entire quote.
Does it represent reality? Should it represent reality? I need to parse it out
and dissect it to see if I can acknowledge any truth in its sentiments. Allow
me to walk you through my logic.
I can say that
I agree with the first sentence. Failure is always an option, a possibility, a
reality we will experience. All of us have experienced failure in one form or
another. It is the second sentence that, at my first reading, was controversial. The first half of the second sentence suggests that there is a course by which we might not fail. I do not
think that is the case. Certainly there are “safe” routes that seek to minimize
the risk of failure. Many are prone to pursue this path. They seek to recreate experiences
and write policies so that what has worked in the past is repeated and
standardized. The “let’s not do anything that might fail” philosophy is almost
as well documented as the literature on organisations that failed to accomplish
their goals because they were afraid to fail. Ed Catmull does a great job of
describing this “fear of failure” as it existed in the Walt Disney Studios before
Pixar and the Walt Disney company became intertwined.
I agree with the first sentence. Failure is always an option, a possibility, a
reality we will experience. All of us have experienced failure in one form or
another. It is the second sentence that, at my first reading, was controversial. The first half of the second sentence suggests that there is a course by which we might not fail. I do not
think that is the case. Certainly there are “safe” routes that seek to minimize
the risk of failure. Many are prone to pursue this path. They seek to recreate experiences
and write policies so that what has worked in the past is repeated and
standardized. The “let’s not do anything that might fail” philosophy is almost
as well documented as the literature on organisations that failed to accomplish
their goals because they were afraid to fail. Ed Catmull does a great job of
describing this “fear of failure” as it existed in the Walt Disney Studios before
Pixar and the Walt Disney company became intertwined.
“At a certain point
at Disney, ‘There seemed to be undue emphasis on preventing errors; even when
it came to something as small as office décor, no one dared put themselves out
there, or to make a mistake.’”[1]
at Disney, ‘There seemed to be undue emphasis on preventing errors; even when
it came to something as small as office décor, no one dared put themselves out
there, or to make a mistake.’”[1]
“. . . the leaders of
Disney Animation placed a higher value on error prevention than anything else.
The employees knew there would be repercussions if mistakes were made, so the
primary goal was never to make any . . . But seeking to eliminate failure was
in this instance – and, I would argue, most instances – precisely the wrong
thing to do.”[2]
Disney Animation placed a higher value on error prevention than anything else.
The employees knew there would be repercussions if mistakes were made, so the
primary goal was never to make any . . . But seeking to eliminate failure was
in this instance – and, I would argue, most instances – precisely the wrong
thing to do.”[2]
Ed Catmull and Elon
Musk are both getting at this attitude which suggests there could be a “non-failure
route” to innovation and they indicate that it is a myth. Musk is saying that
we must have failures and perhaps lots of them to get to a place of innovation.
Catmull says something similar in Creativity
Inc. So, why am I still struggling with the overall meaning of what Musk is
saying?
Musk are both getting at this attitude which suggests there could be a “non-failure
route” to innovation and they indicate that it is a myth. Musk is saying that
we must have failures and perhaps lots of them to get to a place of innovation.
Catmull says something similar in Creativity
Inc. So, why am I still struggling with the overall meaning of what Musk is
saying?
The crux of the issue
comes down to whether or not we think that innovation is a legitimate goal and
a high value. After all, we might well do without some of the innovations our
world has achieved. The world was, in some ways, quite satisfactory before the
invention of the atomic bomb and was significantly less safe after that particular
innovation. Some might say that the innovative development of the internet has
had both positive and deleterious impacts upon our world. Was this type of
innovation a desirable outcome? What of the invention of the electric
lightbulb, an innovation which only followed after a great many failures? Despite
the fact that one might be able to point to some negative consequences of the
light bulb, it would be hard to argue that this innovation has not been of
great benefit to humans around the world.
comes down to whether or not we think that innovation is a legitimate goal and
a high value. After all, we might well do without some of the innovations our
world has achieved. The world was, in some ways, quite satisfactory before the
invention of the atomic bomb and was significantly less safe after that particular
innovation. Some might say that the innovative development of the internet has
had both positive and deleterious impacts upon our world. Was this type of
innovation a desirable outcome? What of the invention of the electric
lightbulb, an innovation which only followed after a great many failures? Despite
the fact that one might be able to point to some negative consequences of the
light bulb, it would be hard to argue that this innovation has not been of
great benefit to humans around the world.
The kind of
innovation to which Elon Musk has been working could conceivably have some
negative consequences. It could also offer great benefits to humanity. The
reality is that humans have been innovating for a long time and they show no
signs of deviating from a trajectory of innovation. If innovation is a worthy
goal, then the statement by Musk has a significant chance of being an accurate
representation of how one should proceed. If innovation is seen as negative and
maintenance of current systems is a greater goal, then Musk’s statement is
wrong.
innovation to which Elon Musk has been working could conceivably have some
negative consequences. It could also offer great benefits to humanity. The
reality is that humans have been innovating for a long time and they show no
signs of deviating from a trajectory of innovation. If innovation is a worthy
goal, then the statement by Musk has a significant chance of being an accurate
representation of how one should proceed. If innovation is seen as negative and
maintenance of current systems is a greater goal, then Musk’s statement is
wrong.
Maintenance of working
systems can be a realistic goal; but maintenance tends to only work within
closed systems where things do not change. As soon as one introduces external
changes, an organisation must adjust to maintain balance within a new state of
equilibrium. Whether we like it or not, our world is changing; and right now it
is changing rapidly. There is good evidence that the organisations that will continue
to work will be those that are nimble and can rapidly change with the surrounding
environment. Those that stick to policies written during times of stability
will find that they are ill-equipped for the new state of the world and will find
themselves falling out of the new equilibrium. Thus, organisations must, at the
very least, respond to the innovation which is saturating the present world.
systems can be a realistic goal; but maintenance tends to only work within
closed systems where things do not change. As soon as one introduces external
changes, an organisation must adjust to maintain balance within a new state of
equilibrium. Whether we like it or not, our world is changing; and right now it
is changing rapidly. There is good evidence that the organisations that will continue
to work will be those that are nimble and can rapidly change with the surrounding
environment. Those that stick to policies written during times of stability
will find that they are ill-equipped for the new state of the world and will find
themselves falling out of the new equilibrium. Thus, organisations must, at the
very least, respond to the innovation which is saturating the present world.
Some companies and
organisations will not only survive in an ever-changing world, they will
themselves become leaders in innovation and will set the direction of that innovation.
These are the ones that shape an environment and shape themselves to fit the
environment into which they are metamorphosing. They are prepared for the world into which
they arrive. Such change does not come easy. It takes experimentation, rigorous
learning from failures and successes, and innovation that remains true to the
original purposes of the organisation. In short, such organisations experience
failure, learn from that failure, develop a better experiment, and try again in
a reasonably ordered fashion, until they succeed. Success and failure are
simply two potential results for the continued experimentation. Success, or
failure, will still mean that there is work to be done.
organisations will not only survive in an ever-changing world, they will
themselves become leaders in innovation and will set the direction of that innovation.
These are the ones that shape an environment and shape themselves to fit the
environment into which they are metamorphosing. They are prepared for the world into which
they arrive. Such change does not come easy. It takes experimentation, rigorous
learning from failures and successes, and innovation that remains true to the
original purposes of the organisation. In short, such organisations experience
failure, learn from that failure, develop a better experiment, and try again in
a reasonably ordered fashion, until they succeed. Success and failure are
simply two potential results for the continued experimentation. Success, or
failure, will still mean that there is work to be done.
The winking cursor
has run its course to the bottom of the page and I find myself staring at it
once again. The sobering conclusion of this article is that I have convinced
myself that Elon Musk might be right. “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not
innovating enough.” I am willing to innovate and I am willing to fail. I
commit to learning as I succeed or fail and, by God’s grace, I choose to
innovate and succeed in the mission toward which I am called. Elon Musk may not
understand that bit about God’s grace, but I would suggest that it is a vital
ingredient in the process. I am thankful for its ever-present illumination upon
me.
has run its course to the bottom of the page and I find myself staring at it
once again. The sobering conclusion of this article is that I have convinced
myself that Elon Musk might be right. “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not
innovating enough.” I am willing to innovate and I am willing to fail. I
commit to learning as I succeed or fail and, by God’s grace, I choose to
innovate and succeed in the mission toward which I am called. Elon Musk may not
understand that bit about God’s grace, but I would suggest that it is a vital
ingredient in the process. I am thankful for its ever-present illumination upon
me.
Works Cited
Catmull, Ed. Creativity, Inc.:
Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the way of True Inspiration.
Toronto: Random House of Canada Limited, 2014.
Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the way of True Inspiration.
Toronto: Random House of Canada Limited, 2014.
[1] (Catmull 2014) Location 3790 in Kindle Version
[2] (Catmull 2014) Location 3961-3965 in Kindle Version
Change is the law of life. And those
who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F.
Kennedy
who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F.
Kennedy
Kennedy, or JFK, said these words in the middle of the
20th century when significant change was in the air. The rate at
which things change in our current time would be mind-boggling to this former
president. We must learn to deal with change and perhaps an ever accelerating
pace of change at least for the near future as we stand nearly 16 and a half
years into the 21st century.
20th century when significant change was in the air. The rate at
which things change in our current time would be mind-boggling to this former
president. We must learn to deal with change and perhaps an ever accelerating
pace of change at least for the near future as we stand nearly 16 and a half
years into the 21st century.
Change can of course be good or bad, thrilling or
challenging, life enhancing or so difficult we might wonder if we will survive
the change. In a culture of change it is only the organizations and companies
that are agile and themselves able to change quickly that will survive and thrive.
To see the truth of such a statement one has only to look to energy companies
in Calgary as they have reacted to a change in world oil prices.
challenging, life enhancing or so difficult we might wonder if we will survive
the change. In a culture of change it is only the organizations and companies
that are agile and themselves able to change quickly that will survive and thrive.
To see the truth of such a statement one has only to look to energy companies
in Calgary as they have reacted to a change in world oil prices.
What does this mean when we think of churches? We live
in a world where we are all electronically connected and relationally
disconnected; a world where people can travel across the city or across the
world with ever greater ease; a world where leaders rise and fall on the whim
of a local, national, or international following; and a world in which
technology and media drive our monetary choices. The implications of these
changes are vast, and yet most of our churches continue to function much as
they did when JFK uttered his words regarding change. Churches do not tend to
change rapidly. They are founded on ancient words that hold principles for all
time. There is a tendency toward nostalgia and history. Few other disciplines (perhaps
philosophy is another) hold such high regard for old words as opposed to new
words on a subject. Certainly the Bible must be used as the founding document
and the bedrock for the function of churches today; yet, why should the words
of Augustine (354-430 CE) hold more sway than the words of Dallas Willard (1935-2013
CE)?
in a world where we are all electronically connected and relationally
disconnected; a world where people can travel across the city or across the
world with ever greater ease; a world where leaders rise and fall on the whim
of a local, national, or international following; and a world in which
technology and media drive our monetary choices. The implications of these
changes are vast, and yet most of our churches continue to function much as
they did when JFK uttered his words regarding change. Churches do not tend to
change rapidly. They are founded on ancient words that hold principles for all
time. There is a tendency toward nostalgia and history. Few other disciplines (perhaps
philosophy is another) hold such high regard for old words as opposed to new
words on a subject. Certainly the Bible must be used as the founding document
and the bedrock for the function of churches today; yet, why should the words
of Augustine (354-430 CE) hold more sway than the words of Dallas Willard (1935-2013
CE)?
Are churches in North America (my only frame of
reference) ready to embrace change for the sake of the ancient message? Can
methodologies and practices change while the ancient work goes on? What new
courses need to be charted? What experiments are necessary? What kinds of
intentional community need to be fashioned so that the mission of the church
survives in a world of change?
reference) ready to embrace change for the sake of the ancient message? Can
methodologies and practices change while the ancient work goes on? What new
courses need to be charted? What experiments are necessary? What kinds of
intentional community need to be fashioned so that the mission of the church
survives in a world of change?
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait
for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change
that we seek.”
― Barack Obama
for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change
that we seek.”
― Barack Obama
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to
be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You
can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the
best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see
things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope
you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re
proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all
over again.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Screenplay
be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You
can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the
best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see
things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope
you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re
proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all
over again.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Screenplay
How does one live when difficult and dangerous times arise? When our economy is in decline, when our politicians must act decisively, when a mother must look for work to support her family, when a man considers work in another part of the country, when fire threatens our home and livelihood, when the word "cancer" comes from the lips of our doctor, when a country has sent troops to a civil war in a far-flung part of the world . . .
All of us must face difficulty, uncertainty, and even danger.
Here is a collection of things others have said about how one must live in
dangerous times.
Security is mostly a superstition. It
does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is
either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen
Keller
It is better to lead from behind and
to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things
occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will
appreciate your leadership. Nelson
Mandela
David was now in great danger because
all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they
began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God. 1
Samuel 30:6 New Living Translation
(NLT)
But I replied, “Should someone in my
position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to
save his life? No, I won’t do it!” Nehemiah 6:11 (NLT)
No great art has ever been made
without the artist having known danger. Rainer
Maria Rilke
One minute you're waiting for the sky to fall
The next you're dazzled by the beauty of it all
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time. Bruce Cockburn
The next you're dazzled by the beauty of it all
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time. Bruce Cockburn
What is my stance when faced with danger, disease, financial
stress, difficulty? Surely, I will call upon the Lord. I will not run from
danger; nor will I seek it out. I will take from the hand of God whatever is
offered. I will rely upon God to sustain me through the path on which he leads
me.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy
of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
2 Samuel 22:4 (NLT)
2 Samuel 22:4 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of
you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew
11:28 (NLT)
How many planets would fit into a Milky Way
galaxy? This is certainly not a classic philosophical question like, “How many
angels would fit on the head of a pin?” Yet, this question does have
philosophical implications if you consider why planet hunters hunt planets.
Some, certainly search for planets in our known galaxy because planets are
there and we want to learn more about them; but, many who search for exoplanets
(planets outside our solar system), do so because they are interested in the
possibility of life on other planets; intelligent or otherwise.
galaxy? This is certainly not a classic philosophical question like, “How many
angels would fit on the head of a pin?” Yet, this question does have
philosophical implications if you consider why planet hunters hunt planets.
Some, certainly search for planets in our known galaxy because planets are
there and we want to learn more about them; but, many who search for exoplanets
(planets outside our solar system), do so because they are interested in the
possibility of life on other planets; intelligent or otherwise.
The Keplar Space Telescope has recently
catalogued 1284 more planets,[1]
bringing the total number of discovered planets to 2325. The size of these planets ranges from
sub-Mercury to super-Jupiter in size. Some are rocky, some are gaseous, and
some just might be habitable. Bob McDonald in a CBC News blog[2]
suggests that there are likely more planets in our galaxy than there are stars.
Take a look at the night sky and think upon that for a few moments. There may
be as many as 10,000,000,000 planets in our galaxy alone. There are more than
100 billion galaxies in the known universe. As we consider only the planets in
our galaxy we soon realize that they are too distant by today’s transportation
methods for us to visit them with anything more than a telescope, but they are
still of interest. Could any of these planets have indigenous life? Would life
there be water and carbon-based? Would it be DNA based? Or might it be so
foreign in its composition that we would struggle to recognize it as life?
Might it exist in liquid water, on dry land, or in the gaseous atmosphere of
one of these exoplanets? Would we see signs of communication among creatures of
common ancestry? Might we see foliage changes as seasons progressed? What could
we look for as signs of life; or signs of intelligent life? Philosophically,
the number of planets that would fit into a smallish galaxy appears to be a worthier
question than those regarding pins and angels.
catalogued 1284 more planets,[1]
bringing the total number of discovered planets to 2325. The size of these planets ranges from
sub-Mercury to super-Jupiter in size. Some are rocky, some are gaseous, and
some just might be habitable. Bob McDonald in a CBC News blog[2]
suggests that there are likely more planets in our galaxy than there are stars.
Take a look at the night sky and think upon that for a few moments. There may
be as many as 10,000,000,000 planets in our galaxy alone. There are more than
100 billion galaxies in the known universe. As we consider only the planets in
our galaxy we soon realize that they are too distant by today’s transportation
methods for us to visit them with anything more than a telescope, but they are
still of interest. Could any of these planets have indigenous life? Would life
there be water and carbon-based? Would it be DNA based? Or might it be so
foreign in its composition that we would struggle to recognize it as life?
Might it exist in liquid water, on dry land, or in the gaseous atmosphere of
one of these exoplanets? Would we see signs of communication among creatures of
common ancestry? Might we see foliage changes as seasons progressed? What could
we look for as signs of life; or signs of intelligent life? Philosophically,
the number of planets that would fit into a smallish galaxy appears to be a worthier
question than those regarding pins and angels.
[1] “Kepler telescope doubles its count of known exoplanets: latest data confirm nine more worlds in
‘habitable’ zone”; Science News, May
10, 2016;
‘habitable’ zone”; Science News, May
10, 2016;
[2] “Finding habitable planets is one thing, finding life quite another” Bob
McDonald, blog at CBC News Technology and Science; 2016-05-13; accessed
2016-05-14.
McDonald, blog at CBC News Technology and Science; 2016-05-13; accessed
2016-05-14.
In 1998, Wayne Watson published a song called “Wouldn’t That Be Somethin’?” One portion of this song has captured my imagination for 18 years. The premise of the song is that the author is imagining what it would have been like to be a friend of Jesus when he was walking upon the earth. He says, “wouldn’t that be something?” The line that always catches my attention every time is, “I wanna be the kind of friend that Jesus would call.” Here it is in the broader context of the song:
I wanna be the kind of friend that Jesus would call
Yeah, you know if He had a telephone
At the end of the day
Just to talk about nothin', nothin' Yeah, I wanna be the kind of friend He'd wanna be around
You know without a word, without a sound
Wouldn't that be somethin', somethin', yeah
The
“kind of friend that Jesus would call” is a concept that inspires many
thoughts: “What kind of friend am I?” “What kind of friend would Jesus call?” “Who
are the friends of Jesus?” “Did Jesus actually enjoy hanging out with his
friends?” “Did he find some of his friends dull?” “Did he wish to get away from
some who wanted to hang out with him?” “How did he handle his celebrity status?”
Jesus truly was
a celebrity. Celebrities in the first century were often the religious or
political leaders of the day. Jesus was seen as both a religious and political
leader and so a great many people traveled large distances just to see him or
to touch his clothing. Some climbed into trees just to catch a glimpse of him.
Jesus experienced the temptation of celebrity-ism. He was tempted to think of
himself as special and more important than others. Certainly, he was special and important and so he had
to guard his attitude toward others.
In one sense,
because Jesus regarded all men and women with an equal love, we would all be
the kind of person that Jesus would call, “if he had a telephone.” Yet, Watson
is also speaking of striving to be the kind of person that Jesus would want to call and want to hang out with and want
to sit with to “talk about nothin'.” What kind of person would that be?
I would suggest
that it would be someone who had the same interests as Jesus. Jesus’ interests
were all about his Father’s work. No, I don’t mean the carpentry business of
his earthly father, but rather, the Kingdom of God interests of God the Father.
As such, Jesus’ interests were the same as the Father’s interests: justice,
life, beauty, joy, mystery, love, care for others, healing of pain, healing of
wrongs . . . . Truly, that is the kind of person I desire to be, even as I fail
miserably at caring about such things and gravitate toward my own self-interest
or perhaps to the interests of my immediate family.
Which brings us
to the next point, Jesus, as one who strove to be humble and recognize the
temptations of being seen as a celebrity, would also encourage me to be humble
and recognize my inability to be pure and righteous and self-less. He would be
patient with my desire to “be somebody” and with my desire to have my own needs
met. He would still want to be my friend even as he saw the ugly side of me.
At the end of
one of Jesus’ long days of work, what would he need from those friends who sat
around with him? Perhaps it would be
that he would want to “talk about nothin’” or not talk at all. Perhaps he would
need to be encouraged, blessed, worshiped, and honoured. Perhaps he would need
his feet washed in silence. Could I do that? Could you? “Wouldn't that be somethin', somethin', yeah!”
Wouldn't That Be Somethin'?
I had this dream and You were in it
There was this party and You were there
Simple evening with just a few close friends
People were pressing for Your attention You were patient, everybody could see
But all the time You were lookin' round the room for me
But hey, after all, it's my dream
I wanna be the kind of friend that Jesus would call
Yeah, you know if He had a telephone
At the end of the day
Just to talk about nothin', nothin' Yeah, I wanna be the kind of friend He'd wanna be around
You know without a word, without a sound
Wouldn't that be somethin', somethin', yeah Is that so hard to imagine
The Lord Jesus as a friend like that
Spending time in the pleasure of your company
True companion like no other You never had a friend like this
If you're havin' a little trouble believing
Come on, put yourself in my dream
I wanna be the kind of friend that Jesus would call
Yeah, you know if He had a telephone
At the end of the day
Just to talk about nothin', nothin' Yeah, I wanna be the kind of friend He'd wanna be around
You know without a word, without a sound
Wouldn't that be somethin', somethin', yeah Words and music by Wayne Watson. Copyright 1998 Material Music (Admin. by WORD MUSIC) / Word Music (A div. of WORD MUSIC) / ASCAP
I am damaged on the inside
My soul don’t quite work true
There are foul spots on my right side
And my wrong side’s looking cruel
I am broken on the upside
Spirit’s broken down
There’s downsides to this arrangement
But I’m hanging in for now
Broken, damaged, injured,
Wounded, cracked, beat-up
Somehow we are all the same
So down we must look up
You know what I am feeling
Cause you are broken too
You’re hiding it away from me
I'm hiding this from you
There are people who are dying
Those who need my care
Seems “my give-a-damn” is busted
Can’t quite seem to care
Broken, damaged, injured,
Wounded, cracked, beat-up
Somehow we are all the same
So down we must look up
Broken, but I want to be whole
Damaged, and needing repair
Wounded, but desiring healing
Injured, and lacking care
The wounds that I am feeling
I can’t heal on my own
Heaven come and help me now
As on my knees I groan
Ten Thousand angels never
Would be enough to heal
The damage done by demons
Who are biting at my heels
Broken, damaged, injured,
Wounded, cracked, beat-up
Somehow we are all the same
So down we must look up
(Lyrics by Key of Zed: Mike Charko and Keith Shields)
7,100 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia, a
star is blowing bubbles. The Hubble Space Telescope recently captured a picture
of this giant gas discharge. When I consider the heavens, the work of God's
fingers, the moon and the stars that He has set in their appropriate places, I
must ask, "Why does God consider humans to be His crowning creation?"
"How is it that we are the creatures that are made in His image?"
"Why would He sacrifice so much for so tiny a portion of His
creation?" "Why has He exalted earth and its tiny human population to
such a height that we are considered just a little lower than the
Godhead?"
A picture such as this generates a sense of awe and mystery. As
people consider the immensity of the universe, they typically have one of two
reactions: they are either drawn to admire and praise a Creator who could fashion
such beauty, or they consider that the universe is so big and we are so small
that humans could not possibly be important. Pause for a moment and ask
yourself, “How do I feel when I see this Hubble bubble picture?” “How do I feel
toward God?”
1
Psalm 8 (NLT)
1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night
sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
1. Image source: Science News; "Hubble telescope snaps stunning picture for its 26th birthday"; 2016-04-22; https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/science-ticker/hubble-telescope-snaps-stunning-pic-its-26th-birthday?tgt=nr
On April 1, JAXA, the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency, gave a brief update on the status of their Akatsuki
spacecraft now in orbit around Venus. You might recall that this is the
exploration vehicle that missed its exit on the way to Venetian orbit and, instead,
ended up in orbit around the sun.[1]
This orbit took it as close as 90 million kilometers from the sun,[2]
which may not sound all that close, but it was close enough to raise concerns
that the craft’s mechanics might fail due to excessive heat. Fortunately, after its close encounter with our giant ball of fire, the
spacecraft was found to be functioning well.
Exploration Agency, gave a brief update on the status of their Akatsuki
spacecraft now in orbit around Venus. You might recall that this is the
exploration vehicle that missed its exit on the way to Venetian orbit and, instead,
ended up in orbit around the sun.[1]
This orbit took it as close as 90 million kilometers from the sun,[2]
which may not sound all that close, but it was close enough to raise concerns
that the craft’s mechanics might fail due to excessive heat. Fortunately, after its close encounter with our giant ball of fire, the
spacecraft was found to be functioning well.
Approximately five years post launch,
trajectory engineers were able to nudge Akatsuki into a suitable orbit around
Venus. The orbit is much larger than originally intended: one orbit every 9
days instead of one orbit every 30 hours.[3]
However, the onboard cameras have already sent back some impressive images of
cloud formations in the upper atmosphere.[4]
We can expect much more data and many more updates in the months ahead.
trajectory engineers were able to nudge Akatsuki into a suitable orbit around
Venus. The orbit is much larger than originally intended: one orbit every 9
days instead of one orbit every 30 hours.[3]
However, the onboard cameras have already sent back some impressive images of
cloud formations in the upper atmosphere.[4]
We can expect much more data and many more updates in the months ahead.
[1] Thirst, “Yesterday I
Missed My Exit on My Way to Sears,” December 10, 2015; https://www.keithshields.ca/2015/12/yesterday-i-missed-my-exit-on-my-way-to.html
Missed My Exit on My Way to Sears,” December 10, 2015; https://www.keithshields.ca/2015/12/yesterday-i-missed-my-exit-on-my-way-to.html
[2] News on Japan, “Akatsuki probe
survives close encounter with sun”
survives close encounter with sun”
[3] The Planetary Society, “Akatsuki’s new orbit, first images, and science
plans”
plans”
[4] JAXA, “Topics List,”
April 1, 2016, http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/planet_c/topics.html#topics7299
April 1, 2016, http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/planet_c/topics.html#topics7299
The condo complex where we live has a small pond on the
grounds. Aerated by a fountain, the pond is full of life and sound from April
to October. Ducks raise their young in the pond; frogs are heard
“croaking” away in the early morning and late afternoon; and insects
mark the surface with rings as they walk across on surface tension or swim from
bottom to top. This pond is a controlled environment such that every fall it is
drained and every spring it is filled. Most creatures leave the area for the
winter; some must find ways to survive in the frozen mud or leaf and grass
litter of the pond.
grounds. Aerated by a fountain, the pond is full of life and sound from April
to October. Ducks raise their young in the pond; frogs are heard
“croaking” away in the early morning and late afternoon; and insects
mark the surface with rings as they walk across on surface tension or swim from
bottom to top. This pond is a controlled environment such that every fall it is
drained and every spring it is filled. Most creatures leave the area for the
winter; some must find ways to survive in the frozen mud or leaf and grass
litter of the pond.
The frogs are an interesting case in point. There are many
types of frogs in the world and I will not claim to know what type of frogs are
living in the pond in Hawkwood, Calgary, Alberta. In fact, these frogs are so
elusive that they are mostly heard and not seen. If you will allow me to speak
in generalities, there are some interesting things we can learn about the
hibernation techniques of frogs. NASA and other space agencies have a keen
interest in studying the biology of frogs and asking questions about applications
to humans and long space flights.[1]
types of frogs in the world and I will not claim to know what type of frogs are
living in the pond in Hawkwood, Calgary, Alberta. In fact, these frogs are so
elusive that they are mostly heard and not seen. If you will allow me to speak
in generalities, there are some interesting things we can learn about the
hibernation techniques of frogs. NASA and other space agencies have a keen
interest in studying the biology of frogs and asking questions about applications
to humans and long space flights.[1]
Recent studies have shown that frogs use a number of
techniques to survive winter temperatures. One method is to simply rest at the
bottom of a deep pond or lake which does not freeze to the bottom. There, at a
constant temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, the frog absorbs oxygen through its
skin and slows its metabolic rate and heartbeat to a fraction of normal. Of
course, this technique will not work if the pond is dry throughout winter. Some
frogs migrate from one place to another to find a suitable wintering pond.
techniques to survive winter temperatures. One method is to simply rest at the
bottom of a deep pond or lake which does not freeze to the bottom. There, at a
constant temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, the frog absorbs oxygen through its
skin and slows its metabolic rate and heartbeat to a fraction of normal. Of
course, this technique will not work if the pond is dry throughout winter. Some
frogs migrate from one place to another to find a suitable wintering pond.
For the rest of the, shall we say, less fortunate frogs who
cannot use the above methods, there is a more extreme procedure. These frogs
must make a hibernaculum (plural hibernacula): a place to hide and hibernate
for the winter and prepare to freeze their internal organs. These frogs dig
down in the litter of the dry pond or burrow tunnels into the mud. Those in
burrows create a space with the mud and secretions from their bodies to make a homely
little tunnel that will meet their needs. Next, their circulatory system pulls
many of the ribose sugars from their tissues and creates an antifreeze that is
circulated in the outer extremities of the body. This antifreeze protects those
extremities from freezing and signals the heart and other internal organs to
slow down and prepare to be frozen solid. Yes, frozen solid! The heart,
kidneys, liver and other internal processes will slow and freeze to the point
that the heart rate may be as low as one beat per two weeks (beating only as
temperatures rise enough to allow some movement of the heart muscle).[2]
Then, as the sun begins
to warm the mud, the grass, and the debris, a miracle of nature occurs. Those
frozen organs and antifreeze filled extremities come back to life. Blood flows
at normal rates, hearts pump, kidneys function, and livers live! Spring, that
time of birth and rebirth, is witness to a resurrection of frogs. No wonder
they come out of the mud singing “ribbety ribbet.” Life, for frogs who have
survived minus 20 degree temperatures, is wonderful indeed. Next it is time for the frogs to find a mate, fertilize or lay eggs, and
enjoy the new life they have been given before the whole process repeats once
again. (Cue the “Circle of Life” music – or maybe the “Frozen” music – “the
cold never bothered me anyway.”) One cannot help but be amazed by these
wonderful little frog lives.
cannot use the above methods, there is a more extreme procedure. These frogs
must make a hibernaculum (plural hibernacula): a place to hide and hibernate
for the winter and prepare to freeze their internal organs. These frogs dig
down in the litter of the dry pond or burrow tunnels into the mud. Those in
burrows create a space with the mud and secretions from their bodies to make a homely
little tunnel that will meet their needs. Next, their circulatory system pulls
many of the ribose sugars from their tissues and creates an antifreeze that is
circulated in the outer extremities of the body. This antifreeze protects those
extremities from freezing and signals the heart and other internal organs to
slow down and prepare to be frozen solid. Yes, frozen solid! The heart,
kidneys, liver and other internal processes will slow and freeze to the point
that the heart rate may be as low as one beat per two weeks (beating only as
temperatures rise enough to allow some movement of the heart muscle).[2]
Then, as the sun begins
to warm the mud, the grass, and the debris, a miracle of nature occurs. Those
frozen organs and antifreeze filled extremities come back to life. Blood flows
at normal rates, hearts pump, kidneys function, and livers live! Spring, that
time of birth and rebirth, is witness to a resurrection of frogs. No wonder
they come out of the mud singing “ribbety ribbet.” Life, for frogs who have
survived minus 20 degree temperatures, is wonderful indeed. Next it is time for the frogs to find a mate, fertilize or lay eggs, and
enjoy the new life they have been given before the whole process repeats once
again. (Cue the “Circle of Life” music – or maybe the “Frozen” music – “the
cold never bothered me anyway.”) One cannot help but be amazed by these
wonderful little frog lives.
“O Lord,
what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NLT)
“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.
Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you.” Job 12:7, 8 (NLT)
Works Cited:
Emmer, Rick. How do frogs survive
winter? Why don’t they freeze to death? 1997.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-frogs-survive-wint/ (accessed
2016-04-17).
winter? Why don’t they freeze to death? 1997.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-frogs-survive-wint/ (accessed
2016-04-17).
Telegraph. “The Telegraph.” Hibernating
frog could help astronauts conquer Mars. 04 18, 2016.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/10936941/Hibernating-frog-could-help-astronauts-conquer-Mars.html
(accessed 04 17, 2016).
frog could help astronauts conquer Mars. 04 18, 2016.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/10936941/Hibernating-frog-could-help-astronauts-conquer-Mars.html
(accessed 04 17, 2016).
[1] (Telegraph 2016)
[2] (Emmer 1997)