As today’s scripture readings sink into my bones this morning, it is easy to see how Jesus was able to touch the hearts and minds of those he spoke to about his Father. Upon first thought I can see how many did not understand because they did not allow his words to sink into their hearts. They were too caught up in literal interpretation and assigned their own form of logic to a view that Jesus mentioned as “from below and not from above.” I am often locked in conflict with my own dealings with the world and the faith that is so hard to grasp some times. I often say to myself and others, “if only you could see things from where I am standing.”
Again, this valley of earth and the mountain top of heaven collide in ways that invite sin to cloud the view. This brings me to ask the question, “Why can’t I see you Lord when it appears you ignore my pleas for help and understanding?” Then it strikes me, it is I who digs up the seed planted in the earth of God’s creation. If I look closely enough the walls of this vessel close in and though it is the potter who formed my heart and soul, I cling to the ways of nature and not to the vision of the son. When I put aside the things of this life and simply believe, then the mountain top becomes visible and all returns to equilibrium. There is no earthly view that spares the cloudy sky, but when the heart and soul are opened, heaven becomes the bright blue sky with a golden orb to light the way. Stars reflect his presence by night as I slumber in the arms of grace.
Very few words describe how I have approached this day, but there are people living now upon this earth who I have met who could almost see right through me with just one glance. I am reminded that even human beings can become like Christ with enough time, patience and daily meditation on the mysteries that Christ revealed in his time among us in the flesh. He showed us that we can become more than just an earthly vessel, but a thing of beauty made to glorify our father in heaven. If only we seek the sky and not the dead ground beneath our feet. That is to say, to see as God sees and not as we would allow our nature to see.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Letter To My Wood Badge Friends
For those of you who happen by from time to time, I apologize for not updating the blog much lately. You could say I've been a little preoccupied with life. The following is a letter I e-mailed to some friends I met last July through a Boy Scout leader course called Wood Badge. It's really not important that you know anything about it, but as I read it back today there is a mood and texture that I could not help but share. You will get a glimpse of my world and how important the connection between people moves me and inspires the writer deep in my soul.
Hey Beavers!
I was just sitting here reflecting on den meetings from last night and some of the struggles and challenges that I'm facing as I make the transition to unit commissioner. It's pretty amazing how far the journey has taken me from tiger parent, committee member, den leader to cubmaster. Like the climb Phil spoke about back in September at Camp Lakota, we experience the highs and lo's as we go along. Those two weekends at Wood Badge were definitely high points to gaze out and see the beauty of the "Big Picture." This brings me to our patrol meeting that last weekend when we had to elect a permanent patrol leader and the ensuing sharing of our personal lives.
Well, I don't know if it is just growing pains or that I'm starting to realize how much people have relied on me these past couple of years to keep our pack together or both. The problems I'm seeing are things that I can't fix and are topics that would be hard to teach in any leader training course. Life throws so many curve balls at us and it seems like times have become even more difficult with the economy the way it is these days. Maybe I'm just starting to get old but the level of commitment to things like scouting has really dropped off in this area of the woods. In some ways I'm questioning if I'll ever be worthy to wear those beads as I'm really concerned that the efforts to achieve them have been largely in vain. I'm hoping and praying that the leaders and parents in our pack will be committed enough to continue on.
We haven't heard from some of you in a while and I wanted to get a conversation going again. I know life keeps us busy with work, family and what not, but I'm hoping we can all take a few moments to simply put down a few things that have happened since we last met in September. As for me, I've pretty much settled in as a full time Dad and found that the longer I am away from the world of work, the harder it is to see myself back in the stamping plant on third shift barely keeping up on family obligations and that precious commodity we call "sleep." I'm hoping that a career change is not far off in the distance as the journey continues as steep and treacherous as ever. I am so grateful to Cory for his generous offering to help with his new business as it gave us a chance to re-connect and gave me the opportunity to see how scouting is done "Up North." (I promise to deliver on the rain check from the breakfast I missed last weekend). Lord knows we could use a shot in the arm here in Williams county Ohio! Pardon the pun as the flu bug caught up to me.
Now that my youngest son has crossed over to the troop and he proudly attends Boy Scout meetings, I'm struggling to get parents and especially my replacement cubmaster to let go of my shirt tails. Like young eagle fledglings teetering on the edge of the nest, it's time to see them fly on their own. The problem is they are not putting the effort in like they need to, or as I would like to see them do. Like my wife says, "You need to get out of the way Dale and let them go!" Believe me, I would like nothing more right now, but it is a struggle all the same.
Ok, now that I have put down a few things, let's see where this goes. Just a line or two will do and I promise not to jump your case if it's a, "hi, doing fine" kind of response. It was great to see Adam and Angela at our council combined meeting in Lima and the Klondike derby at Lakota. I was glad to meet Cory and Scott's wives and to talk over dinner at Applebee's in December. Phil looked spry and in good shape a couple of weeks ago at Cory's during our marathon laptop party supply session. Way to go Brad, I caught the balancing record on the council web site! Hope to see you all soon, especially when the beads start rollin' in!
Take care beavers, Go with God!
Dale
Hey Beavers!
I was just sitting here reflecting on den meetings from last night and some of the struggles and challenges that I'm facing as I make the transition to unit commissioner. It's pretty amazing how far the journey has taken me from tiger parent, committee member, den leader to cubmaster. Like the climb Phil spoke about back in September at Camp Lakota, we experience the highs and lo's as we go along. Those two weekends at Wood Badge were definitely high points to gaze out and see the beauty of the "Big Picture." This brings me to our patrol meeting that last weekend when we had to elect a permanent patrol leader and the ensuing sharing of our personal lives.
Well, I don't know if it is just growing pains or that I'm starting to realize how much people have relied on me these past couple of years to keep our pack together or both. The problems I'm seeing are things that I can't fix and are topics that would be hard to teach in any leader training course. Life throws so many curve balls at us and it seems like times have become even more difficult with the economy the way it is these days. Maybe I'm just starting to get old but the level of commitment to things like scouting has really dropped off in this area of the woods. In some ways I'm questioning if I'll ever be worthy to wear those beads as I'm really concerned that the efforts to achieve them have been largely in vain. I'm hoping and praying that the leaders and parents in our pack will be committed enough to continue on.
We haven't heard from some of you in a while and I wanted to get a conversation going again. I know life keeps us busy with work, family and what not, but I'm hoping we can all take a few moments to simply put down a few things that have happened since we last met in September. As for me, I've pretty much settled in as a full time Dad and found that the longer I am away from the world of work, the harder it is to see myself back in the stamping plant on third shift barely keeping up on family obligations and that precious commodity we call "sleep." I'm hoping that a career change is not far off in the distance as the journey continues as steep and treacherous as ever. I am so grateful to Cory for his generous offering to help with his new business as it gave us a chance to re-connect and gave me the opportunity to see how scouting is done "Up North." (I promise to deliver on the rain check from the breakfast I missed last weekend). Lord knows we could use a shot in the arm here in Williams county Ohio! Pardon the pun as the flu bug caught up to me.
Now that my youngest son has crossed over to the troop and he proudly attends Boy Scout meetings, I'm struggling to get parents and especially my replacement cubmaster to let go of my shirt tails. Like young eagle fledglings teetering on the edge of the nest, it's time to see them fly on their own. The problem is they are not putting the effort in like they need to, or as I would like to see them do. Like my wife says, "You need to get out of the way Dale and let them go!" Believe me, I would like nothing more right now, but it is a struggle all the same.
Ok, now that I have put down a few things, let's see where this goes. Just a line or two will do and I promise not to jump your case if it's a, "hi, doing fine" kind of response. It was great to see Adam and Angela at our council combined meeting in Lima and the Klondike derby at Lakota. I was glad to meet Cory and Scott's wives and to talk over dinner at Applebee's in December. Phil looked spry and in good shape a couple of weeks ago at Cory's during our marathon laptop party supply session. Way to go Brad, I caught the balancing record on the council web site! Hope to see you all soon, especially when the beads start rollin' in!
Take care beavers, Go with God!
Dale
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