Day 23 - Lunch with Travis

I arrived at the office this morning and quickly noticed a problem. Anything I tried to read was blurry. This can't be good. The diagnosis, however, was simple. Why can't I remember to wear my bi-focals? Oh, the joys of life after 40.

For lunch, a friend and I took out a new addition to our staff team. Good guy. Bright. Articulate. Single. Good eyes...

Anyway, lunch with Travis was enjoyable. How can you go wrong at a premier bar-b-que joint? As we ate, it was great to hear a piece of his story. Athlete in college. Preparing for law school. Then, recently, giving himself over to follow a call to ministry with young students. The long and short of it? I'm looking forward to more lunches and further conversations with Travis. After lunch I stopped by home to retrieve the wayward lenses. Finally, things are coming in to focus.

I don't have a nicely packaged "surprise" for today. But God, thank you that you never lose focus and always have a keen eye on your creation.

Day 22 - Happy Birthday

This day began surprisingly early. I returned from Dallas at 2:15 a.m. It's amazing what three diet sodas and a cappuccino can do. A cleansing shower (see day 4 - A Fragrant Reminder), some time to outlast my caffeine fix, and it was time for bed. I'm sure "morning" will be here too soon.

February 27th, 2006. Jacob is one year old. Let "Jake Fest" begin.
Let's see. There were blue and gold streamers and balloons. Birthday hats and decorations. Presents too numerous for a little mind to comprehend. Digital cameras and video recorders at every turn. A trip to the photography studio. And a birthday cake. Ahh, the birthday cake.

No new tradition here. It's just our turn. Put the cake in front of the honoree and let the fun begin. Jacob's first taste of sweets will obviously not be his last. He took to cake like Ali to a microphone. Anna Nicole to a camera? Mikey to Life cereal? Barry Bonds to steroi...? You get the picture. And in case you don't - I've provided one.

We had a great birthday celebration. The party started early and progressed at its own pace throughout the day. Much of what took place was for the pure pleasure of mom and dad. Jacob, however, was the undisputed center of attention.

As I look for "surprises" God may have sent my way, I think I've seen in a birthday party a veiled glimpse of what God would like from me. That each day would begin early with my attention on him. That I would allow the day to unfold at its own pace. That I would take pure pleasure in our relationship. And that he would be the undisputed center of attention in my life.

Day 21 - The Cavern

"Surprise me, God." And it's on with Sunday...

After a morning of worship with friends and family, I drove to Dallas to see my nephew, John, and his band. For the last year we've tried to see these guys perform - the timing has just never worked out. With family in town for Monday's "Jake Fest" and a late night return guaranteed, Krista opted to stay in Abilene. Me? I'm off to the music.

After a couple of hours on the road, I picked up a friend (Mike) in Fort Worth. Equipped with our MapQuest print-outs, we headed boldly to go where no one over the age of 30 should. "The Cavern" is located on lower Greenville in Dallas. Nice place, as clubs go on lower Greenville. When we arrived "The Stock Market Crash" was already unloading their gear for the night's gig. As I walked over one of them turned to me, asking "are you Uncle Joe?" What? I stick out in this crowd? No surprise there.

Big hugs from John were followed by a quick "catch-up" conversation - then it was back to work for the drummer. Mike and I entered "The Cavern" to find a good place to stand. No sighting of The Beatles.

The concert was great. Meeting the band was a pleasure. And seeing John in his element was priceless. So, how was my prayer, "Surprise me, God" answered today? In four very tired, road weary, bodies I saw joy and enthusiasm for their calling. May my joy and enthusiasm never be less.

Day 20 - Experiences

I don't know that I noticed anything "surprising" today. Here are a few things I did experience, however.

The joy of seeing Jacob loved on by two sets of grand parents and his aunt.

Meeting a new friend at the coffee shop. He passed on some fatherly advice. "Don't get too attached to any one age of your children. Enjoy each new stage as they come along."

Jacob's first haircut (to be honest, I guess that's something he experienced).

Tuning in to the last full day of competition, the U.S. won some medals at the Olympics...and experienced a few disappointments.

Mom's spaghetti and the sounds of family around the dinner table - and the smile they bring.

Low-fat chocolate fudge ice cream.

Day 19 - The Confession

Today, the surprise for all of Abilene was rain. Light, steady, and continual - nice change. The clouds were of the low and billowy variety. The temperature, moderate. Tomorrow promises to be a bit sunnier.

Wow. I just did the weather report. I've become my dad...

...and now the confession. I didn't know what today's "surprise" would be until this moment. Without trying, I'm becoming more and more like my dad. I hear it in my choice of words. I notice it when I make "waking up in the morning" noises. And Krista is quick to point out when I'm "doing dad" through my mannerisms. All of this is happening without any conscious effort on my part. It just is.

Isn't this what the heavenly father wants from me? To effortlessly become more like him with each passing year? Why do I make difficult that which should be natural?

Now, back to the weather channel...

Day 18 - Changes

Jacob is almost a year old. That thought keeps going through my mind as we near his birthday on Monday. Today I was aware of some of the ways life has changed over these last 12 months.

I had written at length concerning several of those "life changes." Upon review, however, that seemed indulgent even for this blog. So, I just hit the delete button. The important part was the last paragraph anyway...

Thank you, God, for Jacob. And thank you for caring about even the smallest details in the lives of your children.

Day 17 - Loss

Surprises come in many forms.

Today I drove out of town - about two and a half hours - to attend the funeral of a friend's grandfather. I didn't have the privilege of knowing this man but the setting was beautiful and the service was personal...a tribute to a life lived well.

On the way to the funeral we received word that a very close friend in Abilene had passed away after a year-long fight with cancer. I will miss my friend. But when I think about the words "life lived well" I'll always see his face.

Looking to tomorrow...

Day 16 - Half Time

After my morning prayer, "Surprise me, God," today began in a normal fashion. Around mid-morning, however, I did have an opportunity to chat with a rather new acquaintance. He shared about family and children. I talked about Jacob's upcoming birthday and Krista. We also talked a lot about growing up in the 70's and those "black and white" days-of-faith during our youth. Much more was said - but that's enough for here.

God, this conversation was unexpected and enjoyable. I think that qualifies as a surprise.

During the evening, a small group of friends gathered for our weekly 'hometeam.' Tonight we talked about the first half of our 30-day journey. It was encouraging to hear the stories of others concerning their surprising moments along the way. Some moments were positive. Others, not so much. But the telling of each story had the unique flavor of God. That was exciting to hear.

I'm looking forward to the last half of my adventure. And so, with a bit more trepidation than on day one, "Surprise me, God."

Day 15 - Wayne's World

Well, today I woke up to another crisp morning in Abilene. And I forgot to ask my three word prayer, "Surprise me, God." There. I said it. Unburdened of guilt, I continue...

This was the day for dropping off the wrecked auto at the repair shop. On the way I found out the ride home I thought I had wasn't going to happen.

So, no problem. I'll call another friend and he'll be able to pick me up. No answer on the cell phone.

No worries. There's plenty of people at work. Someone will be able to make the 5 minute drive over and back...except all I'm getting is the overnight answering machine.

O.K., it's about 29 degrees out, winds out of the north at 15 mph, and all I'm wearing is a light sweater...

I arrive at the body shop and the first question out of Wayne's mouth is, "Do you need a ride anywhere?" I love Abilene. To be more exact, I love the people of Abilene.

From a frantic search and frayed nerves to "taken care of" - in the time it takes to ask a question. I thought about that during "Wayne's ride." I was thankful. I was also curious as to how many times I'm in that position each week - to provide the "taken care of" part of the equation. Jesus seems to have been about that part of the equation. Wayne, thanks for showing me Jesus.

Day 14 - A Day of Rest

This morning I was able to help a friend with his "surprise me" moment. That would be with the call I placed at 5:15 a.m. alerting him to fact that I was "out" as our morning speaker (remember yesterday's 'bug?'). He, of course, eagerly accepted the challenge of preparing to lead the worship service on less-than-short notice. Either that or I got to him while he was still mostly asleep. Either way, I'm sure that started his day off with a bang. I've mentioned this before, but I'll gladly say it again - friends are a wonderful commodity and never can there be too many.

And my day? Mostly lying around listening to the sounds of Jacob. Not a bad deal, really. As I lay on the couch he would occasionally walk over and rest his head next to mine on the pillow. Father and son - having a moment.

Surely I can learn something from that...

Day 13 - The Bug

Saturday was the coldest day in Abilene this year. I don't think the temperature got above the 20's. It turned out to be a good day to stay indoors, drink some hot coffee, and do some reading. For most of the day I would have to say that I had not recognized any special "surprise me" moments. However, as the day drew to a close, I noticed a not-so-comfortable feeling within which seems to have been a 24 (48?) hour bug of some sort. Well, there you go. Surprise. Didn't see that one coming.

I'd like to spiritualize this into something meaningful, but I think it was just a bug. Surprising . . . but not particularly special.

See you tomorrow.

Day 12 - Doin' the Hank Snow

On day five I described my frustration with the insurance company handling our auto accident (see day one for accident info). In the interest of fairness and full disclosure . . . they came through. Today we settled on an amount and the car goes to the repair shop on Monday. It's good to know that an old friend...a hardly-worse-for-wear '95 Tracer...will remain in the family.

Sometimes the surprise is in how quickly life moves on to the next thing. James had it right in his fourth chapter..."life is a vapor..."

Day 11 - A Dental Surprise

On Thursday I went to the dentist. This was a regular check-up; x-rays, cleaning, that sort of thing. My surprise came when I noticed there would be a new dental hygienist working with me. Jennifer has been there since I first started coming in. Today, no Jennifer. Meet Jean.

Jean was great. She performed all the tasks required in a painless manner - you can't ask for more than that. She was also a wonderful conversationalist. This is a little more tricky since the purpose of the visit is to poke around inside my mouth with sharp instruments. Let's just say the conversation was fairly one-sided.

And by listening, I learned some things. Jean has returned to Abilene after having evacuated from the New Orleans area. She and her family are victims of Hurricane Katrina. She shared stories of dreadful loss (a two-story home flooded halfway up the first floor), abandoned neighborhoods, and help that has come as if by angels. Her story is tragic. And majestic.

In the midst of her loss she has found a way to see the positive. A new town that has opened its arms wide. A new job with a former employer (where, according to Jean, it feels like family). And a group of strangers from varying Christian backgrounds that has come alongside for support and friendship.

Jean, you were a surprise. And an inspiration.

Day 10 - The Strato Chief

I was listening to a song in my car this morning - a song I've heard many times before. It's about driving a Pontiac. A '63 with a three-on-the-tree as I recall. Anyway, there's this line that goes something like ". . . and objects in the mirror are precisely their own size." Not exactly deep thoughts, but today that stuck with me. Objects in the mirror that are precisely their own size. I began to consider the trivial things in life that I sometimes blow out of proportion. And the important milestones that I sometimes overlook.

When I read about Jesus, I recognize someone who understood the gravity of important situations (see "money-changers in the temple" and any of a dozen or so encounters with religious "leaders"). I also recognize someone who knew how to stop and care for the young, the hurt, the left-out, and the dismissed. No need was too trivial.

My surprise for today? A song by a guy named Fred - about a car - that reminded me to be more like Jesus.

Day 9 - Valentine's Day

This morning as I got in the car for the drive to work, I noticed a big bright-red envelope attached to the steering wheel. This would be one way my wife tells me she loves me - sweet surprises on special days. The day's just begun and surprise #1 has put a big smile on my face.

On the way to work, I decided to stop at the local quick-mart for a low-cost cappuccino. I picked up a cup of my current favorite, Irish Creme. Walking back to the car I narrowly missed a second surprise - a bird dropped his "blessing" my way. It just missed, landing to my left. It was then I was reminded I had not yet prayed, "Surprise me, God." I was also reminded that not all surprises are pleasant. I don't want to think about what surprise #2 (yeah, I said it) would have put on my face.

At church our educational staff spent an hour or so getting to know each other. A few are new to the team, so this was time well spent. Getting-to-know-you-time continued at lunch with another recent addition to the circle of friends.

And tonight Krista and I joined 50 or so others for a Valentine's evening dinner theater. One who could have joined us instead chose to baby-sit Jacob while we went out. How nice is that?

Looking back over this Valentine's Day I've been reminded of how fortunate I am - blessed with friends. My best friend, Krista. My youngest friend, Jacob. And "old" and "new" friends all around.

It's been a day of friends.

And one bird with bad aim.

Day 8 - Monday, Monday

Why can't Monday be on Thursday so the next day could be Friday?

I woke up this morning in the easy-chair. Nothing like falling asleep to the Olympics coverage and waking up to the "Popeil Power-Vac" infomercial. It's no wonder momas and papas can't trust this day.

Jumped in the car around 7:45 a.m. Arrived at work five minutes later. Can't do that in many cities. Krista's commute is maybe one minute longer. Abilene is a great place to live. Slower pace. Sincere people.

And John, Brad, Jerris - thanks for the prayer time today.

As for surprise, I had a nice one toward the end of the work day. A friend dropped by the office unexpectedly. He's been playing guitar for a year or so but I'd never had the opportunity to play with him. I'd heard he was playing well and today confirmed that. It was a pleasure. Some Eagles, a little Clapton, a taste of Switchfoot, and a blues jam in 'A.' Nice surprise at the end of a day.

What's this have to do with faith and 30-days and the prayer, "Surprise me, God?" I don't know . . . it's Monday.

Day 7 - Community

Sunday is always an interesting day. This Sunday that was a good thing. Morning services and bible studies seemed to go well. I met three folks that were first time guests at our church and I had three interesting conversations. Each guest had a different story to tell. They also had something in common. A desire for community. It wasn't always expressed in those exact words, but that seemed to be the common sub-text.

Lunch with the family was a shared experience - literally. Krista and I split some kung-pao chicken (you gotta love the little red peppers) and Jacob "shared" by making sure he got plenty of food splattered onto mommy to justify the whole "sit still and eat" experience.

At 4 p.m. a group from our church met to "prayer walk" the surrounding neighborhood. This is a new venture for us and 16 folks showed up on a cold/windy day to participate. The object is to literally walk the streets around our church, praying for the people who live in the homes and making ourselves keenly aware of any need we might observe - to be "Jesus" to those closest to us . . . to our community.

This evening our church offered 9 or 10 classes on living the christian life. Some of the topics included worshipping, finding your giftedness, faith, and developing a quiet time. I don't know what the attendance was like but I do know that many people were walking the halls, talking about the next group they were to attend - or what they had just discussed in their last meeting.

I think I just experienced a day of community.

Day 6 - Steps

Saturday started around 7:30 a.m. A cold front has moved into town, so it was a bit chilly around the house. That's O.K. - nothing a hot cup of coffee wouldn't cure.

This was a day of steps.

Around nine this morning I headed over to the local coffee shop to prepare for some teaching on Sunday. I can't do this in one sitting. For me this is a process requiring several steps. Early in the week, get a direction. Middle of the week, flesh out the thought. Friday and Saturday it's a bagel and cup of "breakfast blend" while working out the details. Steps.

This week I've spent some time with Nicodemus and the "crowd" that followed Jesus. I've been reminded that both (one person and one group) came to Jesus in steps. Nicodemus at night. The crowd on dusty streets and hillsides. One came back at Jesus' death (Nic). Others turned aside when the new wore off (some of the crowd). More steps.

Then there's Jacob. He decided to make this the weekend for his first extended upright travel. That's right - he took steps. Earlier in the week he would take one or two. Today, off he went across the living room floor. Next week? Who knows - but more steps are guaranteed.

Saturday was a day to remember life is made up of steps. God, thank you for stepping into my world. And God, thank you for reminding me it's not my world.

One step at a time . . .

Day 5 - Insurance

This morning I had an appointment to see the insurance adjuster concerning the damage to our car (see Monday, Feb. 6, for details). I assumed this would be a routine thing - a few photos, work up an estimate, I'm on my merry way to a body shop for repairs. Surprise.

Though the final word has yet to come down, the adjuster let me know there's a good chance the car will be "totaled" by the insurance company. This would be great if "totaled" meant, "Here's a check to cover the replacement cost of your vehicle." No such luck. The amount mentioned is more of a starter kit toward a replacement. I think I'm losing my aroma . . .

So insurance companies accept payments month after month, then - when you actually need them (in this case, it's the driver of the other car that paid month after month. I just need them) it's thank you very much. Here's the least we could do. Really.

I know. They have a job to do.

This I also know. God doesn't approach his relationship with me in the same way. In our relationship, he's the one who paid. He's the one who gives. And I need him so much. I'm "totaled." Thank you, God, that your "adjuster" paid my claim to the maximum.

Day 4 - A Fragrant Reminder

Thursday was one of those "gotta get things done" days. Several loose ends to tie up in preparation for the weekend. For the most part, success.

My "surprise" moment today came as I was reflecting on the long day that was. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and because of its special aroma (maybe it's a bar-b-que place or has a smoking area) you realized you were carrying around a fragrant reminder of the visit for the rest of the day? Well, I had an experience not unlike that today. After leaving this place there was no mistaking where I'd been (just ask my wife). I carried its distinctive mark everywhere I went.

What's the surprise? For me it was the realization that that's the way I want my relationship with God to be. To be near him, to be inundated by his "aroma," and to be unmistakably identified--marked--as his.

Day 3 - One Scoop or Two?

Day three. Overslept. Not even close to waking up to the alarm. Once awake, it was "surprise me, God," and on with the day. Only a few days in and I'm already having to remind myself not to take these three words for granted.

Wednesday is the day our staff meets to plan, pray, and eat. Just before I was to leave for this meeting I recieved a call from a nurse who is trying to help a friend. Without going into many details, it was a reminder that there are many good people in my world that genuinely care for others - even those they've barely met. It reminds me of Jesus.

Also before staff meeting I received an email from a new friend who passed along a magazine article for me to read. Though it was not directly related to the "Surprise Me" experiment, it sure hit right where I'm walking these days. Bullseye. Thanks, friend. I'm not even to staff meeting yet and God has dropped two nice surprises my way. Is this unusual or am I just more aware in the midst of this 30 days? I think I know the answer.

Several good things happened during the day, but I think the moment that stands out came during the evening. After arriving home I had the honor(?) of cleaning up after Sammy, the fourth member of our family. Sammy is a Shetland Sheepdog. And cleaning up after Sammy means . . . well . . . you know what it means. Though he took to "training" by the end of his first week with me (now eight years ago), he still has no capacity for picking up after himself. So it's me, Sammy, and a scooper. Joy.

Why recount this? In eight years I've never realized that Sammy is much like me (oh, please keep reading - now is a bad time to stop). As I scooped again and again it occured to me that I leave piles of litter in my wake every day - and not just for eight years - but forty-eight. That's more "scoops" than I care to recall. And I have no capacity to clean up after myself. Thank you God. You're willing to get "dirty" with me. To stoop down and make clean that which is not.

God, today you've shown yourself to me through new and old friends, casual conversations, "blog" entries . . . and Sammy.

Day 2 - Baghdad to Buffalo Gap

This morning I got it right. Up early (5:30 a.m. will always be early to me), prayed "Surprise me, God," then on with the day.

I was invited to lunch with a couple of friends and a USAF chaplain. We ate Chinese food, buffet style, and chatted at length about his recent experiences. Cody has just returned from Baghdad, Iraq. He shared many stories, but the "thread" that ran throughout was his feeling of purpose and accomplishment as he served alongside our men and women in harms way. I think God was reminding me to seek fulfillment and joy in service, no matter where it may lead - no matter the external circumstances. Fried rice and a lesson in living.

This evening, like most Tuesday evenings, a group of friends gathered at our home for bible study. Our theme for the next several weeks goes along with this 30-day experiment, "surprise, me." I appreciated the stories of how several in the group are increasingly aware of God at work around them. From conversations with strangers to unexpected checks in the mail. From schedules interrupted to opportunities for care. If this is but a "micro" look at what's occurring with others in our experiment, we'll have some interesting stories by the end of 30 days.

From Baghdad to Buffalo Gap, God is reminding me that he is large and his blessings abound - even when I don't see it personally.

It's late (or is it early?). Enough already. Good night.

Day 1 - Unfinished Stories and Accidents

Wow, day one is finally here. First, a confession. I got up early, had a morning cup of coffee, and was watching a little post-game Super Bowl coverage when I realized - I haven't started my day with my three-word prayer, "Surprise Me, God." Day one - hour one - and I've already dropped the ball.

I did pray - and then continued my day. In the morning, I had a productive meeting with a friend where we discussed this 30-day experiment. We talked a little about how there might be many stories begun but few completed over the next month. We'll see. Still, it's important (to me) that I be on the lookout for 'threads' in my life where God is beginning to sew.

In the afternoon I had an accidental (?) meeting that resulted in my hearing a touching story of a mom and daughter beginning to heal a longtime hurt. Her words to me were something to the effect that, "It's not all better, we have a long way to go . . . but what a happy surprise." An unsolicited surprise moment. Something is happening there. I hope to see the end of that story.

Finally, I came home with Jacob and began what was to be a short wait for Krista and take-out Chinese food. When the phone rang and her number came up on caller ID I didn't expect to hear, "I'm O.K., but I've just been in a car accident. Side-swiped. The food may be a little cold before I get home." Krista's fine. No one seems to be hurt. And the other driver is fully insured. All good. But enough surprises for one day.
Sew away . . .