Day 30 - "I Won't Stop"

Day 30 of 30. What seemed so far away has now arrived. That's a bit of a surprise - how quickly this experiment has passed.

Each morning, sometime after "Surprise me, God" and before leaving for work, Krista and I get Jacob ready for the day. There's no distinct pattern (though she seems always to do more) but we often fall into a routine which consists of Krista removing the "night-nights," changing the diaper, and combing away bedhead. While this is happening I'll do my best to get the morning meal ready, then feed and burp Jacob before our trip to daycare.

This morning was role-reversal. A random switch. A wholly serendipitous event. At wake up/diaper change time, Krista was eating breakfast. Put me in, coach.

But first, a word of background. Yesterday was Jake's one year check-up. Included in the visit were three booster shots. For what? I don't know...just hold the baby and trust the doctor (there's probably a "surprise" there. Something about faith, trust, submission, etc. - but I'm on a mission to tell another story - no time to stop and reflect...)

(shoot, that's probably another "surprise" I should stop to explore. I've now entered some bizarre Star Trek-esque time/warp/surprise continuum...)

(day 30 - geekness revealed)

Back to this morning. Evidently the shots have not only made Jacob's legs sore, they've empowered him with - well, with - how do I say this - an extra amount of "blessing" in his diaper. And on his legs. Soaked through the "night-nights." Accompanied by that special aroma for which I've come equipped with a clothes pin. Enough said...you get the picture.

With fresh diaper and belly full, I dropped off Jacob at daycare and decided to purchase one last "30-days" cappuccino. On the ride to work I was listening to a song with the lyric, "It's a full time job to keep a part time lover." The song concludes with the repeated mantra, "I won't stop."

My day 30 surprise came as those two moments (the morning with Jacob and listening to this song) collided. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, describes a God who loves mankind so much that he makes the decision to leave his holy home and live among us. And not as a fully grown man "poofed" into existence, but as one of us. As a baby. God, who knows everything, chose to live as Jacob was this morning. Unable to take care of himself. Completely dependent on others. Often covered in filth. His choice. For me. I celebrate God's sacrifice at the end of his earthly existence. I don't often consider his sacrifice at the beginning.

Then the words hit. "It's a full time job to keep a part time lover." God, full time seeking to make himself known. Doing whatever it takes. That I, no better than a part time lover, would have the opportunity to enter into life-giving relationship with him.

I don't deserve this. And, I think, that's the point.

Diapers and music and an odd reminder of the depth of God's love. That's my surprise today.

And Jesus says, "I won't stop." And the mantra continues...

Day 29 - Loss and Gain

It's the next to last night for my blog experience. I'm not sure I've developed an ongoing habit...

As I near the end of "'Surprise me, God' - a 30 day faith experiment," I find myself wanting to find God's surprises - like an Easter egg hunt. I'm sure that's not good, but it is true. Then, just as I've gotten comfortable with the thought that my surprises may be used up (at least as far as these 30 days are concerned), I open an email and receive a 2-in-1.

A good friend's mom passed away this morning. She's been battling cancer for several months. My friend returned home to be with her, and family, during these tough days. He indicated that he and other family members were at his mom's side as she slipped away. Small blessings in the midst of loss...and gain.

Surprise #2 was the next paragraph of the email. This friend is now engaged to be married. You could sense the mixture of joy and sadness in the tone of his writing. Loss and gain. All cloaked with love.

Today was a not-so-subtle reminder that my days are not my days and that in the midst of loss, life carries on.

Day 28 - Two Crowds

Day 28 of beginning my day with "surprise me, God."

I woke up at 4 a.m. to the sound of a baby crying. I went to look in on Jacob when I realized the TV, which had been left on all night, featured a crying baby. Oops. Surprise. I guess this morning will start a little early...

Today at church I was privileged to do something I really enjoy - leading a discussion about life and scripture and how they go together. Part of the scripture concerned Jesus and his approach to "the crowd" that grew up around him. Contrary to what I might think Jesus would do, he often painted a not-so-pleasant picture of what it means to be his follower (hate your mother and father, give up all your possessions, you're blessed when you're persecuted, etc.). As our discussion went on, I was once again reminded Jesus was not always "user-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" (take a deep breath - I didn't say "never" - I said "not always").

Anyway, I love the give and take of a lively discussion about life and Jesus.

Tonight is the second installment of Joe's Sunday Evening Concert Series. Last week, The Stock Market Crash. This week, "goat boy" and Third Day. I'm enjoying both sets tonight. Good music. Good opportunity for worship. Ample volume.

I can't help but notice the crowd during the concert. Often festive, most will stand/clap/sway/or wave open cell phones (lighters for a new generation) whenever prompted. Some are looking around to their friends first, before acting, to be sure they're being "joined."

My mind is returning to this morning and our discussion of "the crowd" around Jesus. I wonder if some of his more pointed statements to them were spoken to discourage "followship of the prompted?" Don't wave your staff in the air, or knock the dust of your shoes, just because someone else is. Count the cost. Then, without looking back...or to others, follow me.

I would continue, but I think I just heard someone say it's time for the encore...

Anybody wanna stand?

Day 27 - Checkpoint Chickie

My first surprise today was the hour I awoke. The phone was ringing and I'm thinking, "it's way to bright in here to be six in the morning." I was right. But it was just the right amount of light for 9:45 a.m. Sweet.

I did some study for a lesson I'm teaching tomorrow and some research on an upcoming project. Boom, the morning's shot. In the afternoon I happened across the TV Land channel tribute to Don Knotts. That's been pretty much the rest of my day. Who can pass up non-stop Andy, Barney, Opie, and the rest?

Watching these shows reminded me of some things I like. Friends who always cheer you on. Disagreements that are settled in a civil, and often humorous, way. Children who respect their parents and parents going the extra mile for their children. That no matter how wacky we may be, someone...somewhere...loves us (see Otis, Goober, Gomer, and Ernest T.). Quiet moments at the end of the day spent quietly rocking - preferably on the front porch.

Nothing too spiritual here. I enjoy the show. It was on. I watched...and watched...and...

As my 30 day journey of surprise nears its end, I'll keep my eyes open to the last moment. And hopefully, beyond.

"God, surprise me."

Day 26 - Movie Night

Friday. Not just any Friday. The first Friday of the month. And in Abilene at our church - that means Parents Night Out.

;-)

Yeah, I'm not much for cutsie symbols, but Parents Night Out does put a smile on my face.

Tonight this meant dropping off Jacob at 6:15 p.m. as Krista and I began our date. First stop? Rosa's for some fajitas and chips with salsa. Next stop? The movie theater and a little Bruce Willis and Mos Def in "16 blocks." I won't provide any "spoilers," but I will say I enjoyed the movie. Plenty of action and just enough plot for a Friday evening.

I can't watch a movie anymore without looking for good illustrations or the meaning behind the meaning. There were two recurring "lines-of-thought" that caught my ear. In one, Eddie (Def) reminds Jack (Willis) that people can change. In another, Eddie points out that things happen for a reason - and we'll understand those reasons if we pay attention to the "signs" around us.

Sounds a lot like the "surprise me" experiment, at least as I understand it. God is at work around me (things happen) and I'll understand "it" and Him better as I have my "surprise-radar-antenna" up and functioning (noticing the "signs"). IF I'm faithful to that commitment, then change (being transformed) should be the by-product.

16 blocks. 30 days. Still walking...

Day 25 - What About Bob?

Recently, our church began a 19 month construction project. Each week I notice something new has been built up, dug in, or torn down. We've also had to re-route walking traffic to a portion of our facility. This morning I left my office on a mission for a diet soda. Halfway there I realized "you can't get there from here anymore." @#$%^&*!!! (that's church-speak for "oh my, I must now choose a different route"). The problem was easily solved and soon a cool, refreshing drink was in hand.


On the way back, something caught my eye. We've not used simple signs to direct people around the construction area. Instead, our administrator chose to use blown up (enlarged...not ka-plu-ee), pixelated, life-sized, "Bob the Builder" sign-boards. These have been around for a few days, but I had not seen before what I saw today. Children from the daycare, as they passed "Bob," would wave to him, speak to him ("Hi Bob the Beul-dah"), and even hug him. This wasn't one or two children. This was the mob. The herd. The swarm. They all wanted a piece of Bob. And Bob was just a cardboard replica of the "real" thing. Cute is probably an over used term. But it applies here.

Besides the "Bob" moment, this was a day for study, writing, and talking to several individuals - a couple contemplating marriage, a single dad working out "life," and a friend who just needed someone to listen.

As the day ends, however, my thoughts go back to Bob and the children. A replica, however imperfect, that so represents the original that others are drawn to it. That passers-by want to be near it. That, just by its presence, changes the path people are walking and leaves them with a smile.

Hmmm. I can learn about following You by taking a detour and observing children with a life-sized, cut-out, cardboard replica of an imported kiddy cartoon character?

Surprise.

Day 24 - Chicken Enchiladas

After a good day at the office, I arrived home to my mother-in-law's chicken enchilada dinner. This is one of those traditional meals served anytime the family gets together. On this night, my in-laws last in town before a long drive to Phoenix, it was especially memorable. As always, the meal was delicious. Enchiladas. Large dinner rolls. Salad. What's not to like?

And on this night Jacob participated. (Yes, I've mentioned my son often - walking, birthday, smiles, etc. - but look, it's MY blog and OUR first child. So, yeah, you'll hear plenty more about Jacob before this is over). Did I digress? On with the story...

And on this night Jacob participated. He's been eating off of our plate during meals for a while now. He has always sprinkled in our food with a healthy dose of his. Not tonight. Once he got a taste of Grandma Owens' chicken enchiladas it was over. Banana "stars" are hurtling to the floor. Strawberry "wheels" are being shoved under his seat. And don't get me started on the sippy cup. Nothing would satisfy like even the tiniest bit off mom's plate. Just for the record - Krista loves Jacob, but there was this one moment... Let's just say, don't mess with K-dogs enchiladas.

Fortunately, no limbs were lost and in the end all of the enchilada dish was gone. Devoured. Jacob, welcome to a great tradition that I'm sure you'll witness for decades to come. And thank you, Grandma.

Today's surprise is in the real life picture of a child literally putting aside the baby food and begging for the meaty stuff. Nothing else would satisfy. Jacob, daddy says "thanks for the reminder...and the lesson."