What Can I learn from this guy?

A convicted felon, a homeless guy, a alcoholic, a drug addict...what can I learn from these people. I can learn a lot. I can learn about the brokenness of humanity, I can learn about the frailty of life. I can learn that they still have dreams and the ability to learn and laugh. I learn that I can be right where they are and in some ways I am. That I am capable of making mistakes and that I do. I learn that human touch is appreciated and that conversation is a wonderful tool to hear someone's story. I learn that these wonderful human beings are someone's father, someone's son, uncle, brother or sister. I learn what real need is, and that it is so much more than just a bowl of food but that it is a kind word and an encouragement. I learn a lot actually...

I can and do learn every Thursday night that I am there under the Burnside Bridge and Night Strike. Maybe we will see you there.

Personal Reflections on Matthew 14

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:29 - 31

This account has been in my mind this week. It has challenged me and really given me peace. My week has already started with so much. So many things in the natural that want to take my focus off of Christ, things that want me to turn my head to the left or to the right or to look down into the darkness of the unknown, instead of keeping my focus on "coming toward Jesus."

When I look down the natural takes over, the fear, the competitiveness, the ambition and lack of faith. These splash up on me and cause me to look at the natural rather than keeping my eyes straight ahead on Christ. I have had to literally self talk myself a couple of times "keep your eyes on Christ" "look straight ahead..." I realize how much I need Him. To keep my focus on Him. It is inevitable that I will be like Peter and get emotional and focus on the natural, but He will be there, He will reach out His hand and catch me...and for that I am so thankful. Be at peace.

Why I have hesitated to blog.

Hmmm. Well here it is my first blog post. Well, not really. I actually have started a couple of these only to abandoned them after a while. I have struggled with this form of communication. I am not a good writer, my wife says that I write like I talk, and that might make it difficult for people.

So I am hoping to make this work for me and for those that are interested at all in what I am working out in my life. I am not sure how I will use this yet. My friend David K. is a great blogger and thinker. I think out loud. I process out loud so maybe this will work for me and maybe not. Let me know will you. Hoping to post something once a week or so.

We shall see. Peace