Outside the box, but built in line...

"A key spiritual discipline, therefore, in the upside-down Kingdom of the oddly shaped Christ is the practice of doing out-of-the-box Kingdom things. When we respond to Jesus' example and actively step out of our comfort zone—the status quo, what is expected, and what is normal—on a regular basis, we give God the opportunity to gradually chisel away attitudes and habits that are not life-giving and to bring our values and life practices in line with the Cornerstone."

The stone the builders rejected has
become the chief corner stone; this is the
LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; Let us
rejoice and be glad in it.
                Psalm 118:22-24

Too Good

"Sometimes the relationship I offer you seems too good to be true.  I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me.  In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy.  There is an intricate connection between receiving and believing: as you trust Me more and more, you are able to receive Me and My blessings abundantly.  Be still and know that I am God."

-from Jesus Calling

It was an incredible day.  Didn't start well, though.  I fought my alarm clock (cell phone) with swipes at 10-minute intervals.  The tender sunlight on the neighboring palm tree won my admiration, but didn't pull me out for a run.  I rolled over.  I moaned.  I finally pulled myself upright and started reading today's Lent devotional.  Be transformed by the renewing of your mind... The words of the prophet Isaiah (chapter 53) became appropriate, became interesting, became my prayers, became a window into God's heart for loving and redeeming the whole world with a suffering love.  It transformed me and my mind, my attitude and my morning.

The day wound through a meeting about me (goals, progress, plans) and a meeting about the state of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Both were surprisingly encouraging.  I should write more about that.  Next time.

I finished the evening with a run at sunset.  All my prior trips to the local park had been in the mornings, and what a different scene it was!  I passed people constantly on the sidewalks.  School-kids ambled to get home before dark.  Adults finished days of work.  The noise!  A joyous tumult: Mexican lady walking buddies, street slang around a busted engine, Vietnamese moms and dads and brothers.  My favorites were the parallel soccer games.  Men/ young adults kicked up some serious dirt for an intense futbol match, while a grupito of young boys had their game set up with coke bottles marking the goals off to the side.  People FILLED the public space in a way that I rarely see in the U.S.  They overflowed into a place of fun and commonality and health.  People who would never be in a room together were linked in a rhythm born of shared life and limited space.

Jesus, it's too good and vibrant.  Help me receive.