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As one or two of you know, for a decade I have been working on a novel (chapters from an early draft exist somewhere on this blog – happy hunting if you care). The protagonist is a guy who works for a non-profit and is trying to help a group of people (NO, his name is not Tom – though I think I will make a cameo appearance on a train somewhere in the book). Enough of that.

After a long hiatus I have gotten back to work on this project thanks to encouragement from my wife and a former colleague who has become a writer. Of late, it has been interesting to watch the main character develop (his name, currently, is Scott).

It has been fascinating for me to see Scott develop and see the needs in his life. He is a follower of Jesus but… is struggling with his relationship with God and it shows in his decisions and the way he treats people. It struck me recently that he has many of the characteristics that drive me crazy about those of us who are leaders.

What he needs is to slow the heck down. He needs, what many call margin or boundaries. He needs to seek the counsel of wiser people than himself who are outside his immediate circle and listen to them before making decisions and above all, ABOVE ALL… he needs to slow down, connect to and listen to God more than 7 minutes a day (see an earlier post).

Character is not something we fix. Reading all the latest Gospel driven books, articles and blogs won’t do it UNLESS they drive us to abide in Jesus, soak in His word, and listen for his voice by waiting for him.

Today is Sunday.

Let’s all slow down and listen to God today.

Agreed?

Okay, be reminded of and meditate on some Biblical promises click here.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, (Philippians 1:12, ESV)

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:28-29 ESV)

Our job is to live for Christ and tell them the good news that His grace is greater than all their sin and that He wants them to abide in Him and He will change them and we will walk with them through it all as fellow disciples.

Stop punching a clock for some unseen boss what wants results. We are daughters and sons of The King inviting the adopted to new life!!!!!

Over the years I have developed a list of rules, tips, whatever… for traveling abroad… AT LEAST one of my friends actually gets it… read these words…

“Expectations often determine how difficult the shock will be and how long it will last. What I’ve found is that when those expectations are kept in check, Croatia has a lot of pleasant surprises.”

These are the words of Jeremy Bohall, who I wish I could write like…

YOU can read the rest of his awesome essay HERE!

I received a call from a friend this afternoon, he is losing his job. 

He has faithfully served his employer for over a decade. A more helpful, encouraging soul one could hardly ask for. Indeed, as I reflect on his character, I realize what a Christlike character he has. Indeed, before I began thinking my way through this post, I had not really considered that before.

Consider the Fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Yup, these are a fair sketch of my friend. Oh, he is not perfect, far from it, none of us are. But if the fruit of the spirit is a measuring stick, he measures up better than I. 

Time rolls on and things change, companies change direction, institutions change course and, if you, as a member of that organization, don’t change with it, you may find that you have to step aside. It seems my friend will have to step aside. In the last few years this has happened to many people and happens around the world all day, every day… progress or…

It is a sad reality. For his character is such, that his soon-to-be former employer and all who are associated there will miss this kindly gentleman. Indeed, if ever I have met a gentleman, this friend certainly does befit the modern use of the term. He is truly a gentleman.

Sadly, my friend, who is about my age (you know, older than dirt) may have difficulty finding new employment with things being what they are in the world these days. I certainly hope this is not the case. Indeed I will be praying for him and I ask you to pray for my friend as well. Pray that God would give him trust and would provide for my friend. 

It was interesting, when he called, he was filled with such grace. As he told me the story, there was no harshness, no bitterness. I can’t say that about many people. I certainly know that can’t be said about me. Indeed, this friend may be one of the kindest souls I have ever met. 

In the annals of life my friend will go down as one who was kind and thoughtful, admired by many, beloved even.

Yes.

Beloved.

Perhaps moreso than any human I have had the privilege to know during my years travelin’ this sod.

For my kind, beloved friend, as he begins a new chapter, I offer my prayers for a bright future and my profoundest respect for such a gentleman.

Since I’ll be down in DelPest tomorrow night, I offer the last pic this evening… now to pack.