Many of us just observed Valentine’s Day, America’s annual celebration of love. But who knows what “love” really is?
Popular media tell us love consists of emotions and hormones. Take, for example, “The Bachelor”: Two dozen amorous females vie for the eye of Single Guy. Within weeks, with no other male options in sight, the surviving candidates declare themselves “in love” with Mr. Handsome. (By that juncture, they would probably fall in love with a telephone pole if it had biceps and an Adam’s apple.)
Do you remember the old sitcom – “The Love Boat”? Each week during a few days’ cruise, couples would discover the loves of their lives. With all those good-looking, trim and fit people cavorting about, it should have been “The Lust Boat.”
We talk about “falling” in and out of love, as if gravity has something to do with it. Does falling out of love involve a disturbance of gravitational force?
Emotions and hormones are important, but there’s much more to love than that. Shared experiences, conflict, laughter, tears, struggle – and mutual commitment to one another, no matter what – are keys to enduring love.
The Bible, interestingly enough, speaks about romance and sex, but gives other perspectives on love as well. It teaches that love is unconditional and sacrificial: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
We have heard 1 Corinthians 13 recited at weddings so often it’s almost a cliché, but still it goes a long way in defining true love. It describes it as patient, kind, humble, selfless, truthful, trusting, hopeful, persevering. It says nothing about love being “sexy” or “hot,” but if those other qualities are present, the hot, sexy part will follow!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Not How You Start, But How You Finish
This week NASCAR officially gets its season underway. For years the sport’s colorful spectacle, powerful race cars and skilled drivers have fascinated me. But I have been intrigued even more by principles for successful racing – many of which also apply to successful living.
One of them immediately comes to mind: “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” This principle holds true for many forms of competition, but none so dramatically as motor racing.
The coveted “pole position” entitles one driver to start the race in first place, but has virtually nothing to do with the race’s outcome. You can race well in the early going, even dominate much of the contest, but if you have a wreck, flat tire, blown engine, transmission failure, or get passed by a faster vehicle – even on the final lap – you still lose.
It’s similar in marriage, parenting, education, work, relationships, hobbies, even our spiritual journey. We can start with great enthusiasm and energy, but the test is how we sustain our commitment in the face of obstacles, struggles, everyday tedium. Do we lose heart during tough times and fall back?
Finishing well is a recurring – even dominant – theme in the Bible. In Philippians 3:14 the apostle Paul states, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In Paul’s final letter to his disciple, Timothy, he writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). And Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
More than 60 years into my time on earth, I’m closer to the end than to the start. So it’s a worthwhile question to consider: Am I finishing well?
How about you?
One of them immediately comes to mind: “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” This principle holds true for many forms of competition, but none so dramatically as motor racing.
The coveted “pole position” entitles one driver to start the race in first place, but has virtually nothing to do with the race’s outcome. You can race well in the early going, even dominate much of the contest, but if you have a wreck, flat tire, blown engine, transmission failure, or get passed by a faster vehicle – even on the final lap – you still lose.
It’s similar in marriage, parenting, education, work, relationships, hobbies, even our spiritual journey. We can start with great enthusiasm and energy, but the test is how we sustain our commitment in the face of obstacles, struggles, everyday tedium. Do we lose heart during tough times and fall back?
Finishing well is a recurring – even dominant – theme in the Bible. In Philippians 3:14 the apostle Paul states, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In Paul’s final letter to his disciple, Timothy, he writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). And Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
More than 60 years into my time on earth, I’m closer to the end than to the start. So it’s a worthwhile question to consider: Am I finishing well?
How about you?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Fascination That Is Football
When the final second of Sunday’s Super Bowl ticked off, the 2008 football season officially came to a close. (The 2009 season technically commences on Wednesday, the first day new recruits can sign national letters of intent to play for their colleges and universities of choice.)
Have you ever wondered what it is about football that’s so compelling, so fascinating, that it has become a virtual year-round sport? We could list many reasons, but I think there are two in particular:
First, every play matters and we have ample time in between to analyze each play and anticipate the next. True, the slow pace of baseball gives ample time for chit-chat, but so much of it is irrelevant – balls, strikes, foul balls, trips to the mound.
Second, football offers such dramatic ebbs and flows. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ last-second win over the Arizona Cardinals was a classic example. After three quarters of virtual futility on offense, the Cardinals took flight in the final quarter and struck for two touchdowns, the second giving them the lead and, seemingly, the victory.
But the Steelers staged a heart-thumping comeback of their own, capped by Santonio Holmes’ finger-tipped, tip-toed touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone. Arizona euphoria turned to despair; Pittsburgh’s dismay transformed to ecstasy.
Even then, Arizona had nearly a minute to pull off the seemingly impossible. Having just seen two other “seemingly impossibles” become not only possible but actual, Cardinal diehards clung to faint, fading glimmers of hope.
Alas, the celebrated rags-to-riches saga of Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner had no storybook finale this time, although he came within a flea’s eyelash of being a Super Bowl hero for a second time. Valiant in battle, he was vanquished but not bowed, noble in defeat.
Can’t wait for football season to start!
Have you ever wondered what it is about football that’s so compelling, so fascinating, that it has become a virtual year-round sport? We could list many reasons, but I think there are two in particular:
First, every play matters and we have ample time in between to analyze each play and anticipate the next. True, the slow pace of baseball gives ample time for chit-chat, but so much of it is irrelevant – balls, strikes, foul balls, trips to the mound.
Second, football offers such dramatic ebbs and flows. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ last-second win over the Arizona Cardinals was a classic example. After three quarters of virtual futility on offense, the Cardinals took flight in the final quarter and struck for two touchdowns, the second giving them the lead and, seemingly, the victory.
But the Steelers staged a heart-thumping comeback of their own, capped by Santonio Holmes’ finger-tipped, tip-toed touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone. Arizona euphoria turned to despair; Pittsburgh’s dismay transformed to ecstasy.
Even then, Arizona had nearly a minute to pull off the seemingly impossible. Having just seen two other “seemingly impossibles” become not only possible but actual, Cardinal diehards clung to faint, fading glimmers of hope.
Alas, the celebrated rags-to-riches saga of Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner had no storybook finale this time, although he came within a flea’s eyelash of being a Super Bowl hero for a second time. Valiant in battle, he was vanquished but not bowed, noble in defeat.
Can’t wait for football season to start!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Obesity Virus
Recently on a cable news network – either CNN or Fox News – some medical “expert” explained why some scientists now believe obesity might be attributed to a virus.
If that’s true, I propose the name of the virus should be something like “Calorius Toomuchus,” or “Couchus Potatis.”
It’s not that I’m insensitive to people struggling with obesity. Several members of my extended family have struggled with this life-altering problem, and I have lost 30-35 unwanted pounds since my heart surgery two years ago. But it seems we are always desperately looking for either quick fixes, or handy excuses, for difficult problems – including being overweight. We demand magic pills, or instant-results fad diets. Anything not requiring hard work, determination and commitment.
True, some people rightfully trace weight issues to physiological maladies, but for most of us, the problem is simple: We eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don’t exercise enough.
A positive follow-up to my surgery was cardiac rehabilitation, which included training in proper exercise and healthy eating. Not only did I learn a balanced fitness regimen including cardio machines and weight training, but also discovered what I should – and shouldn’t – be eating. I’m learned about fats – saturated, unsaturated and trans – even how to read labels on packaged foods.
Those donuts I used to reward myself with after a power-walking session? No more. McDonald’s sausage biscuits, which contain 5 grams of cholesterol-producing transfat, became a dietary taboo. Instead, fruits, vegetables and nuts became a priority, and I learned to enjoy grilled foods, rather than fried. Thankfully, my cholesterol numbers improved dramatically as a result.
More than thirty pounds lighter, I no longer fear my first heart attack. We weight-challenged individuals need proactive, preventive action plans, not excuses.
I could write more, but it’s time for my next cardiac rehab class!
If that’s true, I propose the name of the virus should be something like “Calorius Toomuchus,” or “Couchus Potatis.”
It’s not that I’m insensitive to people struggling with obesity. Several members of my extended family have struggled with this life-altering problem, and I have lost 30-35 unwanted pounds since my heart surgery two years ago. But it seems we are always desperately looking for either quick fixes, or handy excuses, for difficult problems – including being overweight. We demand magic pills, or instant-results fad diets. Anything not requiring hard work, determination and commitment.
True, some people rightfully trace weight issues to physiological maladies, but for most of us, the problem is simple: We eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don’t exercise enough.
A positive follow-up to my surgery was cardiac rehabilitation, which included training in proper exercise and healthy eating. Not only did I learn a balanced fitness regimen including cardio machines and weight training, but also discovered what I should – and shouldn’t – be eating. I’m learned about fats – saturated, unsaturated and trans – even how to read labels on packaged foods.
Those donuts I used to reward myself with after a power-walking session? No more. McDonald’s sausage biscuits, which contain 5 grams of cholesterol-producing transfat, became a dietary taboo. Instead, fruits, vegetables and nuts became a priority, and I learned to enjoy grilled foods, rather than fried. Thankfully, my cholesterol numbers improved dramatically as a result.
More than thirty pounds lighter, I no longer fear my first heart attack. We weight-challenged individuals need proactive, preventive action plans, not excuses.
I could write more, but it’s time for my next cardiac rehab class!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Inauguration Day!
Watching Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States reminded me of how we feel when a new coach is hired to lead a beleaguered sports team, or when a difficult boss is replaced by a new one. Waves of hope and optimism wash over us, exploding with great expectations.
Levels of hope and optimism for the new President may be predicated by political leanings – higher for those leaning liberally, lower for those conservatively constrained – but without question, given recent national and global events, change was overdue.
But is Barack Obama the right change agent? He passes the look test: Impressive appearance, powerful orator, persuasive personality. Only time will reveal whether those outward traits rightly reflect inward leadership capabilities.
In the face of myriad economic, social, security and international challenges, will President Obama muster the integrity, courage, wisdom, compassion, boldness and humility required to prove being a leader worth following?
All Americans should desire to see him succeed – for the sake of the United States and the world it influences so greatly. How can we help?
There are many options –action committees, volunteer work, writing letters, calling legislators, etc. But first, according to the Bible, we should pray: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made foe everyone – for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:2).
The Scriptures also say, whether we voted for Obama or not, we should offer our support: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…. For he is God’s servant to do you good…” (Romans 13:1-5). So let’s not only hope, but also pray, that President Obama will prove to be the kind of leader our nation – and the world – need.
Levels of hope and optimism for the new President may be predicated by political leanings – higher for those leaning liberally, lower for those conservatively constrained – but without question, given recent national and global events, change was overdue.
But is Barack Obama the right change agent? He passes the look test: Impressive appearance, powerful orator, persuasive personality. Only time will reveal whether those outward traits rightly reflect inward leadership capabilities.
In the face of myriad economic, social, security and international challenges, will President Obama muster the integrity, courage, wisdom, compassion, boldness and humility required to prove being a leader worth following?
All Americans should desire to see him succeed – for the sake of the United States and the world it influences so greatly. How can we help?
There are many options –action committees, volunteer work, writing letters, calling legislators, etc. But first, according to the Bible, we should pray: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made foe everyone – for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:2).
The Scriptures also say, whether we voted for Obama or not, we should offer our support: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…. For he is God’s servant to do you good…” (Romans 13:1-5). So let’s not only hope, but also pray, that President Obama will prove to be the kind of leader our nation – and the world – need.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Smile, You’re on Candid Traffic-Cam
Recently I watched a news story about traffic cameras installed at key intersections to capture images of people speeding or failing to stop at red lights. The police chief noted, “The law is the same as it always has been. But because people see the cameras, they are more aware of it.”
You could make a similar observation about commandments we find in the Bible. Many people regard the laws and commands in the Scriptures as merely a collection of do’s and don’ts, established by a cosmic killjoy intent on restricting our freedom. But if God is indeed our Creator, as the Bible declares, He knows how we function most effectively.
Take the everyday example of a heavily traveled street in a medium-sized town. If there were no posted speed limits, one could assume it’s permissible to drive down the street at any speed. Intuitively, however, we understand that’s foolishness.
With other vehicles also on the road, not to mention pedestrians and intersections where oncoming vehicles might suddenly appear, we recognize even without a speed limit sign that we should drive carefully and wisely. However, once a speed limit is posted, we know authorities have determined what speed is safe for that street – assuming other conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, are not added to the equation.
In the same way, the Bible says that the law was given for our instruction. Proverbs 4:13 says, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
We don’t resent the manufacturer of a car, an appliance, even a video game, for providing a manual that tells us how to properly operate the equipment. In the same way, the Bible simply teaches us how we can best conduct our lives as our Maker intended.
You could make a similar observation about commandments we find in the Bible. Many people regard the laws and commands in the Scriptures as merely a collection of do’s and don’ts, established by a cosmic killjoy intent on restricting our freedom. But if God is indeed our Creator, as the Bible declares, He knows how we function most effectively.
Take the everyday example of a heavily traveled street in a medium-sized town. If there were no posted speed limits, one could assume it’s permissible to drive down the street at any speed. Intuitively, however, we understand that’s foolishness.
With other vehicles also on the road, not to mention pedestrians and intersections where oncoming vehicles might suddenly appear, we recognize even without a speed limit sign that we should drive carefully and wisely. However, once a speed limit is posted, we know authorities have determined what speed is safe for that street – assuming other conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, are not added to the equation.
In the same way, the Bible says that the law was given for our instruction. Proverbs 4:13 says, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
We don’t resent the manufacturer of a car, an appliance, even a video game, for providing a manual that tells us how to properly operate the equipment. In the same way, the Bible simply teaches us how we can best conduct our lives as our Maker intended.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Don’t Quit Shopping!
Reports about the just-ended Christmas shopping season have ranged from poor to downright dismal. Seems Americans failed to perform their patriotic duty.
What does shopping have to do with patriotism? You may recall during the last Presidential debate Barack Obama hearkened to the day after 9/11 attacks, when President Bush promised to avenge the heinous acts. Then the President issued a curious exhortation, admonishing all Americans not to stop shopping.
What a revelatory statement! While on one hand offering assurance that it was safe to go out in public, he also was acknowledging our economy’s hopeless entanglement with consumerism and materialism. Essentially he was admitting if most Americans – for whatever reason – suddenly decided they didn't have to buy the latest and the greatest, the economy would suffer greatly. (So I was a bit surprised that as the Christmas season began, the President didn’t go on national TV to remind us again about the importance of shopping; especially given current economic woes.)
The Bible warns against greed and covetousness, even citing them in the Ten Commandments. I believe these admonitions are there for good reason. It’s hard to put others first when we are busy “looking out for No. 1.” Unfortunately, these vices have undergirded our so-called "Christian nation," especially since World War II. Greed and the lust for "stuff" have become essential to the fabric of our national lifestyle.
Years ago, I asked an old friend how he and his family were doing. I will never forget his reply. He said, "We have a lot of wants - but we don't have any needs." Consumerism, unfortunately, blurs the lines between wants and needs. The materialism treadmill apparently never stops turning. Maybe the slowed economy will enable (if not force) many of us to get off and take a much-needed rest
What does shopping have to do with patriotism? You may recall during the last Presidential debate Barack Obama hearkened to the day after 9/11 attacks, when President Bush promised to avenge the heinous acts. Then the President issued a curious exhortation, admonishing all Americans not to stop shopping.
What a revelatory statement! While on one hand offering assurance that it was safe to go out in public, he also was acknowledging our economy’s hopeless entanglement with consumerism and materialism. Essentially he was admitting if most Americans – for whatever reason – suddenly decided they didn't have to buy the latest and the greatest, the economy would suffer greatly. (So I was a bit surprised that as the Christmas season began, the President didn’t go on national TV to remind us again about the importance of shopping; especially given current economic woes.)
The Bible warns against greed and covetousness, even citing them in the Ten Commandments. I believe these admonitions are there for good reason. It’s hard to put others first when we are busy “looking out for No. 1.” Unfortunately, these vices have undergirded our so-called "Christian nation," especially since World War II. Greed and the lust for "stuff" have become essential to the fabric of our national lifestyle.
Years ago, I asked an old friend how he and his family were doing. I will never forget his reply. He said, "We have a lot of wants - but we don't have any needs." Consumerism, unfortunately, blurs the lines between wants and needs. The materialism treadmill apparently never stops turning. Maybe the slowed economy will enable (if not force) many of us to get off and take a much-needed rest
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