With Christmas upon us, it seems like the tension of life is getting greater. There are parties to go to, gifts to purchase, presents to wrap, movies to watch, music to listen to, and get-togethers to plan for. Are you stressed yet? Tension seems like a foregone reality of life.
What started as a chore (walking our dog) revealed yet another weighty reminder: my kids are constantly watching us. We, as parents, are modeling "normal" life (whatever that means) for our kids.
Technology has been documented to have numerous positive and negative effects on us as humans. But underlying all the effects is a deeper, more subtle wrestling we must do. It's a question that needs to be asked and a reality to be recognized.
It's been said that we overestimate what we can do in 1 year and underestimate what we can do in 10. The power of water is a reminder of the power of consistency. As they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day" and neither does someone get formed into the image of Christ overnight.
In these situations, there is something we can reach out to for help. This tool is one anyone has available to them. Everyone can provide it for others, no matter where they are or who they are. What is it? An outside perspective. Feedback. Observations from a distance. When we are in the midst of a problem (or jungle of them) it can be hard for us to see a solution. Things are complex, complicated, and convoluted. Complexity breeds complication. The more I have to handle, deal with, or get done the harder things are. Simplicity brings clarity.
I've said for years that repetition is the queen of learning. My point is this, if someone needs to know or do something, you owe them to repeat it. Repeating truths people need to know is valuable, but repeating behaviors you want others to emulate is vital.
Preacher on the Run... 