Tandem

I've always wanted to ride a tandem bike. It's basically a bike for two people. Growing up, our version of a tandem bike was riding on the handlebars. It required a great deal of balance and trust. First time skydivers jump in tandem with a skilled instructor. They get to experience all the thrills of skydiving without the responsibility of opening the parachute. Relationships and friendships require you to live in tandem. They require balance and trust. You must work together to achieve a common goal. Life is better when it's lived in tandem. 

Construction

If you live anywhere near a major city, you understand how frustrating construction can be to your daily commute. You either choose to sit through the traffic delays, or you find an alternative route. Both options can be unnerving. Construction is the result of something being broken, damaged, or in need of repair. Construction is also the result of progress and forward movement. It is a sign of a thriving city filled with new opportunities and in many cases new highways. Think of yourself as this thriving city. You are the result of progress and forward movement, and because of this you need a better infrastructure. You have a few potholes in need of repair. You need a better mode of transportation. You need a better form of communication. Don't get frustrated with the construction. You have two options. You can be patient through the process, or you can find a detour. Both will get you to your destination, but the journey will differ. Construction is a necessary process in order to thrive. 

Convergence

It's all coming together. You are standing on the precipice of promise. The terrain is rough. The sky looks grey. Storms are looming, but in the distance the sun is breaking through the clouds. Admire the view. Appreciate what you've been  through. Remember the lessons. Celebrate the new beginning. Life is a convergence of circumstances and opportunities. It is full of intersections of purpose and provision, and of desperation and hope. Don't give up! Things are happening. You're moving in the right direction. You're on the cusp of something great.

Seek

When I was a child, I loved playing hide and seek. I would find the best hiding spots. I loved being "it," too. I would scour the house to find my cousins and friends. There was never a stone unturned. I looked everywhere. I tossed curtains to the side. I flung open closet doors. I peeked under beds. I checked every cabinet and crevice. I was a diligent seeker. How often do we pursue the things we want in the same manner? Do we toss our pride aside to let someone know how we really feel? Do we inconvenience ourselves to seek out the assistance of another? Do we exhaust all possibilities before we give up on our dreams? Become of a diligent seeker of the things you truly desire. Seek and you will find!

Deeds

"A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed."- Henrik Ibsen

When was the last time you gave money to someone on the side of the road?  Most of us have been conditioned to believe that these people are panhandlers instead of homeless veterans or people with genuine needs. When was the last time you paid it forward? When was the last time you volunteered or helped someone in need? What was your last good deed? It is our civic duty to help those in need.  "To whom much is given, much is required." 

Eternal

Christians all over the world are celebrating Passion Week. It is the week that Jesus entered Jerusalem and culminates with his resurrection. Children are practicing their Easter speeches and looking forward to opening Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies that have nothing to do with Christ's resurrection. Easter is also a pagan celebration of the spring equinox and fertility.  For centuries, these celebrations have coincided. However, which one is eternal? Jesus was so driven by his passion that he was willing to die for it. True passion is based in love and love is sacrificial. Are you willing to die for your passion? Is your passion eternal? True passion is based in love and love is sacrificial. 

Identity Crisis

One of my favorite parables is "The Prodigal Son." Initially, I think I liked the story because of the son's rebellion. We all have a rebellious spirit sometimes. We want what we want when we want it. As I grew older, I liked the story because of his decision to return home. He had an epiphany. When he was at his lowest point, he was reminded that he was the son of a king. He did not have to continue living the way he had. Prior to that moment, he was having an identity crisis. He did not identify with royalty. His behavior was not befitting of his bloodline. He was living outside of his privilege.  How many of us have squandered our inheritance? How many of us have found ourselves living outside of our privilege? It's not too late. You just need to be reminded of who and whose you are.