The floating axhead

God's math is not bound to the rules of our math.  God can make an iron axhead float.  I love the story in 2 Kings 6:1-7.  Some guys were out cutting trees down and a borrowed axhead flew into the water.  Elisha did an act of faith and God honored his act and made the axhead float to the top of the water.

Sometimes when I am running, I like to focus on this story.  I remember that my God is big enough to make an axhead float.  If He can make an axhead float, then He can make things that I perceive as impossible... possible.

Don't forget to laugh!

It never fails, my son can always make me laugh.  He always finds new ways to bring joy and happiness.  His laugh is contagious.  When he laughs his face lights up the room and brings joy to all those around.   His joyful spirit reminds me of the power of laughter. 

My son never seems to miss an opportunity to find joy in his circumstances.  He reminds me that I often forget to laugh.  His happiness teaches me how happy and joyful one can actually be.  Of all the things we forget to do...we shouldn't allow ourselves to forget to laugh.

Money Money Money Money

With all this talk about keeping our jobs our mission it seems appropriate to talk about how getting paid comes into all of this.  In prior entries, I commented that health care began as a free service provided as a mission by Nuns in people's homes.  I also suggested that we have to be careful not to allow money to cause us to lose focus that our job is not about us, but about helping others. 

Yet, I recall reading a book, Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin a few years ago.  He stated that when people are willing to pay us for something it means that we have something that is valuable to share.  He suggested that too many people look at moving money from one person to the next as an evil transaction.  He stated that when we are able to provide a service that others are willing to pay for, we should work to improve upon providing that service.  He also stated that we should learn to love what we are good at doing if what we are good at doing is valuable to others.

What makes a job a mission?

I have been contemplating this question now for about three weeks and have several ideas.  First, I don't think "a job" is necessarily a bad idea.  There is a fundamental need we all have that is to provide for our families.  It is therapeutic to work and our jobs are healthy ways to grow and provide for others.   When our job becomes our mission, however, I believe we work for a higher calling or for a bigger reason than just to provide for our families. This should make our days more fulfilling.   Here are a few thoughts on what makes a job a mission:
1.  The person working determines whether or not the job is a mission.  I suppose if we interviewed missionaries some would say they have witnessed "missionaries" treat their mission like a job.   In other words, just calling something a "mission" will not necessarily bring about the deeper sense of engagement or fullfillment one might expect as they pursue the goal of helping others.
2.  The motivation behind the work.  If our work is focused more on ourselves, our work may become mundane and we may become selfish with our behavior.  When our work is focused on helping others, we may work harder to go above and beyond to assure satisfaction and that goals are met.
3.  Whether or not someone is paid...actually, even "missionaries" get paid (usually) to do their "missions."  I think working for money can create a tendency toward selfish behavior that we must overcome to maintain a more pure selfless frame of mind. 

Making our jobs our mission

is one of the best things we can do to make sure we are giving 100% to our clients every day.  I learned a few years ago that health care started out as a mission field.  Nuns used to care for people who were sick and hurting as a way to share God's love.  This was a free service.  If I ever begin to feel tired or worn down I remind myself that I am not working for myself.  I am working to share God's love with others by trying to help them feel better.

A good prayer for Dad

Today at church the pastor guided us through some prayer time.  He encouraged those who had a Dad pass away to thank God for the time their Dad was with them.  I miss you Dad, but I thank God for the time you were here.

I miss you Dad!

Dear Dad,
What a year!  You will never believe what happened!  We had a baby girl.  Her name is Rachel Elizabeth.  She is really pretty, is starting to have red hair and a lot of people say she looks like you.  I think she is amazing.  She rolled over for the first time last week and she is only (a little over) two months old.  Did you and God have a talk about sending her our way because the timing of when she came along/when you moved on seems rather interesting?

Isaac is so wonderful.  He is getting really big!!  He continues to laugh and be very happy.  He laughs so hard he sometimes falls over.  One time, he laughed so hard he dislocated his elbow.  It's a long story, but it had a happy ending.  He likes to run with me.  When I get home from work he comes up to me and moves his arm like he is running to suggest that we go for a run.  We feel so fortunate to have him as our son. 

A memory I will never forget is when Amanda and I were driving through the Kazakh country side (on our third trip), the sun was going down and you and I were reminiscing on our cell phones about how wonderful of a little boy he is.  We were finally going to be able to bring him home and it was so nice to be able to share with you what we were seeing.  What an amazing journey!

I am reading a book about how to be a better parent.  One of the suggestions is to have fun with your kids.  I think we have that covered.  We are trying to do a lot of fun things like go to the park, ride the four wheelers/tractors, play outside, throw balls, hike on the trails around here and go camping.  I am finding ourselves doing a lot of the same things you and Mom did with us growing up.  We had a great childhood.  We are hoping to get a boat and camper some time in the future.  We might also try a few vacations somewhere warm this winter.

Amanda is a great Mommy!  Just like you said, Dad, she continues to amaze me.  She works very hard to help our kids grow, know they are loved and help them be as good and healthy as they can.  We have a lot of fun too.  We are just in a state of bliss right now.  After seven years of drought, it's hard to believe we are where we are.  You would be so happy to see Isaac and Rachel right now.

Mom is doing well.  She is making it.  She helps us a lot.  She is keeping the house in order.  We are trying to help out with that too.  I appreciate how you always worked hard to help take care of her.  Don't worry, she will be fine...and she misses you.

Toni, Scott and the girls are really making things happen!  They are taking life by the horns and are going for it!  They are so busy with sports and plays.  The girls are very talented and loving.  They love Isaac and Rachel and we get together often to play (Mom included).  We have done several hikes at Beech Creek.  You should see what's happening with their business.  They are working hard and things are moving in the right direction.

I have had a chance to spend time with many of your brothers and sisters this past year.  It's so nice to see them.  Now, when I talk with them I think of you.  I never realized this, but each of them have at least one or two of your characteristics.  It's so funny because I kind of feel like you are here when I am with them.  They are all doing well and have been very supportive.

I should probably move on here.  All I can say is thanks.  I keep thinking about how you always worked so hard to "make it better" for us.  You always wanted to give us relationships, opportunities and things you never had growing up.  You tried to make progress and help us do the same.   Now, we are trying to pass that on for our kids.  We will carry the torch.

Love ya Dad,

Andy

P.S. I haven't seen any coyotes while running lately.