Two extremes of self-interest

“This passion empties one of self.  One does not “self-empty” by focusing upon oneself.  One is emptied of self to the degree one is overcome by the needs, pain, hopes and desires of others.  When concern for others takes one utterly beyond self-interest, beyond obsession with achievements and self-obsessing guilt… Continue reading

As the sun rises…

I’ve discovered a new park from which to watch the sun rise.  I stop at the Starbucks across the street and get a refill of the Veranda Blend coffee, and then head over to the parking lot of the park.  I like this park because there are actually picnic tables… Continue reading

Thursday in Jamaica: the hugging lady and high school soccer matches

Today’s word was “salvation.”  In the sense, I think, of who is it that needs salvation?  We talked a lot about the role of Sunday morning worship in either serving the believers, or equipping them to go out to the rest of the week.  I just found that the way… Continue reading

Wednesday in Jamaica: Maroons and Blue Mountain coffee

Today’s word was ‘sacrifice,’ and our conversation over breakfast circulated again around Phil. 2.  My reflection is that acts of sacrifice are important…adopting kids, selling everything to move overseas, living on one income to spend more time volunteering, etc.  yes…perhaps we should do that more often as Christians.  But what… Continue reading

Tuesday in Jamaica: goats, cold showers and plantains

I slept like a rock.  The rain meant a cooler evening, and the constant humming of the fan drowned out noises.  The house doesn’t have air conditioning or hot water.  A water pump has to be turned on to get running water.  There’s no internet service.  If it was on… Continue reading

Is it time for furlough?

Being a missionary kid comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.  Advantages include an ability to walk between worlds and validate people’s perspectives and diversity.  Advantages include a broader view of the world and a certain amount of self-sufficiency that contributes to success and independence.  Advantages include an… Continue reading