Rounding Third, Heading for Home

This week I had a chance to see Loyd Smith, an old friend from the past.  This man was a softball legend.  He and his two sons, Mike and Aaron, formed the most feared three, four, and five hitters anywhere in the Tri-state.  They were the main competition in our region. 

Thirty-two years ago, Loyd had a vision for a National Church Softball tournament in Bright, Indiana.  He told me Friday, they have never had the tournament rained out.  I played in and attended that tournament in the early years when I was in Rising Sun, Indiana.  Our church team in Lexington won the tournament a few years back (without my help). 

Loyd was a giant of a man.  Just his size made him an intimidating figure in the batter’s box.  More than one time I prayed that he hit the ball to the outfield and not to short.  Loyd cast an even bigger shadow as a leader in his church.  He has modeled faithful leadership all of his adult life.

Loyd’s son Mike died last year of cancer.  Mike was a quiet, soft-spoken man.  He was fifty-five years old when he died.  Like his father, he was a man of faith.  Even at fifty-five, our children are not to precede us in death.

Loyd asked to speak at the beginning of his son’s funeral.  He told me what he said.  “On behalf of the Smith family, I want you to know that we do not fear death.  We do not welcome death.  We accept death.  Our faith in God allows us to accept the fact that we all shall die, and we trust God in our loss.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Mike had said to his family, if the funeral gets too somber, “Tell everyone to lighten up.  Don’t feel sorry for me.”  Everyone wore red to the funeral at his request – he was a huge Indiana fan. 

Mike faced the last enemy like he faced a two strike count with two outs and the tying and winning runs in scoring position – without fear.  I think I know where he learned it.  “We do not fear death.  We do not welcome death.  We accept death.”

Philippians 1:20, 21 (New International Version) “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Glen  Schneiders

Self-examination

How do you receive critique, even if it is constructive?  Do you desire to improve?  Kevin Harney, in his book Leadership from the Inside Out, encourages healthy self-examination. 

“Healthy leaders not only practice self-examination but also move beyond reflection to invite others into the deep parts of their souls.  Leaders who withstand the pressures of work (ministry) over time are those who surround themselves with people who will speak the truth in love…Too many leaders spend huge amounts of time and money developing a powerful skill set but forget to nurture and guard their own souls.” 

Who is it that has permission to speak the truth to you in love?  Do you invite that sort of conversation or discourage it?  When is the last time you spent time or money on your spiritual development?

Harney adds, “Sadly, leaders can mask the reality that their hearts are sick.  Sometimes we can even fool ourselves into believing that our hearts are beating strong.  It’s possible … to lead an organization, and appear to be very much alive long after we have gone through spiritual cardiac arrest.  We have all learned that we can go through the motions of leadership with an empty heart.”

To those with an empty heart, listen to words of Jeremiah 29:13 (Today’s New International Version)”You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I have just had a two week change in my routine – one week in Bolivia exploring ministry opportunities and the other a week of vacation with friends and family.  I find that my heart is much fuller than it was just two weeks ago.  The change in scenery and change of pace has allowed me to see this week ahead with fresh eyes.  I am excited to be back in the routine.  I look forward to facing the challenges.  I anticipate the interactions and even the tough conversations.  I also look forward to how God wants to help me lead through the challenges.

One thing that I realized about these two weeks – I spent much of this time with people that I really enjoy.  These are people that accept me for who I am, that energize me instead of depleting me.  And the change of scenery provided breathtaking reminders of the beauty and vastness of God’s creation and His wonderful children.

Earlier in the passage, Jeremiah 29:11 describes God’s desire for each of us.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.”  When is your next time to seek Him with all your heart?  Can you take a few minutes today for self-examination?

Glen Schneiders

Reverse Mission

Last week I spent five days in and around Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It was my first time in what is the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. I was exploring how our church could have a greater impact in the fine work that is being done there by our missionaries and some of their partners.

Here’s a few observations:

I couldn’t believe the driving. You think people drive crazy where you live. Let me just say it was not for the faint of heart. What looked like a two lane road might have five vehicles abreast of each other in a battle of chicken.

I was saddened by the number of children that were wandering the streets alone – open prey to some of the despicable practices common in third world countries. Prostitution and sex trade are major economic engines.

I was reminded that addictions are no respecter of persons. They plague all ethnic groups, all economic levels, and the uneducated or college grads. The answers are the same. We must acknowledge that we are powerless over the addiction and find a caring group of people to walk with us in healthy accountability – in Bolivia or the U.S.

I was amazed at the pristine beauty of the series of water pools and waterfalls in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. I couldn’t believe the forty foot ledge that people were jumping from into the reservoir at the bottom of the falls. I couldn’t believe that I jumped from it too. And then I learned that our videographer got distracted and missed my jump. No proof – but God knows. Really, I did it!

John Eldredge in his book Fathered by God notes the need for every man to find the warrior/ the adventurer within himself. It did feel good at the end of the day to know that I had conquered the death defying leap. Did I mention that there were children slightly older than my grandchildren (ages two and three) jumping?

I was deeply challenged by the sacrifices being made by wonderful missionaries to help provide some of God’s poor with something as basic as water and safe shelter. It was really cool to witness the children of those pioneers and their love for God and the Bolivian people.

Henri Nouwen noted that the people of Latin America taught him more about faith than he taught them. He called it the “reverse mission.” We go to help someone else, and we are the ones most changed by the experience. I look forward to returning to Bolivia, and strongly recommend that you put yourself in a place where God can challenge you. It doesn’t have to be in a third world country. It might be Third Street in the downtown of your local community.

Isaiah 61:1 (God’s Word Translation) “The LORD has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people. He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that captives will be set free and prisoners will be released.”

Glen Schneiders

What Are They Saying?

I keep thinking about a guy named Barnabas that we talked about this past weekend at church.  His real name was Joseph, but everyone called him Barnabas because he was such an encourager.  Barnabas means “one who encourages.”  When people think about you and me, what attribute do they most associate with us?  Irritable, patient, humble, proud, caring, uncaring … When I was in grade school they called me “Smiley.”  By Junior High that had changed.  I am not sure what changed.  Maybe it was the girls.

Barnabas is described in Acts 11:23, 24 (God’s Word Translation).  “When he (Barnabas) arrived there (Antioch), he was pleased to see what God had done for them out of kindness. So he encouraged all the people to remain solidly committed to the Lord.  ²⁴ Barnabas was a dependable man, and he was full of the Holy Spirit and faith.”  Dependable is another very positive attribute.  Did you notice that he encouraged the people as well?  When people see you coming, do they anticipate the interaction or dread it?  Why don’t you ask them?  Just kidding – they probably won’t be honest with you especially if you are the boss!  Try to listen carefully to your words, and note your actions today. 

What about those that don’t particularly like you? What do they have to say about you?  In Matthew 22:15-17 (The Message) we see what Jesus’ enemies said about him.  “That’s when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples to ask, ‘Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students.’”  They were trying to deceive him but they had to acknowledge he was a man of integrity that would not be swayed by popular opinion.

Honest, encourager, dependable, indifferent to popular opinion – they are all wonderful compliments to have said about us.  How we choose to live will determine if others describe us that way. 

This weekend I also came across a statement that I would like to be my prayer for the years ahead. 

Psalm 71:18 (New International Version) “Even when I am old and gray (or bald in my case), do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”

Glen Schneiders

Brace Yourself

What do you do at fifty-six years of age to spice up your life and to feel young again?  You get braces.  I need to add that there was some conversation with the orthodontist about life expectancy, to see if the investment would be worth it before my estimated time of departure.  I have left instructions that should my passing happen before my braces are gone, I wish to be viewed with a smile on my face.

Since my looks are my strongest attribute, I decided it was time to have an extreme makeover.  Actually the dentist said that if I didn’t want my teeth to fall out from gum disease, I might want to consider it.

I thought, how tough can it be?  After all, adolescents go through braces as a right of passage toward adulthood.  Both my girls had braces.  No one told me it was like putting a barb wire fence in your mouth.  Nor did they mention how difficult it is to eat food, especially anything more solid than a milkshake. 

They also failed to note that braces are a wonderful weight loss program because most of your food ends up lodged in the braces.  Then there is the flossing – I calculated that I will spend about six months of the next twenty flossing!   And who wants to eat, when flossing follows.

I have a new peer group with whom I can relate – but most of them are dealing with acne and their first crush.  We have little in common in the waiting area, but I am getting to know some of the parents.

Whoever said “No pain, no gain” must have never had braces.  Dentures are sounding more appealing all the time.

Yet, have you noticed that there are few things in life worth attaining that don’t take time and effort? 

The writer of Romans talks about life issues far more serious than getting braces.  He notes the good that comes from our hard times.  “We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence.”  Romans 5:3,4 (God’s Word Translation)

It’s back to the orthodontist today for my first check-up.  If I did a good job cleaning my teeth, I get a prize!

Glen Schneiders

Finish the Race

Saturday I attended the University of Kentucky – Louisville football game.  While tailgating with some friends, my buddy and I had the good fortune to be given tickets on the 45 yard line in the lower level.  Free food and free tickets, I love it when a plan comes together!  Our hope was a blowout, so we could get back to church in time for the walk-through for our Saturday service.

Any who followed the game know it was not a blowout.  We had to leave when UK failed to make a first down with about 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter.  As we exited and headed down the tunnel, there was a huge roar from the crowd.  From the television under the stadium, we learned Louisville had fumbled the punt.  As we hustled through the bowels of the stadium there was another huge roar – Kentucky go ahead touchdown.  We caught the replay at another tunnel tv.  On the drive to church we listened anxiously as Kentucky was able to seal the victory.

Here’s a reminder to self from the weekend: I hate not being able to see things through to the end.  It was a bittersweet experience.  We were happy to be in the house, but disheartened to have to miss the exciting end.

The same is true in life.  I like to finish what I start.  I want to finish well.  (There is another UK story some years back where I did stay until the end, and was forced to leave my wife at the stadium.  But that is another story.  She has forgiven me!)

Someone once noted correctly that life is not a sprint, but a marathon.  Many start well, few finish well.

In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Gabriela Andersen-Schiess, suffering from heat prostration stumbled into the stadium to cover the last 400 meters of a 26.2-mile race. She limped and lurched around the track, holding her head and alternately stopping and restarting as the crowd groaned.  Her left arm flailing at her side, her right leg unbending at the knee, she nevertheless waved off medical assistance, which would have meant her immediate disqualification. 

Finally, after navigating the final 400 meters in an agonizing 5 minutes 44 seconds, Andersen-Scheiss fell into the waiting arms of three medical staffers as she reached the finish line in 37th place, 24 minutes behind winner Joan Benoit.  But she had finished the race.

I would like to be able to say toward the end of life, what the Apostle Paul said.  “My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me.”  2 Timothy 4:6-8 (God’s Word Translation)

Glen Schneiders

Getting Out of the Routine

I receive the following email this weekend:

What an awesome day we had Saturday.  We have 7 guys that came together to remove an old deck, and build a beautiful new deck that will soon have a new wheelchair ramp attached to it.  To top it off, Glen has a message that speaks in part to the very topic: people getting ot of their routine to go do some good works in God’s name.   Isn’t this a huge piece of what the church is all about?  Taking care of those who are in need?

Penny was in tears the last time I saw her getting into her SUV to leave.  You can bet we’re making a small impact on their lives.

I think it was great the Zach and Jarrod came out to help.  Rick, a homeless guy that Dave is mentoring, was a great help too.  He has jumped right in on a couple of our projects, now.”

Way to go gang!  Keep Chasing the Goose!  Glen Schneiders

Teater Wins

So my Ohio football teams teased me this weekend.  Ohio State nearly upset USC.  I am tired of last minute heroics … by the opponent.  The Browns had to play against Brett Favre.  Same Browns, same Favre.  (Did he retire again after the game so he doesn’t have to practice this week?)

The Bengals did their very best impression of the University of Kentucky versus LSU, dubbed the “Bluegrass Miracle.” (If you are not familiar, it’s called snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.) 

But as I write Josh Teater, a young man from our church, is about to win his first Nationwide Tour event which assures his place on the PGA tour next year.  His place of employment just changed after eight long years of toiling in obscurity.  He is truly one of the finest young men I know.  He understands he is a role model and goes out of his way to encourage young people at the club where we play.    

What I love about Josh is his deep faith and trust in God in the bad times. He failed to make the PGA at Qualifying School last year with a disastrous last four holes.  After that heartbreaking collapse instead of wallowing in despair, he took family and friends to dinner.  He said, “God must have plans for me on the Nationwide Tour.”  And now the good comes his way.  What is the tithe off of $99,000 purse? 

In a very emotional interview after his round, Josh was humble and unassuming as those who know him would expect.  This Scripture describes Josh, and many other faithful people ministering in obscurity in their line of work.

 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

 That’s it. Get a job. Work hard. Go about your work quietly. Share what you make with people in need. Win the respect of people far from God.  It is very special to see nice guys finish first and handle it so well.  God must have plans for him on PGA Tour.  Congratulations Josh!    

 Glen Schneiders

Joy or Relief?

I like the writings of John Eldredge.  He is so honest, and I find myself identifying with so much of what he writes.  There is a portion in his book Walking with God that really nailed me.  Eldredge recounts, “A few years ago a woman with a sensitive spirit and a keen eye for what God is up to pulled me aside to offer this warning: ‘The battle in your life is against your joy.’”

Do you have joy in your life?  Or do you just resign yourself to get through another day at the office?  Even in the victories, do you stop and savor them?  Or do you quickly put it behind you and move on to the next project? 

Eldredge continues, “I began to realize that what I’ve done for most of my life is resign myself to this idea: I’m really not going to have any lasting joy.  And from that resignation, I’ve gone on to try and find what I could have.  Women do this in marriage.  They see that they are not going to have any real intimacy with their husbands, so they lose themselves in soaps or tabloids or romance novels.  Men find their work a sort of slow death, so they get a little something in the bar each night.  Have a few beers with the boys, watch the game.  Joy isn’t even a consideration.  Settle for relief.”

Yet the Bible says, “The joy you have in the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10 (God’s Word Translation)

Our strength?  Many of us don’t even consider it an occasional boost.  But have you noticed that when you really let joy in you feel more alive than any other time?

Psalm 30:11 paints a powerful picture of how God wants to change our perspective. “You have changed my sobbing into dancing. You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”  (God’s Word Translation)

God wants to clothe us with joy, not give us a moment or two of relief from life’s struggles.   

Joy is a choice in spite of circumstances.  Happiness is based upon what happens to me. I fear that way too often we let circumstances steal our joy.  Today, let’s choose joy.

Glen Schneiders

No Regrets

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.  Discover.”         – Mark Twain

 When is the last time you took a risk?  I’m not talking about the stock market, or the housing market, or asking for a raise in this economy.  When is the last time you risked something so big, so daring that if God was not in it, it would fail?

Mark Batterson, in his book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, writes, “Failing to take a risk is almost like losing a piece of the jigsaw puzzle of your life.  It leaves a gaping hole.  When we get to the end of our lives, our greatest regrets will be the missing pieces.” 

Batterson notes that this is backed up by the research of two Cornell social psychologists name Tom Gilovich and Vicki Medvec.  Their research found that time is a key factor in what we regret.  We usually regret our actions over the short-term.  But over the long haul, we tend to regret inactions.  Their study found that in an average week, action regrets were slightly greater than inaction regrets – 53 percent to 47 percent.  But when people look at their lives as a whole, inaction regrets outnumber action regrets 84 percent to 16 percent.

There are three Scriptures that have been formational to my life.  They all challenge me to take risks – to action.

In college, it was Philippians 4:13 (New International Version) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

As we started a church, it was the benediction of Ephesians 3:20, 21 – a reminder that God was bigger than whatever we faced.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

It was an inscription on the back of my watch, given to me as we launched Crossroads twenty-two years ago – Ephesians 5:15, 16 (New International Version).  “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”

So what do you need to risk today so there are no regrets tomorrow?

Glen Schneiders