Inevitability

This morning I went to have my tire repaired. Yay! Fred is restored to his former glory. While waiting, I called my Mom to wish her a very happy birthday. As we were chatting she informed me that my Dad cleaned out the garage and completed the set-up of her weight equipment yesterday. She was thrilled. For the first time in close to 19 years, she can park her car in the garage (Dad got a new building last year for all of his stuff and she's been waiting...). She went on to say, "Last night I parked George in the garage!!!"

And, upon hearing this, I realized something: no wonder I have named my car and my house plants!

I am now more certain than ever... I am becoming my mother.

Ode to Tires, Flat Tires

Do you remember that commercial that said something to the effect of, "Parents: It's 10:00 PM, do you know where your children are?" Right around 10 PM, I dropped my friend Christina off after a seeing a movie and eating yummy Thai food. From there, I headed home... you know, a mere 9 miles ... It's now 12:45 AM. I just walked in the door.

Now, I was winding through the streets of, nay, the obstacle course called Boston tonight and was just about to hop onto 93 North when, at approximately 10:10 PM, my poor Fred (the Volvo!) ran over a "raised" manhole cover surreptitiously placed in the middle of the street. Needless to say, upon impact, it didn't sound good.

What is a "raised" manhole cover, you wonder? I believe the best description is the following: while constantly remodeling, recreating, deleting and re-adding streets in Boston, workmen sometimes strip down the pavement leaving manhole covers highly exposed until their work is completed. At this point, they bring the pavement up to meet the manhole cover creating a smooth driving surface for all Boston area commuters. Unfortunately for said commuters, they must drive on the surface throughout the process.

So, the sound... it wasn't good. I rolled down my window (mind you, I'm at the entrance to 93 North) and see that my front tire is done. I manage to pull Fred onto a nearby side street and get out to view the damage. I experience the following:

1. A taxi driver lays on his horn... I am in his way.
2. I give said taxi driver a piece of my mind (boy, I'm feeling like a local now).
3. Several ambulances, police cars and yes, a fire engine or two have to squeeze by Fred because of some emergency happening down the street.
4. I see a "non-scary" guy walking nearby as I pull over and ask for his help.
5. He actually does! Thank you, Ryan!
6. All goes smoothly until Ryan gets to the lug nuts. They weren't going anywhere.
7. I remember that my insurance covers roadside assistance (note to the reader: this is a good thing to remember at times like this), but of course, where is the number?…
8. Call placed to roommate, Kim. She finds auto insurance file, telephone number and I am on my way home... hopefully soon.
9. The road side assistance number is helpful, but they want to know the cross streets ... Hello, have you ever been to Boston?
10. I successfully figure out where I am.
11. They're on their way in a mere 35 minutes (it is now 11:07 PM).
12. Ryan leaves and then comes back to check on me (no worries! I'm on a well-lit corner) chats for a bit and heads out to meet friends. Ryan is just 20 and a student at BC seeking to earn his degree in Business Management. Sweet guy.
13. Waiting...
14. Waiting...
15. Help arrives... Two more guys (decked out in Red Sox gear) walking down the street who think that Ryan was a "wimp" since he was unable to undo the lug nuts. Apparently, they know cars.
16. They don't have much better luck.
17. Yay! Road assistance arrives. Spare is put on, instructions given, paperwork filled out, and I am on my way... to the gas station. It's now 12:10 AM.

Yes, did I mention that I'm lame and did not plan enough time in to get gas prior to my fun evening out? I wasn't in complete danger, but it wouldn't have surprised me if I ran out tonight. Anyway, long story short... I learned from the Road Assistance Friend that the city would more than likely reimburse me for my tire. What in the world?! Believe me, I'm not complaining. I just thought, "Now this, this is a good system!" I’ll let you know how that goes.

Needless to say, after all of this, I so appreciate that chivalry is not dead. It was really sweet of these guys to check in and help. Thanks, guys! I guess it’s just nice to know that there are “Good Samaritans” here in Boston.

Free from the Facade

At the core, Stu Shepard and I have a lot in common. A few years ago I sat down with friends to take in the film Phone Booth. It was a powerful 90 minutes as I discovered how much this story had to say about the crisis of identity that we, in our culture face. I watched as a man, faced with the truth of who he was apart from all pretenses, openly admitting his weakness to the world, discovering what was truly real and important to him in life. It is a story that has stayed with me.

In my life, I’ve invented and reinvented myself. At times, I have chosen to become what I believe others want to see. After all, I wonder, who truly wants to know the real me? I am a Christian, living in an individualistic society finding that I have a much skewed perspective on the value of true community. I often hide the truth of who I am from others. The question is: what is it that I fear?

Late in the film, we find Stu admitting, “…I have just been dressing up as something I'm not for so long, I'm so afraid no one will like what's underneath. But here I am, just flesh and blood and weakness…” Like Stu, my greatest fear is that others will unearth what is true of me. I sin. I am weak. I don’t have it all together. And, in seeing the truth, that people will reject me. So, instead of choosing honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability, I lie about myself because it feels safe.

Never in my life have I found this place satisfying. Rather, I feel bound to my lies, to the facades that I’ve created and emptiness resounds in my heart because I am not known. How thankful I am that the gospel dispels this image I’ve created, and not only that, but that Christ embraces, loves and speaks truth to me in the midst of my facade. He calls me out into community as apart of the redemption process. He continues to show me what is true, “The good news is: you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe yet you can be more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope at the same time because Jesus Christ lived and died in your place.” (www.redeemer.com)

It is also in understanding that others struggle with divulging what is true about them that frees me to step out in faith, leading in authenticity. I want to be apart of transformational community where, as those in Acts 2:42-47 experienced, they received the gospel, broke bread together, shared all in common, gave to those in need, and watched God grow the church as people came to faith. The longer I walk with Christ, the more I am able to recognize that, in order to experience this type of community, I must be the one who chooses to be real. No one else can do this for me. When I let others in, I find depth, intimacy and the ability to continually choose freedom. It is in this place that I experience the grace and truth of the gospel together and find deep satisfaction in the person of Christ.

Back to Blogging

It is 4 PM and I've been chin-deep in paper for the past 5 hours. Thankfully, no serious papercuts to report. So, I decided to take a little break and think about my blog. I've just recently returned to Boston and have found myself so happy to be home once again. I missed the Charles, my commute to the office, the doormen at the Omni saying their daily, "Good morning" as I pass by, my Barista (who I found to be in a rather cheerless state this morning - poor guy), the security man downstairs who I always chit-chat with, I'm sure I could go on, but I'll stop rambling. You get the idea. I'm glad to be back.

My two weeks away were very fruitful and went just the way I had hoped (both for work and vacation). And, I missed the rain that covered Boston for what, more than a week?... Very, very good. But, all good things must come to an end, or so they say. So, I am back and finding good things here once again. It is greener than ever! The McReynolds, the dearest of friends, are moving here in a week! I'm going to the Sox game on the 11th! And, I'm just finding the time to catch up with friends here that I missed so much. All good.

I mentioned before I left that I was going to visit my grandparents while I was away. Hopefully I'll post some pics of them sometime soon... Depends how quickly my Dad figures out his new camera and gets those to me (:)), but let me just say, they are cute! You won't want to miss it! I'm still exhausted from the time change and travel - I've been up until 1:30 and 2:00 AM the last two nights - so, I'm a little slow on the uptake this week. Be kind.

Other than that, well, I don't know. I forgot to post the article on community and will get to that momentarily. I was only allowed 500 words (and, of course I went over...), so it's a little limited and perhaps I'll add to it eventually. That said, please let me know your thoughts... Until later...

Mile High Love

Ah, Colorado! What a lovely place it is! Several weeks ago I wasn't super enthusiastic about my upcoming trip. I know it sounds ridiculous, after all, it is Colorado, but two weeks away from Boston seemed long, especially when I'll be away for a good portion of the summer. But, as they say, timing is everything. My last few weeks have been so crazy, especially in preparation for this excursion and at the beginning of this week, I suddenly felt ready to go.

I'm excited to get out of Massachusetts for a couple of weeks and see family, friends and the amazing Rockies! There is something about going to a place that is most familiar, a place where you don't have to think about where you're going because you know it well, you know people and are known by them. It is refreshing to simply be there.

My schedule will be demanding though as I'm trusting the Lord to connect me with new partners in ministry. I've felt encouraged as I have continued to work diligently for this trip. God is so faithful and has opened new doors, giving me opportunities to share what he is doing through my ministry here in the Northeast. I've seen such willingness on the part of friends there to help me and to meet with me. I'm very grateful. God is good.

The second "leg" of my journey lands me in Northern California visiting my sweet Grandparents. I haven't seen them for several years and it is always a treat. I'm looking forward to this most unscheduled and relaxing few days. I get to travel with my parents and have some good time with them, too. That's really fun!

I am working on an article on "community" and might post it here in the next couple of days, but other than that, not so sure when I'll be blogging... So, until later...

For My Sister, Jackie, on Her Birthday!!!

It's May Day! And, birthday time once again! My baby sister is growing up! Quacker, here are a couple songs for you, from me, with wishes for peace and harmony :) ... I couldn't decide which song to sing for you, so here's a sampling (either: hold down left mouse button & Ctrl button simultaneously or just click on the link... you should be good to go - should open fine with Media Player, etc). I think the last one might be my very favorite. Enjoy!

The Beatles

Happy Birthday to You, You're So Young

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby

Happy Birthday times 3!

We Love You, You're Number One