An Alien Journey

Wonder @ Work

Head of School For The Day – Same Job, New Eyes 3.4.23

A few weeks ago I was able to kick my feet up for 1/2 the day as someone else took over my role on campus. Meet my friend, Braxton. He was the Head of School for the day and I enjoyed simply following him around for the morning as he stepped into his new role and canvassed the campus. It was one of my favorite days of the year, and as I reflected on it, the Lord taught me a great deal about wonder, work, relationships, kindness, generosity, perspective, life, laughter, and myself.

We began the day in the main office making introductions and discussing goals for the day. Braxton quickly let us know that he would like to begin with some paperwork. We immediately procured a legal pad for him to document his ideas and reflections. The main takeaways are pictured above: coffee, the work room, upstairs, money, cookie, money, teach. We had a schedule of activities for the day, but the real work happened “on the way” between engagements. The agenda consisted of a tour of the campus, meetings with key administrators, a tool demonstration with Mr. Cowboy (facilities), STEM lab visit, and lunch at Chick-Fil-A with a friend. What was most fascinating and insightful was how Braxton approached the job and interacted with the people. This is a kindergarten student being thrust into a much bigger world, interacting with key administrators on campus, students he had never met before, and visiting parts of the academy he had never explored! All along the way, he shook hands, gave hugs, asked great questions, provided heart-felt insights, listened, demonstrated interest, and exhibited wonder with all that was happening and how incredible it was to see.

Early in the day I encouraged him to put some mints in his pocket. He readily agreed. As we began walking through campus he abruptly stopped and offered a mint to a 3rd grade teacher. He continued to present mints to others along the journey until they were all gone. As we visited my office I offered him a refill on mints. This time he filled his pockets so he could continue in his generosity! At one stop we presented him with “coffee” in a branded disposable cup. We walked the halls while he sipped, and without missing a beat, he proclaimed, “It’s a great day, it’s a great life, ahhhhhhhhh”! He started a lego club, he offered to dismiss students early, he assisted with STEM projects and offered his own ideas, he haggled with our Business Manager about money, tasted cookies in the teacher workroom, shoved some crackers in his pocket for later, prayed for his class snack, and hosted a business meeting off campus for lunch – all with a big southern accent and a smile on his face! To quote him, it was the best day EVER, and worthy of 2 thumbs up!

Braxton approached the job with a sense of awe and wonder, with what G.K. Chesterton describes as, “the appetite of infancy”. He explains it more thoroughly in one of my favorite quotes. “Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” So many incredible applications for me in this text. Grown up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony, but children are, and so is God. I have sinned and grown old, and my Eternal Father is younger than me. He has an eternal appetite of infancy. Therefore, when we see children who have abounding vitality and are in spirit fierce and free, we get a small taste of what God is like. A God who delights in “monotony” and never tires of commanding the sun to rise and fall, the seasons to change, the planets to continue in their orbit. This wonder is what I saw in Braxton during his brief tenure as Head of School. On the contrary, I recognized that too often I don’t see it in myself. What about you? Are you able to exult on monotony, or do you tire of doing it again every day? The reality, of course, is that there is nothing monotonous about any of it at all. Each day is a miracle filled with miracles. If we would only take the time to look around, and truly see, we would be amazed.

Perhaps that is why Jesus had such an affinity for children. He recognized that appetite of infancy in them, and it reminded Him of the one that never tires of “doing it again”. When Jesus’ disciples tried to keep the children away from Him, He responded, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt. 19:14). This story appears in Matthew (19:14-22), Mark (10:13-22), and Luke (18:15-23), and each time it is juxtaposed with the story of the rich man that refused to follow Jesus. The interaction between him and Jesus ends like this, “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.‘ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Mt. 19:21-22). The little children only desired to be with Jesus, while this man was tethered to the things of this world. This man seemed to have it all together. He followed the law, he was successful, and financially secure. However, he lacked the willingness to follow Jesus, the only essential thing. What about us? Are we holding on to the things of this world? Are we willing to forsake it all and follow Him? Are we too busy to wonder? Is our schedule too full to exult in monotony? Are we full of worry, stressed out by many things, and to busy for the things that matter most? God desires so much more for us. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from children.

How would this change our work? In the midst of the scheduled activities, could we take time to see and affirm the people God places in our path? Much of Jesus’ ministry took place “on the way”. Maybe that is true for us as well. Could we offer a handshake or a hug? A mint? A kind word and a listening ear? A new idea or a different perspective? A prayer? Can we see the wonder of the day, even in its monotony? Can we be amazed at the opportunity to “do it again”? In the words of a Head of School for the day that I know, “it’s a great day, it’s a great life, ahhhhhh” – don’t miss it! It’s what he would call, two thumbs up!

Remember, this world is not our home, our citizenship is in heaven.

In Him,

Andy

By the way, according to our Head of School for the day, all teachers must be nice, be able to fix boo boos, and be able to teach! I think laughter is important as well 🙂

You Are Precious!

Using Our Unique Testimony to Impact the World – 2.11.23

This is my friend Emily. Emily grew up in Chiayi, Taiwan. I first met Emily in July of 2018 when she arrived in the U.S. to attend our school as an international student. Emily is one of the most kind, gentle, intelligent, inquisitive, and conscientious people I know. Emily ended up staying at PCA for two years and graduated as a member of the Class of 2020. Since graduating, she has lived in Brussels (Belgium), Bicester in Oxfordshire (UK), and currently resides in London (UK). She is currently praying about where God is leading her next and He is teaching her much during this period of discernment. Emily was in town in October and I had the opportunity to visit with her on a few occasions while she was on campus. I was able to follow up with her yesterday to get an update on how she was doing. I continue to be amazed by how God is working in each of our lives, in diverse ways, on different continents, drawing us closer to Him.

Can you imagine moving across the globe to a foreign land, not knowing anyone, living with strangers, no transportation, attending a new school, all at the age of 16? That is part of Emily’s testimony. From the moment Emily arrived, she exuded an endearing gentle kindness that broke down barriers within her sphere of influence. Emily was fond of greeting people by saying, “you are precious”. She began greeting me in that manner, and I would respond in kind. Over time, it became a bit of a contest between the two of us. On any given day, which one of us could say it to the other first. Emily would win most of the time. She’d catch me off guard with a,
“Mr. Sheets, you are precious”! I’d find myself shouting, “you are precious” down the hallway to her first thing in the morning. This type of greeting is definitely outside of my typical disposition. It’s not that I don’t believe each person is precious, it’s simply that I don’t typically express it to them in such a bold and forward manner. Emily drew it out of me, and it brightened many of my days. We have continued these exchanges on social media comments, message correspondence, and during visits. Emily’s impact on me has been significant, and I am thankful to know her. Her testimony has impacted my testimony.

Emily’s time at PCA was abruptly cut short. Emily’s senior year was the 2019-2020 academic year. Imagine being in Emily’s shoes as the world came to an abrupt stop because of the global pandemic. Across the world from family, virtual school, fear of the unknown, significant limitations to travel, etc. As the situation began to unravel, Emily and her family made the difficult decision that she needed to come home as soon as possible. In April of 2020, shortly prior to her graduation and departure, Emily gave her testimony as part of our virtual chapel during Holy Week. If you haven’t had the opportunity to view it, I encourage you to do so here. Emily’s testimony is powerful. Unfortunately, Emily was not able to graduate with her classmates, but instead graduated by herself in the parking lot with hundreds gathered to celebrate her and bid her adieu. Such a unique time, such a unique testimony. God can use even the most remarkable circumstances to grow us and bring glory to Him. All of it becomes part of our unique testimony, a testimony we can share with others.

During her visit in October, we covered many topics – discerning God’s voice, knowing when to wait and when to act (taking a step of obedience), the importance of mentoring others but also the importance of being mentored, how to respond to challenging questions, the enticing lies of the enemy that persuade many, and perhaps most importantly the power of our testimony.

My conversation with Emily coincided with a season in which I was reading through the book of John. As we discussed the power of testimony, I was reminded of the interaction between Jesus and an unnamed Samaritan woman. Jesus overcomes racial, gender, sin, and religious boundaries to invite the woman into a relationship with Him. Despite numerous attempts by the woman to redirect the conversation and encounter, Jesus persists. Ultimately, the woman acquiesces and accepts Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, but she doesn’t stop there. Check out what she does next:

²⁸Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

³⁹Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. ⁴¹And because of his words many more became believers.

⁴²They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Why did the people come to meet Jesus? Because of the woman’s testimony. Why did the people believe? Because of the woman’s testimony. Why did many more become believers? They had an encounter with Jesus and heard His words, because of the woman’s testimony! This is the same woman that they had likely castigated and relegated to the margins of society because of her wayward behavior. But she was willing to share her testimony with them, and they believed it. Not only did they believe it, they acted upon it so they could see for themselves. Her testimony led some to believe, then Jesus stayed, and then more believed. Her testimony was powerful. Emily’s testimony is powerful. My testimony is powerful. Do you have a testimony? The good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we were once dead in our transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1), but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ (v. 4-5). We have been saved by grace, we are God’s masterpiece, and we were created to do good works, which he has prepared in advance for us to do (v. 8-10)! For those of us that are in Christ, this is our testimony. Like the Samaritan woman, like Emily, like me, I wonder, have you grasped ahold of the new life Jesus is offering you? Do you have a testimony? If you do, you were meant to share it.

Sometimes God has to momentarily remove us from our current context to teach us something, something that He needs us to apply when we are reintroduced back into that environment . That is Emily’s story, that is my story. It is likely your story as well. God is always working – regardless of our situation and regardless of whether we can see it. We need to take the time to listen. His voice is still. His voice is small. But His voice is constant and it is powerful. What is He saying to you now? What does He need you to learn so you can make an impact for His glory? What is He calling you to do that may be scary, but it is right? Will you have the courage to listen and obey? Will you choose Him over self, over comfort, over insecurity, over fear? He is building your testimony so you can share it with others.

During her visit to the U.S. Emily took time to listen. She took time to grow. She took time to ask hard questions. She took time to seek the counsel of those she can trust for guidance. When she returned home, she experienced a season of trial, discouragement, and conflict, filled with unexpected challenges. That often happens when we set out to do great things for God. Over the past several months, Emily has experienced both highs and lows in her walk with the Lord. Emily told me that she was recently reminded, “that God will speak to us through His people in the midst of our most challenging circumstances so we can give Him the glory”.

Emily recently lived this out as she traveled to Amsterdam and was introduced to YWAM (Youth With A Mission – https://ywam.org). Not only did God use some unexpected circumstances and His people to speak to her, but He helped her to realize her calling. She feels called to minister to the women and children of the red-light district in Amsterdam. As we discussed this newfound passion, I was reminded of the following words by Frederick Buechner, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Emily envisions herself knocking on doors, loving women and children, sharing her testimony, and inviting them to know Jesus. Exactly like Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. Exactly like Jesus did with Emily. Exactly like Jesus did with me. Emily is trying to discern if she should continue her college education, enroll in a Discipleship Training School through YWAM and serve in Amsterdam, or some combination of both. As we discussed these decisions yesterday, I realized one of our alumni who had attended a DTS through YWAM was on campus. Naturally, we invited her into the conversation. Hardly a coincidence. God is good. Emily has also experienced many answers to prayer involving her family and friends. She testified that we must trust and never lose hope! I invite you to join me in praying with and for Emily. God is still writing her testimony, and she is still sharing it.

What is your testimony? Are you willing to share it with others? Just like Emily, God has given you a unique testimony and He wants you to proclaim it to others. Your testimony will reach people differently than mine. We are all essential parts of one body. Who can you share it with today? You are not responsible for the results, only sharing what He has done for you.

Emily, if you are reading this, remember, you are precious! You are a unique Child of God with a powerful testimony. I pray you continue to share it with the world. God will use you to draw people to Him because they can see the hope you have. Fellow alien in this world, I can say the same about you – you are precious! You bear the image of God and He loves you dearly. If you are in Christ, you have a testimony to share with the world, but you are the only one that can do it. Will you share it? Don’t hold back, the world needs to hear your story. If you are not in Christ – I urge you to be reconciled to God through Him today. I would love to have that conversation with you. So would Emily.

Remember, this world is not our home – our citizenship is in heaven!

In Him,

Andy

Direction for the Journey

Navigating the Maze of Life – 10.14.22

We took our daughter and some friends to Lucky Ladd Farms last week. Lucky Ladd is a popular local attraction that provides many activities for kids this time of year. It has a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, slides, hayrides, a corn maze, outrageously priced concessions, and much more. We have been to Lucky Ladd and several similar places many times since moving to Tennessee. Our children have mostly outgrown these activities so I was glad to visit Lucky Ladd again on a beautiful Fall afternoon.

One of the most enjoyable activities was the corn maze. Corn mazes were new to us when we moved here over fifteen years ago. I have finished several before, and I have walked through the corn to get out of a few after getting lost and losing patience! As we walked through the maze on this particularly day last week, I couldn’t help but to see it as a metaphor for life. The maze was filled with countless twists and turns, unpredictable outcomes, dead ends, retracing steps, and frustrating moments. We got lost, we took turns and ended up right where we started, we had no idea where we were going or how to get there, and we had no map to guide us on the journey. Mazes can lead us to frustration, disappointment, anxiety, fear, impatience, and moments of triumph countered by moments of despair. Sounds a great deal like life. As I reflect on my own life and experience, I can readily testify that I have been there. Twists and turns, disappointments, dead ends, starting over, unclear direction, unclear destination, frustration, and exhilaration mixed with sadness. Can you relate? What has been your experience? Where do we turn in these moments, and how can we navigate this journey?

As I pondered these thoughts and questions, some things became very evident from my experience.

1 – Submit yourself to God and renew your mind.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2) Submission to God is our right response to all He has done for us. Without this first and most important step, we will remain adrift in this life and we will be hopelessly lost in the next. When asked about the way to follow Him into eternal life, Jesus responded, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6). This is the essential step. These verses also implore us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds if we want to understand God’s will. The pattern of this world is death, decay, lies, deception, temporary enticements, and selfishness. It dulls our spiritual senses, lulls us into complacency and stagnation, and distracts us from the truth. We must not conform to it, but rather, we must renew our minds to resist its allure.

This is a daily practice due to the constant onslaught from the powers of this dark world that are contrary to the way of Jesus (Eph. 6:10-13). How do we do it? Consider Paul’s advice on how to do battle with the pattern of this world and renew your mind. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight withare not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This is something we must do. Worldly thinking has a way of creeping into our minds and before we know it, we believe the lies and forsake the truth. It is subtle. It is insidious. It is relentless. We must be aware and we must take action. By doing so, we will be able to discern God’s will and our direction in this life. To do so, we need to know (commit to memory), understand, and practice the guidance we receive from God in His Word.

2 – Turn to God’s Word for direction.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).

God’s Word helps us to stay sure footed as we walk this journey. It also provides illumination in the darkness ahead. The maze of life is often rocky and dark, leading us to stumble, remain stagnant, or cower in fear. God’ Word provides just what we need to continue to move forward with confident assurance.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God’s Word is exactly that – direction and guidance from Him. Therefore, we should trust and value it as the source for truth. It has great use in our life – teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. It is our guide to the good life. Despite all messaging to the contrary, God is not a cosmic killjoy, but a loving God who wants us to experience an abundant life. His Word teaches us how to do it and corrects our wayward thinking. Further, it is intended to be utilized to prepare us for the good works He has prepared for us (Eph. 2:10). It is THE guide to the maze of life.

3 – Trust in God, rather than yourself.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Finally, we must resist the temptation to believe that we know what is best for us. This is absolutely antithetical to the prevailing cultural messages of today. We do not know what is best, and our thinking is severely limited by our finite perspective. His perspective is infinite. He alone is the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent one. Between the two, who should we trust? Submitting to His will and His ways will make our paths straight. We need to trust Him alone. What are you placing your trust in for answers and direction in life? Power? Wealth? Knowledge? We have countless options – all of which will fail us, except for Him. Psalm 20:7 describes it in this way, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

I’m not sure what you are facing today as you navigate your alien journey, but I know you have either been through the maze, you are going through the maze, or you are about to go through the maze. I want to encourage you today to make it your habit to submit to God, renew your mind, take direction from God’s Word, and to trust God over yourself. He will give you the direction you need and He will never leave you alone.

By the way, on our trip to Lucky Ladd we made it out of the maze. I have made it out of the maze in my life too. I pray the same for you.

Remember our citizenship is in heaven!

In Him,

Andy

Empty or Abundant?

Weaponized Words

A sword or a salve – we must choose – 8.9.22

One of our favorite things to do when the kids were little was to spend time reading to them right before bedtime. We had a virtual library of Childrens books in the house and we read them often. Certainly, we had some favorites, as well as some that we would bury at the bottom of the pile! I can probably still recite Goodnight Moon by heart. So many great books that conveyed important messages to our kids, and candidly, lasting impact on us adults that regularly read them. There is something powerful about simple, beautiful stories that convey truth that endures long after story time is over. One of our surprise favorites was the Tale of the Poisonous Yuck Bugs (picture above). This is not a classic, but in a home with 4 children, a story about the power of words became essential reading! You can check it out for yourself, but it is a simple tale about how one group of bugs used words to tear down another group of bugs. It is because of this book that I memorized the following verse from Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” I wish I could tell you that I was never reckless, that I never weaponized my words to pierce someone else like a sword. Unfortunately, I know I have been too reckless with my words.

I began thinking about the power of words and the Yuck Bugs not too long ago on a trip to the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville. Tab and I were visiting some family at the convention center and we took a walk to the mall for lunch. As we strolled toward the food court we overheard some live music in the center of the courtyard. We both recognized that it was pretty good so we decided to grab some food and swing back by and sit and listen for a little while. I am so glad we did. We don’t do that enough, simply sit and listen. We were blessed by some great live music, but there was one song that I found particularly poignant. I have provided a link to it above if you’d like to listen. It is called, Put Down Our Words by Aaron Bucks. Take a minute to check it out. The lines that really captured my attention and imagination were the following:

Put down your words – and I’ll put down mine

Let’s get back to loving each other – more than we love to fight

His words so clearly illustrate our propensity to weaponize our words during times of disagreement, contention, or frustration. The vivid word picture was arresting to me – words were equivalent to a weapon that had to be physically put down to prevent injury to another person. Indeed, careless words do pierce like a sword. Each of us has that kind of power. We better put down our words and get back to loving each other. the Bible has much to say about the power of words. Consider the following nuggets of wisdom.

Proverbs 18:6-8 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 10:19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

James 3:3-12 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

I don’t know about you, but this is pretty convicting for me. We have to be careful with our words. The age-old adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me”, simply isn’t true, and it is certainly not Biblical. It is a dangerous sentiment. Words have power, life and death kind of power. They have influence, the kind that tears down, or the kind that builds up. We must be careful how we use them. Friend, educator, leader, Christ-follower – our words have power, how are we using them? I want to put down my words and make sure that I am loving others more than I love to fight. I do not want my relationships, my influence, or my testimony to be tarnished because I can’t demonstrate self-control in the way I wield my words.

One of the most startling scriptures on this topic comes straight from the mouth of Jesus. As He addressed the Pharisees regarding the relationship between their heart and mouth, He said, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Mt. 12:36). Did you catch that – every empty word spoken. To be clear, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), but this verse should serve as a startling reminder that our words matter. I need to hold myself accountable for the words I speak, we need to hold each other accountable, we are all accountable for our words. Put them down, love others.

Where can I put this into practice? Which relationships need healing (tongue of the wise)? Who can I build up with my words? Perhaps it is someone in my family? A co-worker? Maybe it is my social media? Maybe even just a stranger on the street? We notice when people do this well – they make a difference! Remember, our citizenship is in heaven – let us use our words to demonstrate this to a wounded, watching world.

I have to confess that while we were listening to Aaron Bucks at the mall, we noticed an Elvis impersonator was taking in the tunes as well. He was probably approaching 70 years old, but he was pretty slick, and he was definitely on the prowl. As he casually strolled past the crowd, he took a minute to use his words to encourage Tabitha while I stepped away for a minute. True story and makes me smile to this day, but it also reminds me of all the missed opportunities I have not taken to encourage the person that means the most to me in this world. Let us commit to take advantage of all the opportunities we are given, to put down our words, love others, encourage them, and build them up (1 Thes. 5:11)!

In Him,

Andy

Traveling Light

Holding Loosely to the Things of This World – 7.16.22

Our family took a trip to San Antonio recently. One afternoon, after a visit to the Historic Market Square, we found ourselves perusing the shelves in the downtown Goodwill. That’s where I found the above picture of a pull behind camper. The picture and caption, “happiness is a travel trailer”, reminded me of a conversation I had with some strangers in Utah a few months ago.

On a tour out west, I had the opportunity to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab, Utah. While there, we spent time sledding down the sand slopes! It was beautiful and a truly exhilarating experience. There were quite a few wipe outs, which let to some hilarious videos and memes that were frequently circulated amongst the students I was with during dinner. After we finished sledding and hiked back to the bleachers where we left our bags, I had the opportunity to engage a couple that was lingering around. They were clearly of retirement age, but what prompted our exchange was the large camera and tripod he was carrying. Curious, I engaged him in some dialogue around what they were photographing. It was slightly more courteous and professional than, “you come here often”? The husband and wife began to tell me their story. They retired, sold their home and nearly all of their possessions, and purchased a camper. They travel the country, taking in the beauty of creation, exploring, sharing time and experiences with each other. I was awestruck and captivated by their testimony. I teared up by the beauty of their decision to leave it all behind to fully live life together. Maybe I’ll run into them again, I hope I do. They were incredibly kind, and I’d love to hear more about their journey.

That interaction caused me to think deeply about my relationship to this world, my possessions, my time, and what I value. What is my relationship to the things of this world? Am I captive to my possessions and the temporal, or am I willing to let them all go for that which is eternal? As Jesus was kicking off His ministry, He shared the following with his disciples and anyone else within earshot of His voice: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:19-21). Jesus makes it abundantly clear here that we are investing in either the kingdom of this world, or the kingdom of heaven. Investment in this world is a mistake due to its temporal nature, while investment in heaven is eternal. The most striking part of these verses is the connection between our treasure and our heart.

Similarly, Jesus told a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to a treasure hidden in a field. It is incredibly brief, yet profoundly striking. The two succinct sentences are found in Matthew 13:44 – “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” There it is again, the connection between our treasure and our heart. Notice that he sold all he had to purchase the field – joyfully. It wasn’t a struggle, it wasn’t painful, it wasn’t begrudgingly, half-hearted, or lackadaisical- it was with joy! The sacrifice was easy, because the investment was worth so much more. We are in the very same situation, surrounded and tempted by the temporal when the value of the eternal is exceedingly greater.

Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Rembrandt

I’m reminded of the quote from Jim Elliot’s journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Jim traveled light and he was called to give up the temporal for the eternal. I don’t know what God is calling you or me to sacrifice today, but I do know that He wants us to value eternal things over earthly things. This is undoubtedly a struggle for us as we live out our calling during our temporary stay here. As we wrestle, Paul reminds us where to steady our gaze. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).

Happiness is a travel trailer! Our stay here is short, our mission is clear, our citizenship is in heaven – let us travel light.

In Him,

Andy

Those Who Can…Teach

The Teachers I Know – July 9, 2022

Most of us have heard the tired and discouraging expression referenced above, “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”. This type of derogatory attitude towards the teaching profession can demoralize and alienate educators as they selflessly labor to teach and train the leaders of tomorrow. If you have not seen Taylor Mali’s response to this in his viral video, “What Teacher’s Make”, it is worth a quick review.

Those Who Can…Teach

I have been thinking about the teachers I know over the past few weeks. In Tennessee, they recently came under fire from comments made by the President of Hillsdale College, Dr. Larry Arnn. Here are a few of the excerpts that raised the ire of educators across the state:

“The teachers are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges in the country.” (the crowd laughed in response)

“Here’s a key thing that we’re going to try to do. We are going to try to demonstrate that you don’t have to be an expert to educate a child because basically anybody can do it.”

“…what are their degrees in? Education. It’s easy. You don’t have to know anything.”

I don’t know Dr. Arnn and I was not in the room for his speech. He is clearly well educated and highly successful, however, his comments were irresponsible, simple, impractical, ill-informed, caustic, and damaging. In the past few years, teachers have been subjected to extreme demands based on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fluctuation between in-person and virtual schooling, in conjunction with the implementation of mitigation strategies and other additional responsibilities have exhausted our teachers. According to the American Psychological Association, 49% of teachers reported a desire to quit or transfer schools. Now is not the time to make off the cuff remarks demeaning teachers. I have been a professional educator and administrator for 25 years, served in 7 different schools (public and private), known hundreds upon hundreds of teachers personally and professionally, and I can attest that the above is woefully short-sighted and inaccurate.

The teachers I know can do AND choose to teach. In fact, many have. I know former pharmacists who left their field to pursue teaching, a former actuary, former financial consultants, professional actors, musicians, DEA agents, and more. The teachers I know weren’t relegated to teaching based on some professional failure or personal incompetence, but they chose to be a teacher.

The teachers I know are highly knowledgeable in their chosen field of study. Often in multiple fields of study, due to need, experience, and opportunity.

The teachers I know are ALWAYS growing in their knowledge and skill. They seek professional development opportunities during the year, as well as over the summer break. A team of our faculty and administration ventured to a conference in Texas recently. Our math department attended a local conference at MTSU. Members of our humanities faculty participated in ongoing professional writing training on campus last week as well. Our entire faculty is engaged in a summer book study. Several of our teachers recently completed advanced degrees and several more are in process. These are just a few examples.

A team of our faculty and administration at the recent ACCS Conference in Texas.

The teachers I know are professionally trained and skilled practitioners of the trade. Teaching is not just knowledge, but requires a significant skill to educate others. They are constantly refining and honing their pedagogy based on current research, personal experimentation, and collaborative practice. They observe one another and relish the feedback. They research and lead professional development sessions after school to improve their practice.

Picture from a teacher that visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston to view the empty frame of Rembrandt’s *The Storm on the Sea of Galilee*. This was central to the theme of our faculty summer reading book, *Rembrandt is in the Wind.*

The teachers I know fill many roles during the day. They are teacher, coach, mentor, spiritual advisor, encourager, listener, counselor, confidant, example, and often more. They develop lasting relationships with their students, often providing essential guidance at a critical stage of adolescence.

The teachers I know are passionate about their work and they give everything they have to their vocation and their students. They work tirelessly, always willing to do more. One more email, one more paper, one more class, one more study hall, one more lunch help session, one more meeting, one more student… They do what they can, when they can, as often as they can, because it is their mission. It is not simply a job.

The teachers I know regularly sacrifice their own time, money, and resources to serve their students. I know teachers that host advisory barbecues at their home, take advisories to breakfast, give up their weekends to take students to conferences, take students on week long trips, use their own money to provide classroom resources, use personal belongings when what is provided is insufficient, and so much more. The teachers I know sacrifice for the benefit of their students.

A few of our teacher advisors hosting students at their home for a barbecue. Teachers go above and beyond!

The teachers I know make a difference. I speak from personal experience as one who has benefited from a long line of excellent teachers. They helped make me who I am today. Teachers shape the future. If we want to get serious about educational reform, we best not point the finger at our teachers by dropping cutting soundbites, further alienating our staunchest allies in our mission. Rather, we must validate the essential role they play, enlist them in the discussion, and provide them with what they need to get the job done. It’s not too late – but we better not take them for granted. They are the ones doing battle in the arena – the teachers I know are warriors worthy of our honor and respect. Let’s give it to them.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

What about the teachers you know? Drop a comment here to let them know you are thankful for them. Tag them on this post. Teachers, how have you been growing as a professional? Take a minute to comment so everyone can see what you have been doing!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Remember, our citizenship is in heaven!

In Him,

Andy

Tough Mudder, Teamwork, and the Case for Togetherness

Mutuality & Love for Humanity Along the Journey – June 26, 2022

Today I am tired and sore. Yesterday I enjoyed tackling a Tough Mudder 5k with a team of ten other friends. Actually, I enjoyed tackling the Tough Mudder with ten friends and hundreds of complete strangers. If you have never participated in a race like this, it is basically a three mile (they also have a 15k) race through difficult terrain with 13 obstacles mixed in along the way, and yes, a great deal of mud. This was my second Tough Mudder, but the last time I participated was October of 2019. The world is different today. Yesterday I had a keen sense of observation and insight, noticing things that I missed a few years ago. My focus was different, my purpose more clear, and at times, I was caught off guard by the beauty of certain moments. As I reflect on the day, the impressions are more ingrained, and the lessons learned have far-reaching and consequential value. Life is a little bit like a Tough Mudder.

To begin, I think it is fair to say that we assembled a rather eclectic team. To be clear, I never saw this as a bad thing, only surprising and exciting. Tab and I wanted to take part so we threw it out on social media for anyone to join us. To our amazement, people began expressing interest. Many commented that they had always wanted to do something like this, but never had a group with which to participate. It was refreshing to put together an arrangement of people we could not have anticipated. People with different abilities and experiences were willing to unite, working together for a common purpose. Indeed, it seems, life is a little bit like a Tough Mudder.

The camaraderie amongst our team was strong on race day and we all enthusiastically jumped right in as the whistle blew. As we navigated the course, our team began encouraging one another, helping each other over obstacles, out of the mud, lending a hand, providing a knee, giving a lift, a push, a pull, whatever was needed to help each other overcome. No one was ever left behind. Sometimes we ran, sometimes we walked. We checked on each other, laughed together, gave advice, celebrated each others success, smiled a lot, and did it all together. I wish life was a little more like a Tough Mudder.

The most beautiful thing, however, is that we also did this with all of the other complete strangers on the course. We didn’t ride to the event together. We didn’t know each others background. We didn’t even know their names. No sense of their political ideology, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status. Sex, race, educational attainment, career affiliation, none of it mattered on the course. We were fellow Tough Mudder participants, and we readily grasped hands to pull each other out of the mud, to give a boost over an obstacle, to encourage one another on towards the next obstacle. We stayed behind to help other groups, we encouraged those that didn’t succeed, we celebrated those that did. We let others go first, and we let others literally step on us so they could move ahead. Whew. It was muddy, but it was beautiful. Can’t life be a little bit more like a Tough Mudder?

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., famously said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” I have always loved those words. This was an obvious call to root out injustice anywhere it is seen, not solely when it impacts me. It also illuminates the interconnected nature of humanity, and how we are all impacted by the progress of others. Consequently, our corporate destiny is rooted in the thriving of all individual parties. This was blatantly evident on the course. We needed each other and could not have completed certain obstacles without the help of others – friends and strangers alike. Whatever affected one directly, affected us all indirectly, and life is like that as well.

After the race, we quickly showered and changed and drove to a celebration of life for my friend John. We were able to visit with his family and some of our friends from an old neighborhood (pic below). During our conversation, someone pointed out that our old neighborhood was similar to that “inescapable network of mutuality” as we lived our lives and raised our kids together on our cul-de-sac. We were different in many ways, but we were all doing our best as we navigated raising children, job challenges and changes, family issues, health concerns, finances, joys, and fears. What impacted one, impacted all. We did our best to pull each other out of the mud, over the obstacle, and on toward the finish. Life should always be like a Tough Mudder.

As I contemplate my Tough Mudder experience and consider the applications in an often contentious and polarized world, I am compelled and convinced to choose the way of love. In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul reminds us that love is the greatest, it never fails, and if we don’t love, we are nothing and we gain nothing. Further, he reminds us that, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. At risk of oversimplifying, there was a great deal of love on the Tough Mudder course. Now only if we can make life a little more like that.

There was no trophy to be had, but we all finished the race. There was no pedestal to recognize ordinal accomplishments of individuals, but we were all winners. Since our citizenship is in heaven, we are called to reflect His love in the world by living differently according to His kingdom values. May God give us the grace to love one another, friend and stranger alike, and in so doing, make this life a little bit more like a Tough Mudder!

In Him,

Andy

A Home Prepared for You

Where We Live & Where We Work – 6.3.22

In his book, Oneness Embraced: Reconciliation, The Kingdom, and How We are Stronger Together, Dr. Tony Evans outlines how the “kingdom agenda” is the foundational philosophy behind all that he does as a pastor. He reminds readers that followers of Jesus Christ are citizens of heaven, and their allegiance belongs to God’s kingdom rather than to the kingdoms of this world. To illustrate this point, Evans tells a brief story about a man in need of a shoe repair. The man was in a rush to make it to the shop before closing at 5pm. Upon arrival right at 5pm he noticed that the parking lot was empty and figured he had just missed his opportunity. Since he was there, he went ahead and tried the door. To his surprise it was open and the repairman was still there. The man was relieved and expressed his gratitude as well as surprise that the repairman was still there, given the empty parking lot. The repairman told him that he made it just in time as he was about to close up and go home. Confused as to how the repairman would get home, the man raised the empty parking lot once again. To which the repairman pointed to a staircase in the back and said, “I live up there, I just work down here.”

Can we say the same thing? I live up there, I just work down here. Do I live as if my citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20)? Am I more invested in God’s kingdom agenda, or am I more enamored by the kingdoms of this world (James 4:4)? Few things put these questions in perspective like death. Wrestling with grief, mourning a loss, confronting our own mortality, and questioning the fairness of an untimely death – all produce the sobering effect of making us contemplate eternity. As good as life is here, so much is not the way it should be, or was intended to be. The impact of sin, evil, abuse, poverty, and the like, at times is too much to bear. Considering the news over just the last month is enough to make us shake our fists toward the sky and cry out for God to intervene. We need the hope of things yet to come to sustain us.

Last week was the end of our school year. Typically this is a time of celebration as students graduate, receive awards, participate in field days, and so much more. Laughter fills the halls, smiles abound, the closure of one year is mixed with the hope of the next, and it is palpable. This year, however, our community was rocked by the sudden and tragic death of an 11 year old student in a car accident. So hard. I can’t understand this kind of loss, it is inexplicable. Please join me in praying for his family. This is not how things should be. He lived a beautiful life and was a beautiful boy, but he left this world far too soon. What I do know, however, is this young man was a follower of Christ. He lived up there, he just worked down here. And boy did he work down here. The stories of his joy and kindness are virtually endless. We was a peacemaker, hospitable and welcoming to all, loved to learn about God and His world, loved to sing and worship, loved baseball, loved legos, and he freely spread his joy with everyone. He lived up there, but just worked down here.

Because of his citizenship, we can take solace in moments like this in the words of Jesus. Check out this exchange from John 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. When this young man left this world, he moved into the home Jesus had prepared for him. He was a citizen there all along and he had a home waiting for his arrival. He did his job well here on Earth, even though it was only for a short time, and now he has moved home.

This is the invitation for all of us. Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our Savior Jesus (Phil. 3:20). Jesus will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like his glorious body (3:21). This is our hope in the midst of the struggles of this world. Let us cling to it with everything we have. Jesus told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Peace can only be found in Him. While we have troubles in this world, we must remember that Jesus has overcome the world. Those who are “in Him” have an eternal home prepared for them – this is our hope. C.S. Lewis reminds us, “Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” Jesus has a place prepared for us and He will come back to take us to be with Him. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. This world is not our home. We live up there, we just work down here. Let us remember where our allegiance lies, and use the time we have to further God’s Kingdom agenda while we are here.

In Him,

Andy

Keeping My Head

Maintaining Self-Control When We Don’t Have Control – 5.28.22

I originally sat down to write this post on April 30th, and it is now May 28th. At that time, I had been thinking about this topic for weeks already… Whew, that’s what the end of the school year can be like for educators. The end of this one was particularly challenging for our community, but that’s for another day. The end of the academic year is a time filled with culminating events – awards ceremonies, field days, projects, commencement, and so much more. In education circles, it is also the time when it seems that everyone is tempted to lose their head. It’s as if we have reached the end of our individual and collective self-control. Perhaps if school were to end a few weeks earlier, we’d all make it safely across the finish line. However, I fear moving the line would only induce the behavior to follow suit.

As I reflect on our temptation to abandon self-control during this season of the year, I am reminded of some lessons I learned recently from our students. Not long ago, I was privileged to take a trip with our senior class to visit several national parks in Utah and Arizona. I am challenged by their response to several situations, and if I can learn to respond in like manner, I may just keep my head when all around me are losing theirs (I love the first line of the Kipling poem, “If” – check it out below).

To begin our trip, we met at school shortly after 3am as we had an early flight. We were fortunate to have a charter bus that would transport us to the airport. The only problem – the bus didn’t show. After multiple calls and attempts to get them there, it wasn’t happening. No parents to take them as they simply dropped off their students. The adults began to fret and develop a plan to drive buses to the airport and abandon them for pick up later. Fortunately, one of our parents, a school employee, was willing to drive a bus as well. While all of this was happening, the students simply enjoyed each others company. They didn’t care how we got to the airport, the buses were just fine. Quite frankly, they were a little oblivious to the problem altogether. They were too busy enjoying themselves. The adults, however, were a little stressed.

After arrival in Las Vegas, our bus broke down on the interstate on the way to the Hoover Dam. While out of our control, we were concerned about the itinerary, and the cracks in the tour company planning began to show. The students turned the bus into a party and began to celebrate our bus driver and his victory over the broken belt in the back of the bus!

A planned lunch at Wal-Mart en route to a destination (over any possible restaurant?) – no problem, the students saw opportunity. The adults were left shaking their heads (and eating mini pretzel dogs from the lone restaurant inside).

Poor planning leading to the postponement of our trip to sand sledding? No problem, more time to hang out in the hotel together.

A planned dinner at a meager burger joint (pic below) that couldn’t hold us and took about an hour to get us through the line. Adults shaking heads, students raiding the children’s vending machines with spare coins for bouncy balls that were being deployed across the parking lot. Some said it may have been the highlight of the trip (it was early though).

Shady stargazing appointment = student dance party

A pizza joint too small for us = student meme sharing and dinner with the bus driver

Inability to hike the Narrows @ Zion = bike riding and a 1st for one of our students

Too much time to kill in Sedona = a petting zoo with street performers

So many examples of ways the students responded to potentially difficult circumstances by seeing them as opportunities. As an adult, I chose to see the difficulty, disappointment, or the worst of the situation, while the students chose differently. On the way to the airport we were parked on the interstate due to a brush fire. It looked like we were going to miss the first leg of our flight, then it looked like we could miss our connection in Houston. The students literally held a dance party on the bus while we were all scrambling for plans, back up options, etc. We were a little exasperated, and this was compounded by a complete lack of concern and responsiveness by our trip company. The juxtaposition between adults and students was comical. Needless to say, we made it through (running) the airport (we only lost one student for a little while) and made our flights.

Because the bus didn’t show up at the beginning of the trip, we confirmed it several times for our return. However, when we landed in Nashville and arrived at the baggage claim we were notified it wouldn’t be coming to pick us up. Impossible. It was after midnight and 40 of us were stranded in the airport. As adults, we rallied for the students, but inside we were spent. The students transformed the baggage claim into social hour and game night. Fortunately, one of our bus drivers was awake and he began the voyage to school and then the airport. The bus ride home was memorable as we packed the aisles with luggage and crowded into our seats.

Victor Frankl, a holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, said, “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way“. It’s hard to believe that Frankl can take this position given the atrocities of the Holocaust. It makes sense. Much of what I have discussed above is inconsequential in the big picture, but there are often significant life events that impact us in meaningful ways. Regardless of the circumstance, I have the freedom to choose my response. Frankl said it another way, “between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”. It appears there is always a space between what impacts us and our response. It is in that space that I must choose, and in so doing, demonstrate my growth, my maturity, and my freedom.

Even little children sing about the fruit of the Spirit. As a reminder, here they are: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). If I am a Christ-follower, I am to live by His spirit and demonstrate self-control. There is no limit to His Spirit, and therefore, no limit to self-control, regardless of what I would like to believe. Consider the life of Jesus and how He exercised freedom in self-control. When the rich young ruler chose possessions over following Him, Jesus looked at Him and loved Him (Mark 10:21). Jesus ate dinner with Judas even though He knew he was about to betray Him (John 13:26). Perhaps most poignantly, He forgave those that were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). Jesus fully exercised freedom in self-control because He was focused on a greater mission – conquering sin and death. He was focused on those He came to save. Rather than ourselves, we should also be focused on a greater mission – a lost and dying world.

Too often we want to justify our lack of self-control. We were wronged, we are right, it’s not fair, etc., and meanwhile the world is watching. If I had lost my head on our trip, what would the impact have been on the students? What would have been the impact on our bus driver? Trip leader? As leaders, educators, and followers of Christ in this world, we are to exercise our freedom by choosing our responses and modeling self control in the midst of challenges. The world is watching – will they see me, or Christ in me (Gal 2:20-21)? I must respond differently than the world, because this world is not my home. I am on an alien journey and my citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). My behavior should echo this reality to all of those around me.

Join me on the journey. Oh, and let me know if you need any travel advice…besides tour guides or bus companies

In Him,

Andy