Hey, that hurt

After exactly 10 months of life away from the blog, I have returned to cyberspace ready to share with the world the wonderful, amazing, daring adventures that make up my life. OK, it’s probably only that exciting to me, but you have to keep reading anyway. Don’t you miss me?

This blog is not the only neglected part of my life. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to wait a long time when it comes to some important tasks.

Like going to the dentist.

Last week I made my first visit to the teeth cleaners in (gulp) more than 10 years. This is NOT recommended. I can say without a doubt that more frequent dentist visits must reduce the amount of pain and torture one withstands from the hot seat. When you wait 10 years, they pull out this tool that’s more closely related to a power drill than anything else I can think of, and they go to work on your poor, unsuspecting mouth. The drill powers on, and all of a sudden an excruciating procedure begins, tooth by tooth. It feels more like they’re trying to jackhammer the teeth into a million little pieces than actually clean them.

I should have known.

It’s probably not a good sign when the dental hygienist says that there’s A LOT of buildup and then apologizes for how much it’s going to hurt. Such a nice, gentle voice coming from the very person whose hand wields the tool of death.

The good news is that I miraculously came away with a good report and no cavities. The dentist said I “dodged a bullet.” But perhaps the better news is that I am learning (can’t say ‘learned’ just yet) a valuable lesson: don’t neglect the important things in life. Sure, a dentist visit might not be at the top of that list, but it’s a very real (and painful) example of the consequences of long-term procrastination, laziness or fear.

It makes me think of those things that we cannot afford to neglect, like relationships. I believe that they are the most crucial elements of a person’s life. Material things come and go; careers, hobbies and circumstances will all eventually fade away. But one’s relationships are at the very heart of who a person is and what kind of impact a person is making in the world.

So my challenge is this: Don’t neglect the dentist for 10 years. But even more so, don’t neglect your relationship to God, your family, your friends and your neighbors. Spend time with God. Get to know him better. Read the Word he has given us. Pray to him. Confess your neediness and wickedness. Enjoy his loveliness and grace and worship his holiness.

Spend time with your family. Love them with all that you have. Don’t forget about them or take them for granted. They may not always be there.

Love your friends. Rejoice with them when they’re happy. Cry with them in tough times. Don’t use them for what they can give you, but rather sacrifice yourself for them. Give up your selfish use of your time, energy and money and offer it away with joy. You’ll reap the benefits one day.

Lastly, think of your neighbors. Those right next door and those across the world. Don’t be so consumed with yourself that you forget there are billions of people going through life just like you – the ups, the downs, the joys, the heartaches – and pray for them. When you see a man broken and helpless, don’t pass him by like the others, but stop what you’re doing and help. This type of relationship, however small it may seem, could last forever.

And I will do my best not to neglect this blog. See you again soon.

A Blog Break From Work

Well, long-time-no-blog. It’s nice to type some words here again after a three-week hiatus. What happens is I get so busy at work during this time of the year that several other activities start to move to the background, including this blog. But I want to make sure I maintain balance in life.

I have had a couple of good conversations with friends in the past few days about how much emphasis we put in our work. I want to be excellent in my job, because I think (1) it honors God, (2) it maintains my integrity with co-workers and acquaintances, (3) it helps others do their job better and (4) I like performing well when I have the ability. I need to make sure, however, that I do not put too much value in my work so that I don’t allow myself to love and serve my church, my family and my friends. It can be especially difficult for me sometimes, because I work in the sports world, which I love so much. It’s easy for me to stay in the office until 1 a.m. sometimes (like the last two nights working on the soccer media guide), because I enjoy it. And while I am grateful that I love my job, I also understand that my identity is not defined by my career. I am first and foremost a child of the living God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ from a depraved condition (that leads to death) to abundant life (that leads to paradise forever). Secondly, I am an ambassador of Christ, called to love my neighbor and let people know how great is the one true God. Also, I am a son of my parents, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, a nephew and a friend to many people. As you can see, being an employee is definitely a part of my identity, but it’s way down the list.

The problem is, sometimes I forget how much value should be placed in some of these roles ahead of my occupation. Honestly, I spend the majority of my time at my job, so it’s only natural that I spend most of my time and effort on that. I write a lot more press releases than notes to my grandpa or aunts. What I must remember is that even while I work, it’s the relationships that matter most. Material things fade away, but relationships last much longer. And a relationship with the eternal God is what truly lasts forever. My priorities should reflect this order of the endurance of things.

Therefore, in a spirit of balance and prioritization, I will try to maintain this blog a little more regularly and work 16-hour days in the office a little less often. ‘Til then, may our days be filled with purpose and joy.

When You Need Chicken on Sunday...

Maybe it’s because I passed by a half a dozen of them while driving in Atlanta (for vacation) today, or maybe it’s because the new store in Oxford (where I live) is taking shape and looks ready to open soon, but I just cannot stop thinking about Chick-fil-A. As I blogged briefly back on June 2, the innovative chicken sandwich creators continue to astound me with their excellence and maintain what I think is the king (and queen and emperor, czar, president, etc.) of fast food chains.

So I visited their Web site. After browsing awhile, I ended up on the page about why Chick-fil-A is not opened on Sundays. And that’s where I learned a profound life lesson - a spiritual truth, in fact, that I had not previously fully understood. Sometimes you find the deepest profundity in the most unexpected places.

You see, Chick-fil-A is not only closed on Sundays because the owners have a strong Christian foundation that demands a respect for the Sabbath, but it’s closed because it’s good for business. And it’s good for the employees. And it’s good for their families. The incredible truth about why Chick-fil-A does not serve food one day out of the week is much more than allowing its workers to go to church, although that is indeed a high priority. The reality is that we as humans are more productive on the other six days of the week when we spend one day resting and reflecting on our creator God. He set it up that way. He even modeled it for us when he formed the heavens and the earth, and everything that is in them, and called it good, and rested for a day. It only makes sense. Who can be on the go, go, go constantly and not be exhausted when the rubber meets the road? Who out there does not have to sleep and relax at some point in order not to go completely insane? I haven’t met the person yet.

I believe that because the Lord God designed a plan for effective labor, it is probably a good one. If we can truly appreciate the value of rest, then we will much better be able to appreciate the more obvious value of hard work. We must not abuse it. We must not be slothful or wallow in sin or waste away hours in pointless pleasures. I am guilty of it, we all are. But if we can have true rest, the kind that is focused on Christ’s goodness and his love for us, and the kind that refreshes our mind and heart by its peacefulness, and the kind that is a grateful reflection on such blessings as we receive with every breath and bite of food and drink of water, then our work days will be richer, more productive, more enjoyable, and generally better in most every way.

Chick-fil-A, in at least one way, gets this. And to salute the corporation, I think I will eat there at least six times a week when the Oxford location opens. Maybe I can get a coupon or something for when my wallet starts rejecting the multitude of visits, though.

Today is the Day

Good morning world!

Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Let the sun shine bright on your face, open up your imagination to the great possibilities of the day, and run after righteousness today. Do not let the schemes of the devil or the temptations of your flesh overtake you. For nothing can separate us from the unwavering, unconditional, endless love of Christ our Savior. Have a great day!

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

I realize there are many people out there for whom the MLB All-Star Game has very little appeal. However, as a lifelong baseball fan, I still find myself enthralled like a little kid when the best players in the world get together for a game that highlights much of what is best about our great National Pastime. In addition to the tear-jerking tribute to the “All-Stars Among Us,” I loved watching Carl Crawford play.

You see, fast runners excite me every time. In the realm of sports, there is no aspect of athleticism that sparks the childlike emotion of wonder in me more than foot-speed. Crawford may be the fastest player in the majors right now. And he knows a thing or two about over-the-wall catches.

In light of this, today’s J.W. List highlights some of the greatest speedsters in baseball history. (Note that it’s not necessarily the best base-stealers, but the fastest runners. Therefore, some names could potentially surprise you. For the most dedicated baseball fans, this could be a fun trip down memory lane.)

Don’t Blink:

1920s/30s
- Cool Papa Bell (St. Louis Stars, Kansas City Monarchs, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead Grays) Considered by many the fastest baseball player ever

1940s/50s
- Jackie Robinson (Kansas City Monarchs, Brooklyn Dodgers)

1960s
- Maury Wills (Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos)
- Luis Aparicio (Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox)

1970s
- Lou Brock (St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs)
- Cesar Cedeño (Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Davey Lopes (Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland A’s, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros)

1980s
- Vince Coleman (St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers)
- Juan Samuel (Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays
- Willie Wilson (Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s, Chicago Cubs)
- Eric Davis (Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants)

1990s
- Deion Sanders (Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees)
- Tom Goodwin (Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs)
- Otis Nixon (Atlanta Braves, 8 others)
- Brian L. Hunter (Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies)
- Tony Womack (Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds)
- Steve Finley (Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies)
- Kenny Lofton (Cleveland Indians, 10 others)
- Lance Johnson (Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees)

2000s
- Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays)
- Juan Pierre (Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Jose Reyes (New York Mets)
- Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- Willy Taveras (Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds)
- Roger Cedeño (New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals)

“All of History Marches Forward …

to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” This is a phrase often repeated by my pastor during his Sunday sermons. It’s a great way to think about the eternal purposes of God throughout the history of mankind and His intimate relationship with His people. A mighty celebration to top all earthly bashes is awaiting those who are brought into everlasting life by the Lord.

Two weddings over the last month in which I had the privilege of being a participant have stirred my thoughts on this topic. At the risk of embarrassing Patrick and Sarah and Chris and Deanna, I must say that I have four friends who represent the best I can imagine among earthly relationships. All four of them love the Lord and sacrifice many aspects of their individual lives to serve so many people around them. And on top of their faith and generosity, they are couples who have such a deep, romantic, committed love for each other that I think represents what a marriage should be like.

These weddings, indeed these two marriages, are such a great example of a man and woman committed to giving up their own lives for the good of the other. However, they are only a picture, a shadow, of the love of Christ for His bride, the church. The very begotten son of God underwent pain, suffering, and death to rescue His beloved. That’s why I can’t wait for this heavenly marriage supper, because if it’s that much better than the two celebrations I’ve recently experienced with my great friends, then I am in a place of unmatched blessing. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around how great a banquet it will be.

Oh, the Joys of the Social Media Explosion

You know, for being someone who waited as long as possible until he was essentially required to own a cell phone, I am actually quite stunned by the following: I have a blog. I have a facebook page. And as of today, I tweet. (Side note: I really humor myself by considering what kind of looks one might have received when talking about a blog, facebook, or twitter/tweet just a decade ago, much less a century ago. Images of a black fog, a student asleep on a textbook, and little yellow birds come to mind.) I wonder, is all of this a good thing?

I believe the answer (as usual) lies not so much in the things themselves (which are probably inherently neutral), but in our attitude toward them and use of them. I think we would be wise to follow Paul’s advice to the Corinthians that whether we “tweet” or “blog” or “poke,” let us do it to the glory of God. My goal, as much as the Lord wills and my brothers and sisters hold me accountable, is to keep up with these forms of communication in order to (1) glorify God and enjoy him forever, (2) encourage and uplift those around me, and (3) enhance and maintain relationships among friends and family, all while not letting it bog me down or distract me from primary tasks. The second I fail to follow these guidelines, I would ask that any friend please alert me.

Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the rocket ride on the flames of the social media explosion.