Author: rodarters

A letter to Junior Seau

rodarters

Junior,

This letter is addressed to you but seeing that you are no longer with us – it’s really for those you left behind.   I have followed your football career for the last 2 decades.   Most kids dream about living the life you lived.  Most athletes never reach the level of success you achieved.  Even those who make it to the upper echelon of their game don’t last as long as you did – particularly in your sport.  You helped your first team make it to their only Super Bowl appearance.   You had an astonishing 1526 career tackles. You were invited to the Pro Bowl (the best of the best game) 12 different times.   You acquired world-wide fame and a legion of fans.   You made millions of dollars.   By all accounts, people loved you and respected you.  You had 3 children who are left trying to pick up the pieces.  We all want to know why.   Why Junior?   Why end your life when most would have given theirs to have it?

It’s a question that haunts your mother.  It’s a question that every teammate and coach can’t find the answer to.   It’s a question that millions of young people need to have answered.  Sadly, you may be the only one who ever knows.   And your answer, as logical as it may seem to you, will NEVER make sense to your children.  Ever.

Did you have a dark secret to hide?  Did you do something you were ashamed of?   Was the money not enough?  Were you too famous?  Did your glamorous life lack purpose?

Whatever your reason – it’s not good enough.  Whatever your motivation, it isn’t acceptable.  There is NEVER a good reason to take your own life.   And for the benefit of those you left behind, I want to share 6 reasons why suicide is never the answer.

  1. Though it was your life, it wasn’t yours to take.   God is the Author of Life and you do not have the right or moral authority to snuff it out.   Though He allowed you to die, it wasn’t His perfect plan for your life.
  2. Suicide is selfish.  It is the height of self centeredness.   Watching your mother grieve on national television is painful to watch.  The thought of mourning the death of a child is an unbearable torment for any parent.   Unfortunately, you don’t have to see it.  We do and we feel her pain caused by your moment of selfishness.
  3. Suicide is cowardly.   Every Sunday afternoon for 20 years, you were recognized for your toughness.  On Tuesday, you revealed your cowardice.   What was so painful that you couldn’t tackle it?  What was so wrong in your life that you felt the only solution was to run away, permanently?
  4. Suicide is a bad example.  We all have problems.  We all make mistakes.  We all have regret.  We all have hurt others in our past.   We all want a “do over” or the ability to go back and make some changes.   A lot of people looked up to you as a role model and you just taught your “students” how you coped with life’s biggest problems.   You didn’t.
  5. Suicide denies you the ability to see the next chapter.  In your long athletic career, surely you have been part of a game where your team came back from behind to win.  Without a doubt, you have had a coach or two give the speech at half-time that said something like, “Never give up.  It is not over.  We still have a chance.  We can overcome this obstacle.  As a team, we can defeat this opponent.  We can change the score.  We can come back from this disgraceful performance and rise again.  We will do better next time, etc.”   Not giving up is the badge of the true athlete.  It is the mark of a true competitor.  It is the anthem of every warrior.  You were that athlete.  You were that  competitor.  What happened?  Now the game is really over.  There is no 4th quarter miracle.  No hail Mary can change this outcome.  There is no extra time and there are no “repeat first downs.”   You chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem.   Your last chapter is now complete.  Is this really how you wanted to end your book?
  6. Suicide robs God of doing what He does best; forgiving sins and redeeming lives.   Since we do not know your reason why, we can only speculate.   You were obviously living with some demons that you didn’t know how to shake.  For whatever reason – you thought you were better off dead, than alive.  Had you known God better or trusted Him more – you would still be here.  He gives strength when we are weak.  He gives hope when we are hopeless.  He gives help when we are helpless.  He isn’t a crutch for weak people to use.  He is THE stretcher for all people.   And all He needs to hear is, “Help!”   Psalm 121:1-2 says it best, “Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”  If He can make heaven and earth – He can fix your problems.

I have not walked in your shoes to understand your pain.  I do know I have my own pain, my own regrets, my own demons.   I have had my moments of feeling the slithering breath of the devil whispering in my ear – telling me to end my life.   I have made lots of mistakes.  I have done terrible things I deeply regret.  I have thought, at different times, that it might be easier to just end it now.   But I haven’t quit.   I won’t quit.   And why?  Because…

  • It’s not my life to take.
  • It’s a selfish option.
  • It is a cowardly action.
  • It is the ultimate bad example.
  • It would prevent me from seeing the next chapter in my life.  I want to see God “restore what the locusts have eaten.” (Joel 2:25)
  • It would prevent God from showing the world what He can do with a broken Rod.

Goodbye Junior.  I hope that God will somehow use your death to encourage others to live on – in spite of their problems.

The Jesus Rider

rodarters

When you invite a guest speaker or band to “perform” at one of your events, the invited person/party usually has a “rider” (list of do’s and don’ts that must be adhered to) that needs to be read and signed before they will agree to participate.

Many of these speakers, artists and musicians have riders that are completely outrageous.  Here are some examples of “ridiculous riders” that have been recorded.  Among other requests, these artists also required:

  • Van Halen, demanded that all brown M&M’s be removed from the group’s candy bowl.
  • Beyoncé demands her dressing room be kept at exactly 78 degrees.
  • Adele requires 6 metal teaspoons in her dressing room while banning organic honey.
  • Kanye’s rider asks for a barber’s chair, Carmex lip balm, and shower shoes.
  • Taylor Swift requires the following Starbucks drinks if she is arriving before 11 am:

    1 Grande ICED Caramel Latte w/ 2 sweet-n-lows
    1 Grande ICED Americano w/ 2 sweet-n-lows with soy milk

  • Comedian Will Farrell’s rider includes 1 Electric three wheel mobility scooter and 1 rainbow (can be painted on canvas) on wheels.

This led me to wonder what it would be like if Jesus, the Son of God, had a “rider.”   The following list might be on Jesus’ rider:

    1. Must have a 12 ounce glass of water at the podium. I promise not to change it to wine during My talk.
    2. Must have at least 5,000 in attendance at each event. Do not expect Me to feed them!
    3. Must keep all children away from Me while I am “on stage”. I cannot have them bothering Me when I am trying to speak or heal people.
    4. When I am taking a nap… I am taking a nap! Do not let any of your people wake Me up for some reason like bad weather, sinking ships, etc.
    5. I want five people praying for Me as I speak. Please make sure that none of the five are part of Peter’s Narcoleptic Support Group.
    6. In spite of my Omnipresence, the sponsor shall provide transportation to and from the town where I will be speaking.
    7. Because of recent “problems,” I do not travel with Rent-A-Donkey so please do not book Me there.
    8. If I am expected to walk across a lake to an engagement it is assumed that the sponsor will clearly mark where the stones are for Me to do so with ease.
    9. Please provide sufficient “security” so that no one may get close enough to touch My cloak.
    10. Please do not have a spotlight shining in My eyes. I am the Light of the world. I do not need your sorry light.
    11. Do not worry about bringing a sound system. I have a tendency to speak loud enough so ALL people can hear Me.
    12. When delivering the expected honorarium, please DO NOT give the money to Judas.  Yes, I am serious.
    13. If I happen to give a parable during My talk, I am only going to explain it once. If the audience still does not get it they are more than welcome to buy My cliff notes which can be found in the back at My concession stand.
    14. I expect that My concessions “stand” will not be placed in the temple. I hate overturning My own tables.
    15. My Father will not let Me sign autographs in anyone’s Bible.
    16. I refuse to do any Bob Marley impersonations.
    17. I understand that my opening act of raising the dead is powerful but please let your audience know (in advance) that Elvis cannot be raised. He is not dead anyway. He lives in Iowa. Shhh.
    18. Due to My contract with Zondervan Publishing Company, I may not help any of you find Waldo.
    19. For an additional $300.00 shekels, I can guarantee you the weather you want.
    20. When I enter town, I expect to stay at a four star (****) Hotel.  Inn’s and stables are definitely out.
    21. When I give the closing prayer, if I see anyone peeking… they are in big trouble.
    22. When I give an altar call, normally everyone comes forward.
    23. At no point during the entire event may any musician or band play the following songs: (“Friends” by Michael W. Smith, “Just as I am” or “Kum by Yah”)
    24. During the Q&A time, I refuse to answer the following questions:
        “How much would could a wood chuck chuck—blah blah blah!”
        “Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?”
        “Can your Dad make a rock too big for Him to lift?”
        “Are you republican or a democrat?”
        “Where is Noah’s Ark?”
        “Where was Obama born?”

 

My net worth = $1.04

rodarters

My daughter’s love language is gift giving.  As a result,

she’ll take anything she finds and

wrap it in anything she finds and

give it to anyone she finds.

Several years ago, she gave me an unusual gift – wrapped in tissues and sealed with scotch tape.   I couldn’t imagine what was inside.

So, she gives me this gift (as if it was brand new) and is very excited for me to open it. She puts so many layers of scotch tape around it that I basically feel like Houdini trying to get it open.

I asked her why she is giving me a gift for no reason and she says, “Because you are the best Daddy in the whole world.” That’s always an interesting thing to hear.  On one hand, as a Dad – it melts your heart as you recognize how untrue it is.

On the other hand, you realize that she has only ever had YOU as a Dad and therefore her exposure to other Dads is severely limited.

So, as I am opening her gift I am wondering – what do you get the best Daddy in the whole world?   I’m thinking an Ipod, rims for my 1989 Honda Accord or a Lowes gift card would be close.  The wrapped tissue gift doesn’t feel like any of these.  I finally break through the hermetically sealed tissue to find a bunch of pennies – exactly 104 of them.

THAT’S IT??   THAT’S what you get the best Dad in the world??  $1.04?   Wow.  I wonder what you get the worst Dad?  But of course, I can’t react like that because her entire self-esteem hangs on my reaction. I can lift her spirits above the clouds or place them under my feet all by that split second – knee jerk response to her gift.  Naturally, I act like a Junior High girl who just met Justin Beiber while winning the Powerball Lottery.

After the excited squeal and obligatory hug, I politely tell her that I don’t want her money – I would rather she keep it.   She then asks with all sincerity – “Well, what can I get you?”

I answered, “What I really want – is for you to listen to me.”

And then it hit me.

That’s all God really wants from us.

He doesn’t want our money. He doesn’t want our long prayers or fancy clothes on Sunday or all our good deeds done for all the wrong reasons.  He doesn’t want us putting ashes on our head one day a year and giving up ridiculous things for 40 days as if we are trying to prove something.

He simply wants us to listen… to Him… daily.  In a word: Obedience

I Samuel 15:22 – “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

Now I know why most people give God so much in their church offering plate eachSunday.

It’s easier than giving Him a “Yes Sir” and doing what He says.

The Application to date my daughter

rodarters

Revised by Rod Arters (though much was borrowed by many other sources) 

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a one-time $99 processing fee, complete financial statement, job history, lineage and current medical report.

 General Information:

Name: _______________________________

Date of Birth: _________________________

(If you were born before the year 1999, you are too old for my daughter)

Height: ___________ (if under 5’6″, please discontinue application)

IQ: _________ (if under 135, please discontinue application)

Weight: __________    GPA: _____ (if under 3.8, please discontinue application)

Do you own a belt?  (if no, please discontinue application)

Social Security #: _______________________

Drivers License #: ________________________   (If you do not possess a drivers license, please discontinue application)

Detailed driving record:

______ # of accidents

______ # speeding tickets

_____  # parking tickets

______ TOTAL

(If the sum total is a number greater than “0”, please discontinue application)

Year, Make & Model of vehicle: _______________________________________

(If you do not own a vehicle or it is a luxury van, RV or any vehicle with a bed, please discontinue application)

Boy Scout Rank & Badges: __________________________________________

Home Address: __________________________________________________

Do you have a full-time job?   _____ YES   ______ NO  (if no, please discontinue application)

Accessories:

Do you have any tattoos?                               _____ YES     _____ NO

Do you have any piercings?                           _____ YES     _____ NO

(This includes nose, earrings, tongue, cheeks or belly button)

Do you own a waterbed?                               _____ YES     _____ NO

Do you own a truck with oversized tires?  _____ YES     _____ NO

Do you own a gun?                                         _____ YES     _____ NO

Do you have a criminal record?                   _____ YES     _____ NO

(If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, please discontinue application)

References:

What is the name of the church you attend?  _______________________________

How many times a week do you attend? _________

When would the best time to interview your:

1)      Father?                        _________________

2)      Mother?                       _________________

3)      Pastor?                         _________________

4)      Parole Officer?            _________________

(If you have a parole officer, please discontinue application immediately)

Essay Section:

1)      In 50 words or less, what does the word “LATE” mean to you?

2)      In 50 words or less, what does “DON’T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER” mean to you?

3)      In 50 words or less, what does “ABSTINENCE” mean to you?

4)    In 50 words or less, what does “PUBLIC PLACE” mean to you?

Short Answer Section:

(Answer by filling in the blank.  Please answer freely as all answers are confidential)

1)      If I were shot, the last place I would want to be shot would be my: _____________

2)      If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: __________________

3)      A woman’s place is in the: ________________________________________

4)      The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________

5)      IF I grow up, I want to become a: __________________________________

6)      When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice first is her: ___________________

(If this is a body part, please discontinue application immediately)

7)      What is the current going rate of a hotel room? _________________________

(if you know this, please discontinue application immediately)

I swear that all information supplied above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge under penalty of death, dismemberment, crucifixion, electrocution, waterboarding, or red hot pokers.

Applicant’s Signature:______________________________________________

Father’s Signature: _______________ Mother’s Signature: ___________________

Pastor’s Signature: _______________ Congressman’s Signature: _______________

In the space below, please provide finger prints, inked in your own blood for Homeland Security Identity Referencing & DNA sampling:

Thank you for your interest.

Please allow four to six years for processing.

You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. (Do not expect a letter)

In the unlikely event that you will be accepted, please read “Daddy’s Dating Rules”.

Daddy’s Dating Rules:

RULE ONE:

If you pull into my driveway and honk, you had better be delivering a package because you are sure not picking up anything in my house that evening.

RULE TWO:

You may only look at my daughter’s eyes.  If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter’s body, I will remove them.

RULE THREE:

Though it is fashionable by today’s standards to wear your pants below your rear, this is not acceptable attire while dating my daughter.  Should you have trouble keeping your pants “up” in the appropriate spot (which, by the way, is just below your armpits) – I will gladly staple them where they need to be.

RULE FOUR:

When I communicate with you – here are the correct answers to my questions:

1)      Question: When will you have my daughter back?

Answer: early

2)      Question: Will you kiss my daughter goodnight?

Answer: Only if I want my lips removed from my mouth.

3)      Question: When is it ok to touch my daughter?

Answer: Only when I am pushing her out of the way of a moving vehicle about to hit her. 

4)      Question: What are the appropriate titles to address me?

Answer: Your Honor, Your Majesty, Sir

5)      Question: When there is a misunderstanding between you and my daughter, who is right?

Answer: She is.

RULE FIVE:

If you make my daughter cry, I will make you cry.   Any questions?

RULE SIX:

The following places are never appropriate with my daughter:

  • Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool.
  • Places where there is darkness.
  • Places where there is dancing, holding hands or happiness.
  • Places where the temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, sweaters or goose down parka – zipped up to her throat.
  • Movies with romantic or sexual themes are forbidden.  Movies which feature torture or chainsaws are acceptable.
  • Places where you are alone or outside of my field of vision.

Preferred places would be:

  • My living room
  • Front pew of church
  • Police stations
  • Nursing Homes

RULE SEVEN:

Regardless of my age, appearance or physique, I can still take you.

RULE EIGHT:

Never lie to me. Consider me the all knowing, merciless god of your universe.  If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one opportunity to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  I have a shotgun, a shovel and five acres behind the house.  Do not trifle with me.

RULE NINE:

Be afraid of me.  Very afraid.  The sound of your car in my driveway will always remind me of a chopper coming over the sand dune in Desert Storm.   As soon as you pull into the driveway, you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight.  Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car in a serpentine fashion.  There is no need for you to come inside or to the door.   The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

The bugs of life

rodarters

When I was in college there was a guy who lived on my floor whose name was “Steve”.   Steve was in none of my classes, did not play any sports and from what I could tell – had no hobbies or interests.  In other words, we had nothing in common.  To make matters worse, Steve was PAINFULLY shy.  He simply would not talk.  The only way you could have a conversation with him was if you asked questions that he could nod yes or no too.   It did not take me long to realize that Steve and I were not going to be friends.  After all, this was college and I was going to make lots of friends and have lots of fun and I certainly wasn’t going to let an introverted nodding mime hold me back from a social life.   So, I did what most people do.  When Steve came around, I politely said hello and ignored him.   I thought he would eventually go away and gravitate towards the less talkative people or those who knew sign language.

He didn’t.

He seemed to like being around me and my group of friends.   Though he never talked, it was obvious he liked being there – as a silent observer of all that went on.   I never understood Steve.   I simply could not relate to him on any level.   Though I wanted to not have to “deal with him”, I had to because he was always there.

As I laid in my bed one night, I kept thinking about Steve and why he kept coming around – but said nothing.   As I pondered these thoughts, I could see a street light out the window and noticed a giant moth fluttering near it.  I watched the bug for what seemed like a long time.  I jokingly wondered if the street light was annoyed by the bugs constant presence.  Then it hit me.

“When you let your light shine, the first thing you attract is the bugs”

Steve was a bug to me and he was attracted to our light.   Maybe it was the light of Christ in us?  Maybe it was the light of humor or social activity?  Regardless, he came around as faithfully as a moth and it bothered me – until that night.   After that night, I realized that bugs like the light and as long as the light is on – they will always be there.   And that they only bother you, if you let them.

As I look back at my life and the people that have invested in me – I came to realize, I too, am a bug.  I too, am a pest to others who have the light I so desperately want to be around.   And only when they endure my presence, am I really able to grow.   Now, when a bug flutters into my life, I smile.  Instead of grabbing the nearest social flyswatter, I let them “land” on me.   Instead of shunning them, I try my best to embrace them.   Not out of pity, but because others have embraced me.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Light of the world.  I get it now.  The bugs of this world constantly landed on Him: Children, Samaritans, Women, Pharisees, Tax Collectors, Roman soldiers, Blind men, Lepers, Sick people, Gentiles, Prostitutes, Disciples, etc.   On our best day, we are merely sinful bugs trying to land on a Holy Light.  How did He handle them?   He shined His light without preference and invited them to land.  All of them.

  • “And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’” (Mark 1:17)
  • “And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me…’” (Mark 10:13-14)
  • “And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here’”   So they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage, stand up!  He is calling for you.’” (Mark 10:49)
  • “While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.”  And He stretched out His hand and touched Him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”   And immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5:12-13)
  • “Come unto Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”  (Matthew 11:28)

We have a responsibility to shine our lights.   We do not have the freedom to determine which bugs can flutter near us.  We are to simply shine and allow the Light we have received to illumine pesty flight patterns.   And just remember, as they frustrate you – so you have frustrated someone else.

Take the shot

rodarters

When choosing a college, I had one determining factor.   I wanted to go somewhere that would allow me an opportunity to play soccer on the collegiate level.   After looking at several local colleges and universities, one of them decided to offer me a partial scholarship to play soccer!  Not being the greatest player, I assumed it was a clerical error on their part and accepted the offer before they changed their mind.  Now I could forever brag to my grandkids, that their granddad was so good that he got paid to play soccer.  In my mind, I was like a professional.  Who cares if the school was St. Mary’s school of the Blind?   They wanted me to be on their team so badly, that they were willing to shell out $1000 per year for me to play.   Back then, it seemed like a huge offer.  I was wondering why we didn’t hold a press conference to announce the news to the world.  Now, it seems like the equivalent of them offering me a Bojangles coupon to play.

One of the things I liked best about the school was the coach.  He was a good man, very funny, down to earth and very well connected in the world-wide soccer community.  While coaching our private Division III school team, he was also doing some coaching for the U.S. Olympic Team.   As a result, every once in awhile we would see an Olympic caliber star on the practice field with us.   Deep down, I know the Olympic stud was excited to play alongside of professional players,  like myself.

College soccer is very different than high school ball or the many travel teams I played on.  For one, it is more intense.   It is way more competitive.  Everyone is faster, stronger, better.  I found myself consistently frustated that I never had time to prepare for a good pass, a good shot, a good chip.  Everytime I had the ball, I was swarmed by an opposing player and rushed into doing something quicker than I wanted to.   My coach noticed that I was not performing up to par and pulled me aside for some advice that has served me well, even in life – ever since.

“Rod, take the shot.  Don’t wait for it to be pretty or look just right.  Just take the shot.  You may not feel good about it – but some of them will go in.”   He was right.   I was waiting for the planets to line up.  I was waiting for other players to roll out the red carpet to their goal and make it easy for me.  It wasn’t going to happen – so I had to just “take the shot” whenever I had the opportunity.

One of England’s best players, Wayne Rooney, taking the most difficult shot in soccer known as the “bicycle kick”.

Life is alot like competitive sports.  It is fast paced.  It is intense.  There is no time.  Other people don’t make it easy.  It is competitive and there are people out there who distract you from doing what you need and want to do.  So, how do you do the things you want to do when you feel you don’t have time to do the things you need to do?  You take the shot.  If you want to paint, you begin part-time – after the kids are in bed.  If you want to read more – you read that book, in 5 minute increments, in the bathroom if you have to.  If you want to be better about reaching out to friends – you make that call while you are driving – even if the conversation is only 3 minutes long – it’s better than not connecting at all.  You stay up late.  You get up early.  You watch less TV.  You “take the shot” – even if you’re not 100% ready.  It may not be perfect.  It may not feel right but at least you are taking the shot and moving closer towards your goal.

What shot do you need to take?  What is keeping you from taking it?   If you are waiting for the clouds to clear first, it will never happen.  Take the shot.  Start today.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretsky, Hockey legend.

The Chihuahua siren

rodarters

I love most dogs and cats… from a distance.   I enjoy their company as long as I don’t have to feed them regularly or pick up their “droppings.”   I enjoy an occasional petting or game of fetch but other than that – I’m good.  My schedule doesn’t allow me to be a good owner anyway.   At least that’s what I tell myself when those pathetic SPCA commercials come on TV, with the sad music, telling me I should save the cutest little puppy ever from certain doom.   If it wasn’t for the remote control, I’d own 400 of them by now and be a reoccurring star on Animal Hoarders.

The most annoying dog of all, to me, is the Chihuahua.   I don’t find them attractive, snuggly, obedient or quiet.   But, today, I realized their importance.   The picture (below) is a home less than 1 mile from me.   I drove by it today and now realize what those sirens were about in the middle of the night.   Seeing my neighbor’s home destroyed like that is a humbling experience.  Someone lived there.  Someone had breakfast there.  Someone slept there.   Someone mowed that grass.  Kids were raised there.   It had photo albums and souvenirs from previous vacations and memories, tons of memories.   Every wall had a story.  Every window had a view.   Everything, now, is gone.

At 2:30am, the homeowners were sleeping when that annoying, ugly Chihuahua of theirs began to bark.  When he wouldn’t stop – the homeowners went to inspect.  Apparently the door to their garage was hot.   In less than 3 minutes, the house was engulphed in flames and it would take over an hour for the fire department to control the blaze.   They managed to get everyone out (including the dog) and lost everything but their lives.   In the end, that’s the only thing that really matters.

I may not live in my dream house, but at least I have a place to go to tonight.  I may not have been on the best vacations ever – but at least I have pictures to show.  I may not drive the most reliable car but I can get in mine today and drive somewhere.   All in all, I’m feeling grateful.  Grateful that my neighbor is alive.  Grateful that they owned a dog, even if it is ugly and loud.   Grateful for the firefighters who risk their lives to save others.  Grateful that it wasn’t me.

I think the next time I hear some sirens or even a Chihuahua barking incessently, I’ll say a quick prayer.   It will remind me to be grateful for my many blessings.  I’m still changing the channel on the TV when I see the “save the dog” commercials.  I’d rather be in Heaven then listen to that barking all day.

“I have to run an errand. Wanna come?”

rodarters

Every week I have errands to run and over time – I have developed the following philosophy:

  • Never do anything alone (unless you need to or want to) if you can do it with someone else.

Some errands I have to do alone. Sometimes I just want to be alone. Oftentimes, I enjoy the company. The other week I had to run an errand and I decided to ask one of my children if they wanted to go with me. The conversation went something like this:

  • Me: “I have to run an errand. Wanna come?”
  • Child #1: “Where ya going?”
  • Me: “I’m not telling, do you want to go or not?”
  • Child #1: “Is it going to be fun?”
  • Me: “Define fun.”
  • Child #1: “Ya know, like are we going to do
  • something fun or can I buy something?”
  • Me: “Nevermind.”

A little dejected but not surprised, I then approached another child.

  • Me: “I have to run an errand. Wanna come?”
  • Child #2: “Sure Daddy! I’ll get my shoes!”

Child #2 gets in the car and off we go. We had a wonderful time. As we ran our errands, we talked. We listened. I shared bits of wisdom.  We goofed around. We laughed. We enjoyed each other’s company. Our hearts were knitted together. There was bonding and fellowship and fun just by being together.

The errands took a bit longer than I anticipated and while we were out we both got really thirsty. I knew that a Cherry Lime Aide from Sonic could fix that and I knew that a Cherry Lime Aide would be a big deal for this particular child.

With errands complete, we came home both drinking our massive Cherry Lime Aides and I knew what was about to happen.  As hydrated Child #2 walked past left behind Child #1, Child #1 became indignant. “You didn’t tell me you were getting a Lime Aide! That’s not fair!”

As this child threw a mini-tamtrum, it hit me. This is exactly how I often treat God.

Instead of desiring the Giver, I just want His gifts.

Instead of spending time with the Blesser, I simply want His blessings.

I don’t want the everyday friendship with Him, most days I just want the benefits.

God is not like a vending machine. You don’t spend time with Him to get what you want out. You invest in God and THAT ALONE is the gift, the blessing and the benefit. Anything you receive beyond that, is simply additional grace.

Does God give out spiritual Cherry Lime Aides? Absolutely. But He often gives it to His children who aren’t using Him for one. He desires relationship and fellowship. He has errands to run and He wants some company. You wanna come?

Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…”

Mark 10:15-16 – “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”

******* IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE NOTE ********

It is necessary to point out that I am merely sharing a snapshot from a moment in time. Every one of us have been captured in a negative light in various snapshots throughout our life. Though most children (regardless of age) desire the gift over the giver, I am pleased/relieved to say that this is not something by which either child is characterized.

Welcome to my cloud in the blogosphere

rodarters

I have been writing since age 5.   First it was just my name.  Then it was basic sentences in grade school (“See spot run”).   Eventually it was long essays in middle school followed by even longer term papers in high school.   One such paper was a 10 page (minimum) paper on a favorite United States President.   I waxed eloquent for 12 pages about Abraham Lincoln.   The teacher graded my paper (AND somehow 22 others!!) in a 45 minute period in the dark while we watched some boring filmstrip (remember those?) about something in history.   Before we left class that day, I discovered three things:

  1. The class finds it really funny when you “pick” someones nose on the big screen while the teacher isn’t looking.
  2. I get good grades when I write.  I got an “A+” for my Abe Lincoln filibuster.
  3. No one really reads what I write (which is sadly, directly correlated to #2)

And thus… my writing career began.

After high school, I retired my #2 pencil and graduated to the keyboard.  Writing became even more fun and fast.  I went on to college and wrote dozens of other papers with mostly positive results.  Along the way, I quickly realized the importance of spell check.   I no longer had to re-read my boring writing and check for errors, I simply could let the spell checker do the work for me.   That is, until my Freshman year English class fiasco.

After procrastinating on a 20+ pager due tomorrow, I wrote the paper in less than 24 hours.   With only 30 minutes to spare before the deadline, I needed to print it out and walk (aka sprint) across campus to submit it in time.  I hit “save” and it asked if I wanted to spell check the document.  Of course!  It then asked if I wanted to make changes.  Of course!  I blindly hit “yes” to everything, printed it out and was on my way.

A week later, the professor handed back the papers… all except mine.  When he asked who did not receive their paper back, naturally – my hand went up.   “Ah, yes.  That makes sense.  Why don’t you come up and get your paper?”, he said with a devilish smirk on his face.  I grabbed the paper and my mouth dropped open.

Somehow, I signed the paper, “Rod Arters” and evil spell check turned it into, “Rodent Arteries”.

Spell check: 1, Rod: 0

By the way, I received a “B” on that paper.   The professor thought the content was excellent but could not give an “A” to someone who couldn’t spell their own name.  =sigh=

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