Six Weeks Retrospect
Posted on Sunday, March 16th, 2003 at 21:00.
Part 1
Even though I disagree with the corporate politics, the shallow sermons, and the whole concept of a denominational church, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church has something wonderful outside of its sanctuary. The Highway high school ministry and college small group consistently provide the highlights of my week. Ken McCoy never fails to leave me pondering Big Universe, Small Me™ thoughts every time we meet. And while it is true that I will make friends wherever I go, the dynamic of both groups is unique and has become so special to me. From playing frisbee in Old Poway Park to late night coffee and natural food adventures, Jesus shines through these people. How wonderful it is to be shined upon instead of weakly shining alone.
Part 2
February was a horrible, no good, very bad month for employment. I truly wanted to quit my job at Postal Annex+. When I make a mistake, I admit it. I will be upset if you blame me for inconsistent pricing that is automatically calculated by the computer’s software or if you interrupt me while helping a customer, create a problem in the process, and then blame me. Fortunately, I learned to leave my frustration from work at work. The mile walk home blasting emo music from my Apple iPod and gazing at the stars certainly helps me focus on the rest of my life. When I am able to pay for college this August using the funds from my strife, the effort will not feel worthless.
If I starred in an ABC sitcom, it would be entitled Two Philippinoes, A White Guy & A Postal Annex+. But the daughter Philippino manager and the mother Philippino owner (a. k. a. "The Grand Tita") hired a third Philippino this week so that I would not be the only slave laborer. Actually, the Postal Annex+ franchise where I work is being sold to a British Hindu couple and my manager is building the staff for her and her mother’s impending departure. Stay tuned for the unfolding drama and hilarity.
Part 3
I believe in a God who answers prayers, who does miracles, who is intimately involved in the lives of those who invite Him. Humanity was created for the sole purpose of choosing to serve God. God actively seeks praise from His creation and will lead those who seek His plan for their lives on paths that ultimately result in them praising God for His goodness. He ignores no one and denies no one the opportunity to bring His glorification. Do you understand that faith in Jesus Christ is so much more than acknowledging your imperfections, your sin? Life with Christ means recklessly abandoning a safe path in life for potentially radical sacrifices that assuredly elicit good in the world and reap eternal reward. I cannot just wait and deal with life as it happens. I do have goals. I do have plans. And I will fight. I will strive. I will once again believe that God will do great things with the scared twelve-year-old boy’s faith that there must be more to life than living for myself.
The two enemies of mankind are itself and time. I feel as if I fight both to my death each day. I do not always look at people the way God would have me and I feel that time is moving forward without equal progress on my behalf. Realizing how important other people’s praise of me and my workmanship brought this truth to the forefront of my self-evaluation. I refuse to reminisce on the current season of my life as the pinnacle of my success, but rather as an important stepping stone towards another yet-to-be-known personal best. Whatever lies ahead, I must keep God’s purpose above my desires. Glorification by mankind is slain by time and I do not want to be the ultimate casualty of both.
