Monday, September 28, 2009

Highlights!


The first time I was introduced to the word 'highlights' I was sitting in the dr.'s office waiting for a shot I had to get before I would be allowed into Kindergarten. I sat there practically hating my mother for making me get a shot so imagine my growing calm as I found a magazine that was most surely published just for me for just that moment. Highlights magazine became the only good thing about going to the dr...seeing if there was a new issue so I could freshly mar the pages with mom's pen. I couldn't wait to connect the dots, find the objects hidden in pictures and learn how to grow a bean in a day.

The second time I notice the word 'highlight' a teacher asked me to tell everyone what the 'highlight' of my summer was. I realized immediately that 'highlight' equals 'the best part'. Just like the best part of the dr.'s office was the magazine (not the sucker) What was the highlight---the thing worth mentioning more than anything else.

Now in our church staff meetings each Tuesday we 'highlight' upcoming church programs. We make sure everything that has the possibility of impacting church members and visitors in a positive way, happens. We highlight the event so that the experience is meaningful and memorable for everyone involved. And I can't get through that part of the staff agenda without thinking about connecting the dots, finding the hidden meanings and how we might help grow new relationships. Highlights...not just for the young anymore :)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Treacherous Path


Often we hear of staying clear of the treacherous path. We are told that we sin and then we are on the treacherous path. Temptation, the direction of sinfullness...the bad way. Today I wondered about being IN the treacherous path. What if I'm just walking along and I see the treacherous path from a distance? I'm not necessarily a part of the treacherous path but I can see it....over there...in progress. Today I'm thinking about being on the curb of that path, seeing it in progress and then making the decision to stay AWAY...to not 'step in'. That path is in sight and I can decide whether or not to step into it or step away. People spreading their hate, people talking about things that don't involve them...a path that moves like a rushing 6-lane city highway. It can only be dangerous. Make the decision today to turn around and stay out of that path.