On you Marks. . .

The Race from Heath Davis on Vimeo.

My family and I are enjoying a family vacation in our favorite spot. . .Cape Hatteras, NC. When I say family vacation I'm not exaggerating. . .I think at last count there are over 40 of us down here who are kin of some sort. I cooked about sixty hot dogs last night on the grill for dinner. Like feeding a small army. After dinner we went to the beach for a devotional prepared by Grandma Gloria and Grandpa Larry.

Grandpa Larry spoke to the kids on finishing well using the metaphor of a race. "It's not about who finishes first", he shared "it's about how you run the race, and finishing well". Grandpa asked the kids how Jesus would run a race. Would he just shove others out of the way to get to the front, or would he help the hurting and help out the slow? The kids all agreed that Jesus would show concern not to win, but to help others finish strong.

Like a good teacher, Grandpa let his little students put into practice what they had learned. He asked all the grandkids to line up on a starting line he prepared. . .there were about 15 of them ranging from 12 to 4. "Remember", he said, "It's not about winning, or who comes in first. . . it's about being like Jesus." Of course, us parents stood by wondering how our kids would apply Grandpa's words of wisdom into the context of this race on the sand.

"On your marks". . .my eyes went to my 4 year old nephew Caidron who would certainly need help as he had no clear chance at winning.

"Get set". . .Jackson glances over towards Caidron, perhaps I think, he's going to sacrifice his place in the race to help his little cousin. . .And, oh, here comes Kiera! She has moved in next to Caidron. She's the oldest. Certainly she gets Grandpa's point and has jockeyed into a new position help the 4-year old underdog.

These kids are getting it, I muse. They have successfully caught a lesson about life and love. Life isn't just about winning an losing. It's about finishing well. A hopeless idealist, I'm picturing all fourteen grand kids urging little Caidron on and letting him win the race, even carrying him on their shoulders after he crosses the finish line. . .there are shouts of victory, tears in the kids eyes, and proud Grandparents viewing the entire scene with satisfaction and approval.

"Go!". . .At Grandpa's command the race is on. And, what we saw in that moment left all the adults speechless. Fourteen blood thirsty, glory hungry hoodlums kicking, scratching and shoving their way to the front. Total depravity in all its glory! Of course, standing at the starting line stunned, wiping sand from his eyes from quite literally being left in the dust, was Caidron. Well, so much for getting the point.

We all, including Grandpa, had to laugh at such a scene. We were reminded that solid interpretation doesn't necessarily lead to sincere application. How many of us have heard our share of Jesus' words, lined up to run the race with good intentions and left Him in the dust as we scratch, kick and shove our way to the front.

If Grandpa's words about Jesus are right, then I guess there were no "winners" yesterday. And, maybe that's the point. We just don't get it. . .(big kids included :) ). His way is not our way. He ran a different sort of race and found victory in a way that we would rather not. And, so often we just don't it. Maybe the point is not getting it, as much as getting Him.

I think every kid and adult walked away a little more victorious yesterday. . .precisely because there were no "winners". I'm reminded that we are all losers, who just don't get it. But, thanks be to God, who has sent a winner on our behalf, one who won the race that we failed to run.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great day yesterday!!

The Indispensible role of Teaching

We all need teaching in order to become who we currently are not. My son Caleb is a perfect example. A few years back, my two sons and I were at a public pool. Suddenly, amidst our wet and wild water fight Caleb immediately got this urgent look on his face and did that all too familiar squirm that all parents immediately recognize. “DADDY, I GOTTA GO POTTY” he blurted out. I knew right away that the situation was marked URGENT, so I quickly reached up and picked him out of the pool and set him next to the lifeguard stand. As he danced around, I took a moment to locate my other to my other son and briefly explained to him that Caleb and I need to make a quick pit-stop at the rest room and that we’d be back soon. Within that short moment, this squirmy three year old decided not to wait for dad, but to take matters into his own hands. And, quite literally, he did. Before I could get out of the pool, he already had dropped his drawers and relieved himself about two inches from the lifeguard's right foot. It was embarrassing and funny at the same time. Oh, to be three again.

As I reflected later on this rather funny experience, I was reminded of how much learning/teaching is required in growing up. Be it talking, walking, tying our shoes, blowing our nose, reading, writing, brushing our teeth, or knowing where to go potty. . . all most all things that we do naturally (and appropriately now) were taught to us. Each of us were dependent on teachers who instructed us in various ways and taught us "how grow up". Unfortunately, Caleb’s main instructor that day was his brimming bladder. Obviously, he still needed some more instruction from dad that day. Like how to apologize to a lifeguard after peeing on his flip-flop.

The New Testament refers to those new in their walk with Christ as "newborn babes". Like babies in diapers, those young in their faith need ample instruction in life and in God in order to grow up in Christ. Think about it. Jesus came to help re-posture people’s hearts, minds, wills, emotions and bodies in a Godward way. In his attempt to do this he could have come as a great military general, or a charismatic politician, or even a conquering king. But, the most transformative and influential person in human history chose none of these grand roles to bring about global transformation. He chose to become a teacher! Yes, Jesus is the savior of the world. But, at the same time He is also the teacher of the world. As such, may we be followers who are intentional about teaching what he taught.

Like Caleb, we all make messes along the way. But, many of the mistakes of life can be avoided when we have loving and wise guides who are intentional about teaching in the way of Jesus.