The Slide Machine

What would life be like if we lived life like kids do on the playground? I am actually sitting here at the playground as I write this. If I hit send before I am done, it is because one of my boys just jumped on my neck while I wasn't looking. It is in the mall and it is Christmas time. Needless to say, the whole thing is a fire hazard. Crazy part is there are about 30 to 40 kids on about 800 square feet and they seem to make it work.
I am watching the kids standing in a free formed line for the slide. No playground monitors. Just parents taking a break from their Christmas shopping. Although there is a line, some kids are moving a little faster and make there way around the line - others are a little more tentative and take their time - others just chit chat while in line and I haven't seen go down the slide yet. But, it works. No kids complaining. Just playin'. Every once in a while an overprotective mom will come and closely monitor while her little princess slides down -all the kids pause... - and then the slide machine continues.
Sometimes in my life, things just move smoothly and flow like the "slide machine." But, most of the time it doesn't. Most of the time I am analyzing too closely if I am at my rightful place in line. Wouldn't it be a great place to be just to play your part within the flow? That slide line would have been a nightmare to try and organize. But, as a freeflowing group of kids it just worked.
I want to do my part in a way that maximizes my potential while not hindering but maximizing the potential of others.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:17

Pick Me Jedi Master - Perspective on Difficulty

E was so excited to go to the Jedi Training at Disneyland. In the Jedi Training they have a show where they ask for children to volunteer to be trained as a Jedi and then get the opportunity to fight one of the two sithlords that have gone to the "Dark Side". We had tried to get  E to do it at previous visits. But, he was always too scared after seeing Darth Maul and Darth Vader. This time E had worked up the courage and told us he was going to do it. We had seen the show a few times before. So, we knew to arrive early so we could be in the front row when they asked for volunteers. We even rehearsed with E jumping up and down and shouting so that he would be noticed by the Jedi Master. The time was almost upon us. So, we prepped E  to jump and shout and were ready with video and still camera in hand. The Jedi Master proceeded to pick kids to come up on the stage for the training. "The kid with the blue hat - Please step forward." "The young lady with the Minnie Mouse shirt - Please step forward." "The young man with the sign that says Jedi Master pick me - please step forward." He proceeded to pick about 20 child volunteers. The entire time E is jumping up and down, yelling, "Pick me, Pick me!" "Young man with the Donald Duck hat - Please step forward." And then, the Jedi Master was done. E was still next to us in the audience. He was devastated. I mean heart broken. Although E  has his moments, he is not typically the type to be overly dramatic when he does not get what he wants. But, this day he fully expected that he was going to be one of the twenty children up on that stage training to defeat Darth Vader. He was not. And he had the uncontrollable sobbing to prove it. It was not an angry cry. But, a cry of sincere disappointment. So, we did our best to comfort him and worked to be engaged in watching the rest of the show and training of the other young Jedi's. The show ended and as we got up to leave a man behind us gave us a sign that read "Pick Me Jedi Master" and told us his son gets picked every time. We thanked him and proceeded to make our way through the crowd. Our plan was actually to head home after the Jedi Training. But, that plan made the assumption that E actually participated in the Jedi training. Nonetheless, we did not think that E would want to go through that same trauma again. So, we started our way toward the exit. To be honest, I think I was almost as devastated as E. There is nothing like seeing your four year old son so disappointed. I wanted to him to get picked so bad also. I did not want to push him too hard to try again. But, I told him if he wanted to, we would try. E said, "Dad, if you want me to, I will." I was actually very surprised he chose to try again. He definitely had to work up some courage on his part. I was proud of him. So, I said, "Yeah, let's try again." It was at least another hour until the next show. We made our way around the park. But, our minds were really focused the entire time on how we could get E picked. We got there early again. This time we had the sign "Pick Me Jedi Master" in hand, hoping this would help E to get noticed. I even had E wear my green A's hat just so the Jedi Master would have something else distinct to call out if he picked him. The time was approaching again. This time we coached E to yell even louder and to jump even higher and this time to wave that sign "Pick Me Jedi Master" as hard as you can. And E did. And this time he was picked.
But, he was not only picked. He was placed on the center stage right next to the Jedi Master who runs the entire show/training. And, as you will see in this video link, he even had the opportunity to have some fun interaction with him. It was awesome! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODNp4I0rLk
In a matter of two hours, E went from utter devastation to living in a Star Wars dream world. Don't we wish real life worked like that?

Are you on the side of utter devastation?
Did things not go as you had planned?

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

It is all about perspective. In hindsight, E is grateful he got to go the second time.

What is it that you are experiencing that you have not seen the happy ending to yet?
Could it be that there is something better, something greater than what you have imagined.
Could it be that the next chapter of this story is what you have been hoping and praying for.
If you trust Him - Then, I say yes.

Bad Dreams, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Light Saber

When you have a two and a four year old boy you can forget about Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Monterey for vacation. The ultimate vacation spot is Disneyland. Last year my job required me to be in Southern California quite a bit. So, we decided to splurge and get the season pass. We made every little getaway that year to "The Happiest Place on Earth."

So, here we were making our rounds to the different rides in the park. Buzz Lightyear is E's favorite. Actually, it's e's favorite too. They would ride on that all day every time if we let them. But, we are always trying to help them progress in their roller coaster repertoire. We found ourselves at a busy time of day and decided we wanted to get on a ride that did not have a long line to wait in. Pirates of the Caribbean is a good one for that. It moves people through fast and I have never had to wait more than five minutes to get on. We have been on the ride twice before with both the boys. So, I was a little surprised that E was hesitant to head toward the ride. Now, whether you think it is right for us to take our two young boys on Pirates of the Carribean is a whole other issue. But, I am going to disregard your concern for the sake of this great story. :)

In E's slight hesitancy he asked if he could bring his light saber on the ride. They both always bring their light sabers to DLand. You never know when we might head over to the Jedi training. When he asked this, I pictured him wielding his light saber while on this shifting boat that is in the water, in a very dark enclosed area, and whacking some grandma upside the head. So, not wanting to ruin somebody's vacation, I told E no. Remember the light saber for later in the story. ;) Now, we were headed in between the empty steel line boundaries and to the quick moving entrance.

To set up this story, I need to give you a little insight into E's recent sleeping issues. You see, E had been often telling me he was scared when he went to bed because he was having bad dreams. We had been spending quite a bit of time talking and praying together before bed to help him to feel comfortable with going to sleep. Most recently, I had been encouraging E that if he was scared during his dream, that there was no reason he could not pray during his dream. So, if you see a monster in your dream, ask God to help you not to be scared in your dream and for his protection. E was good with that and I think it helped with his progression toward not being scared before bedtime. But, the point I want to make from this story is that I was trying to help E understand he could pray to God about anything including monsters and God would hear him and help him as he saw fit.

Back to the ride. We knew getting on the ride that there was one part that he liked the least. That was the part of the ride where the boat is going slowly up a hill and you see in front of you a hologram of the pirate with the octopus beard - Davy Jones. Both times, we rode the ride previously we would just distract E in some way and he would be fine and actually like the other parts of the ride. This time E decided he was going to take things into his own hands. As the ride crept up the incline, we attempted to do the same things we had done at previous times. But, E did not seem to pay attention to our distractions. He did not want to sing any songs or look at any other scenery on the ride. His eyes were fixed on Davy Jones (octopus beard man.) As we crept closer, you could sense some anticipation from E. It seemed to be a mix of both fear and boldness. As we got closer to the hologram of Davy Jones you felt like you were almost able to touch it. You have to go right through the hologram to get to the next part of the ride. As we inched closer just moments before entering the larger than life image of Davy Jones, E decided he was going to make his move. With a type of fearlessness that would make any father proud, E stood up in the ride and yelled, "God, Give me my light saber right now!"

He believed it. He believed that God would meet him right there on that ride just like He did in his dream - Just like He did when Daniel was in the lion's den - Just like He did when David slew Goliath. So, now you are saying to yourself, “Ed, surely God did not throw him a light saber out of the sky.” You’re right He didn’t. It was much more than that. The biggest obstacle in E’s path at that moment was not Davy Jones. It was fear. And courage was just the right answer to his prayer.

1st Samuel, Chapter 17, verse 32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."

Do You Think God Laughs At Us?

It is fun as a Dad watching my four and two year old boys play together. Sometimes they run around with their light sabers. Sometimes they wrestle. Sometimes they jump. Sometimes they get along well. Sometimes I have to break it up. It is usually always full of energy and physical play though. So, I was not surprised when my four year old son E came up to me to show how strong he had become. He does afterall "workout" with his brother every day as they play together. This, not to mention, all the physical adventures he has at school with his friends on the playground. So, when E came up to me to demonstrate his strength I was not surprised. I was intrigued to find out his assesment of how his strength came about. So I asked him.

E said, "Dad, look how strong I am!" while flexing his muscles like a body builder. I noticed that he was holding his flex a little longer than usual like he was really trying to impress me. Then he got that look on his face. You know, that look that says the statement I just said is just the setup for the conversation we are about to have. Kind of like when he tells his mom she is beautiful before asking for a scoop of ice cream. So, I accomodated. I asked E, "How did you get so strong?" With a huge, smirky smile he said, "McDonalds!!" As I began to laugh my head off he started to rattle off other nutritious choices like ice cream and cupcakes.

He knew - At least, I think he knew that McDonalds is not the key to building strong muscles. But, what he really knew was that being creative in his request for McDonalds might give him a greater probability of receiving his request. His statement was so ridiculous it was funny. I wonder if God laughs his head off sometimes when we make sincere requests. I wonder if he laughs at our focus on the short term gain.
Do you think He is laughing and saying to himself:

"That guy - perfect for you?"
"You really cant live without those matching shoes?"
"You really want me to bless that double quarter pounder, with fries and a diet coke?"

Don't get me wrong. I think God often meets those felt "McDonalds" cravings at times. I just wonder if he laughs. And I wonder if He's ready to offer so much more.

Remember the man crippled from birth in the Book of Acts?
He was looking for a few coins from Peter and John.
They didn't have any money. But after they called out the name of Jesus, God healed him that day.
I bet they were laughing a lot harder than when I heard E say Mcdonalds.

It Worked Just Like Dad Said!

Bath time, then to bed is the order for the end of the evening for both of the boys. Big "E" was getting out of the tub first while little "e" just hung out for a little longer. When "E" got out, he asked me if he could watch Sprout before going to bed. Sprout is a bedtime show for kids "E's" age. Since I had to still take care of "e", I would usually just tell him to go ask his mom. But, tonight I decided this could be a teaching moment for him.

I told "E" to listen carefully. When you go out there, ask your mom if you can snuggle with her after you get dressed. After that, snuggle with her for a few minutes. Then after some time has passed quietly ask, "Mom, is it okay if I watch Sprout?" "E" is four years old now and is learning the subtleties of communication to a greater degree each day. So, I was very interested to see how he would do following my instructions. I listened while the story unfolded in the living room.

E: Mom, I just have to get dressed. Then, can I come snuggle with you?
M: Of course you can come snuggle with mommy. I would love that!
E: Okay, I will hurry. Then we can snuggle.
M: Okay. I will be waiting.
E: I am ready to snuggle
M: Come on over here and snuggle with mommy.
2 to 3 minutes of silence.... (I am thinking, "You are doing good "E!")
E: Mom, can we watch Sprout?
M: Sure, we can watch Sprout.
E: (excitedly) It worked just like Dad said!
M&E: (Laughter!)

Mom learned that "E" was after something else when he snuggled with her that evening. But, she also knew he really wanted both. We are not fooling God when we worship Him and say He is all we need but then the next minute say, "God, I actually need this." God can and does meet us at both places. The place that brings us toward the act of full surrender. And the place that meets us at the point of our need or want.

The Bible says in the book of Matthew, Chapter 6 and verse 33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Let's strive as far as we can toward Him and let Him pull us up the rest of the way.

The Bed And The Wheelbarrow

"E" stands for our oldest 4 year old boy and "e" stands for our younger 2 year old boy - Sorry, if it is confusing.

Our two boys have very different personalities. "E" - now 4 years old, loves to imagine, create, tell stories - That kind of thing. He cannot have a toy sword in his hand and just play with it. There has to be a story behind it. He has to be saving the world or something comparable. "e" - now 2 years old, loves to throw, climb, jump, and push or shove anything in his way - All with a smile of course. We have had to have two different approaches in regards to how to get these guys down at bedtime.

With "E" the issue was always talking. He wanted to find any excuse to talk to you about anything and everything. He soon learned to continue to create stories at bedtime. He would just learn to create them quietly in his head.

But this story is about little "e" - "e" deals with different issues when going to sleep. Some examples include but are not limited to: not beating on the wall with his hands or his feet, not throwing everything out of his bed, not kicking the bottom of his brother's bed in the top bunk, not hanging upside down from the bunkbed ladder, not scaling the foot of the bed to get in bed with his brother. So, if "e" is running around the house when it is close to bed time - I let him keep running around the house. I figure the more energy burned off the better. This particular evening, "e" was pushing his blue plastic wheelbarrow. As with many younger sibling toys, this was a hand me down from his brother. "e" has definitely put it to more use and this evening was going full speed throughout the house. It is a good thing he had no cargo because it would have all been spilling out. I decided to let him get some of his energy out as he enthusiastically pushed the blue wheelbarrow from room to room as if he was giving an imaginary friend a ride, laughing the whole time and running full speed. But, the time came. It was time for bed. And, although I valued the energy "e" expended running around the house with the blue wheelbarrow I wondered how he would take having to end his adventure for the evening. I pictured in my mind that I would convince him he could save some of his blue wheelbarrow pushing for morning. It was time. I told "e", It's time for bed. Go ahead and get in bed now. To my surprise "e" gave no inkling of frustration or disagreement. Instead, he walked straight toward his bed to get in. But, not before lifting up the blue wheelbarrow and putting it in the bed first.

Don't we want to take it with us? We deal with that struggle of wanting to do what God has called us to do. But, we want to hang on to something that has given us enjoyment in the past while trying to flow with what God is calling us to do at the same time. The problem is, you don't sleep as well with the wheelbarrow in the bed. What happens in our real lives is that when we try to do what God has for us to do we keep hitting our head, leg, or something on the wheelbarrow. We need to deal with it and move on to what He wants for us.

Mark 10:21 of the New International Version of the Bible says: Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Do not hang on to what you have known so that God can reveal to you something greater that you do not yet know.

Not Too Sick To Pray

Just a cute story. No deep meaning in this one that I deciphered. It may just be late and I may just be tired. Feel free to comment with any wise application if you like.

It is sad to see your kid when they are sick. You feel helpless as you watch them and wish you could make it go away. One day, "E" was sick and I was tucking him in bed and trying to help him to feel better. His eyes were halfway closed because he had pinkeye. He kept pulling on his ear because he had an ear infection. And, he had this deep, scratchy cough from his slight case of bronchitis. He was a mess. His mom had already made sure he had enough liquids and had given him some medicine. But, it was obvious that he was miserable as all children or adults would be given his situation. We went about our bedtime routine the best we could. It starts with reading a book. Then, to a Bible story. After that, we sing a song. Then, lastly we pray. "E" was laying back not saying much since he did not feel well. So, I decided I would just pray and he could agree with me. I prayed for a number of things as we always do. Then, I came to the part where I prayed for him because he was sick. I said, "Lord, I pray that you would continue to heal 'E'". And, this sick little two year old, with squinty eyes, ringing ears, and half his voice mustered up a little energy and right within the flow of my prayer "E" prayed, "RIGHT ABOUT NOW!" I love how kids say what they mean and mean what they say. Don't you?

Comfort At Bed Time

It seems a lot of these memorable moments with "E" happen at bed time. I think part of it is because his speaking is less filtered when he is tired. But, I think he is also trying to be really creative in order to stay awake a little longer. Whatever the reason, it makes for memorable stories.
One night, "E" was having difficulty getting to sleep. I went in his room to settle him and laid on the floor next to his bedside. At the age of 3 he usually was okay if I just came and laid there for a few minutes while he fell asleep. Attempting to be a gracious and loving father, I offered to let him hold my hand. He would often tell me he was scared at night and I would come into his bedroom to comfort him. Sometimes I would stay with him, hold his hand, or give him a stuffed animal or some type of toy. This evening I was trying to be proactive by asking him to hold my hand before he told me he was frightened. So, showing him I was in need of consolation I said, “'E', will you hold my hand?” Without skipping a beat "E" said, “Dad, I can get you an animal or something.” "E" was now comforting me! I am not sure what I said after that. It was probably something like, “No, Thank You or Yes, I will take the T-Rex”
I learned from that evening that an offering of service to another is only valuable if it is desired by the party you are offering it to. "E" did not know or feel like he needed me to hold his hand at that moment. So, when I offered it or asked for it actually, he declined. Be careful who you approach with “needed” correction or advice for situations that you think you have the obvious answer for. This is despite how “Wise" or "Biblical" your answer may be. If they do not see the need for it, they will not receive it. With "E" and I this was just a funny story to put in the memory banks. But, a relationship can be damaged with a mouth that is quick to speak with what seem to be obvious solutions for others who are not ready to hear it.
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." - Matthew 7:6 (New International Version of the Bible)
If you know they are not ready to hear it, don't say it to make yourself feel better.

Dad, My Leg Hurts... Part 2

"E" is not the only one who has had growing pains. I can still remember the times when I was growing up when my legs would cramp up. I would be laying on the floor agonizing. My sympathetic mom would tell me, “You are just getting taller.” This never seemed to give me the comfort I was wanting during those painful experiences. I eventually grew out of it and moved on with my life. That is, until I started having flashbacks when "E" came up to me with a real life reminder. At 3 years old, he was experiencing those same types of cramps in his legs. So, you are thinking, "Ed, What an opportunity for you to demonstrate the compassion you felt was so lacking from your mommy during those times of agony (note sarcasm.)" But, when you are a parent and at a loss for words - Guess What! You say the same crazy things or similar phrases to what your parents told you. You know phrases like- Because I said so, Ask your mom, or We will do that when you are older. So, I tried to be creative. I mixed it up a little bit. You see, "E" like many 3 year old boys longs to be a "BIG BOY." That's how I get him to eat vegetables, not be scared of the dark, brush his teeth, potty train - You name it - BIG BOY is a magical term to a three year old. So, I pulled out my trump card - Those two magic words - BIG BOY. Instead of telling "E" he was getting taller I said, “ 'E', you are becoming a BIG BOY.” In my mind I pictured him wiping the tears away, sniffling a little bit, and then just toughing it out. Without skipping a beat "E" replied, “Dad, I want to stay small!” And, then he continued to cry.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. “ James 1:2-4
In the midst of the pain, aren’t we just like "E"? God is stretching us to the point where it hurts a little or maybe a lot. We may tell God, “I am okay with where I am in my spiritual journey.” As with my son, we fail to see the long term benefit of “becoming a BIG BOY (or girl).” We often times are willing to settle for less significant growth in order to avoid temporary pain. In "E's" situation with his leg cramp you as a father do what you can to help relieve the pain. Rub his leg. Maybe, give him a warm bath. You do what you can to help him through it. You don’t try to find a "Cure" because you know it will soon pass. You understand it is part of the growth process and the benefit outweighs the temporary discomfort. If we are serious about our spiritual journey, we will have painful, difficult circumstances. According to James those painful, difficult circumstances will come along to make us stronger.
So, the question is, what have we put in place in our lives to help deal with the pain/difficulty? Is it something we just push through? Do we have friends, guides, spiritual mentors to help in dealing with the pain/difficulty? And are they the kind of people that can give wise advice on how to make it through while at the same time giving us perspective on the benefit of the pain?

Dad, My Leg Hurts...

So, this has become an ongoing event in the Jones household. Periodically, in the middle of the night “E” wakes up writhing in pain from these leg cramps. But, he is no dummy. One evening as I was trying to help him through this difficult time he asked me if I could get him some ice. We were staying at a hotel on vacation at the time. I told him I would walk down the hallway to get him some ice to help sooth the pain. Without missing a beat, he piped up, “No dad, I need Ice… CREAM!” He said this with a little smirky smile that only ”E” can give. In the midst of his pain he did not miss an opportunity to use the sympathy he was receiving from me in his favor. I didn’t get him the ice cream because it was late (bed time – you know.) But, I know if it was the middle of the day I would have found a way just to reward his creativity. Some people may have seen this as manipulation on the part of “E”. I did not. I sensed the playful heart of my child. Oh how I long to have that type of relationship with God, the Father. Not a regimented prayer time that deals dutifully with various situations. There needs to be room for, “C’mon God, you know I could be a better witness for you if I had this nice car.” (with a smile and wink) While at the same time saying, But You know what is best. So, Your will be done. That is essentially what “E” was doing. He was saying, I sure would like this. So, I will ask while the timing is right. But, I know you will choose what is best for me. I want to have that same type of relationship with God.
Lord, Give me an openness to ask for anything, but a willingness to accept any answer.
Mark 10:13-15People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”(NIV)