Make the leap…

I came across a great quote today while reading and wanted to pass it along. It’s a response in the middle of a conversation about faith and freedom, but I think it applies to many areas of life and faith.

“one must ascend all the steps, but then when there are no more steps one must make the leap”

The familiar

I like the familiar. I’m driving though town tonight looking for a place to eat. And I don’t see any restaraunts I know. I was longing for a chili’s, hoping for an Applebees, willing to settle for something else I knew. But instead I was greeted with unfamiliar names and signs that left me wanting and disinterested.

I hate being out of my comfort zone. Being away from my family, my things, my places. The things I Know, the things I love.

With the unfamiliar comes the chance, the opportunity of something new something exciting. And I’ve ate a couple restaraints I enjoyed on the trip. But more often then not I’ve been disappointed wishing for my familiar ground. But I suppose that’s the risk you take and sometimes the reward is worth it.

Still looking for that reward.

Life lessons

I’ve been in Shipshewana IN the last couple days for work. Today I had a few minutes to reflect on a couple of life lessons I’ve learned during my time here.

1. Not all combinations of things, though singularly great, work well together.

I learned that at Subway this afternoon when I tried their new Chicken Pizziola sandwhich: grilled chicken, pepperoni, marinara sauce and cheese on a toasted bun. It looked great on the sign but tasted terrible in my mouth.

How many other combinations have we seen that look good on paper, good in theory, but leave a bad taste in your mouth? I can think of a couple.

2. The truth and traditions you hold onto so tightly today can seem very foolish tomorrow.

And… If you do not change you become irrelevant and outdated.

There’s a beautiful Amish community here in Shipshewana – but the horse and buggies get in the way and become a danger sometimes to everyone.

3. Perspective is double sided.

I wonder what the Amish think of me? Probably very much what I think of them. That they are a little foolish. A little misguided. That their faith, though genuine, is a little off the mark.

But i also recognize that there is a great beauty, simplicity, authenticity, a realness, a groundedness to their lifestyle. And though our world may pass them by they still have a place in it.

So that’s just a few. I’m sure there will be more.