Disciples

After my daughter’s friend knelt and exchanged her life at the “Rooted” weekend, she had the opportunity to say “I’m so glad I had a small part in influencing your life!” Her friend replied, “You’ve had a huge influence on me--thank you!” As a father, I couldn’t have been more proud. I think about what discipleship looks like and in the end, disciples follow the example set for them and they choose which example they will follow. Leaders don’t really disciple, they simply follow Christ and those who choose to follow their example are disciples. How great as a dad to celebrate a Christ-follower who has others following.

Wild Goose

I love the “Chasing the Wild Goose” phrase that the early Celtic Christians coined in reference to the Holy Spirit. Following the Holy Spirit is a great adventure and oftentimes leads us into the unknown. Sometimes we even end up going, “Huh?” Other times we clearly see the convergence. This week I was chasing the Wild Goose and it felt like a free fall—with a smile on my face. I sold a car, gave 90% of the proceeds away and purchased another old fixer-upper all in a 48-hour period. I just said, “Okay Lord, I’ll follow.” It’s been a blast. It’s been exciting. I feel alive.

Cinderella

I was driving and Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Cinderella” came on the radio. It’s a song about his little girl growing up and the opportunities to dance along the way. I probably should have pulled over but I just wiped the tears from my eyes and kept driving. I have three girls: 6, 8, and 14. Man, does life go fast. So many times the “weight of the world on my shoulders” has kept me from seizing the ‘dance.’ As they get to the age where they don’t want your attention as much, you wish you could go back and do it over. I don’t want to miss the “dance” for my selfish agenda or for the clamoring pseudo crisis of the world. Whether it’s “Butterfly Kisses” or “Cinderella,” the reminder to seize the day is just a song away.

Powerful Stories

The living room was crowded and the couches were full as we shared our stories. The tears flowed as she shared how she was the first in her family to follow Jesus. They mocked her as “the church lady.” But with the passing of her mother, she was now the matriarch! The one who would lead the way—a way would be different. Her children would know a loving, active mother who pointed them to Jesus and they would know of the miracle of their family and how God had delivered them. We all have such a story, the story of God pursuing us and the redemptive history of our lives. What’s your story? As you tell it, there is power. As you live it, there is wonder. Turn the page.