Thrive, Not Just Survive

If I told you I knew the secret to thriving in life, would you be interested? Or are you okay with just getting by? With mediocrity? With feeling like you just can't seem to move ahead?

I doubt you're okay with any of that. Sure, on any given day, you might give in to the temptation to settle, but in the big picture, most of us are looking for more out of life. Not more as in more stuff to do, but more as in "please let this life be about more than changing diapers, wiping snotty noses, and picking up after the kids."

Psalm 1:3 contains the secret to thriving, not just surviving:

"And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."

Last word: PROSPERS is defined as "to be successful or fortunate...; thrive; flourish." Another source adds "make steady progress."

So, how do we get to the place where we are making steady progress, where we are thriving and flourishing?

The writer of this Psalm says it's about where we're planted. He says we need to be firmly planted by streams of water. Last week Stephenie and her family were planted by the Gulf of Mexico for Spring Break. Not a bad idea for a vacation getaway, but not what this verse means!

Instead, the Psalmist is instructing us to plant ourselves firmly by streams of water. I don't know much about trees and root systems, but I do know that the roots are what keep them in the ground, particularly in windstorms and such.

I had heard that the great big Redwood trees out west didn't have much in the way of roots, but read this:

The roots of a coast redwood are very shallow, growing only four to six feet deep, but spread out from the tree as far as 125 feet. This isn’t much support for a tall, heavy tree—floodwaters can erode top layers of soil, exposing the roots and weakening a tree’s support system. Heavy rains and strong winds can bring even the biggest giant crashing to the ground. But the roots of individual redwoods frequently grow intertwined with those of their neighbors. By "holding hands" underground, the roots form a network that allows the trees to withstand even great storms.

How cool is that? It's like a huge game of Red Rover!

How is your root system? Are you "holding hands" underground with those who can strengthen you and keep you rooted? Are you planted by streams of water, so that you can get nourishment and yield fruit and not wither?

You make the choice where you're planted every day. Where will it be, and how will you respond? It's time to thrive, not just survive!

By the water

Psalm 1:3

"And he shall be like a tree, firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."

Water. My friend. My foe. My nourishment. My nemesis. Can't live with it. Can't live without it.

Too much, and the streets flood. Too little, and the plants die.

Water makes its mark. Water leaves its mark.

Before August 2005, I only knew a watermark as a symbol on a fancy piece of paper. Post-Katrina, it has a whole new meaning. It's the line on houses, street signs, trees, and more to show how high the water got. Even more, it indicates that the water stayed. It left its mark.

They say that water is the magic potion for weight loss. You drink it instead of soft drinks and other sugary beverages, and you are on your way to a healthy weight.

Water freezes, and people pay lots to ski on it. Water heats up, and people head to the beach.

Jesus called himself "the living water." What does this have to do with me?

More thots to come . . . .

Six Miles, No Stopping

I ran the Crescent City Classic again today. 6.2 miles, or 10K in running jargon. It was great weather, and for the most part, I really felt good about it. I've been training at around 5 miles or so for several weeks, adding the sixth mile a couple of times just to make sure I could do it. I admit I was a little nervous because last Saturday I really struggled, but I think the fact that it was one of the first hot, humid days in a long time, made that day rougher.

My running partner, Emily, made today's race go by a little faster as well. I didn't feel like I was holding her back; instead, I felt like I was encouraging her since this was her first time to run a 10K. But I confess I would have really liked to have walked some in that last mile, but there was no way I was going to give into that after having made it so far without walking. She told me later that she was struggling at mile 3. I'm glad she didn't say anything about it during the race; I typically give into the power of suggestion and may have found it hard to keep running.

I've been doing the CCC since we moved back to New Orleans. My first one was 1995, and I've run almost everyone since then. I can't remember which ones I missed, but I do know I missed a couple because of holiday travel (like the year Allen was doing the interim at Dunwoody). However, since getting he and Sarah on board, it's become a family affair . . . actually, more than that because we share the experience with the Gibsons. And this year we added Emily and James and Jeff and Maria. The more the merrier, or something like that!

I'm glad I'm running again. I like the way it feels to finish a run. Sometimes it's hard to get started but, when it's done, yahoo! I don't know if I'm up for any more marathons but you never know what the future holds. Guess I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other and look for opportunities to inspire others to run farther, faster, and funner!

Faith Struggles

I was asked to contact someone who visited my church recently. I couldn't reach her by phone so I tried email. This was her reply:

"I am actually not sure about going to church at all at the moment. I'm having some struggles with faith and I really don't believe that baptist church is the best place for me. Thank you for trying to get in touch with me at least."

Oh, how honest is this! She doesn't know me, so maybe it was just safe. "Some struggles with faith" . . . what does she mean by this? Who doesn't struggle with faith? Who doesn't wonder at times why God is silent or why God is directing in a way that isn't our own plan or why He doesn't seem to take away our pain?

I appreciate this young lady's honesty. I'm just sad that she's choosing to put aside church for the time being. While some churches may not be the best places for clarifying faith struggles, they're certainly better than some of the alternatives (bars, malls, gyms, etc.). I'd rather have her struggling with faith in a faith-centered environment. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she'll see God more clearly somewhere else. I just pray she doesn't find a listening ear in someone who won't point her to the One who loves her most.

I say, go ahead and struggle with faith. Daily. Don't take it for granted. Don't let it become mundane or unappreciated. Allow God to show Himself faithful every day in His way, not according to your expectations but according to His word. It's not the easy way, but it is the better way.