Becoming a Hero

Have you ever wanted to be a hero?  What does it really mean to be a hero?  Here is the definition found in Wikipedia…

“A hero is a person or main character of a literary work who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through impressive feats of ingenuity, bravery, or strength…”

I suppose I have always enjoyed a bit of adventure in my life.  As a teenager I loved driving the boat across the lake, especially when inclement weather began to arouse the waves, stirring them into white caps.  Even more daring was racing across the wake behind the boat on a slalom ski.

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My best bout at heroic swashbuckling came in a fencing class which I took in college for a PE credit.  Now THAT has certainly served me well in my career in the ministry!  But still, sadly, no hero.

Since I do consider myself a creative person, I suppose I have always imagined my opportunity for a heroic deed might appear in “some impressive feat of ingenuity”.  I might be envisioning something which has previously not existed.  I might bring a new perspective, build a better mousetrap!

I was reminiscing yesterday, reading again some notes from persons at a church which I dearly loved.  This note from the Nursery Director seemed to pop out…

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Ah, suddenly appearing before my eyes came the revelation…the one time I was a HERO!   Well, at least it took guts!

nk

 

Friends

In my last post entitled ” A New Leaf”, I shared with you a list of things Jesus did.  These things are my conscious focus for 2017.  So far, I am doing well with long walks and prayer incorporated into that time of walking, as well as enjoying God’s creation.  I’ve had to bundle up on these cold mornings, but it is both invigorating and a bit of an adventure.  I am loving all of it!

I feel led to ponder more deeply the essence of friendship in the life of Jesus and in my own life.  Jesus was clearly very close to his friends.  As we follow his life in the scriptures, we see that he is always sharing his life with his friends.  In John 15: 12-17 he tells us to love one another as he has loved us.  He calls us friends.  He talks about laying down your life for your friends.  I just feel so embraced right now with the reality that Jesus would want to call us friends!  I have some of the most wonderful friends!  They are and have been such a huge gift to me.  Jesus knew this. Jesus felt this.  Jesus valued this.

I recently discovered the poet David Whyte.  I love his poems.  One of his dear friends is John O’Donohue who is also one of my favorite poets.  David writes this about John…

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David also writes this excerpt from “FRIENDSHIP”…

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These are beautiful thoughts to ponder.  So very true…to walk with them, believe in them, and accompany them on a journey impossible to accomplish alone.”  Thanks God, for friends!

nk

Pondering…

your friends…

the gift of friendship…