Reflections, Perceptions, and More

Today in training I learned about different self-images, world perceptions, and the ramifications of different combinations of these things.

I imagine someone looking into a mirror, evaluating what they see, then turning to the window to view the world and all the people in it.

How do these two images interact with one another and influence who we are?

As I've been recently reflecting on my own spiritual identity, I can't help but wonder how these perceptions correlate to a person's relationship with Christ.

Keep in mind that the generalizations about images and their implications of a person are completely based on research, not my opinion. However, the correlations made between these images and a person's relationship with Christ are completely my own uneducated speculation. For some people, a relationship with God can be very private and might not be reflected in the images and perceptions they share.

Some people look into the mirror and see someone they do NOT like, but when they look out of the window, they enjoy the view. Research shows that these people tend to be depressed and peer dependent, not quite feeling adequate on their own.

In relation to God? I believe these people see His glory in all creation but themselves.

Some people look into the mirror and see someone they DO like. A LOT. But when they look out of the window, the view seems sparse compared to what they see in the mirror. Research shows that these people tend to be narcissistic and value nothing or no one more than themselves.

In relation to God? There is none. These people are their own god.

Some people look into the mirror and see someone they like at times, and despise at others. When they look out of the window, they face they same battle they face in the mirror. Research shows that these people tend to be unstable. Emotional messes.

In relation to God? Warfare. I believe these people are in a love/hate battle with God, just as they are with everything else in life. The question is, which battle began first?

Some people look into the mirror and see someone they do NOT like, and when they look out of the window, the view is just as unpleasing as the one the mirror offers. Research shows that these people tend to be depressed and reject themselves and others. Endless unhappiness.

In relation to God? Cold.Hardened hearts refusing to soften to His touch, so removed from their savior they feel no hope. I ask, do they harden their hearts to God because they see no hope in life, or do the feel no hope in life because they've hardened their hearts to God?

Some people look into the mirror and see someone they DO like, and when they look out of the window, they enjoy the view as well. Research shows that these people tend to be well adjusted and likely to succeed.

In relation to God? I believe these people are the people who reflect His image. They see the world as His creation and exude Christ's compassion everywhere they go. And thank God for these people! These are the people that touch the lives of others, showing them there is beauty in the world, even inside themselves.

Any thoughts?

Picture Time!

I love taking pictures!!! Somehow, they have a way of revealing beauty in the ordinary. This is something I've been trying to focus on recently. The marvel of God's creation is all around. Sometimes, I just need to look through the right lens to see it.

Don't Worry, I Didn't Forget About You . . .

I also REALLY miss my wife!!! I love you Kimmy!!!

CIRCUS

I am currently in Indy for a three day conference held by the Indiana's Association for Juvenile Sex Offenders Program. I was dreading this experience, but now I find it quite refreshing!

*I am surrounded by twenty-seven other people who's life is just as much of a circus as mine!

It's actually quite funny to see the mad dash out to the hallway each break. You see, this is where the cell phone reception is the best.

*Tigers. Jumping through hoops.

All the program managers, clinicians, and case workers check their voice mails every opportunity they have in order to keep up with who is trying to touch who back at work. style="text-align: right; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;*Monkeys. Routine tricks. My message arrived promptly at 6:30pm.

*Peanuts? Popcorn? Anyone?

I knew this day would come. It was inevitable. The day when I receive a phone call to be informed that someone . . . has done more than touching.

*Clowns. Beeping noses.

I just never expected that I'd be an hour and a half away with no plan to return to work for five days!!!

*Tight rope walking. No net.

I am ever-so-calmly attempting to follow-up this incident from a distance. Keep in mind, I'm new at this and this is the first . . . "more than just touching" incident I've ever had to address. So . . . yeah . . .

*Freak show.

However, I am very fortunate to have staff back at work who are willing to really help me out and keep me updated. THANKS!

*Circus band. Strike a cord.

I guess this is also the best place to for me to have to deal with this, seeing how I am surrounded by other professionals with LOTS more experience than me.

*Ring leader. Cracks whip.

Guess what our breakfast conversation is going to be! THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR PERFECT SENSE OF TIMING!!! *Crowd. Oo's and Ah's.

Road Trip and the Ultimate Destination

Ever aimlessly wander, and find yourself at a destination you never expected? A destination that nonetheless seems to be an inevitably important part of your journey? And what is a good journey without your favorite person by your side? A few laughs? A great song or two? Something a little deeper? And the people? Not the people you’d expect to be a part of your journey. Everyone else. The people that make the random gas stations memorable. The people that make want to forget certain stops along the way. The potholes, the detours, the breath-taking sceneries. The accidents you pass along the road. It’s all so tragic, beautiful. Seemingly endless. One destination onto the next, some standing out from the others. All important, being a part of one continuous journey, leading to one ultimate destination. This is no road trip. This is life. Mine at least. And I’m only beginning to fathom the importance of the smaller stops along the way, and how they all interact to determine the ultimate destination. I was reminded this weekend that the length of my journey is unknown, the proximity of my ultimate destination is uncertain. Because of this, I must be more mindful of my journey and the direction I am heading in, appreciating the scenery, learning what I can from it, and sharing what I've learned with my fellow travelers, as they hopefully share with me. There is no map for this journey, but there is a guide. GOD. I have not done well to follow God's lead and have had to travel through unnecessary obstacles. Above all, I must seek His guidance. When I have been been faithful to God's lead, I have been amazed at where He has taken me. I can't image how marvelous the ultimate destination is that he has in store, if I can only steer down the road He has directed me.