RESOLUTE (Posted for New Year's Day!)

'Tis the season to make resolutions!!  Ok, ok,  so I know it drives half of us crazy...  hmmm... maybe even more than that.  But I thought this would be wise to digest together, assuming there are no corporate resolutions regarding increasing exercise or shedding pounds.  Granted, personally I always embrace the exercise initiative, but I thought in true "Intramuralist-style" I would humbly offer some resolutions for us all...  

10.  Let's dismiss the politically popular phrase "failed administration" from each of our vocabularies.  No administration has been a complete and utter failure.  Unfortunately, this phrase seems more an arrogant, self-serving PR tactic, spurred on by disagreement.  Let's each be "big enough" people to extinguish this disrespectful phrase.

9.   Let's commit to respecting President Obama, including his wife and children.  Admittedly, this will look different for each of us.  For some it may look like adoration; for others, it may mean refraining from negative speak.  I would challenge each of us to dig a little deeper, recognizing that respect means "to esteem" or "regard highly."  Disagreement and respect are not mutually exclusive; it's ok to do both.  Our respect may then prompt us to say a prayer or two...  praying for wisdom and discernment.

8.  Let's drink more champagne.  Oops... just thinking of New Year's Eve... 

7.  Let's speak frankly about political correctness.  We owe one another respect for differing opinions; we can be sharpened by such.  However, when people mandate acceptance of an opinion instead of tolerance of a viewpoint, that is no longer "correctness."  All that means is that we are only asking one party to be respectful.

6.  Let's exercise more...  oops...

5.  Let's commit to not taunting the non-professional athlete.  Remember that includes college competitors, even if they do play for our alma mater's arch nemesis...  especially during bowl season and the never-ending BCS confusion.

4.  Let's invest in the things that mean the most.  If it truly is "the economy, stupid," then we need to be prudent about our investments...  how we disperse our talents, money, and time...  investing in that which produces the greatest joys in life...  valuing relationship over things.

3.  Let's all agree to accept no appointment by the current Illinois Governor.  (Sorry, but until he becomes a little less self-serving and/or defiant, he will continue to grace the pages of multiple blogs.)

2.  Let's value celebrity less.  Since when has fame become an appropriate substitute for valid credentials?  If one more celebrity wants to tell half the country why they're misguided for having a specific, political opinion, then perhaps we should encourage half the country that there's one less movie career to support.

And 1.  Let's live more intentionally.  Whether it be about your passion or profession...  your family or your faith...  your health or your hobbies...  remember that life is short, so let's use our time wisely.  Let's be intentional.  Let's be intentional about how we interact and sharpen one another.  That's what we're put on this planet to do.

Happy New Year, friends!  Thanks for your faithful support.  You can look forward to continued lively, respectful discussions in the year to come.  As for now, well, I'm off to exercise.

AR

APPOINTMENT or ANOINTMENT?

Ok, call me a skeptic, but I, for one, am getting a little leery of this so-called appointment power.  The now-available Blagojevich Polygraph and Patterson People Finder (sold in Illinois and New York respectively) have exponentially increased my discomfort.

In estate law, appointment power typically allows the will's writer to determine who will have the authority to disperse specific property in the event of the writer's death or impairment.

In judicial terms, the executive branch holds appointment power for judges who are then to be confirmed by the legislative branch.

In regard to elected office, appointment power is used when there exists an unexpected vacancy  (see "Obama, B." -- although one could make a case that the vacancy of his previous office was not unexpected, popular as he long seemed to be).

Previously I would have assumed that in each of the aforementioned circumstances, the appointment would be given to the person deemed most qualified for the job.  However, I am beginning to find greater truth in the colloquial assertion that "to assume" makes only a "you-know-what" out of "u" and "me."

Should we ask what makes a person qualified for a desired position?  Obviously, it is not "in-name-only" (sorry, Caroline), or Pete Rose, Jr. would have found his way out of minor league baseball.  Let's be certain, too, not to throw Andrew Cuomo's candidacy into the "name-only" mix; he has a well-respected name but has also earned his own, individual, solid credentials.

So what makes a person qualified?  Let's try this again:

One, a commitment to public service.  Putting the public's best interest before any individual opinion, best observed by decision-making in previous public service positions.

Two, a history of courageous leadership.  Providing trustworthy guidance for those whom you have been called to lead, specifically in regard to economic, social, and security issues.

And three, a resume of resounding character.  Fulfilling each of life's roles with honesty and integrity (Gov. Blago might want to look into this one when he has a bit more spare time on his hands...  I hear that is coming...  sometime...  hopefully...  much to his supposed chagrin).

I am uncomfortable that government appointments have seemingly become more about who you know or raised money for than about items one, two, and three above.  "Who we know" is not an appropriate resume listing.  Being a loyal fundraiser does not justify advanced, political positioning.  But with disturbingly increasing frequency, we are witnessing Republicans and Democrats alike -- at local, state, and federal levels -- appoint persons who do not first exemplify a commitment to service, courageous leadership, and resounding character.  As evidenced so alarmingly in Illinois, we are appointing people for all the wrong reasons.  How often is this happening?  In how many of our states has this outrageous practice become accepted protocol?  Are we appointing or anointing?

To anoint means to consecrate or make sacred, typically in a ceremony that includes the application of oil.  Unfortunately, it appears there exists little sacred in the current process of government appointment.

AR

CHANGED

Now that no more is hung by the chimney with care – and the words “hark” and “good tidings” will wait another year before rejoining our vocabulary, I’m wondering what’s new… what’s different… I mean if I truly believed that Christmas was the birth of the savior of the world, I think there’d be something in the magnitude of that remembrance that would change me…

Perhaps it’d be a new skip in my step during Monday’s workday.
Perhaps I’d hug my kids a little more tenderly this weekend.
Perhaps I’d be more intentional in teaching my kids life’s greater lessons.
Perhaps I’d work a little harder on forgiving that one from whom I have long withheld forgiveness.
Perhaps I’d realize that mercy always triumphs over judgment. Always.
Perhaps I’d realize during “bowlmania season” that a game is still only a game.
Perhaps I would refrain from worshipping anything other than Him (…that includes the idolization of any Grand Ole’ Party, a golden calf, a sports team, and/or a Presidential candidate…)
Perhaps I would gain the humble confidence to tackle that destructive habit that has plagued me for years.
Perhaps I would surrender more challenges, recognizing that most things are out of my control.
And perhaps I would recognize that having things out of my control can be a very good thing.

A few short years ago, I prayed for a healthy child… or at least one that I considered healthy. You know the prayer… “and Lord, I don’t really care if it’s a boy or a girl… tall or short… I don’t really want him to be too fat, of course… But all I ask is that the baby is healthy, has no defects or disabilities… I can handle everything else from there.”

Well, God didn’t answer my prayer the way I asked. My child was not healthy by contemporary medical standards. He “failed” his genetic test. My guess is he will “fail” a few more future, cultural tests. But he is a kid who doesn’t allow all the crud of life to get in the way. Where you and I have trouble loving all those around us – because we allow appearance or arrogance or even passionate political standing to get in the way – to get in the way of doing what’s good and true and right – young master Josh simply loves people where they’re at. He recognizes the value of others, and he desires to encourage, to day-brighten, and yes, to warmly converse. What I’ve realized since is that Josh knows what it means to love – to love unconditionally – significantly better than me.

Thank God most things are out of my control. Thank God He didn’t answer that prayer the way it was prayed. Thank God, as songwriter Bruce Carroll wrote years ago, that “sometimes miracles hide.” And one more thank you… thank God we can still be changed.

Merry Christmas... always and still…

AR

MERRY CHRISTMAS

If we humbled ourselves enough to listen, what would we hear? Would we hear singing?

“On Christmas night all Christians sing,

To hear the news the angels bring;

News of great joy, news of great mirth,

News of our merciful King's birth.

When sin departs before Thy grace,

Then life and health come in its place;

Angels and men with joy may sing,

All for to see the newborn King.

From out of darkness we have light,

Which made the angels sing the night;

Glory to God and peace to men,

Now and for evermore Amen.”

What do you hear? I hear mercy. I hear peace. I hear glory and grace. That is the good news of great joy that is for all people. For each of us. For every one of us. That is what Jesus coming to Earth is all about… not coming to save us because of who we are or what we’ve done. Not coming because we are so amazingly humble and wonderful and selfless people. Jesus came because of who He is… full of mercy… full of grace. That is the excellent news... news that in our world of celebrity and self-focus that is sometimes challenging to comprehend.

So on this day, embrace those who are dear to you. Know you are loved. You are loved by someone greater even when life is hard – perhaps especially when life is hard. That’s the essence of mercy and grace.

As for me, well, today I will be singing...

"Hark," begins my favorite carol. There's a reason those angels sing...

AR

A CHRISTMAS WISH

I’ve re-written this column multiple times now. It’s not that I don’t wish for much. I wish for LOTS! I like gifts! But after a new outfit, some kind of gadget, and either red wine or Starbuck’s under my tree, truth is, my wishes are fairly minimal… in fact, I think my wish is simply one.

I wish the world would realize that life is a miracle. A miracle: an absolutely amazing, extraordinary creation!

Disregard any thoughts of blogging about a specific campaign issue. That’s not my point.

My point is that if people were wise enough to recognize that the human life is extraordinary, we would treat each other differently… we would treat each other with the care and preciousness that life deserves…

We would be more sensitive.
We would listen more.
Men would cherish their wives.
Women would respect their husbands.
Kids would obey their parents.
Parents would affirm their kids.
All of us would honor our elders.
We would communicate more tangible love.
We would engage in small acts of kindness.
We would quit yelling at those with whom we disagree.
We would refrain from quietly muttering under our breath how idiotic they were, as well.
We would realize that "my opinion" is only "my opinion."
Other opinions would impact us.
Republicans and Democrats would realize that their party platform is not synonymous with "The Way."
Washington D.C. would operate more efficiently.
"Peace on Earth" would be more than a Hallmark sentiment.
And what happened in that manger would mean so much more to us all.

This is a good reminder for me. I mean with the hustle and bustle and seemingly fanatic frenzy, my focus often gazes on things of lesser importance… on things of a much more material nature.

Miracles. Divinely inspired. Deserving of our attention. Deserving of our respect. Yes, that’s my wish this Christmas: that we would realize life is a miracle… an absolutely, amazing, extraordinary creation.

AR

MERRY _________!

With continued wishes to be both merry and happy, I began reflecting on what actually would result in tangible more glee. And so, while I withhold my #1 wish for this Tuesday’s upcoming blog, I do believe the following would add a little more “merry” to the season.

I wish self-ambition would be less dominant. Bear with me for a moment; ambition is good, and self-ambition can certainly propel the wise man forward. However, when self-ambition trumps the common good, I am disheartened. It’s as if we are witnessing foolishness play itself out on a practical stage. I am wondering what else it could be that motivates the Illinois Governor to cling to any leftover political clout. Why does he refrain from tendering his resignation? We do not need any politician – regardless of political party – who looks out for self more than state. That is not public service.

I wish name recognition was a little less impressive. Again, I ask you to follow me here. “A good name” is of vital importance. Once you lose it, it’s difficult to gain it back. But sometimes we value a name more than the depth of one’s actual qualifications. What’s in a name? It was an initial driver for Taft in Ohio and Ewing, Jr. in the NBA draft (…granted, he was also really TALL!). Yet do I dare pose the question – with her political interest now confirmed – as to what would happen if the distinguished and articulate – but non-holding-office-ever – Caroline Kennedy had the last name of “Palin” instead? Truthfully, I am one who finds something captivating in them both, but the reality is that names get our attention – sometimes even our vote – whether the person is qualified or not.

Lastly, I wish political correctness was less magnified. I know of a local school where Santa cookies – let me say that again: SANTA COOKIES! – are not allowed. They are not allowed in that school to acknowledge anything other than the fact that it is now winter. (Come to think of it… I do think they are allowed to declare if it’s snowing or not.) To our Jewish friends, we should wish them a meaningful Hanukah… our African friends, a joy-filled Kwanzaa… and it’s equally ok to acknowledge that December 25th is Christmas, the day Christians celebrate the incarnation of the Messiah. True tolerance means allowing an acknowledgement of what a day actually is – as opposed to ignoring that a day exists. It’s ok to acknowledge Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas.

So ho ho ho… merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Happy Kwanzaa! And a Seinfeldious Festivus to all!

Ah, yes… and to all a good night.

AR

THE (un)NATURAL

There’s something about this time of year that makes us all think a little more about virtues… like gratitude and charity, peace and love, faith and goodwill toward men. But there’s one virtue to me, that trumps all others, even though I rarely see it mentioned on any sparkling Christmas, Hanukkah, or even Kwanzaa card.

Forgiveness. Grace and forgiveness.

This is not a one-blog discussion. I’ve noticed that not everyone believes in grace and forgiveness, and even those of us who do, have trouble offering such both liberally and consistently. I’ve seen Christians and non-Christians extend it. I’ve seen Christians and non-Christians withhold it – unfortunately but often understandably, usually in the name of self-protection. My guess is that old song about knowing we are Christians by our love might serve all of us better if people knew we were Christians by our grace. Offering grace – and not in reference to any pre-meal activity – is an unnatural act.

Today let me simply borrow from one of my favorite books, What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey. I read it several years ago, and it changed the way I think. I plan to read it again as a part of my January resolutions (yes, those are coming, too!). Here is Yancey’s insight as to the challenge of extending forgiveness:

“I and the public know
What all school children learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.

W.H. Auden, who wrote those lines, understood that the law of nature admits no forgiveness. Do squirrels forgive cats for chasing them up trees or dolphins forgive sharks for eating their playmates? It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, not dog-forgive-dog. As for the human species, our major institutions – financial, political, even athletic – run on the same unrelenting principle. An umpire never announces, ‘You were really out, but because of your exemplary spirit I’ll call you safe.’ Or what nation responds to its belligerent neighbors with the proclamation, ‘You are right, we violated your borders. Will you please forgive us?’

The very taste of forgiveness seems somehow wrong. Even when we have committed a wrong, we want to earn our way back into the injured party’s good graces. We prefer to crawl on our knees, to wallow, to do penance, to kill a lamb – and religion often obliges us. When the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV decided to seek the pardon of Pope Gregory VII in 1077, he stood barefoot for three days in the snow outside the papal quarters in Italy. Probably, Henry went away with a self-satisfied feeling, wearing frostbite scars as the stigmata of forgiveness.

‘Despite a hundred sermons on forgiveness, we do not forgive easily, nor find ourselves easily forgiven. Forgiveness, we discover, is always harder than the sermons make it out to be,’ writes Elizabeth O’Connor. We nurse sores, go to elaborate lengths to rationalize our behavior, perpetuate family feuds, punish ourselves, punish others – all to avoid this most unnatural act.”

This is tough. At a time of year when a focus on virtues is both apparent and appropriate, have we taken time to ask ourselves: is there anyone out there I need to forgive? Are there any situations in which I have justified withholding forgiveness? Is there anything for which I am punishing myself?

Today’s conversation is merely a beginning point in the dialogue. One blog will not change the world nor those financial, political, and even athletic institutions. Our hearts, however, can be changed… through the blessing that comes via an unnatural act.

AR