*This is my Hermano (Brother) John. I do not condone this video, but it is quite entertaining.
2) Life Plans create tension as a result of the war between flexibility and rigidity. I am not trying to say that not planning is going to get you to greatness. I’m a strong advocate for having a planned out map of where you’re going. However one bad idea would be the mindset of “My Way or the HIGHWAY!” and ulcers and heart attacks usually ensue in these type people.
One of my favorite “books” is a road atlas—because it shows you exactly how to get anywhere within the limitation of state lines and the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Technically you could take the mathematical route to get where you want to go REALLY fast which would—according to some old white guy—be the straightest line. However, there was some unknown soul long ago who took note of the terrain and chose based on his experience and care for the road traveler to pave a road where it would be safest, most beneficial, and most logical. That’s why through mountainous areas, the road is curvy and you have to drive slowly. Someone said that’s the safest way to cross the terrain. How not-smart, callous, and egotistical it would be for someone to throw away the map and believe that he/she is way smarter than the surveyor without ever being in the area. The “my idea trumps all” is a great way to “done get dead right real quick!” Nobody makes it very far without at least considering and respecting an already made road as the wisest choice. How unwise it is for me to try to force my plans—be a trailblazer through unknown, and unsafe terrain when the Life Surveyor (aka Jesus just in case you haven’t figured that out yet) has already made a road for me to walk on through challenging life areas.
2.5) Another thought on Thought #2. When my brother went on the family cruise, he propagated a hit song called “I’m On a Boat” by Lonely Planet and T. Pain. This quite vulgar but censored song was a song about nothing. Three guys on a boat. That’s it.
I was at church last Sunday and this song popped in my head when the preacher was talking about Paul being “On a Boat”. Now of course, T. Pain was probably not on the boat in his day, nor did they make t-shirts that show how cool it is to be “On a Boat”. Paul’s primary means of transportation was on a boat that went through hell on high water but eventually got Paul to his purpose—which was to show Caesar the truth of Jesus and how to start a relationship with God. One thing I learned yesterday was that I have to:
1: Get on the Boat. I have to realize that my life is made of purpose and is worth sacrificing the stability of land and do something daring.
2: Enjoy the ride. Paul’s boat probably made him wonder if the destination was/is really worth the stomach ache and the crazy waves—a Nor’easter storm of epic proportion. He knew when he got on the boat that it wouldn’t be comfortable, but he kept the end in mind and coped with the agony of the waves.
3: Accomplish the End Goal. Paul didn’t ever forget about his meeting with Caesar. He survived the boat ride and he was able to achieve his calling.
Being the Pauls of the world is never easy, but it is most definitely possible. I think that my boat road will take me places that I would never have expected, never would have dreamed of, never would have planned for, and never thought would be able to prepare me for my destiny. But lo and behold! In just a few years, I will be able to say: “If it wasn’t for my crazy boat ride, I would have still be on shore staring at my long lost and unattained destiny with Caesar!”
For more info: See Acts 27.
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