Month: April 2010

I’ve been working diligently on the renovation of our “blue house” we purchased last fall. I have been aware that it seems as though much of my time is being consumed by the project. This also includes my thoughts, even through the night. That would not be so bad but apparently my thinking is a zero sum proposition, so the more I think about the renovation project the less I think about more important matters.

My concern was confirmed this morning, A friend and I were headed to breakfast in Nicholasville this morning. Our route took us by Lowe’s (my second home). We were  engaged in conversation and as I came to the entrance to Lowe’s, without hesitation, I turned into the parking lot. Apparently not only is my conscious thinking being dominated by the project, so is my sub-conscious thinking.

I suppose I could use that experience to illustrate how when our lives are consumed by the kingdom of God, our kingdom work will become instinctive. That may be a good point, but for now it may be a good time to take a break.

I have thought a lot about the Internet Monk (Michael Spencer) since his passing on April 5. He had a profound impact on me. I am not alone in that experience as evidenced by the comments and remembrances on the internet. I never met nor spoke to Michael yet we shared a kinship. Our relationship was the product of a mutual citizenship in the Kingdom of God. But there was something that made our relationship unique beyond our common bond as Jesus followers. I had been unsuccessful in defining just what made my relationship with Michael different from others until I read an excerpt from a eulogy delivered at his memorial service. A quote from that eulogy answered my question.

‘Michael put into words my own struggles in ways I wish I could but couldn’t. I know I’m not alone in this. His was putting himself out there so that we can read and shout, Yes! Exactly! Someone understands!’

That is it! I cannot count all the times while listening or reading Michael words that I would shout, “Yes, yes!”

Thank you Michael. I will miss you greatly.