Monday, June 13, 2011

Last Impressions

There is much to be said regarding first impressions. Most people will say that the first impression is the most important. It is said that once you make a good first impression the rest is easy.

I disagree. Not that I disagree with a positive first impression being important, I just think that the last impression is the most important. Especially if the first impression and middle impression were positive.

I put in my two week notice as a mobile Paramedic twelve days ago. I am finished "working" as a medic. I have been working off and on an ambulance for twenty years. It has been a great learning experience. It has helped in my ministry career because I have learned to understand the immense hurt, shame and grief people experience daily.  

The problem is, I don't want to work for the next two days. I want to quit today. Actually, I wanted to quit twelve days ago. However, I can't. Of course I could, but that would make a poor last impression.

I have tried to be a Christ reflector as I've worked side by side with many Christians, atheists and agnostics. Though I have built friendships with these partners, I know they're watching. They've been watching all along.

The last impression is the hardest to produce, but it is the most important. Especially as followers of Christ.

Matt 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth."

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Sleeping Pickle


Almost every night as Wendy and I are getting ready to go to bed, I look into the refrigerator for a little snack. As my eyes scan the contents, I most often choose a piece of turkey lunch meat and a dill pickle


As I climb the stairs leading to our bedroom, I pace my bites of pickle so that the last bite takes place as I approach my side of the bed. As I crawl into bed, I receive the same response from Wendy that I get every other night that I crawl into bed with pickle breath, "again, Michael?" Then she turns and faces away from me. So, I get up and brush my teeth to remove some of the offense. 

Why do people do the things that annoy those they love the most? Why are people so selfish? Why am I so selfish?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

That is the kind of love that never fails! That is the kind of love that the Lord has for us.