Last night, one of the people I consider to be a wise leader shared some insight that I believe is something we need to hear and be reminded of consistently.

Timm Fair is that wise leader. We were discussing a project involving our Mission House (a food and clothing bank here at the church). There were some reservations concerning the financial commitment needed for various projects.

Timm is our administrator. He has his finger on the pulse of our finances. He is a visionary leader and can identify trends and give us a glimpse of what the future may bring.

Timm addressed the concern, affirming that the financial resources are in place for our projects. But, then he made a few statements that I believe we needed to hear…not just concerning this project…but concerning our church and ministry as a whole.

Timm said, “Right now, we have the opportunity to get this right. Let’s get it right now. We don’t want to look back one year from now and say, ‘Oh, I wish we had done this or that.’ Let’s think long-term. Let’s think about what is the best investment for the long-term. Let’s make decisions that have the best long-term impact.”

“Let’s get it right, now.” That just might be a phrase that we all need to put in a place that we will see on a daily basis. Can you imagine what might happen if we all set out to get it right, now? I believe if we are focused on getting it right…we just might find ourselves bringing about a greater good in this world.

Sometimes getting it right means seeing beyond ourselves. Sometimes getting it right means stepping out in faith. Sometimes getting it right means seeing past the bottom-line.

What do you need to do today in order to get it right?

There are things in life that are just too good to be true.

There are things in life that are so outrageously insane, they should be outlawed.

Today, I consumed something that was outrageously insane…too good to be true…and it should definitely never happen again.

This morning, I went to the office to get some work done. However, there is no electricity at the church…which makes it hard to do research and print off articles and the like.

So, I decided to venture off to Concannon’s. I have a gift card, so I thought I’d just make the best of the situation and enjoy a sugary treat with a nice cup of coffee.

And, that’s when it all happened.

Concannon’s has this ridiculously crazy cookie that I have been eying for months. It’s two M&M cookies with butter creme icing in-between. Then it is dipped in white chocolate and has dark chocolate drizzled all over. It’s a big cookie. And…I…ate…the…whole…thing!

I just couldn’t help myself. The whole time, I knew what I was doing was wrong. This is the epitome of gluttony. This is a great example of self-indulgence and a lack of self-control. This cookie should only be consumed by a large group of people. As I ate, I could feel my pulse rate raise. I could feel my face begin to tingle due to the enormous amount of sugar being consumed. I felt like I was either going to explode with energy or I would fall into a diabetic coma (I’m not diabetic).

I had longed to consume this cookie for some time. And, it was everything I thought it could be…and then some. But, in the end, I feel dirty, disgusting, and ashamed. Isn’t that usually how we feel any time we indulge in something we know is not good for us?  How could I let myself succumb to such a guilty pleasure?

I now know that Concannon’s is a dangerous place to work. I need to have the support of an accountability partner when I enter any Concannon’s establishment. Maybe I will start a support group for those who just cannot control themselves when surrounded by amazing pastries and desserts.

“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.”

(Matthew 23:25-26, The Message)

I am one that fully believes we all should be continual learners (that’s my terminology for life-long learner…because I think that term is a bit played out).

So, I like to end each day with this question:

“What did I learn today?”

For example, yesterday I learned that a rat can last longer without water than a camel! Fascinating stuff! Some may find this bit of information useless…I’m sure I could find a way to work it into a sermon…therefore making it useful.

Now, I don’t know why a rat can survive longer without water than a camel. But, I know it’s reality. Of course, this gives me something to learn today. Why can a rat survive longer without water than a camel???

I believe that once we give up on the pursuit of learning, we’re basically throwing in the towel. When we decide we no longer desire to learn new things, we are either quite egotistical (in that we think we know it all) or apathetic (being indifferent to all things).

I hope I never desire to give up the pursuit of gaining new knowledge…even if it’s simply about rats surviving longer than camels without water. It keeps me sharp. It helps me expand my creative capabilities.

What did you learn today?

Tomorrow morning, I will get up bright and early to run in the Chase Charlie 5K at Ball State. My motivation? Saving $2 on a game ticket for Saturday’s Ball State football game (you never know, BSU could win tomorrow). You see, it’s $12 to run in the 5K. And, you get a t-shirt and a game ticket. A general admission ticket is $14. So, a little physical torture to save $2.

Later in the morning (11:30am to be exact), Sammie will run in the Kiddie 100, where she will chase Charlie across the football field before the start of what will most likely be another BSU loss (I know, I just said tomorrow could be BSU’s day…but let’s be realistic).

I have a number of goals entering this race…which will be my first competitive race since I did a triathlon right before my freshman year of college (1994). I’m sure it will be a disaster, as I haven’t trained for the event. So, my goals:

1. Run the whole race

2. Finish before the last female walker

3. Don’t collapse due to exhaustion following the race

4. Sprint (or as close to sprinting as I can get) the last 400 yards)

5. Have fun

6. Don’t swear at people passing me

7. Don’t laugh at or mock people that I might pass

8. Celebrate with Arthur Guinness

Go Ball State!