The Killing, uh Easy Chair

In his new book, When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box (Zondervan, 2007), John Ortberg writes about what it takes to really win in the game of life. Ortberg believes that how we live determines what happens when the game is over. He encourages readers to arrange their lives around eternal objectives instead of earthly possessions that are here today and gone tomorrow.

He encourages us to get in the game, but not the one played by most of America. He believes one particular piece of household furniture prevents more of us from engaging life with hands-on action than any other---the recliner or "EZ chair". Throw in a television remote and you've got a prescription for a life of disengagement. Ortberg warns about the dangers of life in the EZ chair:

What's so dangerous about this chair is not the things you do while you're in it. It's the things you don't do, the relationships you never deepen, the people in need you never serve---never even see. It's the great prayers you never pray, noble thoughts you never think, adventures you never take. It the races you never run and the battles you never fight, the laughs you don't laugh and the tears you don't weep. You were made for something more than life in the chair. It may be the most dangerous object in your house. (p. 138)

Ortberg is right. I'm guilty too. We unplug from life in the EZ chair. Sometimes we need to do that, but when the EZ chair becomes the dominant piece of furniture in our life (our focus) it can lead to apathy, laziness and a general disinterest in the meaningful things of life. Who needs to worry about terrorism claiming our country when most of us are killing the ingenuity, passion and forces of creativity all through our inactivity in a single chair?

"EZ Chair Terrorism," is a bigger threat to our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health than Osama. It's hard to engage the culture and pursue Jesus' call to be life-changers from a reclined position. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b)

Get out of the chair!

According to a recently released study by the Associated Press and MTV, what makes America's youth happy may surprise you. The extensive study (1,200+ people, ages 13-24, 100+ questions) found that contrary to demographic stereotypes and urban legend, sex, drugs, and rock n' roll weren't the top sources of happiness! The study results are surprising and
hopeful.

Spending time with family was the top answer as the source for happiness among the nation's youth! Almost 75% say that their relationship with parents makes them happy! Not surprising, listening to music was a popular source of happiness, but only 13% said chatting online mad them "very happy". 54% said school grades make them "very to somewhat happy." Parents need to seize this opportunity and increase their time spent with children. They really do want to spend time with us.

There's good news for churches in the study. According to the AP: "Close to half say religion and spirituality are very important. And more than half say they believe there is a higher power that has an influence over things that make them happy. Beyond religion, simply belonging to an organized religious group makes people happier." While much of this "spirituality" may not be biblically rooted, the openness to spiritual matters means they are willing to engage in conversation and interested in community. If we're willing to listen, exercise patience and build intentional relationships with emerging generations, we will most likely find a receptivity that will be greater than if the church simply views students as a doorway to increase evangelism statistics.

The study also uncovered some concerns. Youth aren't satisfied with the way things are in the world. Fifty-eight percent report they are "somewhat to very unhappy" with current world conditions. Also, black and Hispanic respondents tended to be less happy than whites along economic lines. And many, particularly middle class youth say they feel stressed, females more than males. We still have a long way to go in the areas of race, economic and gender equality while trying to provide a stable world. What are we handing off to succeeding generations? It's a ball many of them don't want to carry and something we need to address now instead of passing the buck.

The study leaves me hopeful, but guarded. America's youth need to know that we really do care about their worldview and we are willing to make the necessary changes to right past wrongs or injustices so the world is a better place. They need to know we value and respect what they have to say about the world and other issues. Respect is one of the doorways to responsibility. It's time we listened more so we can learn more and accept the responsibility we have in the world we are leaving succeeding generations. May God give us wisdom and courage!

Lessons Learned 200+ Miles at Sea

1. Having zero cell phone capability is probably the most therapeutic thing you can do. I plan to seriously fast from mine once a week from now on. Ran into a guy on the cruise who paid his cell phone provider in Philadelphia to get international-unlimited coverage on his cell phone while on the ship. Overheard him talking work stuff and never saw him without that thing attached to his ear. Kind of defeats the purpose of "getting away" doesn't it?

2. While I had email capability, I refused to pay the ridiculous incremental Internet access rates charged aboard ship. Plus, I made the choice NOT to carry my laptop on board so if I was tempted I'd have to physically go to the appropriate deck and use one of their computers. I hated the 120 messages of pure junk I had to go through upon my return to land, but it was so nice to be unplugged. Makes me continue to worry and be embarrassed at how co-dependent most Americans are on technology. Me included.

3. Everyone ought to do something they've never done before at least once. Like mountain climbing, or kayaking. We had never taken a cruise. Our son's college graduation in Florida coincided with our cruise, so it was perfect timing and a rare chance for the four of us to be alone. Yes, we will do it again.

4. I eat too much. Americans eat too much. The food we waste is outrageous. Yes, the meals were scrumptous, but the amount of food that went to waste is mind-blowing.

5. Considerable time alone with family without all the distractions and daily noise in life is absolutely priceless. Thank you God for that gift.

6. If I have to choose between Freeport and Nassau, it's a no-brainer. Nothing personal to the folks in Freeport, but I'll be near the Straw Market and Senor' Frogs, or Hard Rock in Nassau. And while the ship coffee was okay, three days without Starbucks made the one in Nassau the perfect first stop off the ship!

7. If Christ-followers served non-Christians the way cruise line crews serve passengers our churches would be filled. Heck, if Christ-followers would just serve each other with the amount of respect, attention to detail and thoughtfulness of the crew it would cause a revolution.

8. The onboard library was great, but it doesn't come close to grabbing a great book and enjoying the sunshine and the open sea from a deck chair.

9. We had calm seas, but how in the world did Noah do it for 40 days without Dramamine or Bonine?

10. Bottled water is the way to go, but it sure loads down your suitcase, ha!

Hail the Graduating Osprey!

On Friday, August 10, 2007, William Casey Carter will receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Go Ospreys! To say we're proud of our son's accomplishment would be an understatement. We can't wait to watch him to take that walk and accept his hard earned diploma.

Engineering is tough! My Bachelor's degree is in communications but trust me, Casey's college studies have been more like my graduate studies. Like his maternal grandfather before him, Casey accepted and rose to the challenge of his chosen discipline with passion, commitment and a hard work ethic. Casey has worked his entire four years of college. Unlike many college students today, he has not had a "blank check" or an unlimited "Visa" card provided by Mom and Dad. He worked and kept a full load of classes just like we did in college and graduate school. Even if we had been able to pay for all of his college and living expenses we would've never done it. Learning to be fiscally responsible while in college (if not before) is great preparation for life in the real world. Too many kids graduate today from college and remain financially and emotionally dependent upon their parents producing a generation who is irresponsible, unrealistic, co-dependent, ungrateful and unable to make it on their own. Aside from his faith development, part of our role as parents has been to help Casey become a healthy, responsible and productive citizen. Casey will always have our support, but deep down inside he knows that he is able to stand on his own by the grace of God. Before he was born, God had His design on Casey's DNA. He has been fashioned and formed through the love of God.

To say we are proud of our children doesn't begin to cover it. No, we have never said our children are perfect. Far from it. We weren't those kind of parents and we still aren't. We know our children's warts, shortcomings and failings just as we know our own. We have always believed that both of our children (Casey and Sarah) have been gifted, called and prepared by God for whatever He has in store for them.

It's been a very difficult final semester for Casey. There have been some valley's and desert wanderings, but he has emerged stronger and wiser. He has learned valuable life lessons while at UNF. We have watched him grow in so many ways. We are so very pleased with Casey and the person he's become. We can't wait to see what God has in store for his future. We love you Chubs, always have and always will! Yes, you and Sarah are special to us because you are gifts from God. Love, Mom and Dad (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139)

P.S. The graduation gift and family vacation is going to be absolutely awesome!

In Our Hearts, Thoughts and Prayers

Minneapolis you are in our prayers!