Month: January 2010 (Page 2 of 2)

Hearing a woman moan or scream “Oh, God” repeatedly in a Meg Ryan sequence isn’t a reason to believe, but it is solid word of mouth advertising. There are just certain times when people are stronger net prompters of the big guy (Him, not me), and those times seem to be at the edges of our experience: the ecstasy and the empty.

Just like the sharp commentary that pierces this space when I go on a political rant (a mention of pantsuits seems to draw the most ire, but I guess that’s slamming my inferred sexism, not loony-left positions) writing about God draws crowds like those gathered to see if the guy is going to leave the ledge or not. My “Living in the New Year” post of a couple days ago drew more comments than I’ve seen in quite some time. Even Sophocles left a comment. That was cool. Like politics, religion is extremely polarizing in a world where inhabitants are screaming away from each other toward the coldest extremes. For example, in the domestic political realm, has the liberal-conservative invective ever been so bitter?

Wading into Timothy Keller’s “The Reason for God” last night, the author contends a polarizing phenomena is occurring with masses growing at both ends: believers and skeptics. Being at one end, I can tell you it looks like quite a journey to get to the other. And how does one get there if they choose to? One (of many) reasons for my doubt is that the journey of many “born again” Christians I know began with them hitting some bottom in their life and God became a crutch to help lift them up. I’ve observed this several times with people in my life and wonder if my bottom or some catastrophic event would push me there. Again, I doubt it. Why don’t people find God after they win the lottery? Or do they?

Not to say that the “born again” crowd is all inclusive of the faithful. It seems there are as many degrees of faith as there are people. One guy I know is very strong in his Catholic faith, still goes to church, yet has been married for over 20 years to a woman who doesn’t really share his conviction. The faith of that gentleman and other very smart people who are in, or have passed through my life, have me asking the questions. If these smart people, who I greatly respect, have faith, isn’t it worth another look, even if only to understand our differences? I understand faith transcends the mind, but I need to first understand the intellectual credibility of God before I can walk further. Right now I’m stepping tentatively like Bob Wiley. The first words in the book’s introduction grabbed me like a tractor beam, so I’m allowing myself to be sucked in…

“I find your lack of faith – disturbing.” – Darth Vader

It’s January 7th and many resolutions have been crushed under the gravity of undisciplined us. If pressed to resolve, a vague “live more” would be my response, but what does that mean?

• Love – Do I have to explain this one? A dreamer once wrote it’s “all you need.”
• Give – Whether family, friend, foe or total stranger, if you’re not contributing to their well being, then the reason we exist eludes you.
• Laugh – Just looking in the mirror should be good for a few. While you’re at it, make others laugh. A lot.
• Cry – It’s soul cleansing, moisturizes dry eyes, and provides good contrast to make laughter all the richer.
• Try… new things – I’m counting the eel I had last night, and cross-country skiing is on the list.
• Create – Experiment with food, words, crayons, watercolors, wood, fabric, light or any other artistic medium.
• Read – Feed your head with words and the images you create from them. Right now I’m nibbling “Dr. Quantum’s Little Book of Big Ideas – Where Science Meets Spirit.” I hope to have a fusion reactor built by the time I’m finished. The stimulation of reading and learning will help you ideate (I know… not really a word, but I’m in Marketing.) or solve problems completely unrelated… I promise. It will.
• Machine shop – Don’t hate me because I lost weight over the holidays… I’m down nearly 25 since last Memorial Day thanks to like-minded co-workers and a desire for healthy longevity. Now I want to finish downsizing and buy some clothes.
• Live Local – Support local businesses. Move your money to a local bank or credit union.
• Travel – Just go… anywhere you have not been. Boston is one hour from me and I’ve never walked the freedom trail. Paris in the springtime is a dream that needs realization.
• Open – Another holiday self-gift is “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.” I have a reason to believe, but I offer no guarantees except my eyes are now open.
• Nothing – Getting back to a vacuum means you can fill it anew.

That’s all I’ve got, but I’m um, open to suggestions. What are you doing to live more?

Some years ago on this day, a 28 year old mother gave birth to her second child, a daughter. I first glimpsed that daughter about 28 years later and… Well, I’d just like to thank that mom for bringing her into this world.

On a completely unrelated bent, here’s what design looked like in 1958, the year yours truly was born.