Soul Talk

Words

We dropped our oldest daughter at Kansas State University. She will be studying communications and photography. She loves to combine words with pictures and says her dream job would be to work for "Sports Illustrated."  She has been an amazing daughter, and I am extremely proud of her.

As my wife and I prepared for this day we tried to think of how to send her off with just the right words. That's just not easy to do. There is so much you want to say. Never-the-less I wrote Laura a letter. I hope it will be the first in a series. The idea of multiple letters got me to thinking...what words, written or spoken, have made a significant impact on your life?

I am making a list and I'd love to hear yours... 

Imagine

If the people of God lived for one month with only the basic necessities. And gave the money the saved to better the lives of those in need?

What if every follower of Jesus followed him into those areas of our city that are in bondage? What if we gave of our time and talent to tutor children, engage the young, inspire the adults with a vision of hope.

What if the city realized the church of Jesus is the only true source of redeemed lives?

Imagine....

Take a Picture

A talk by Bob George inspired me with the question of what will be my impact on the world. If you can imagine a street corner in a depressed section of town, how would that corner look different if I invested my life there. My thoghts go immediately to my children. Will they be people of influence because of the their time in our home. Will they stand up as examples of what Jesus meant when he said "you are the light of the world"? Will a photograph of the people we know today show the impact of our lives when compared to a photo taken 19, 20 years from now?

The challenge for me is to decide now, what difference will be made in the world by the life I live.

Learning to Laugh at Myself

Emily and I were hanging out at Jose Peppers. A man and woman started walking toward us and were seated at the table next to us. The woman looked so familiar and I immediately had that feeling, "I'm supposed to know this person...do they attend Westside? I hate it when I see someone I should know and can't remember who they are, or where I know them from...so I put on a friendly smile and my people friendly personality and gave and enthusiastic "Hello! How are you all doing!"

My greeting was returned, but I sensed a slight awkwardness. 

Then moments later it hit me. This is the Kohls' Department store lady! Every time I check out at Kohls, (and no I don't shop there that often), this lady makes note of my name. We've had the same exchange at least three or four times.

"Oh, your name is Charles Adams. I had a bo named Charles Adams in highschool."

"That's cool. I hope he was a good guy."

"Oh, he was."

I told the story to Emily and now to a few friends, and we all laugh. I think we've all had an experience like this.