Jeff Peterson

It’s becoming almost a mantra to me.  I look for opportunity to talk to someone about it.  I remember the morning it sunk into my heart.  It even has a note jotted next to it in my bible…that means significance to me.  And, after just reading two chapters in Louie Gigglio’s “I am not but I know I Am” it becomes a little more precious at this very moment.

It came from the lips of John the Baptist, early in the story of Jesus’ ministry.  It was pointed out to him that ’the guy’ he had been talking about (Jesus) was doing what he was known for (baptizing) over on the other side of the river.  I’m sure they were looking for some kind of response – anger, wrath — at least frustration to come over John!   Instead, his answer was not only compelling, but ageless and so very needful to any Christ-follower.   He answered them, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.”   Simple enough.

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More touchdowns than incompleted passes pretty much tells it all. Kurt Warner had virtually the ‘perfect’ game for a qb last Sunday (29-33/379 yds/5 tds…if only history would repeat itself again in just a few hours as the Cardinals face the Saints!) The word used repeatedly by commentators was ‘rhythm’… “The man has his offense in rhythm.”

Having returned from an incredible trip to East Africa last Sunday night, to get to my tv and see the contest was paramount…yes, I’m a die-hard Cardinals fan. Having flown and sat in airports for the prior 30 hours, knowing the game was being played as I crossed over the midwest, only accentuated the ‘fan’ in me. Funny how awake I was when we dropped our luggage and turned on the dvr!

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In anticipation of our middle daughter’s return from college for Thanksgiving, we’ve decided to get Christmas decorations up early.  So, last Friday I psyched myself up for the annual ‘hanging of outside lights event’.  For some, it would be a piece of cake. For me, I get to experience an overwhelming ‘cat on a hot tin roof’ feeling…enough to land me on the psychologist’s couch.  After standing, surveying, psyching myself up for the second story level – I went for it.

Actually, it went quite well.  I made yet another personal discovery to make next year’s seemingly more plausible — and after finishing, went into the house quite proud of myself.  The next morning though, something was awry…like really bad awry.  Every muscle in my upper back and neck felt …just wrong.  Even my ‘glutes’ ridiulously felt the sting of the day before.  The strangeness lasted all day, and thanks to some Ibuprofen, prayer and stretching I made it through the weekend services.   Four days later, the effects are still slightly there.

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Have you ever read a quote that just sticks with you?  This simple statement by psychiatrist Keith Ablow seems to just keep proving itself ever since I heard it months ago: arena of familia

“It’s tough to maintain passion in an arena of familiarity.”

We talk  alot about our passions today, but it could be because as a culture, ours spring leaks quite easily.  It has become so common to move on from a marriage, a friendship, a job, a church — you name it.  Often what began with marked passion flutters away over time.  How tragic.

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