March Madness: Nobody Like the Referee

I figure this time of year, I should go ahead and state some obvious things.

Number One: Kansas is at the top of the heap and is the number one seed of the number one seeds.

Number Two: Nobody likes the referee...except maybe his family, and sometimes, that might not even be true.

Number Three: Unless the Lord returns by Wednesday, it's obvious that things are not going to go like some expect them to go. (Most likely, that will be me. I always pick Kansas to win it all. I pick with my heart, not my head. Most years, it doesn't turn out like I expect it to and I walk away sad and frustrated).

Life is kind of like that at times. We all feel like we are at the top of the heap, we are in control, we are, should I say, feeling like the "number 1."

But that's not how things unfold.

There can only be one 'number 1" and I know it's the Lord.

At times, some may feel He is a referee that makes a tough call, or fails to make what we deem as a fair call, and things don't turn out like we expect them to, ala March Madness, to coin a phrase.

I am committed to two things these next few weeks. First, I surrender my right to the fact that the Number 1 seed of the number one seeds, may not win it all.

Secondly, I concede that God is in control, not just of basketball, but all of life. He has the right to make any call that He wants to make, or not make.

So in the end, March Madness is kind of like the madness of life. When we wake up, we might think all is okay, but in reality, there are upsets, turnovers, and seemingly missed calls that leave us baffled.

Fear not, God is still in control. To my recollection, He has the only undefeated team in the history of man. He always wins, and we can always trust Him.

Oh, and by the way, if you haven't decided on who to pick for winning it all this year, consider Kansas. After all, they stand for so many things that are wonderful about college basketball: tradition, the invention of basketball, great fans, and a funny little bird for a mascot who needs encouragement anyway.

Integrity

As a young child, I remember the 45 minute drive to Abilene, Kansas for President Eisenhower's funeral. He grew up just around the corner from my home town of Hillsboro and was one leader who I believe lived with integrity.


I was home this past weekend visiting with my parents. My dad and I were discussing the years that Eisenhower served as our President. He was also a key leader in our military during World War II and made several very difficult decision's at key times (e.g. the landing for D Day just to name one).

It seems hard to find people of integrity in these days. Listen to what he says about leading,

"The supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If his associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other.

I can think of few ingredients more foundational to being a good leader than knowing oneself---and accepting oneself---and feeling secure about oneself inside one's own skin.

The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.


I am thankful that I work for that type of leader here at kamp. I know he needs our prayers every day as he stands before the Lord and leads us.

When did I see You?

Failing eyesight, that's what I have. Oh, I have never had glasses in my life...until the last few years. Just the reading kind for really small print. I don't use them that much anyway. It's a pride deal.

This week, I started to question whether or not I could really "see" the way I am supposed to see. It may have taken an earthquake or two to wake me up.

The longer I live, the more I wrestle with that passage of scripture found in Matthew 25:31-40. I have not been able to shake it the past few days. I re-read it this morning and it's piercing my heart.

Even the righteous will say in that day, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to you?"

I need vision.

I ordered a pair of shoes three days ago from Zappos. Typed in the order, gave my credit card, and clicked the mouse. An hour later, they sent me an email telling me that I should expect to get my shoes even earlier than originally planned. I could have them in a day. Great service, and I even got free shipping.

Probably my 10th pair of shoes (if I really am honest and add up the bottom of the closet).

But the earthquake victims still loomed in the back of my mind. What I have done for them? What I am doing for them? How many of them can't even find a shoe?

After that, I went home and discussed some things with Beth and quickly rallied our family to ALL give something as quickly as possible. It still doesn't seem like enough. I heard today that Haiti will not be back to normal (whatever that is) for at least 3 years, while I sit comfortably in my home with new shoes.

You know, I am beginning to think that I can't see that well. I am thankful that God has given the Holy Spirit to me to not only remind me of blurred vision, but also correct my vision. Oh Lord, be Thou my vision...

I could use some good glasses, but I really need Jesus to help me see.