Ordinary Makes A Comeback

Chapter 3 of A.K.A. "LOST" by Jim Henderson is about doing evangelism in an ORDINARY way. He uses the illustration of major-league baseball player Darin Erstad, who finished with 240 hits in the 2000 season. The all-time record was 257. He was asked if he ever thought he might break the record during that season, and he said, "No, because I don't ever focus on that type of stuff. I just focus on taking good swings. I don't focus on results as much as the process of getting there... You can't will hits to come. You just put the ball in play and see what happens."

I like that analogy. Too often, in trying to "win" our friends to Christ, we focus so much on the results that we completely blow the process. And maybe it's the process that's most important anyway. Henderson asks where in the Gospels do we ever see Jesus attempting to "close the deal"?

This was good for me to read today also. I have been bummed out about our little church and the seeming lack of impact we are having, or even the lack of impact I have been having. Perhaps I've been too focused on the results, and have forgotten the importance of the process. It'a about getting up each day; first one leg in my pants, then the other; doing the ordinary things of the day - having conversations, answering emails, listening, laughing, smiling. Yes, Jesus is important; but how are we presenting him? How are we (re)presenting him?

Attempting the Ordinary #3 is practicing the spiritual discipline he calls MOMENTOLOGY. It's the practice of making a big deal out of the moments one experiences in life. Such as... when you get the bills paid for the month! In momentology, we learn not to let those moments slip past unnoticed, but rather to milk them for all they're worth. They suggest keeping track of your moments this week. When you can notice God in your own life, it becomes easier to recognize him in someone else's.

I noticed last night (we watched Norwell win the 3A semi-state baseball game in Plymouth) that I seem to be fascinated with small children lately. It is so cool to smile at one, and watch their face light up. I wish all of life were that simple. Momentology.

Peace. Revolution.