Its good to be the king...

In one of Mel Brooks' films a arrogant and out of touch French King is famous for audaciously stating, "Ah, its good to be king!" The audacity is evident because in saying this he is showing everyone around that he is a big jerk with no idea how to truly lead anything, let alone a country. I think the film is The History of the World, but I'm not sure.

When times are tough and I feel like I'd like a dose of "control everything" I need to remember that I am not, essentially, able to force things to go my way. Other people, over whom I have no control, were involved with creating my challenges and other people, over whom I have no control, will be involved with fixing them (if they can be fixed, that is).

Recognizing that I am not sovereign is a step towards finding rest. If I have to be the solution to every problem, or the hero of every story, I will strive, connive, control and usurp all day long to "make it happen." Last I checked, striving, conniving, controlling and usurping are not the traits of a restful person.

The person who can find rest is the one who can rest in spite of the poor circumstances and "out-of-controlledness."

Bright Lights, Big City...

I've lived in the country and I've lived in the city. I've lived in some of the smallest, most remote towns in the United States and I've lived in some of the largest, most important cities.

I remember riding with my parents through the desert at night. We'd be able to see the lights from the upcoming towns looming on the horizon and, no matter how tiny the place really was, the lights made it look grand and promising! In the desert you can see the towns coming from miles and miles away.

I remember riding with my parents up I-10 from San Diego to visit my uncle in LA. On those nights we would drive for 3 straight hours at 65 mph and never have a moment when there were not vast numbers of streetlights or house lights surrounding the road in every direction. The population was dense and the lights made me feel like I was a part of something big! In the sprawling cities lights are everywhere.

Now I'm sitting in my living room with a fire in the fireplace and the oil lamps burning. My wife is asleep next to me on the couch, the children are out-cold, and the dog is settling in. Its bitter cold outside and I am thankful not to be on the road going anywhere tonight!

Put it into practice...

Over the past year I've reflected on how "rest" is as much a frame of mind as it is a physical activity. I've learned that the mind, body, soul and spirit must work together to find quietness and stillness. Little things like a regular bedtime, good/clean/clear friendships, stories & music, and working hard at a job I love, am good at, and find purpose in are all vital to make it through the "long haul" in peace. I've also learned that sacrificing many things that I like, even some that I really-really like, is necessary at times. Now it is time to put these things into practice in 2011!

Three years ago I "resoluted" to get to know myself better and find comfort in my own skin. Two years ago my resolution was to live a life of joy. Following those two up with a life of rest was the perfect order for me.

This year my goal is to adopt a more giving spirit...a crazy, "you should know better than to give that away" spirit. A "damn Doug, we can't afford to give that away" spirit. A "we really need to make a big sacrifice in our comfort level because its time to give deeply" spirit.

At dinner the other night I WAY overtipped because my beautiful bride reminded me of the vow I've made...it was awesome and freeing. I've heard it said that we can't outgive God...this year I'm going to try!

May God bless you all...and please don't use my vow as an opportunity to "gold dig"!