In Common

It is sad, but is said that Americans are among the loneliest people in the world. Problem with Americans is they are over committed, too busy, live in these congested environments, and still find no time to build relationship. We live, work, walk by many people daily. However, most conversation is surface, if there is any verbal communication at all. Maybe a head nod, a wave, or a "Hey". Here is the kicker, it is a sad day we live in, when we can have all these people around us, yet we don't have meaningful relationships with most of them. Last year they found a man living alone deep in the jungle of South America. Think with me if you will about the life this man must lived. Conversations with nature, the forest, maybe God(or a spirit he might have talked too), birds of the air, animals....who knows. But all of us have the opportunity to have people speak into our life, or vice-versa, yet we live like this man in concrete jungles, where we only talk to a computer screen, television, a pet, or ourselves. We are relational beings created by a God that digs community. We cannot and must not be isolated. Yes, we may all be wired differently with attitude, temperaments, language, likes and dislikes; however, we were not designed to be isolated.

I have certain friends that I bond with over various things. It could be in common faith, in common family, in common friends, in common sport fans, in common hobbies, in common likes and dislikes. That should be the case for us all. May it never be said, that I died a lonely life. I, Me, You, We have people that we have things IN COMMON with. Find them, talk to them, serve them, love them, and share with them.

What you will find is there are people just like you, looking for people just like you to live life together!

Be A Memory Maker

Every year that passes, does so with a memory that you either want to forget or one that is etched in your mind forever. I have vivid memories throughout my life of people, places, events, and times that made huge impacts in life. There were teachers, pastors, friends, 4 years of high school and college, jobs, a marathon, etc... All which left an impression (or memory) of some impact in my mind. This week, another memory maker took place. On Christmas Eve, my wife and kids surprised me with a ticket to the Rose Bowl to watch the Oregon Ducks play. I had no idea it was coming, and it caught me off guard. When I opened the gift and saw a picture of my ticket, I said, "what?" After all, I asked for underwear and a tattoo. The joy on their face as I opened it, was probably as priceless as mine was receiving it. Thanks to a best friend and a wife, who planned the whole trip behind my back, I now have another memory. It gets better, because my parents surprised my son with a ticket to go with my dad on Christmas Day. So, on January 2, I sat with one of my best friends of 24 years, his son, and dad, to watch the Oregon Ducks beat the Wisconsin Badgers. My dad and son, were 2 sections over, and my son got to spend 1/2 the game watching with me. That was a huge highlight, as we watched the game cheering on our team. After this weekend of memory makers for my fam, I come to the following conclusion:

• Take advantage when opportunities for life's memory makers come your way.
• There is a cost for some memories, and some are worth it, some are not.
• Savor every opportunity to soak in time with your kids, one day they will grow up and be gone.
• Find something you enjoy doing, and go for it.
• Show appreciation for those who give out of generosity.
• There are some people who are professional tailgaters, and they now how to tailgate.
• Having life long friends in your life is important and vital.
• De'Anthony Thomas is lightning quick. (Youtube him)

As for you, what can you do to make a memory for you or someone you love? Do you have any memory makers? Ask yourself these questions this year: What are some of your life memory makers? What can you do in 2012 to create one? What can you do to bring cheer to people around you? Is there a friend that you need to reconnect with?

Make this year one to remember. Here's to 2012, Cheers!