Refrigerator Faces

This morning as I reached for the cream for my coffee, still half asleep, I paused a moment to appreciate the smiling faces and warm expressions of dozens of old friends. Becky and I are greeted most mornings by these familiar faces. No, we don’t live in a commune and, no, we don’t host routine “sleep-overs.” These friends live on our refrigerator door. Sure, they are only two-dimensional images of the real thing and rarely (ok, never) do they use words to communicate their encouragement; but the familiarity of their faces is none-the-less encouraging. These are the folks who have shared many special occasions with our family; children’s birthdays and graduations, an occasional vacation or camping trip, and numerous backyard cookouts. It’s a Boen tradition that when we are blessed with a picture in a Christmas card or get lucky enough to snap a picture on a special occasion, the photo finds its way to the fridge.

Today, I’m especially grateful for these faces and take comfort in knowing that these people share many of my dreams, passions, and values. These friends also face many struggles and challenges familiar to me and my family. These people know me better than anyone else, yet, love and accept me. With these friends there is no pretending, no impressing, no posturing, and no competition. Their friendship has endured the test of time and they have earned lifetime membership on our refrigerator.

I pray that you will pause for a minute today to appreciate the encouraging faces in your life. Those familiar old friends can offer up security and confidence in unsettling times. They can renew your faith in the midst of doubt and trails. If the faces don’t come immediately to mind, maybe you should post them on your refrigerator.

Busy as a Beekeeper

Thought I would explain why it's been a while since I've posted a blog. A new hobby has me temporarily distracted.

Did You Say Something?

I had an opportunity earlier this week to hear Michael Barone speak to a group of Civic and Business leaders at a local university. Mr. Barone is a renowned political analyst, senior writer for the US News & World Report and frequent contributor during Fox News’ election coverage. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to write about politics…this time) He was introduced prior to the speech as “more than just a man saying something, Michael Barone is a man with something to say.” It was such a profound and unusual introduction that I must admit I was distracted for the next hour; admittedly a little envious of the commendation and curious about whether or not the same could be said of me. Am I more than just a man saying something? When I speak, is there sufficient power and influence in my words to change the course of action or repair a broken spirit?

We all know people who are always saying something. We hear them in meetings commenting on every idea and attempting to summarize every thought expressed by others. They are identified by their intolerance for contemplative silence, instead persisting to fill every silent void with empty chatter. At worst, they carelessly allow every thought that pops into their mind to roll off their tongue without regard to how it will be received or how it might hurt others. I must confess that I’ve been guilty of all the above. If there is any hope in one day deserving a reputation of being “a man with something to say,” I should put my speech to the following test:

• Are my words motivated by a desire to speak truth rather than to flatter man?
• Does what I have to say add value or provide instruction or clarity?
• Have I chosen my words carefully to ensure they are received as kind and courteous, even though honest?
• Am I in the presence of someone who could use some encouragement?
• Do I have an opportunity to express thankfulness?
  
  “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.” Proverb 17:28, English Standard Bible

Ramblings on “Social Networks”

There seems to be an emphasis by some these days to accumulate a lot of friends and expand their “social network.” Internet social utilities such as Facebook and MySpace have created a unique phenomenon whereby our circle of friends (or lack thereof) is publicly displayed and distilled to various lists and rankings. And so the race is on to see who can accumulate the biggest list of buddies, thereby boosting their on-line popularity quotient.

Reminds me of another race currently being run; that is, the race to see who will be the next leader of our great country. Not unlike those interested in boosting their on-line popularity, the runners in this race are frantically trying to accumulate friends of their own; often willing to remain elusive on issues so as not to risk offending anyone by taking a firm stand.

Be careful to keep friendship in perspective. Strive first to live a life of consistency and integrity and then enjoy the company of those who are drawn to you for the life you live out before them. King Solomon reminds us that “a man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Think about it.

Excellence in Everything

I often struggle with how to define “excellence.” Sometimes it’s obvious, like the winning goal on the basketball court, or the well written best seller, or closing the deal on a multi-million dollar sale. Other times it’s not so obvious; like the mundane board room decisions, the last load of laundry folded on the couch, or cleaning out the email inbox.

But tonight Bijay gave me a lesson in excellence. I know Bijay only from his name tag and from watching him perform his job to perfection tonight at one of my favorite restaurants, Pei Wei Chinese Bistro. I enjoy going to Pei Wei, especially when I’m eating alone, because I can entertain myself by watching the staff in their open kitchen layout. I enjoy watching the young men and women work together with such skill and orchestrated precision. But tonight, it was Bijay who caught my attention. His job would be what I believe is called the Aboyeur, or the person who puts the finishing touches on each dish and makes the final inspection before the dish leaves the kitchen. Bijay was the guy who put the sesame seeds on top of the Teriyaki Chicken and the chili pepper on the Dan Dan Noodles. When Bijay was ready to hand off the dish to the wait staff (and ONLY when he was ready) he would very meticulously place it on the counter under the heat lamp using only the tips of his fingers, give the dish a 45o turn, slowly move his hands away, and take a step back to give his masterpiece one last inspection before it was whisked away. Bijay performed his job as though he had great confidence that what he was doing held incredible significance to the success of the restaurant. Seemingly unconcerned that others might not appreciate his attention to detail or might think it extreme. It was as though every dish that passed through his care was to be served to royalty…..

……..Oh that I would do my work always as unto the King.

Calibrate the Compass

As I look ahead at 2008, there’s no way to escape the reality of the change that lies ahead. The coming year promises a few swells and surges that will rock the tranquil boat ride I’ve enjoyed over the past several years.

* My wife begins the New Year with a major change in her schedule having just left her job,
* We will embark on a new ministry opportunity with young married couples in a few weeks,
* Our middle child will be changing colleges; moving 3 hours away from home,
* Our youngest will graduate from High School in May,
* Our oldest will be getting married in the Summer,
* And a major re-organization at work has left several senior executive positions up for grabs, guaranteeing some unnerving instability for a while.

Although these events are exciting and mark positive milestones in our lives, they all involve stretching me into uncharted territory which, to say the least, can be pretty uncomfortable.

Times like these call for a well calibrated compass; a dependable gauge that will ensure a consistent heading as the once familiar elements around me surrender to the unfamiliar. For me, that compass is the confidence that comes from faithful prayer and Scripture reading. By protecting my time alone with God in prayer and Bible study, I can maintain a “true North” heading. I invite you to help me stay the course!

“If Christ himself needed to retire occasionally to the mountain-top to pray, lesser men need not be ashamed to admit that necessity.”—B. H. Streeter

Leaders Abide in Hope

This time of year, I love to read the Christmas story from the first couple of chapters of Luke. Like many others, I used to assume the story ended with the Shepherds rejoicing and praising God for all they had seen and heard in Bethlehem. But for the last several years, I have enjoyed reflecting on a couple of the lesser known players in this historical account – Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38); two devout Jews holding fast to the hope of the coming Messiah and gifted with Spiritual insight. Simeon and Anna served day and night in the temple, confident that they would not abandon their temple duties until they had seen the Christ Child. When reading this account, it is apparent that the hope of this single event motivated Simeon and Anna in their daily temple duties. It was the very reason for their existence and provided a great source of joy. And when Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus on that glorious day, Simeon and Anna were overwhelmingly fulfilled. Their joy was beyond expression as they held their Savior in their arms and imparted their wisdom to the new parents.

I am always amazed at the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna. How many times did their hearts leap in their chest when they saw new parents approaching the temple for the atoning sacrifice; always wondering “is this the Child?” How many times did they imagine what it would be like to hold the infant Messiah in their arms? As the months dragged into years, did their faith ever falter?

As leaders, this story can provide inspiration and encouragement to be faithful in our duties. Our faithfulness is strengthened when, like Simeon and Anna, we are confident and unwavering in our commitment to the divine purpose of our being. There will be days when the tasks seem mundane and our efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated by others, but with the proper perspective joy and peace are always within reach.