The Hewitt Effect

This blog was spawned, as so many others have, because of Hugh Hewitt. Heard Hugh speak in Nashville and was thoroughly impressed with not only his intellect, but his passion. I read In But Not Of before I heard him speak and plan on paying my sons to read them in a few years (Connor is 11, Chase is 4).

Speaking of my sons, they are the Two Blonde Boys. What incredible gifts they are - so alike and yet so different. They make me a better man every day.

Which reminds me of the reality show I watched tonight. My wife and I are Reality TV junkies. Maybe not total junkies, but fairly hooked nonetheless. We were stoked that Jay won Project Runway - and shocked that Kara Saun didn't quite understand what "no favors" meant. Anyway, we were watching Wickedly Perfect and I realized that watching people engage in confrontation was, on one hand kind of fun, and on the other hand made me wonder if we need a new hobby.

So I came to read my blogs. Definitely more fun. Randy, the cabin looks great - I'm jealous. Jeremy, you and Erin make a great looking couple - I wish you all the best.

I was reading Psalm 2 today. It is a great passage that reminds me that I am a creature and He is the Creator (Psalm 2:8-12, The Message):

What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."

So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship GOD in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God - you won't regret it!

"Celebrate in trembling awe." What a great way to think about it. God is not a "tame" God (the reference comes from C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia when it is noted that Aslan is "not a tame lion"). In other words, don't play games with God. He knows you/me too well. Yes, He's a loving God; yes, He died for my sins; but don't pretend to put a show on for Him. That may work for other people, but not God. He know me!

Humility is so important. I definitely struggle with pride. Hewitt said, "When you're good, you usually want to be the best." That's what I want. I just need to be more successful at doing it with grace. Pride so negatively affects those around you. Normal Rockstar posted this on Feb.25 from C.S. Lewis:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. - C.S. Lewis

My buddy Reggie does this so well. Reg is a fellow dreamer, boundary pusher, and gourmand. He inspires me to not settle. Reg has given me two items that I keep on my desk in plain sight. One is a note that he wrote that merely says, "Keep it simple. Think big." The other is a piece of polished metal that says, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" Thanks Reg. You set a great example to treat people as more than ordinary. You regularly expand my mind. And you always make me laugh.

The final thought for the night comes, strangely enough, from the movie Lonesome Dove. It was on the Hallmark channel tonight. I've seen it at least 10 or 15 times, but this is the first time I have watched it since my grandfather died a couple of years ago. The tears of loss come very easily and I realize that the beauty of this world is accentuated by the pain. More than that, the pain is a reminder of the next world at the end of the journey where every tear will be dried and we know as we have been known and there will be no fear or shame. Who knew Lonesome Dove could stir up such thoughts of truth, beauty, and love.

I love you, Pop.