Tebow Insight

Ever since someone posted the video (can’t find a link right now) of Tebow wearing a mic during the Bronco’s game against the Bears, this part of his prayer has been stuck in my head.

“No matter what, win or lose Lord, give me the strength to honor you”

I’ve read some other articles to get a better understanding of Tebow’s perspective on God and on football, and it has been really helpful even for my own understanding of work and life.

In an article in WSJ, he is quoted to say “football is just a game—and that God doesn’t care who wins or loses.”

Then in another, in response to a NFL.com reporter’s question on how Bronco’s loss to the Patriots affects his faith, Tim Tebow said:

“It puts things in perspective, God is still God. I still have a relationship with Christ, and a loss doesn’t change anything. Win or lose, everything is still the same. What matters is the girl I’m about to see, Kelly Faughnan. If I can inspire hope in someone, then it’s still a good day.”

 
Wow, I love it. This guy keeps things simple and that makes it real. To him, life is not complicated. His priority is to honor God and bring hope to people, and football is just his platform to do it right now.

So maybe this should be true for all of us: Love God and love people (Matthew 22:36-40). I don’t have a whole foundation set up, but I can definitely be more mindful to bring hope and joy to the people around me. And career, church, family are just the platforms where I try to do so? Is that what the word “calling” meant all along??

Anyway, it’s weird how things can suddenly make sense.

As someone who really desires more consistency in her own life, Tebow inspires me because he’s consistent in his character both on the field and off. I know if I were suddenly put in the spotlight of the NFL field, I would be too busy trying to be perfect than just trying to honor God with who I am. So, I’m glad I’m still “down and under” and being refined in my character.

Thanks for setting a good example of living out the faith for all of us, Tim Tebow. And thanks for helping me to figure out what “calling” really meant without the Christian jargon. I’m a fan. :)

When I Grow Up..

There are so many things on my mind recently I don’t really know where to begin. Trying to be patient with the passing of time, and yet, the lack of “process” in my decisions (about the future). I’m at the tailend of my reflections about my recent trip to China – will write a wrap-up soon.

My friend, Amy, wrote a recent post detailing all the things she wanted to be while growing up. I think this may have been an exercise to refocus on what she really want to do in her next phase of her career, and I want to try to do the same.

Clarity.

[this is a private entry that I am making public - 11/3/2010]

It was one of those moments when things fell into place and my life, for a second, just made sense.

It was at large group yesterday. The passage was Ephesians 5:15-21, and Pastor Min was talking about worship.

None of this is new, really, but when I take a step back to see God’s hand sovereignly (gently, but so firmly) guiding my every step, I have no fear surrendering my future to Him.

It occurred to me that God hasn’t brought me to U of I or CFC by accident; it had been His will to train me here all along. As much as I complain about the Midwest, I have learned much and grown much. This has been (and continues to be) my incubation period.

This was a place where I felt most left out. Perhaps it was because I didn’t live in the “right” dorm, or I had started a relationship too early in college, or I was hard to get to know, or this was simply all in my head, but I felt the feelings I felt. I felt left out. There is a difference between people being nice, and people wanting to be your friend. It doesn’t matter, really, why I felt this – but I think I have a special compassion for those who may be easily overlooked. I like reaching out to them, because I was there, too. I like seeing and pushing for the potential in them.

This is a place I felt misunderstood. This is partially because I don’t even understand myself, but I never seemed to do the right thing at the appropriate time. It was always a little “off”. God continues to tug at my heart and ask me why I am so affected by people’s lack of approval or acceptance. Is it enough that my heart is pleasing to God?

This is a place where I didn’t get what I want. God has been refining me through the strangest things. In the areas where I thought I had something to offer, God never let me serve in those ways. But somehow I got involved with Book Table, Typing & Editing, Publications – cultivating in me the importance and power of words. Really, how did I end up in these ministries as someone who can’t think/speak coherently?

During my study abroad in the summer, I appreciated the locals taking time to have conversations with silly American students. When I came back, I joined ISC wanting to “give back”. I wouldn’t have thought that it would become my main ministry to use language and culture to build relationships. That summer was also when my grandfather’s death jerked the urgency in my heart for my family – especially my extended family in China. Who could have planned all this?

This is a place I am continually humbled. When I become proud with my abilities, God shows me that it is not about my abilities. He shows me this very same thing when I feel the most inadequate and lacking. He continues to remind me that this is not about me. He is ABLE and I get to come along for the ride.

It’s freeing to know that God has orchestrated all of this – despite my self-seeking and self-protecting heart. He uses my rebellious heart to reach other rebellious hearts. He uses my past mistakes to pour grace onto those in similar situations. He continues to teach me about a Love that is the most patient and kind. One that is full of mercy, grace, and wisdom.

It’s easy to be identified by one of the many labels that this world gives to me, but my identity should already be secure in Jesus Christ. This year, I’m learning to preach the Gospel story to myself. As I do so, I hope to live it out.

I’ve always been a “good” and “nice” person, but I’m seeing that is one of the bigger hindrances in my heart. I must not just be a nice person doing nice things, I need to learn the heart of worship. Pastor Min said something profound yesterday: only by being filled with Holy Spirit, will performance become worship. My life needs to point more to the love of God for us. If it’s simply about me doing well and being the best, that’s performance. It can be enjoyed, appreciated, but won’t point people to God. May I learn that this year.

“Tentmakers”

My new project is to dig in to the Bible and see what it really says about work, calling, vocation, etc.

One, because I talk a lot about “figuring out my calling” and do very little in going to the Bible for that. Two, my understanding of work + ministry right now is very conflicting; sometimes I just end my frustrated thoughts with “maybe I will be a stay-at-home mom and avoid all this junks”. Not because it is an easier role, just that it seems more “reconciled” in my head with where the work/calling/ministry aspects intersect.

Anyway, some notes from this message on being a tentmaker from P. John Piper.

1. First, as believers in Christ, you are God’s chosen people.

2. Second, as God’s people you are aliens and exiles in the secular world.

3. Third, God wants you there (1 Peter 2:13) and he wants your goals for being there to be different from those around you:

- the excellence of the products or services you render in your job shows the excellence and greatness of God.

- the standards of integrity you follow at your job show the integrity and holiness of God.

- the love you show to people in your job shows the love of God.

- the stewardship of the money you make from your job shows the value of God compared to other things.

- the verbal testimony you give to the reality of Christ shows the doorway to all these things in your life and their possibility in the lives of others.

Lessons From The Marketing Data Analyst

I was reading this article of New Job Proverbs and it dawned on me that I am not the only one having trouble adjusting to the working world.

Here are some things I have been learning this past year – still working on all of these. It’s still hard to believe I’ve already been working for more than a year! AH!

1. Be Humble and teachable. For some reason, many business students (me included) learned to “be confident” enough to BS through things. Whether this is taught subconsciously by the big shots we listen to or just a bad habit picked up in school, it’s not viable at work. Yes, be confident. Yes, be great at what you do, but admit that you do not know everything. I knew this, but I feel like I have spent this entire past year learning just how much I don’t know! Popped quite a few of my bubbles.

2. Attitude, Attitude, Attitude. I admit this is difficult if you don’t love your job or your coworkers. But really, nobody likes a complainer. It is interesting to note though, that most of the conversation in the office starts with a complaint/problem. Maybe problems are the easiest thing for people to connect with/bond over, but it is contagious like a bad virus! Those who remain content are much more pleasant to be around. Dare to be different and be the sunshine in a gloomy place? Reminds me of that Salt & Light passage.. Matthew 5:13-16. Be that pleasant person that people want to work with! Smiling helps.

3. Life is not fair, work is not fair. Sometimes, you don’t get to lead the fun project. Sometimes, people don’t give you credit for your contribution. All your skipped lunches or late nights to meet a deadline are expected. However, if you fail to do your part in any way, it is a BIG DEAL. The world ends. Just kidding. But work reminds me of the behind-the-scene ministries at churches – technology, food, sermon editing, bulletin printing. When you do your job right, your hard work is probably taken for granted.  But when you make a mistake, that’s when everyone notices.

I guess it has been exposing whom I do things for, and sadly, most of the time it isn’t for God. I get so angry in these “but that’s so no fair!” moments. But you know, other times when my senior analyst covers my mistakes, it reminds me that we are a team. It also reminds me how powerful GRACE is. We could all use some more grace in our lives.

4. My job is not my life. Well, at first, I used this phrase so I’d feel better about my unsatisfying job situation. But now, I’m realizing it should probably be true all the time. My job should not define who I am. I need to have a life outside of my job – I need to continue to pursue my hobbies, try new adventures, have other relationships – aka, attend to my other callings.

Speaking of callings, I’m excited for this summer! I will be hardcore praying/researching about my next steps in life. Post-CFC, where will I go and what will I do? Only God knows, but I know I’m antsy.