Double Robot

From the Double Robotics website:

Double is the simplest, most elegant way to be somewhere else in the world without flying there. The minimalist design and intuitive touchscreen controls allow you to freely move around without inconveniencing others. You can stay at eye level, whether sitting or standing, by adjusting your height remotely, which makes conversations fluid and real. Retractable kickstands will automatically deploy to conserve power when you are not moving around. Efficient motors and lightweight design give Double the ability to last all day without recharging the battery.

It’s real. And it’s sold out.

If you can not be there, your iPad—or an iPad—can be there for you. A robotic double in your stead. Not only is this a super cool device, but everyone will wonder just how much you’ve been hitting the gym thanks to its slim profile.

The Double Robot takes video conferencing to new level. With its height adjusting arm, yes, but also by its ability to move from place to place during the conversation. And it’s all remotely controlled by you. Wow.

The only problem is: How do you get it there when you are here? Figure that out.

I’m teasing. But I have a point.

As cool as the Double Robot is, it is not you. And although the Double Robot has ingenious applications, it is not you.

When it comes down to it—in most of life, in real life—you are the greatest asset. Your presence is powerful.

Some folks say an “ugly word happens.” They need their mouths cleaned out. Then they need to realize that the “stuff” they are referring to is just life. “Life happens.”

And when life happens to friends or family—tragedy, or pain, or loss, or grief, or sadness, or anger, or rage, or depression, or fear—thats when we need one another. In the flesh.

You don’t need to know what to say. Be honest about that. You do need to be there. 

You can pray silently. If you don’t know what to pray, know that the Holy Spirit will pray for you. Just be present.

Don’t assume what the hurting are thinking or feeling. Ask. Take your cues—as to appropriate words and actions—from them. Talk and listen at their pace.

Double Robots are cool. 

But no one is as cool as you.

Be there. Presence is powerful.

Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13b, NIV

You are welcome to share a comment about someone was there for you or share this post with that someone.

Kindergarten Last

We crossed a line today.

One of those “our kids are growing up too fast” lines. 

Our youngest, the Lovable Linebacker, went to Kindergarten.

Yes, I know it is inevitable. They grow up. They go to school. It happens. And please don’t give me that “he’ll be graduating high school before you know it” line. I know it it. But don’t rush things!

Let him be a kindergartner.

Let me be a Daddy mourning the loss of pre-school children.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want my kids to stay young forever. I marvel at their growth in knowledge, in experience, in character, in worldview. Their minds, wit, spirit, and heart challenge me, humble me and entertain me. I am so blessed to be a steward of three precious souls. Even more blessed to share this stewardship with an amazing WonderWoman wife. But. I don’t want them to grow up too soon.

I want to take every day as a gift. Love them where they are at. Adapt to each unique personality. Adjust to the challenges along the way. Learning to parent at each stage of development from babyhood to childhood and into adolescence. 

I’m a Daddy. With three incredible children. And I treasure them.

Oh, and one more thing: My eldest started Middle School today too. Eesh.

Kindergarten last. Middle School first. Love always.

Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him. 1 John 3:18-19, ESV

Bacon Sundae

Last Monday on the way to Children’s Camp we invaded a poor, unsuspecting Burger King. 22 kids, 2 teens, 3 adults.

You’d have thought we’d never eaten out before. Or that we might be stuffing ourselves in preparation for a week of meager camp food.

The pre-camp vibe was in the air. Nervous excitement. So BK might as well be in our tummies. Healthfulness unimportant.

On the menu this fine summer day: An enticing concoction. The Bacon Sundae.

Who doesn't love bacon? Greasy. Crispy. Salty. Tasty.

Who doesn't love sundaes? Creamy. Caramely. Fudgey. Tasty.

Who'd have thought to put the two together? BK did.

My son wanted to try one. Sure. It’s camp. Let’s be fun. And don’t miss the shirt he happened to be wearing: I Heart Bacon. 

He loved it.

Everyone else who tried it. Not so much.

They gathered around. As if watching a science experiment that might blow up. They gagged in mock disgust. They carried on like a bunch of... well, like a bunch of silly kids fueled by nerves and near worthless calories.

For kids. With sundaes. That is funny. 

For kids. Or teens. Or adults. With weightier matters of judgment. Not so much.

Take care what you judge. 

Take care how you judge.

Not everyone is you. And they are probably just fine with that. Even if you aren’t. 

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13, NIV

Praying for Rain

Rain.

At times we bemoan it. “Rain, rain, go away. Come again some other day.” Until we don’t have it.

We fuss when our game or picnic or plans are ruined. Yet it is so essential to life on Earth.

In most of the United States this summer we should be singing, “Rain, rain, come and stay. Come and stay til next Thursday.” Or whatever day of the week suits you.

We join the farmers and the wildfire fighters and the folks coping without air conditioning. We pray for rain. Essential, life-bringing rain.

Life and growth can be sustained without rain for a while. But not too long. If you are fortunate enough to have an irrigation source, then you can go longer than others.

Unity in a church is much like rain. You can continue to exist in a church without unity for a while. You can draw on memories of past unity to carry you through dry, disunified patches. Yet you can only go so long.

Local church unity is a sacred trust. If you are part of a local church body, unity is your duty. That doesn’t mean you always agree. It does mean you are not disagreeable, seeking understanding and mutuality in differences. It does mean you are considerate, believing the gracious best of others.

Unity in the church, like rain on the Earth, is essential to continued health and growth.

Every local church body has to answer two questions. Who has God called us to be? What are we doing to get there? These define your church. These are your being. These become your mission. More like Jesus. In your love for God. Your love for others. In being who God created you to be. United in purpose. Growing in love.

We pray for rain. We pray for unity.

There is one difference.

You can not produce rain. You can produce unity.

As for me, I would seek God,
and to God would I commit my cause,
who does great things and unsearchable,
marvelous things without number:
he gives rain on the earth
and sends waters on the fields.

Job 5:8-10, ESV

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Habits Naturally

I settle into my desk chair after being out of the office. Looking down reading, my right hand rests on my Apple Magic Trackpad in order to wake up my MacBook Pro. Looking up to the stand where my computer sits on my desk it's empty. Out of habit, I quickly slide my fingers side to side thinking, "Why won't this thing wake up?"

It computes in a nanosecond: There is no MacBook Pro on the stand. Not on my desk. Not in my hand. "You are looking at thin air, Doofus." I laugh out loud. Really.

My MacBook Pro is where I left it. On my coffee table. And I am a Doofus. Really.

Habits.

I wish other habits came so naturally as resting my hand upon that trackpad.

I wish when I am lazy, I'd naturally work purposefully.

I wish when I feel angry, I'd naturally bridle my temper.

I wish when I think judgmentally, I'd naturally assume kindness.

I wish when I desire gluttony, I'd naturally restrain appetites.

I wish when I react pridefully, I'd naturally exercise humility.

I wish when I am tempted, I'd naturally resist all advances.

I wish my bad habits—all those default sinful shortcomings—did not come so naturally.

I wish good habits—as those of exercised in the life of Christ—did come ever so naturally.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life I live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20, KJV

"Not I, but Christ."

That exchange is not unnatural. It's supernatural.

Make it a habit. Supernaturally.

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