Charlie Wear’s Notes

I wonder if eric keck knows how good this is:

our society needs rock stars,
we need new bands, we need new doctors, lawyers, builders, buyers, ceo’s and entrepreneurs… because as society thats what we need

somebody is going to win the race,
somebody is going to make the next Million
somebody is going to be the next brownhouse
somebody is going to change the world
there will be a next president
somebody will be the highscorer
somebody will make varsity
somebody will open a cool coffee shop
somebody will write a book
somebody will plant a church
somebody will represent a social cause in a radical way
somebody will transform a town one house at a time

might as well be …. (who?)

somebody needs to be the next rockstar…

Knowing what God has called you to do is very important. The strength of conviction of a Moses, who heard God from a burning bush, or a Peter, who had the son of God give him his marching orders is unparalleled by those who have arrived at their calling by other means.

My friend, Steve Sjogren, talks about being a turtle versus a rabbit. He refers to the reduced schedule he follows after his medical accident of nearly ten years ago left him with less than 50% of the energy he used to have. And guess what, God told him to be a turtle! That makes it easier, don’t you think.

This line of thought caused me to think about the tyranny of multiple choices. If you have a modicum of ability, there are many good things you can do, and lots of pressure to pursue those things. An idea pops into your head, you get an invitation to speak, or to travel somewhere, and off you go pursuing the latest and greatest thing. I think some of these really good things might be "rabbit trails." Clearly, rabbit trails have been well-traveled, but usually they are not going anywhere much.

This is the way I envision the classic race between the turtle and the hare. The hare, although speedy, lacked the unique focus of the turtle. These days I have lots of avenues to pursue, lots of rabbit trails to explore. However, when I think of the specific orders from headquarters these days, my path seems a little more clear and I can make better choices on the "best" way to spend my time and energy.

My encouragement to you: Get a calling from God, your unique calling, and then stick with it with a single-minded focus. This is the path to great fruitfulness.

 Listening to Emerging Church Beliefs: Interview with Doug Pagitt by Bob Hyatt: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Bob Hyatt’s interview with Doug Pagitt…Feel free to return to Next-Wave after listening or downloading.

Editor Bob Hyatt has assembled another excellent issue of Next-Wave. Of special note is his interview with Emergent pioneer, Doug Pagitt. Bob has reminded me that next month is the 100th issue of Next-Wave. That’s something, huh? Over eight years of articles, conversations, comments and wrangling about this thing that God is doing.

I am going to reflect about the past eight years in an article for the 100th issue, but it continues to amaze me.