What's it all about?

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer”. 2 Corinthians 5:16 NIV

I have jumbled thoughts tonight. I am sitting in a warm house with a glass of whiskey and some good music trying to figure out how to unjumble them. Our city is collectively braced for a weather forecast with windchills around 40 below zero. It is sort of like everyone is holding their breath dreading it.

We got to attend a Christmas program at school today. Korbin’s Music Exploration class was gathering to show us what they have been working on. I remember the first time we were invited to listen in. Oddly, I remember thinking that it should have been better. I remember thinking that the music was not really challenging. It was too simple.

I have learned a lot since then. Today I saw a group of young people I now more fully realize are typically challenged by literally every single interaction with this physical world. The teacher asks the kids to introduce themselves. Three years ago, the teacher skipped our son. I remember being a little angry about it. I thought he could have done it. When it was his turn today I actually though the exact opposite. I actually thought there was no way he would do it. I now have a video on my phone of my son introducing himself in a voice loud enough to hear. I am literally amazed by it. If you ever want to see it, just ask. I’ll never delete it.

After the performance people were just kind of visiting on the way out. Our son came over to us. He literally always sums up what he wants in one word “Home.” He did not say anything this time. He acknowledged us and went back to his friends. He has friends.

There were maybe 15 kids or so, all are pretty high need to be honest. I saw a lot of parents, including us, who have not relaxed during such a performance in their child’s entire lifetime. The potential for disaster sort of lurks around. But an interesting thing happened. One of his teachers walked up as we stood there with our granddaughter watching her uncle. His teacher looked at Korbin and out of nowhere asked him “What’s it all about Korbin?” He did not hesitate to answer “Perspective”. Indeed. She obviously works on this with him.

I don’t have any idea what most of those young people will accomplish during their lifetime, but it’s a lot. I guess I am not sure I know what I will accomplish during my lifetime. What if everybody just did their part without questioning so much? God created everything with a purpose. Each animal, and every eco system, is uniquely designed and placed. Humans have the highest vantage point and the highest calling. But sometimes we don’t want expectations placed on us. Believers in particular should feel an obligation to seek opportunities to help others, to serve others or to just be kind and show love for others in a world that is not known for that.

Once we arrived home a story popped up on Facebook. A woman is in a serious health emergency. I live in a pretty small city, so everyone sort of does know everyone. I’ve known her for over 20 years. She has touched life after life after life. I sometimes envy people who have impacted so many people. I sell insurance and houses. I impact people in small doses. There are people who teach who impact hundreds of young people who in turn impact thousands, all accomplished by having one person who has the right perspective.

What do you think you are alive to accomplish? If your answer involves money or possessions, maybe dig a little deeper into that question.

Have you ever considered that a creator who can make EARTH can create you for a purpose?

Challenge: What’s it all about? Shut off the noise of your day and sit quietly for 10 minutes. If you think 10 minutes of quiet is too much, maybe even just one minute. Maybe we over complicate it. Maybe the challenge, issued by a creator who loves us, is just to love each other. It really can be that simple.

Rick Claiborn