More convincing.

I do some of my best thinking on a plane. Thursday night as we lifted off into a sunset, I started thinking about what I believe. The thought crossed my mind for a reason I'm not totally sure I can explain...but I'll try.

I've spent much of the last few months in Colossians 3. That part I can't explain. How do you put months into words? Each time I'm on a plane, I think of verses 1-2. I was flying to Chicago earlier this year while reading those verses. In fact, we were sitting on the jet way. As we took off, my started to ponder what it looks like to 'set you mind the things above.' As that moment happened, I looked at the window, which I rarely have, and noticed how small things were becoming. The planes, houses, freeway. The fields and open space all so suddenly looked so small compared to where I was. Wow, perspective is everything. When your face is buried in something, its going to seem like the biggest thing (and I don't want to minimize things--often times it is a huge thing) but when you take your eyes and look to Jesus it comes into focus. It comes into perspective. All that to say, I think of these verses in Colossians 3:1-2 each time I fly now.

Back to thursday. As we took off into the sky, I began to think about the things that I've come to believe. What are the things that I've wrapped my life around? What do I fully believe in that have become so 'big' to me. I started to think about how different it is to believe in something than to act on it. Action is far different than belief.

I believe that every kid should have a chance at life, a good home, and loving parents.
I believe in forgiveness.
I believe that we can end slavery. Even when so many people don't even know it exists.
I believe in compassion, hope, and love.

I live as if some people are less than me by the way I treat them (ie customer service reps)
I live like I'm entitled to a lot.
I live as if Jesus changed my life and like I have a second chance.

There was so much else that came to my mind during that flight. Saying I believe something sure doesn't go very far if my actions don't match it. Its the old adage, actions speak louder than words. Same is true here, what you live out is much more convincing that what you believe in. I'm not really trying to convince people of something I believe in. I just want to live a life thats genuine and consistent with what I believe in.

Blessings.