SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

PREFACE:

I feel like last year could be considered a “Mist of Darkness” (as described in the Book of Mormon in Lehi’s dream) kind of year. I was in a funky fog and I did a lot of wandering. I have been struggling through a great depression. I seemed to have lost my purpose in life; no direction, no drive. The next few blogs are about how I found my way out.

(I broke it up into chapters so it wouldn't seem so long, plus it increases my number of blogs) 

Memories of Grandma Stokes

I found this paper I had written several years ago.  I believe it was for Grandma Stokes' 8oth birthday.  The family put together a collection of favorite memories of Grandma.  Here is my story:

So many things go through my mind as I think of the wonderful lady who took us in for at least two weeks every summer when I was a little girl.  I was never very good at picking just one thing when there are so many good choices to choose from.

I guess the one thing that keeps coming to mind, as I think of such a wonderful grandmother, is when I was about five or six years old.  The sun had set and darkness crept in through the windows of that old house.  At night my mind always conjured up strange images.  I was tucked warmly in the roll-away bed Grandma always kept for company.  Brett and Kenny were incessantly fighting for their half of the larger bed in the back bedroom.

It was unfair that I was alone in the small bed to fend for myself in the darkness.  When Muffy scampered in the room, I got out of bed to lure her in for some protection.  As I chased after her, a giant woman (as it appeared to a child of my size) came after me, spat me on the butt and told me firmly to get back into bed.  At that time, I was sure "Grandma" was synonymous with "Wicked Witch of the West."

My impression could not have been more wrong.  As I grew to know more about the world I lived in, the meaning of "Grandma" changed drastically.  My vocabulary had expanded and so had my time spent with Grandma.  I came to learn the true meaning of "Grandma" was candy in a jar on her lamp table, a full cookie jar, Popsicles in the freezer, pop in the fridge, milk shakes from the Polar Bear, fast food, fishing trips to Foster and Glendale Reservoir, and much, much more.  In other words, "Grandma" is actually a verb meaning - to spoil rotten.  I would say Grandma Stokes covered that perfectly.

The thing I will cherish most about Grandma is the long drives she would take us on to see the world around us in all it's beauty.  Long drives that would last all day, and drive away our boredom.  The funniest drive I remember was when she drove Ken and me somewhere in the hills above Preston, telling stories all along the way, engulfing our minds in visions of what had gone before.

We came a stream that rushed by through a tunnel under the road, and Grandma decided we had better turn around.  As she backed off the dirt road to turn around she said, "You watch on that side to make sure I don't hit anything."  Kenny was sitting by the window, so naturally I thought she was talking to him.

CLUNK!

Oops!  Without warning the back wheel dropped off the edge of the bank and high centered the back end of the truck.

"What did you let us do that for?" Ken accused me.
"What?  You were the one supposed to be watching!" I defended
"No sir!  You were!"

Ken and I were both embarrassed and had to lay the blame elsewhere.  We didn't know what else to do, all alone with no one to help us out, and we were a little nervous.  We never thought we could get stuck with Grandma driving, but there we were.  Luckily, Grandma, instead of laying blame, just got busy and within  the hour we were unstuck and happily on our way.  Hard work was her trademark.

Without fail, whenever something went wrong or something was broken, Grandma would always show us that we were more important than anything in the world.  I will remember all the love and joy Grandma has shared with me throughout every stage of my life.  It doesn't matter what I have done in my life, Grandma was always there with her arms wide open ready to share her love.  She has given me the greatest gift in all the world. 

Thank you Grandma Stokes!  I love you in so many ways and always will!

CHILDHOOD STUPIDITY

The youth in our church have been learning about family history this month.  I attended a Wednesday night youth activity, and they took the younger group to the Family History Library while the older group stayed at the church.  I stayed to supervise the older group.  One of the leaders passed out paper and pencils and had the youth write down events from their childhood that they would like to remember.  He assigned a topic, allowed five minutes for the kids to write, and then had volunteers share the stories they wrote down.  I really enjoyed the activity.  So much so that I would like to share with you the topics and stories I wrote down.

The first topic was  - SOMETHING STUPID I DID AS A CHILD

Here is the event that came to my mind (besides throwing an enormous icicle at Brett and hitting him in the head, or throwing paper airplanes at passing cars to freak them out, or....well... never mind). 

The night was dark and cold.  The frigid air hinted at the coming snow.  A slight breeze whispered of trouble in the air.  I can't remember why Ken and I were out wandering the neighborhoods in our area that late at night, but we must have been bored and were looking for something to do.  We agreed it would be fun to knock on doors and run away.  We chose a door, knocked and ran.  Safely hidden away we quietly snickered at our craftiness, until we realized that the parents of the house were out thoroughly searching every bush and shrub in their yard.

As they drew closer to our hiding spot, we panicked and made a run for it.  Ken took off so fast I didn't have a chance to see where he went.  The dad, seeing he had no chance to catch my brother, turned his angry sites on me.  I sprinted as fast as I could down the street.  Like a cheetah, I had him beat with my speed, however I didn't have the stamina.  My muscles were soon exhausted and he started gaining on me.  To my foolish child's mind I thought maybe I could dodge his rage-filled grasp like I did with the boys on the football field at recess.  To my chagrin, he instantly caught a hold of my coat and lifted me off the ground.  He hissed his curses in my face gave me a good shake and let me go.  I honestly have no idea what he said to me.  All I heard in my head was, "YOU ARE SO DEAD!!!  YOU'RE GONNA DIE!!!  PLEASE DON'T EAT ME!!!"

I stood where the man had set me down in a daze.  My face burned from the embarrassment of being caught.  As soon as the dad had disappeared out of site, Ken popped up out of the darkness.  He had a sheepish grin on his face.  I imagined he felt bad for ditching me (at least I hope he did). 

He gave me a little shove and asked, "Why did you let that guy catch you?" 
"Why did you leave me?!?" was my reply.
"Last I looked you had him beat, so I took off."  Ken answered.
"Yeah, thanks a lot."

We both gave a weak laugh and headed for home.  I never, ever, played that game EVER again!

The Kingdom of Kmart

This address was given to the graduating class of 2011.  I really enjoyed reading it!  I hope you do too!!!

The Kingdom of Kmart
Burton Webb
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Northwest Nazarene University
Commencement Address
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Good afternoon everyone. I count it a deep honor and privilege to address the graduating class of 2011, their families and friends, and our NNU community. As near as I can tell this is the 40th commencement address that I have had to endure… but the first time I have listened to it in the first person.

When David was seven years old, his father took him to Kmart for his birthday. They had been to Kmart several times and David was as familiar with the store as any seven-year-old could be. He knew there were tools and towels there, and shoes, and jeans – but most of all, he knew the toy section. Six aisles, full of the toys that every little boy on his way to manhood dreams of. GI Joe and Star Wars action figures, trading cards, games and puzzles, all the accouterments of imagination for a seven-year-old.

But today was different. There was a party later with cake and ice cream and friends who would sleep over in the tent in the back yard. David’s mom had it all planned out. A great party for a terrific little boy.

But, as I said, today was different, really different. It was just David and his dad – going to Kmart for some last minute supplies – paper plates, paper napkins, and party favors. Mom had sent a list.

As they walked into the store Dad stopped and picked up his son. Holding him close, he held David up near his own face and the two surveyed the vastness that is a modern Kmart. somewhere in the automotive section a blue light flashed (that was for you “older folks” – it predates most of our graduates).

“David” his father said, “Today is a special day.”

“I know,” David replied, “It’s my birthday.”

“That’s right,” his father said. “You know that you will have a party and get presents later tonight, but I wanted to do something extra special for you because you’re my son. Take a good look at the store, David. Today, just today, we are going to walk around this store and I will buy you anything you want. Do you understand that? Anything.”

David’s eyes grew wide. “Anything?”

“Yep, anything you want.”

“Wow…”

For the next 30 minutes or so David wandered around looking at things in the aisles of Kmart. Toys, books, skateboards, everything. His dad followed him around, but didn’t offer any assistance or commentary on what David picked up.

Finally, David settled on something. “I want this dad,” he said, holding up the thing that he wanted most – at least on that day.

His father took the thing. About the size of a small briefcase, his son had picked out a carrier for his growing collection of cassette tapes; something to protect his music… a very adult choice for a seven-year-old. The two completed their shopping, made their purchases, and left the store – one very happy and the other totally bemused.

David made his choice; he picked the best thing he could find. Something that would keep his possessions safe and provide for his immediate needs. Strange as his choice might have sounded to anyone else, it made perfect sense to him and he left the store as happy as any little boy could be.

That story took place many years ago – David is now a grown man with children of his own.

The reason I find this story so compelling and the reason I have chosen to tell it to you, today, on the day you graduate from college is – of course – the rest of the story.

What David didn’t know, indeed, what his seven year-old mind couldn’t possibly conceive, is this. The previous day, his father had made a trip to the bank to accomplish a couple of transactions. That morning in Kmart, David’s father had $1000 in cash in one pocket and a checkbook with another couple of thousand ready for use in the bank. When he told his son that he could have anything in Kmart – he meant it. And he had the resources to back it up.

The parallel I am about to draw is as obvious as it could be: For the last four years you have been wandering around (please forgive me, faculty) Kmart. OK, maybe it’s more like Nordstrom, but the metaphor still works. You have been picking up various things that temporarily grab your attention… history, biology, theology, whatever. None of these things is bad; in fact each can be put to terrific use.

History gives you intellectual context for almost every interaction you see on the news. The better you understand the history of a place like Afghanistan the more equipped you will be to navigate the dangerous waters of international policy and politics. Knowing the struggle for civil rights that occurred in the 20th century will inform your responses to the politics of immigration today.

In biology you learn to appreciate the created order. You come to understand that all things are inter-related. Chemical interactions in cells, DNA, and the far-reaching interactions in the brain affect everything we perceive. Through biology we understand how the human body works, we know what illness looks like and can devise treatments to alleviate pain and cure hundreds of diseases. In fact, our human perception and understanding of the world is, at its very essence, biochemical!

Through theology we get a sense of who God is. How we, biochemical-sensing locked into the flow of time creatures, might relate to an infinite being so vast we cannot possibly comprehend him. We begin to grasp fleeting images of his nature and character in the person of Jesus; but even that knowledge is somewhat fractured by cultural distance and eons of time. Even with the dissonance, we know that God loves us, came to us in Jesus, and abides with us as the Holy Spirit. Through theology we come to realize that God is father, brother, and comforter to all who are in need. To all who ask.

Of course I have only highlighted a few of the many things to learn – toys and tools to play with and use – from the intellectual storehouse that IS NNU. Even better, the world is so much bigger than NNU! I’m sure you know by now that other intellectual stores exist too! Many of you will be heading off to graduate school in Medicine, Law, and Business. These are the specialty stores where you can acquire specialized knowledge. Whether you pursue additional formal education or not, please do not stop learning. Continue to expand your understanding of the world around you by reading, traveling, and interacting with people who are different from you. Should your pursuit of life-long learning draw you back to NNU, we will do our best be ready.

So now you stand in the checkout line and very soon you will walk past the register (registrar) and shake the hand of the president of the company (university). He will hand you your purchase – that prized possession for which you have looked and worked for so long. Soon, you will hold in your hands the educational certification of your ability to protect your things, to make your way in the world, to earn a better living.

Before you go – stop and take another look around. Standing somewhere behind you is your heavenly Father. He’s not interfering, not telling you what to buy or which aisle to walk down. Close your eyes – can you see Him? He’s standing over there with a bemused grin on His face, hands in His pockets.

I can’t help but wonder what is going through His mind.

“Good choice”

“I can see why you picked that.”

“Well done.”

“Are you serious?”

“What in the world is going through your mind, that’s crazy!”

But He lets you choose, because perfect love demands freedom. All the while, He’s holding something. There’s something in His pocket that you can’t see – in your wildest imagination you cannot (I cannot) begin to comprehend what He has; but it’s so much better than what you have in your hand.

I know what you’re thinking… He has $1000 in his hand!!! I get to go back into Kmart and get what He wants me to get!!! No!!! That’s not it. That’s a human metaphor and it’s where the story breaks down.

What He holds in His hand is more amazing than that!

It’s nothing!!!!

Remember the scripture – Matthew 16…

When you lose your life, you will find it.

For what would it profit a man if he gained the whole world, but lost his soul? What can you offer in exchange for a soul?

He offers the upside down gospel of another world that doesn’t make any sense in this one – probably doesn’t make any sense now – but it might, in a few years. When you completely lose yourself into the service of others, then you will find yourself standing in the parking lot with your arms full, wondering how you got there! Who paid for all this stuff!

That’s the upside-down liturgy of the other world. To receive, you give… it’s not about the latest gadget, the newest car, or the biggest house. None of those things are bad, they are just not the priority.

This world has it backwards – work hard, work long, be smart, make it to the top, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. The other world says, serve others, lose your life in helping those around you, take care of widows and orphans, and feed the hungry. Then, you will lay up for yourselves the treasure of heaven that transcends this world...

But wait, there’s more…

In His other hand, He holds something of this life. Not necessarily a life of riches or celebrity – though those might happen. Not a life of power and influence – though those are not bad things in and of themselves. Instead, He holds unspeakable joy, insatiable curiosity, and peace that completely outwits and outlasts human understanding. He offers the Kingdom of God, brought down to the Kingdom of earth. All you need to do is ask and obey.

Imagine what would happen if his father took David into Kmart now… How would David act, what would he do?

Now – David really understands the vastness of Kmart… and he knows that his father has the ability to buy him ANYTHING!

How would David act, how will you act?

Some Favorite Things

I would like to share with you some of the flowers that grew in my garden this year! Maybe they can help chase away the onset of the winter blues...

Don't worry! That's just me keeping an eye out for Sally and the gopher! They both like to sneak into my garden when I'm not looking and chew things up!

These are a few of my favorite things!!!

What do you do in the summer time?

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by? Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you swim in a pool, to keep your self cool, or swing in a tree up high? Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you stand in muddy water because its too hotter, or eat lunch in the middle of a canal? Is that what you do? So do cows and horses....

As a delivery driver, I got to see some hilarious things. I think these two pictures are a couple of the funniest sites I happened upon out on the road. And trust me, the two different days I took these pictures, the temperature was in the 90's closing in on 100 degrees. The sun just blazed down from the clear blue sky baking everything. Fortunately for these two creatures, they had enough sense to take advantage of the cool water.

ANIMALS DO THE DARNEDEST THINGS!

Oh, the Joy of On-Call

ON-CALL. I absolutely LOATHE giving up my weekend to work, but when the paycheck comes I don't mind so much anymore. Thus goes my relationship with on-call -- LOVE the extra money, DETEST having to work for it.

I spent last weekend working on-call. Friday night and Saturday went okay. When Sunday morning arrived, I looked out the window to see gray clouds and rain drizzling down. Wonderful, I thought.

To make my day even worse, my first page of the day was for a hospital bed delivery out to the middle of nowwhere. Rain steadily falling down. Long drive. Heavy equipment.

Once there, the bed didn't want to cooperate with me, so it took some time (not to mention nearly dropping it off the side of the patio) to get it into the house. By the time I was finished with the setup, I was frazzled and wet.

On my way home, through the rain, I couldn't imagine my day getting any better... I know what your thinking -- this is supposed to be a joyful blog...

I was driving through farm country (close to the middle of nowhere) when I passed a small corral that contained one of the cutest little animals in the whole wide world! I stood on my brakes and flipped the van around to have another look. This is what I saw:

Out standing dejectedly in the cold rain was the cutest little white donkey! He was standing next to his momma with his big floppy ears hanging down. He looked so forlorn. I hopped out of my van into the rain and walked over to the fence to have a better look and take pictures.

When I caught his attention, his ears perked up, but he wasn't too sure about me. His parents came over to investigate, so if he wanted to stay by his momma he had to come over too. He was so cute with his shy curiosity and oversized ears.

This cute little baby just made my day!!! How many of you can say that a cute little white ass turned your day around for the better? OH, WHAT JOY HIDES UNDER GRAY RAINY CLOUDS!!!

HEEEE-HAWWW!!!!