Ele(mental) Challenges

Some folks get a new ball, and leave the old one out in the cold. Is the ball warped from the beginning, or does it grow warped from being uncared for? If so, perhaps it is time to be rid of it? The imperfect Christian thought about how some friends will do each other that way. We tell each other that we love each other, then bail when things get tough. In most cases we neglect to try or give that friend a choice. Jesus even gave Judas a choice. He knew what choice he was going to make, but He gave him the choice. God could have stopped him, He could stop us all, He did once, it was called the flood. But what is even more amazing... most will walk away from, or push away some, Jesus said to Judas, (paraphrasing) Friend, come do what you have to do. (Matthew 26:50) How amazing is that!? The person that was going to lead Him to death He called, "friend."

Peter is another example. Jesus said in front of all of his friends and cohorts... "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23) Peter was hurt, but was strong enough to stay with Jesus and understand that Jesus didn't call him Satan, but rather that Jesus was calling Satan, out. He (Jesus) knew that Peter was influenced by the devil, and was not himself. Peter stayed the course, albeit he drifted, he stayed with Jesus. How many of us stick by friends, when times get tough, and even worse, how many of us stick with Jesus until times get tough. It seems more and more the only time we call on Him, or fellowship with him is when we need something.

Friends will leave you over a political figure. They will ditch you over someone that neither of you even know personally. Out of their element, and into the elements, a storm over something that little know what they are talking about, or whom it is that is involved. Sports are the same way. People argue over who has the best team, or that their favorite player is the best, and when someone disagrees, then they are satan, and no longer their friend. The imperfect challenge is to not sweat the small stuff, and not leave your friends out in the elements. Jesus calmed the storm, and brought His friends in with Him, we should strive to do the same.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Stages

 

Photo courtesy of steephill and letour.fr not for sale or reproduction for profit. 

We all go through stages. The imperfect one wishes that they were all as easy to get through as Radioshack/Nissan Trek rider Fabian Cancellara seems to make them appear in the picture above. Fabian understands that the road ahead of him is a tough one, however. No sane person, would ever tell you that all roads are smooth, and that all mountains are easy. The roads are beautiful, and the vistas incredible in the mountain stages in the Tour de France (Tour of France or TDF), but they are difficult for even the most skilled and best conditioned riders. So goes the trials of life.

Fabian won the Prologue (the opening stage of the TDF, but not Stage 1) of the International Cyclist Union's (UCI) and the worlds biggest cycling event, in doing so he also claimed the first place yellow jersey by winning the Prologue (Individual Time Trial).

Fabian is a time trial specialist. Fabian has won four UCI Time Trial World Championships (breaking the record), the opening stage (time trials) of the Tour of France five times (tying the record this year), he has won Olympic gold, other, numerous UCI races, and time trials as well. However, Fabian has never won "The Tour." He has won a ton of races, and awards. He has an impressive resume for sure, but what really makes this guy special is his selflessness. Fabian works with his team in every way possible, he takes it under his wing every year in his specialty event, the time trials, and leads them in the team time trials (TTT). This Swiss born rider with an Italian bloodline, is a team player. Fabian never goes out and says, anything about what he has done, or who he is. He doesn't have to, his actions do that for him. He doesn't have to be an, "I did that," or an "I was that guy!" He is still that person, just at an even higher level because he takes others with him. He never boasts about past achievements, he just focuses on the team at hand, and tries to make them better! He held the yellow jersey for the first seven days in this Tour, and has helped keep his team together, to pursue the team yellow now, and is doing so with no complaints. This just in, the team has the Team Yellow Jersey, and lead all teams in the TDF! Fabian has done his part, and is now on his way home to make being a great dad look easy. He's going to experience the birth of his second child. Congrats Fabi, and if you are the was that guy, here's to your change.

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J.