Desktop Snapshot…

I’ve heard it said that the surface of a desk is a snapshot of the person who works there. For example, a clean and tidy desk discloses the order of its owner; conversely, a chaotic collection of random papers, books, and post-it notes suggests somebody’s treading water and may drown. Hmmm. Although there are limits to the premise, of course, my desk does say something about me, I guess. Yours probably does the same for you.

I like to keep my desk top generally clear. There’s a lot of paper traffic that flies across my desk each day, processed, tossed, responded-to, and, sometimes, stuffed into the drawer below. But, I keep the top clean, most of the time. As I look at it just now, a few things jump to my attention:

(1) There’s a memo about the roof at Madison Park. Everyone knows that our new building at Madison Park has been marvelous in every way, except that “talking roof.”

Our builders (W. R. Dunkin & Son) have worked tirelessly, over the last year to resolve the problem. In May, our Board of Elders approved a deal to replace the roof with a new material and amended design. The roofing subcontractor (Fredericks) and the manufacturer (Firestone) have agreed to replace at no cost. Additionally, the Elders approved $65,000 to add a new layer of decking between the roof and the ceiling to minimize any future creaking (produced by the ordinary heating and cooling of the roof’s exterior surface). Today’s memo explains that the work will begin on September 8; the project should be complete within a few weeks, maybe even days. Our Sunday and Wednesday meeting schedules will not be interrupted. Thanks for being patient when you are redirected away from the main front doors on in-between days, as the “old” roof is removed and the new one installed (across the Main Auditorium and Commons). We are very thankful for the outstanding work W. R. Dunkin has done on our behalf throughout the whole project.

(2) A note reminds me that our new Grow U options (on both Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings) have been an unqualified success this fall, as a fantastic line-up of adult learning electives has been filling our Main Street classrooms at Madison Park. Hats off to Discipleship and Education Director Sarah Trick and her team for dreaming, launching, and managing Grow U. Check out the catalog and very cool Grow U “self assessment” materials at the Information Center in the Commons this week—or, as always, go on line: www.madisonparkchurch.org. Learn. Stretch. Grow U.

(3) Two other notes alert me to the violence sweeping through the Indian state of Orissa this week, as rampaging Hindu extremists have torched Christian churches, orphanages, and schools. Religious persecution is no stranger to this area, but events are spinning out of control. The Church of God has extensive work in Orissa (including the historic school and orphanage compound at Cuttack); it is at Cuttack that Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH) produces its Hindi and Oriya (a regional language spoken by 65 million) broadcasts. The Christians there are in grave danger and are appealing for our prayers; Church of God leader, Asim Das, has issued an urgent plea; other sources (from the BBC to voices from other parts of India) are also sounding the alarm. Pray that God will supernaturally protect and provide for His people. Never take your freedom to worship for granted.

(4) My open Bible keeps me focused. I just read the Lord’s famous words (Matthew 5:13-16) calling us to be “salt and light,” reminding us that salt has no value if it looses its saltiness, challenging us to shine light everywhere. It’s not always easy knowing how to be salt and light—and it’s always easier to shrink back from controversy and struggle, trying to alter the taste of the world in which we walk. But, the imperative to try is nevertheless clear. My present preaching series (Change your life. Change your world.) is hinged along this line. My last Threads column, in which I reflected on the Anderson Community School Board’s conduct, is also a part of bringing this word to life. There’s much more to tell; stay tuned.

(5) There’s a post-it note with a web address on my desk. It’s from a guy in California who asked me to check it out. He’s just beginning (at age 66) to explore the Gospel and has started attending church. He wants to know if the church he has chosen is safe—if it is legit, in my view. I’ve gone to the website and been very impressed. I think he’s in good hands. But, that reminds, me: check out our website, too. You can read our Core Values there and see what anchors us. It’s good stuff—worth revisiting, from time to time.

There’s another corner of my desk that I never clear, though … three framed photos: two of my wife and me, the other of our sons and daughter-in-law. Maybe my desk top does give a snapshot of my world, after all. I’m very thankful to be right here, right now.