Friday was my last day at Microsoft, and today is my first day at my “new job.” Or, actually, two new jobs. There is a huge tension that has been removed and a new freedom that I’m walking in. From my previous posts, I think it’s evident that Microsoft has hurt my heart—constantly lessening my confidence and stealing my joy. I needed a change, but even in the conflict, I lacked the courage to leave. God needed to close that door for me.
Author: Joshua
Part entrepreneur, part innovator, but all around crazy with great jokes. (Okay, maybe the jury's still out on the jokes.) I adore the outdoors - hiking, camping, mountain biking and kayaking - but, not as much as I adore my beautiful wife and fantastic kids.
Opportunities for Joy
I’m challenged. I’m frustrated. I’m convicted.
Not necessarily by anything going on around me. Nope. But, honestly, by the prayers of today’s Church. I might add that this also includes me. If we were to pause a moment and consider the context of the 1st-century church, we might see how weak some of our prayers are. Instead of nonbelievers listening to our prayers in wonder and astonishment, they may leave scratching their heads in bewilderment.
I Must Decrease? Hold on!
I’m not exactly sure about how to start this post. I’m at a loss for words. What’s the right way to start a confession? How do you do “transparency” correctly?
There are aspirations–certain ideals–that Christians hold to and attempt to live up to. There are verses that are waved as banners while arriving at some level of spiritual maturity. John gives us one of these verses.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
It all sounds good. It somehow fits into our Christian cookie jars and makes it onto the front of our refrigerators. However, it’s really not that simple. I experienced it once…and it drove me to bitterness.
Privilege of Suffering
Paul tells the church at Philippi that there is a privilege of suffering (Philippians 1:29). Wow. There are a lot of mixed emotions with that one. If I was to be honest, it’s not something I look forward to. I’m not sure anyone does.
Strangely Dim
It’s a strange feeling indeed to sense a disconnect from all that you’ve spent your life working towards. A career, an identity, a talent nurturing…all of it. Yet, here I am, and there it all goes.
Growing up in the technology space during the 80s, there were a few companies that a wide-eyed, hopeful teen would dream of working for. Microsoft was one of those companies on a very short list. Though I had been an entrepreneur for years–starting a few technology companies–the possibility of being a part of such a company never escaped me. Then, six years ago, I got that chance.
See What I See – A Lesson in Worship
There are those experiences that are hard to put into words. Many of the writers in the Bible struggled in the same way – Ezekiel’s wheel within a wheel, Daniel’s beasts, Isaiah’s thrown room, and John’s many revelations. Given all the languages at our disposal, none contain the words to adequately describe what we sometimes may see or feel. The revelation is simply too lofty. This is a story of such a revelation.
The Joy of a Stillbirth
The anticipation and excitement builds from the moment the words are spoken, “You’re pregnant.” It matters very little if this is the first child or one more of many. For some, this moment of conception has come easy; for others, it has been a difficult journey – a journey of hopes met with seemingly unending disappointments resulting in nights filled with tears. Would this time be different?
“What is that in your hand?”
Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.'” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” – Exodus 4:1-2
A lot of doubt and a lot of fear. Especially, for a man who is encountering God for the first time. A man who most of his adult life was spent running in fear. After all, that’s why Moses retreated to Midian. Why should now be any different?
The Green Dragon
Tired; Refreshed. Drained; Energized. Sad for the end; Looking forward to the beginning. Discontent in the current; Longing for something more. Happy in the midst of ignorance shared among those around them; Remorse that many will never experience the adventure for themselves.
The countless emotions set in juxtaposition and shared among the Hobbits as they delight in a round of pints at the Green Dragon during the final scenes of The Lord of the Rings. To the reader [viewer], an evidently clear chasm of two realities is broad and deep. To the town folk lost in their gaiety, there’s nothing more that exists than the current life that consumes them – they’ve never known anything different, anything more. To us, the onlooker, we pity them.