"Recreation or re-creation (the art of contemplation – holiness of rest)" 

Americans: the shallow, cultic, adrenalin junkies who have redefined evangelical Christianity as the suburban, chic, excessive, Type A religion of success and busy-ness...if it's not 'mega' and hyper - it's not theirs.

Life has never been better for me. I'm more at peace with myself and the world around me than I've ever been. I'm more at ease with my calling and role in life than I would ever have thought possible. I've also never been more concerned with the state of evangelical Christianity in America!

I'm afraid that Americans would profit more from the teachings and lifestyle of Gandhi than they would by the codified religion of success that is the mantra of the new wave of evangelical 'seeker' churches.

I see more of Jesus' lifestyle in that which was lived by Gandhi than I see in that of the 'personal lifestyle trainer' type evangelical preacher.

God hasn't called us to a frenetic existence. Our submission and acquiescence to the American lifestyle of success has brought us into our frenetic lives.

The western world has introduced the worst self-indulgent drugged euphoria to the rest of the world through recreational pursuits that only get progressively more extreme. This adrenalin junkie pursuit of activity has accompanied the idealization of youth and physical fitness to the detriment of our society.

I far more value, admire, and respect the rotund reformationist - Martin Luther than I do the trim, erudite Baptist preacher turned governor - Mike Huckabee. In contemplating those non-family individuals who have had substantive influence over me, one stands out. 

She was a 'grade school' teacher. Yes, this woman who had a most profound impact upon my life was a large lady who held my attention throughout the fourth grade. She wasn't trim nor fit, but she was calm, gracious, brilliant, insightful and inspiring. Her very presence had a great calming effect upon that large classroom of students.

She taught contemplation. She modeled contemplation. I learned to value contemplation. I observed that she valued thoughts offered from contemplation. I discovered that contemplation led to an ability to reason and discuss diverse and sometimes differing points of view. I found that contemplation diminishes ignorance. I experienced dialogue-thought in contemplation and grew to understand the voice of God in my thoughts.

We are too often surrounded by a philosophy of busy-ness. I hear the none-too-subtle overtones of "I'm too busy..." with the inference of importance. These people don't have time to 'think.' They are too busy running. Don't expect anything profound from our politicians...they are still trying to memorize sound-bites.

If you want good dialogue that can bring vitality to your soul and life to the world around you, don't look for it at the sporting goods store. 

You'll find it in what used to be normal everyday conversation - with those who have learned how to 'be still.' I suspect that many of those who were constantly being told to 'be still' by their elders in years gone by are those who are now frenetically pursuing another weekend of recreation - and probably haven't read a book in months, if not years...doesn't know paint-by-numbers from Modigliani...wouldn't recognize a classical piece of music if it isn't on a cartoon, and absolutely can't imagine why anyone would ever have wandered over the Middle East countryside listening to a teacher, hour after hour. 

Yet they consider themselves Christians; i.e. followers of Christ, disciples (learners). Isaiah 1:18  " Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

I believe there just might be a difference in being forgiven and being a disciple. One requires confession of sin...the other requires confession and contemplation.

God once told David, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:10) If you will allow yourself time to be quiet, perhaps you will thoughtfully come to know Him.