Regarding '15'

It is truly unreal how few days I have left on this side of the world. That which has been home will begin the slow recession to the past as the new announces its arrival with all gentleness of a boarding call.

Regarding Gay Marriage

Teaching is a strange thing where there are times when I'm not entirely sure where I am on a given issue until I'm forced to explain it to my kids.

So my students finally got around to asking me about my thoughts on the legalization of gay marriage.

Part of me was glad they asked simply for the fact that it demonstrates their brain has actually begun transferring theology into the world that they live in. Great start. Messy result. I surprised myself with the non-balanced nature of my response.

(Cut scene to me in front of a classroom, concrete floors, eager students of varying races, beliefs, and backgrounds)

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If the question is what the Bible says about homosexuality, the answer is quite simple. Every time the question comes up the Word of God treats homosexuality in a negative light. Its never given a positive description while finding itself in lists with less than reputable neighbors.

If the question is what the Bible says about homosexuals, the answer is equally simple. Love your neighbors. Love the greedy, liars, abusers, thieves, fornicators, and murderers, because, lets be honest, you are right there in the crowd, and deeply loved by Jesus. So love well.

This question though, is different. Should a government have the right to tell two guys they can or cannot get married?

I think the question is moot. The government doesn't declare marriage. God does.

Do I think a society that recognizes homosexual marriages is opening itself up to a host of issues?
Yeah, I do.

Is this a hill that I'm gonna fight about, protest on, and march to the Capitol to defeat?
Nah. Its not that big of a deal. Truly.

Let me be frank: if you think for one second that our moral fabric rests on the legislation of the moral views of a minority (lets face it, Christianity is in that category) than you're naive at best. Prohibition anyone?

If you want to get pissed off about something that will actually motivate you to speaking out and taking action, do it in order of priority.

If I'm going to protest, I'm gonna protest the slaughter of innocents. If you're writing your senator about gay marriage while voting for a guy who pushes abortion, we need to talk.

Protest the use of slavery in the harvesting of common commodities you use in your house every day.

Protest the flesh trade.

Perspective.

Spend your life, and anger at injustice, well.

Regarding Religion

Had a beautiful conversation with a friend. I've walked a long road with him, and in many ways had the honor and joy of watching him become a man. Recently, he ended a relationship that had lasted for many years.

When I asked him why, his response floored me.

(note: my paraphrase - memory is terrible)

"The biggest reason was because she had drifted away from Christianity...it just wasn't real for her anymore. I never thought that my religious views would be important enough to break up with someone over."

Few things are more beautiful than when you reach the point in the road and look back on the path travelled from the rise on the horizon, only to find the climb was not in vain. Sunsets are most glorious from the peaks of mountains scaled.

Regarding Value

Transitioning halfway around the world is a harsh tutor. Even this early in the process of returning 'home' I feel at times my heart rend with the plethora of emotions straining at every turn. As we face the mathematical reality that 1 apartment of belongings ≠ 8 suitcases of baggage space, that which is most important to you becomes an extremely practical question, with surprising results. For instance, my books are the first to be thrown in, beginning first those that are considered resources, and ending with the pleasure reading, though I have to admit the the fictional books left behind are those that received more hours worth of attention than the non-fiction.

Interesting.

That those which I have invested hours in (in the case of the 'Eye of the World' series, hundreds of hours),  I have little desire to take. My journey with them is complete, the story told, and there is no loyalty I feel to having them stand on my shelf on a different continent.

Yet my 'Charts of the OT' resource that I've cracked open a handful of times in four years rests securely in the 'to go' pile. That which holds fiction is of temporary value, for mulling over only as long as it provides insight into, or escape from, reality. That which holds truth is, by its nature, of greater lasting value.

Another example: my video game collection. Since games here are $1 each, I have amassed quite the portfolio of games in the past years. None of which I am taking home. Their value has passed and are being given away without a thought.

My Starbucks 'City' cups, however, will be nestled snugly throughout our baggage for safe transport home.

A game is the illusion of a journey. These cups represent actual experiences had.