Pastor Pusch

I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day about how she liked her new job as a teacher. Ashley is a first year kindergarten teacher with one of the public schools here in Nashville. She shared with me a lot of the good,  some of the bad, and maybe just a little bit of the ugly. Overall though, she loves what she is doing. Personally, I have the utmost respect for her and her role as a teacher. When you consider the direct impact that she has in the lives of her students, it’s very awe inspiriting, especially when you consider the overwhelming negative impact most parents have on their kids these days. Let’s face it, parenting does not seem to be very high on the priority list in this narcissistic American culture where making kids is more fun and entertaining than HAVING to raise them and be the responsible role model in their lives (hopping off the soapbox now).

One of the joys Ashley shared with me concerning her job is that she enjoys loving on her kids. She told me that every day she lets her students know that she loves them and cares about them. The sad notation is that many of her students probably don’t get this from home (we will save this issue for another time). Ashley told me about another teacher who approached her one day and said, “you tell your kids you love them a lot.”  My response to that was, “yeah, what’s the point?” Ashley said she makes it a point to let her students know that they are cared about and loved. She believes it is important in their development that they know this (especially if they are not told at home) and she mentioned that it reflects upon their behavior (maybe just not all the time).

I said all that to ask this, do we say I love you enough? I know the impact and weightiness those three little words can have. I also realize that when I say “I love you” to my wife, it’s different than when I see my friend, pastor, or brother and say, “I love you”, although I truly do love them. I think you get what I am saying. If you know me, you know that I am indeed a lover (not a fighter). It is wired in me. It is a part of my personality. I say I love you all the time. I think it makes a difference in people. When people tell you that they love you, it has an effect… even if you are the melancholic type. There is something about those three words that build you up and encourage your very soul. It edifies the spirit and builds upon your esteem. Those three words are powerful. I think Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said, “love one another, even as I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Seriously? We are to love one another as Christ has loved us. The question here to be asked is, in what ways does Christ love us? Once we ask ourselves that question, we must follow it up with, does my love for others display that same kind of love?

This morning my friend Jake came by my office for a little chat. It didn’t last long, but I always enjoy our conversations whether big or small. Jake and his wife just bought a new home and we were talking about the “joys” of painting, especially when you involve darker colors. I am really excited for these two. They are a great couple!

During the course of our quick conversation, the subject of marriage and family came up. Jake took notice of the several new pictures I have in my office of my daughter, Jovie, who just turn 1 year last week (they are great pics by the way). Jake told me he looks forward to fatherhood one day, to which I responded, “There’s nothing like it.” I shared briefly about the joy that comes with having a child.

So, what’s the point? I just got to thinking…

In the middle of all this we both said in agreement that we hate it when, in the context of getting married or having children, people say things like, “things will never be the same”, “you’re really in for it”, or “getting married/having a baby will change your life.”

No doubt marriage brings about life-change as does having children. I have experienced both and my life hasn’t been the same since. Life is longer what it used to be when I was single or without a child. This is what I call a “duh statement.” It happens. It’s called marriage. It’s called children. It’s called life. The problem I have with these “Captains of Obvious Observation” is that they say it with such negative connotations. It is as if they are saying all marriage brings with it is doom and gloom; bondage to the ”ole ball and chain”, or that having children is some kind of curse.

I realize that some people say those things in jest. I get that. I am not talking about those people. I am not referring to those whose marriages are on the rocks or have ultimately failed. That’s serious. There are real problems out there. I am simply referring to those who just have a negative spin on life. Rather than enjoying life, its as if they take pleasure in finding the negative aspect in all things related. That’s what bothers me. It’s a real downer. Life isn’t always fair. It’s not always a bed of roses. Life has its ups and downs; twists and turns. That’s life. It’s a roller coaster ride. I do know that I have a wife and daughter who love me (whom I am also crazy about) and a Heavenly Father who cares for me and is mindful of my every need.

Just thinking is all…this one happens to be out loud.

What is the Christian Life all about?