Ok…so I don’t know if this is technically classified as a “chronicle.” But I thought since there were a series of Dodge van pics that that title would be appropriate. :) I actually have been compelled to write about…well…moving. The van represents the act of moving a friend’s stuff from one place to the next. This weekend, it was actually two friends (i.e. two moves; one weekend).

I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anyone ever saying “I just LOVE moving!” Never heard that from anyone. What I have heard is “I HATE moving!” or “Moving really sucks.” etc. etc. You get the point. These words have flown from my lips numerous times in my life, but not this weekend. And the reason has not escaped my thoughts for the last 24 hours.

Let me back up. This year I have been working on a few disciplines (dis⋅ci⋅pline: activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training). I have been reading the Scriptures regularly (something I’ve never done consistently, even while in seminary).  I’ve been praying for others more and being intentional about encouraging those around me. I’m still working on the diet and exercise part, but the year isn’t over yet. :) These disciplines do not come naturally to me. Instead of reading the Bible, I’d rather watch TV, Facebook, Twitter, or read a magazine. Instead of praying for others, I’d rather focus on my own needs. Instead of encouraging others, I would rather seek affirmation from those around me. Instead of eating vegatables, I go for the ice cream. For some these disciplines are second nature. For me, they are a challenge. Rewarding yes, but still a challenge.

So what does this have to do with moving, you ask? Well, I kept thinking Friday night and then again on Saturday of how many times I’ve moved (myself or others) and how bad my attitude was during those times. But this weekend, things were different. I was not thinking of other things I could be doing, or feeling miserable because of the heat (and lack of A/C in the van). It all felt more like an adventure or a mission. And I was out to accomplish my mission. In this case, that mission was to help out my friends who needed a hand. In working through that mission, I had joy. I even had fun! Moving! Can you believe that?!

So I pondered. Why was it different this time? All I could come up with was love. My friends, whom I love very much, needed a hand. So out of love, I moved. And I did it with joy!

Point #1: Disciplines that are no fun (moving) can be done with joy when motivated by love.

It is that same love, love for the Lord, that spurs me on to be diligent with my study of Scripture or to be prayerful at all times, not just for me but for others. Jesus was the perfect example of a disciplined man motivated by love. I want to be like Him. When I contemplate how Jesus loved (past tense used to reference stories in the Bible) and continues to love, it blows my mind. Bottom line is that He gives me an example of someone who served and withheld nothing, not even His own life, from those He loved. And for that, I love Him, and that love for Him causes me to desire and strive for greater discipline in my life.

After wrapping up the move on a blistering hot Saturday, I was driving the old van down I-630 when I started hearing a strange noise and the steering went wonky (won-ky: shaky, groggy, or unsteady). The left front tire blew out. Thanks to the warning noise, I was able to maneuver to the right shoulder and come to a complete stop without incident. I called my wife to let her know I’d be a bit late getting home, and she called her dad who quickly showed up to help me change the tire (old work van didn’t have all the right tools).  Which brings me to…

Point #2: The moment you start to feel good about your strides in being disciplined, you’ll get a flat tire. Just kidding. You will be faced with opposition.

Once again, as I review the tapes in my head of times I have gotten flat tires, I don’t recall them being happy joy joy moments. But today, though joyful moment may be pushing it, the flat didn’t rob me of my joy and didn’t cause me to wig out, throw my hands up and complain, or any of the usual responses to flat tire inconveniences. I had peace, and I was truly grateful to be alive!

Point #3: When opposition comes, love makes things better than the absence of love.

I won’t say that it makes EVERYTHING ok. I mean, I still had a flat to deal with. I still was baking in the HOT sun, dehydrated, and physically worn out from the moving. But I had peace because of love…God’s love for me, my love for my friends, the love of my wife, suegro (father-in-law), and dad (he brought a tire iron). When you count your blessings, it makes a flat tire so insignificant. Try that the next time opposition comes your way.

That’s what’s been on my mind. Can’t wait for tomorrow!