We are still in the Identity series, Rockstar, at our church. And I want to finish the acronym I started at the first of this series. It represents 5 ways we typically try to build our identity (false ways) . . . but FIRST . . .
. . . a report on my sweetheart's 39th birthday. (Laura gave up calling it her 29th a couple yrs. ago.) We had a blast. It really reminded me of heaven, because I was disappointed that I didn't get to be with her until about 5 pm. Laura and I snuggled on the couch looking at the Alaska cruise her dad is taking us on in September and the excursions we might take. It was fun. We so are into dating and we love setting dates in the future that we can dream and anticipate for a time before it happens. If you want to know how to supercharge your dating, give us a buzz -we love to share.
When all our family got home we took a trip up the street to 360 Degree Pizza. (Their salads are fantastic and I love their Garlic and Chicken Pizza it's wonderful - Margaretta pizza, and other unique high quality authentic pizzas . . . great place - same owners at ROOTS.) We finished up at home and Laura was once again overwhelmed by her jewelry and clothing gifts (1 pair of shorts and one shirt didn't fit - all the rest were home runs!) We finished with four gourmet ice creams (Laura loves ice cream). Marcus entertained us with "silly laws" that are still on the books in several states - Great evening (not as adventurous as some years . . . we usually do some "flower bed" project on her birthday (felt bad and good at the same time - I'm not a yard guy). I can't think of a more amazing woman, in all the world, than my sweetheart and best friend! My father is the most amazing human I've ever met (Jesus is beyond the "human" category).
OK, now it's back to our MASK acronym:
You may want to brush up on my initial MASKS b
log before proceeding (A - Appearance, S - Skill)OK, our fourth COVER-UP mask is Knowledge.
Knowledge - This mask hasn't been one of my favorites. It was usually the nerds in my high school or that quiet girl who most often resorted to this false value measurement. Karl Sagan could be poster child for this mask. But the classic representative is still Albert Einstein. Brilliant, insightful, Einstein was a powerful mind who left a permanent mark, an unremovable dent, in our lives. Who better to represent this seductive mask of false worth?
Einstein had a brilliant mind and he came to be valued by society for his knowledge. Society values bright minds and Albert's was no different. But his life was one of profound loneliness. No matter how others value us our true value can only be met by God. I've had friends rely on their ability to make a name for themselves by using their IQ. But our Spiritual and Relational IQ are much different and that inner call of our hearts can only be met by a deep friendship with Jesus. If you rely on how smart you are to feel valuable you know how empty this measurement gauge is. I think in the end Einstein understood this. I love some of what he wrote. Here's what he said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
More quotes from this incredible, lonely, intellectual giant:
"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."
"My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind."
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has not forgotten the gift."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the source of all true art and science."
"We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles but no personality."
"The human mind is not capable of grasping the universe. We are like a child entering a huge library. The walls are covered to the ceilings with books in many different tongues. The child knows that someone must have written these books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. But the child notes a definite plan in the arrangement of the books -a mysterious order which it does not comprehend, but only dimly suspects."
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."
. . . more later on how I found I was using this mask in my "spiritual life." This is a very dangerous and poisonous variation of the Knowledge mask.
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