Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Lessons from the Blind

Last week I wrote about a man I met who had Cerebral Palsy and was blind.  He worked his way through our "Walk of Life" at Shiloh and went for a trip on our Zip Line.  This past weekend I had the opportunity to work with another man who opened my eyes to see how God works in our lives, we'll call him Chris.  Chris, who was visiting us with a father-son retreat, was an older gentleman who was completely blind.  (The chances of having retreats with a blind man two weeks in a row are pretty slim.  Some basic calculations run that it would be about 1 in 147,300 chance to happen!)

There are things that are exceptionally challenging for blind people.  One of them is hiking.  So Chris didn't come hiking with us.  Another would be archery.  If you can't see where you are aiming, being untrained and having a dangerous weapon in your hands isn't really a great idea.

But, Chris really wanted to try out one of the bows.  He heard the other guys and kids having a great time and really wanted to be a part of the group.  So, I told him we would give it the old college try.

I took his hands and guided them to the bow.  I handed him the arrow.  I placed his fingers exactly where they needed to be on the string.  I helped him aim, instructed him to draw back and release.  As his first arrow flew through the air, I was impressed.  He was really doing it!  A few shots later, Chris was hitting the target!!!

What I've come to realize since Saturday is that in life we are all like Chris in this way.  If we grope around in our darkness we might be able to get some semblance of understanding our bearings; we might be able to find a bow if we are lucky; we might be able to even find some arrows; but what we do grasp will be pretty limited.

Having a general idea of where the target might be, in life that is like desiring to just be a good person.

Finding a bow is like finding a purpose in life.

Finding arrows is like finding a way to reach our goals in life.

But we are still blind to see God's plans.  We are still blind to see the end-game that God has planned.  You can find a bow and fire arrows whichever way you might see fit, but you are bound to miss the target.

God however wants to come up behind us and give us His vision, guide our hands with His hands, draw back our arm with His strength.  When we allow him to do this, we will realize that we can do things that we (and others) thought we would never be able to do.  I'd like to add that if we are still missing the target, it isn't because God's aim is off.  It's probably because we are resisting his instruction, guiding, or flat out refusing to take up the bow he is handing us.  God isn't at fault.

So I ask you to take up the bow that God is handing you.  Let God guide your vision.  Let God give you the strength to draw your bow and let those arrows fly.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

A Jack of All Trades...

But master of none.

Or so the saying goes.

Last week I met up with Jon Frank, Shiloh's director, who wanted to know what my strengths were and to try to decide exactly where I would fit and what my duties would include at the camp.  Jon had mentioned that he wanted to speak to me about this several weeks ago and our schedules just hadn't lined up, but it had given me a long time to really think about the question.

In my head I started listing off some of the things that I have accomplished or done in my life:

I have been teaching for at least 10 years.
I know computers (hardware and software).
I have experience working with food.
I have knowledge about basic construction and tools.
I know how to take care of a home.
I've been a salesman.
I am a musician.
I'm well read in the Bible and other books.
I am a trained archery instructor.

...and the list went on and on in my head.  I realized that I can do just about anything that he needs me to do.  But I'm not really an expert in any of these fields.  This realization frustrated me.  The more I thought about it, the more it bothered me... the more the thought began to haunt me.  I began to question who I was.

Why can't I just pick one thing and stick with it?  Do I spread myself too thin?  Am I doing something wrong?  Is this why I had trouble finding work in the camping world?  Should I work on changing this aspect of my life?

After a long while of self examination and prayer I realized something important.  It is something that I hope you all realize about yourself at some point too.  God made me this way for a reason!

God designed me, not to be spread thin, not to focus in on a niche, not to change who I am, but to be versatile.  God created me to be moldable.  When you are missing a puzzle piece, I can fill the gap, regardless of the pieces shape.  Wow!  What an honor God has placed upon me!

So as I sat down with Jon, he asked me what my strengths were.  I told him that my greatest strength is my versatility.  I really am good at a lot of things.  I admitted that I might not be an expert at all of them, but God has blessed me with a passion for learning new things and with a heart that says, "Where you send me, I will go."

I realized that I can be just as useful running the rock climbing wall at camp as I could be scrubbing a toilet bowl.  Jon thanked me for my willing heart to serve wherever I was needed, and after some discussion, we decided that I was most needed working in the office (while still serving the retreat groups on the challenge course when needed).  I will be helping to book retreats and advertise;  all while still being available to serve wherever God calls and wherever else I may be needed.

I hope that each of you reading this will take the time to sit and think through your strengths and weaknesses.  God has created you the way you are for a reason.  He has a plan for you and your life.  The world doesn't have much of a place for a man without a niche.  But, God has used lesser men to do far greater things.  My humble prayer is that he would continue to use me for His glory.

-Tim

Saturday, October 13, 2012

MAN UP!!!

Today I had the pleasure of serving a men's retreat at Shiloh.  Their theme for the weekend was "MAN UP!".  The group from out of state included two people who overcame some incredible obstacles.  The first man, who I'll call James, apparently was very intimidated by heights, and decided not to participate in any of the challenge activities based on the fact that the group would be ending with the Zip Line.  After the group did some games and "The Walk of Life" on the low ropes course, we sent the group on a quick bathroom break before we headed to the zip line.  When the other men returned, James came out with his camera to take some pictures of the guys flying through the air on the Zip Line.  As he headed over, I had the chance to ask him if he would be going for a ride and he adamantly insisted, "This isn't my thing...  really."

After nearly all of the other men had ridden, I asked to one of the last two gentlemen if there was any chance to get "the guy down there with the camera" to ride.  He promptly yelled down the hill, "Hey James! Wanna go?"  From all the way up the hill I could see that he was shaking his head exaggeratedly.  One more guy went down the zip line.  Suddenly I hear one of the men up by the launching point yelling, "Hey! James's coming!"  The group down bottom who were retrieving the pulley system after each ride convinced James that this was something that he couldn't afford to miss.

James nervously climbed the ladder.  

As his harness was checked his friends started chanting his name.

He leaped off of the tower and after just one moment of terror, his mouth shifted into a huge smile.

As I unhooked James from his harness I asked him how his ride was, and he simply said with a smirk, "It was great."

The second man that I wanted to talk about today we'll call Joe.  Joe required some extra instruction in almost everything we did today.  He required personal attention at almost every moment.  When we did the "Walk of Life" on the low ropes course, he was almost carried a substantial portion of the way.  And he required extra spotters when he got on and off of the zip line.  Despite all of this, Joe was an incredible inspiration.  Why?  Because Joe has cerebral palsy and is almost completely blind.

Joe had a great attitude.  He encouraged his fellow men.  He gave his fullest effort and didn't back down to ANY challenges that were presented to him today.  Before the "Walk of Life" he came to the other ropes facilitator (also named Tim) and somewhat bashfully asked, "Can I do this?"  

The answer came simply, "You might not be able to do it alone, but with some help you can definitely do it." 

He did it.

Joe needed some help with his balance (being blind makes it hard to balance... who knew?!?) and with finding his footing in a few areas (again, seeing where you are stepping is hard when you can't see where you are stepping...) but he did most of the work.  He held onto the trees and ropes.  He passed the ropes from one team mate to another.  He got in there and did it all!

When it came time for the Zip Line, there was no question of whether or not he was going to ride.  We got him hooked up in an extra special harness to make sure he didn't accidentally end up upside down and he jumped off of the ledge with no fear.  As I unhooked his harness he kept exclaiming how exciting it was that he went backwards (sometimes the ropes twist you around a bit and you end up going whichever way they send you) down the zip line!


For those of you like James, who might be afraid to take that first step - when God is speaking to you through his word, through his people, or maybe even directly through that still small voice - take that first step!  If you have to double check if it is safe: double check.  If you need to check with some trusted friends: check.  Do what you need to do to prepare, but start moving.  God has big plans for you, but you'll never get to be where he wants you if you are standing still.

And for those of you who may feel incapable, un-gifted, or different than everyone else, I encourage you to look to God for strength.  You are capable of incredible things, and with God's help you are capable of supernatural things.  Joe has lived a life full of challenges, but he looks to grow through new adventures and with a little help he did things that many healthy people blessed with their sense of sight never do.  I encourage you to allow God and others to help you on your journey through life.  You aren't alone, and you don't have to live your life like you are.

Today was a day for overcoming.  Today was a day to "Man Up!"  What are you doing today?

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Shiloh Open House - Oct 21st!

Hi everyone,

Have you ever been to Shiloh before?  If you haven't had the opportunity to see where I work and would like to see what I do come visit.  Shiloh will is celebrating their 25th anniversary and I would love to invite all of you all to the Shiloh Open House on Sunday October 21st to celebrate with us!  Starting at 3:00 that afternoon there will be fun for the whole family.  We will be giving a tour of the property (including the new gymnasium, whatever state of progress it may be in), hay rides, pony rides, dessert, and a short presentation.  Be sure to be there on time because the open house ends at 5:00 that evening.

I know that there are some of you who may be reading this, whom I haven't seen in quite some time.  This would be a great time to catch up!  The only thing that I ask is that you please let me know via comment, e-mail, text message, phone call, carrier pigeon, or sky writing or however else you see fit.

Hope to see you there,
Tim

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Inspections this week! EEK!

Today I finally managed to finish wiring the fire alarm system in the new gym at Shiloh.  When it came time to test the lines, all of them were perfect!  Except for one.  It took me more than an hour to track down the problem (I forgot to hook up two wires that were about 20 feet up one of the walls).  I finished up the afternoon working with Jesse who is our resident IT expert.  He needed to run some wires for the outdoor camera system (apparently not his forte).  Three really long (we're talking 200'+) wires later I realized that pretty much everyone else had gone home, so here I sit one cool shower and one GIANT glass of water later.

It was a very long day at Shiloh, but we got a lot done.  In fact this week they will be inspecting both the fire alarm system and the plumbing.

While we were working today the youth group from Madison Ave Church in Paterson, NJ enjoyed their time at Shiloh.  They were playing soccer, volleyball, and I heard them singing nice and loud during one of their times of worship and teaching.  If you are from the Paterson area and don't have a home church, they are definitely worth checking out.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

What do nerve damage, leaky pipes, and birthday celebrations have in common?

Not much other than this here post...

Some of you know that shortly before I began writing this blog I was putting up some sheet rock in the new gym at Shiloh and put an impact driver's phillip's bit through my left index finger.  The resulting injury was pretty bad and caused some nerve damage. 

Since then I had been convinced that the resulting numbness was permanent.  I'm now starting to think that I was wrong (Praise God).  Over the course of about three weeks it has finally started to heal up.  The wound had been closed for a while.  Originally the numbness covered an area about the size of a penny but it has since subsided to less than half that much!

In other news, the gym is really coming along.  Last weekend the guys working on the plumbing began air and water tests!  Unfortunately there were a few leaks, eek!  They got to patching them up right away though and I believe that inspections are happening this week.  This Thursday - Saturday I'll be at Shiloh wrapping up the electrical for the fire alarm system.  Hopefully we can get that inspected the following week.

Why is this important?  Well, once the electrical/fire alarm systems and plumbing passes inspection we've passed a significant milestone.  After those are finished we will sheet rock the remaining walls, paint and put in finishing touches like carpeting and furniture.  This gym will be finished before you can say pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis!

Before you ask, yes it is a real word.

Now up to this point you may be asking, "Where does the birthday come into play?"  Well, my wonderful wife celebrated her birthday last Thursday!  And on Saturday after my stint at Shiloh, Amanda and I, with the addition of five of our friends went out to celebrate.  We had a great time eating "tapas" style and enjoying some great conversation.

I'd also like to invite all of you readers to come out and give us a hand working on the gym on Saturday.  You don't need to be a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or contractor.  All you need is a willing heart and willing hands.  We will work with you regarding skill level, comfort level, and time constraints.  Men and women are both welcome.

Generally we try to get to Shiloh by 8:30 in the morning and leave by 5:00/5:30 in the evening but come when you can and leave when you have to leave.  The work day also includes lunch and a coffee break in the morning

If you can come, please either leave a comment, send me a text message, or give me a call letting me know that you would like to join us.  And just think, you could look back some day and say something profound like, "See that ceiling tile?  I put that ceiling tile there!"


God bless,
Tim