Grateful …

All of us at times get a little overwhelmed, discouraged, fatigued … but then come those moments when we realized how blessed we are. Such was the case last week for me in Phoenix. I was part of Christianity 21, a gathering where 21 speakers gave 21-minute talks on Christianity in the 21st century. It was breathtaking. It’s hard to name a highlight because every segment was a true and deep delight … but I’ll mention just 3:

1. Hearing and seeing my old friend Dieter Zander. This extraordinary man’s message: Play with God. Everything is holy. I will never forget it.
2. Hearing Navajo Christian activist Mark Charles talk about the tragic Doctrine of Discovery and talk about the possibility of a truth and reconciliation commission in the US.
3. Watching Ted Schwartz’s indescribably beautiful and powerful play, Listening for Grace. It was 58 minutes of holding back tears.

These were highlights of highlights … but every speaker and every informal conversation was a delight.
Sometimes, when I see how many people are doing destructive things in the world, often thinking they are doing good, it’s easy to get discouraged. But when I think of how many people are doing wonderful things in the world, it’s really hard to stay discouraged.