ShawnStutz.com

Let me just start with the fact that I’m supremely upset by the unbelievable thread of bad luck that seems to weave it’s way through my life!!

Now, I promise this isn’t “Woe is me”, or cynicism, or pessimism, or any other “-ism”. This is just the brutal fact that I may have a magnetic superpower that draws the most awkward of circumstances my direction.

I’ve actually learned to be more patient than ever before… especially during my last two circumstances (including my bike throttling).

So here’s how the story goes:

I’m riding my bike with three other friends from the Catalyst Community down the great road to Salida (which is where I, ironically, had to exit the ride). All of a sudden a blue plastic bag from WAL-MART (big box!) blows into my rear tire sprocket and proceeds to fully shear all the metal hardware from the back of my bike, shoving the hardware into my spokes and finally it found ways to mess up the paint job!

UGH! So, needless to say, my ride was over and my bike is now in the shop. I’m praying it doesn’t cost much to repair. And I’m without a good ride for about a week or two.

But what really fries me is the fact that when the bike shop guy saw the problem these were the first words out of his mouth (words I’ve heard from many a mechanic about my cars, plumbers about my house, and agents about my reservations): “Wow! I’ve never seen anything like that before!”

Guess I’m the lucky one, right?!

Margins are a funny thing. I remember while in college writing papers on the evening before morning they were due. And about 3 pages into a 5-page wonder, I would often open the margin menu to see if I could make adjustments and squeeze out a few more pages.

On the flip side, I enjoy a book, Bible, or journal that has good margins. I need that space to jot down extra thoughts, make notes, or just enjoy a perfectly spaced page (I’m weird, I know).

As it pertains to finances, who doesn’t like a positive profit margin? And even more importantly, the margins we have in our schedules are so important. And this has been my kryptonite lately.

My time has been extended to the borders– even stretched off the page at times. Commitments, expectations, and deadlines are more evident and especially confining as of late. My life margins have moved closer and closer to 0.5″ than 1.25″ if you get my drift. But the grace of God has once again revealed my need for boundary and border. He has called me to family & faith; to teach, to shepherd, and share life. These are my priorities. These are His expectations. This is how I am to live.

So, I’m clicking the margin menu again. Not in a cheat the system way, but in a protect the sanctity of the soul type way. I’m really wanting my future days to be more of a gripping novel than a 5-page wonder. And my most recent prayers have been centered on the desire that my relationships, responsibilities, and recreation all demonstrate the priority of margin.  In keeping the page ordered, I can only imagine the great notes and insights God will write in my margins.

May God keep checking your margins as well.

Well, Africa was such a great experience again this year. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was to travel in community to do the work of the kingdom of heaven.

We had a powerful time worshiping in African churches, playing and teaching local orphans, and riding on the left side of the road. I was totally overwhelmed during our trip with the topics of Sin, Redemption, & Hope. This is what I’m definitely sure of though… our God is Good in spite of what the world hurls our direction.

It is nearly impossible to share the fullness of this trip in a blog post, a talk, or even a conversation. But we’ve tried. For photos and the talk, click here. You can read blog experiences here: SacredThread, Amy, Gavin, & Mallory.

For more about my experience, take me to coffee and we’ll have conversations (and coffee).

I have been so silent in the blog lately world because the real world has been spinning so crazy! And the reason why: “Well, I’m heading to Africa… again!”

Last year I had such a great time helping lead a pastors conference with by boss and friend Bobby Fisher. And this year I will be traveling with friends again; nine of them actually! This mission will truly be a wonderful adventure!

I hope to be able to include some great updates at sacredthread.org. Make sure you surf by during the next few weeks to get some news from the Southern Hemisphere.

Later… and please pray!

I had a conversation with someone the other day about the pace of life. He asked, “Is it true that life gets faster when you get older?”

To which I responded, “It seems quicker, but I guess it’s as fast as you make it.”

I guess, at least lately, my life has felt fast. I try to escape it, downsize it, and even avoid it.  However, I all too often turn on the blinker and merge into the left lane lane of life too quickly. Much of these feelings can be attributed to the season of life that I happen to be in right now. And yet, my heart craves for greater simplicity all the more. Even the lazy wanderer outside the coffee shop has stirred a bit of jealousy in me recently. Is that bad?

Commitments are nice, but binding. And so, when my prior pledges disappear in late June, my schedule will go on vacation. If figure while it rests, so can I.

There are two bright spots of hope on the calendar approaching soon… Memorial Day & My Bday (yeah!).