Race to Remember Recap

Yesterday, I ran the first ever Perk Trail Half Marathon.  Okay, it wasn’t an official race.  It was my own crazy idea that I shared last week.  The race gave me a goal to help me get into shape but it also gave me a way to remember the 10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001.

As I ran, I spent each of the 13 (actually 13.1) miles thinking and praying for a different group of people or things which were tied to 9/11.  I wrote these things on my arm as a reminder.  As I approached each mile, I would pray on a more general basis for the first half of the mile.  For the second half of the mile, I would personalize it by concentrating on specific people in my life:

1 – Leanne

2 – Hannah & Isaac

3 – Greg Bonderanko, Jim Callahan, Bruce Beck, junior firefighters from our scout troop

4 – Heather Roulle, John D’Orazio, Shannon Clark, Mike C.

5 – Mike G., John Rizzuto, Evan Flora, Tom Williams

6 – Barack Obama, Joe Biden, senators, Congress, state governors

7 – U.N., NATO

8 – My neighbors, Joe Giunta

9 – Mayor Bloomberg, Brian Willem, Forefront Church

10 – NCC, Journey’s Crossing

11 – Christ’s Church of the Valley, my parents as my dad just started at a new church

12 – tough work relationships

13 – Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan

It was a powerful experience to give these things to God as I passed over each mile.  It was freeing to release these people and worries to the One who cares so deeply for us.

I also had a couple of interesting and unexpected happenings related to the Race to Remember.  I guess I wasn’t shocked when I started the “race” on my own despite my invitation for others to join me. For one, it was early in the morning (7AM), and most people were probably still in bed.  Secondly, my last-minute idea really didn’t give a lot of time for people to prepare and commit to running 13.1 miles.

The first amusing happening came at the first half mile marker when a cat jumped on the trail and started running with me.  I’ve had dogs run with me before, but I’ve never had a cat try to run with me.  Honestly, it was a bit freaky as the cat stayed with me for several yards.  When the cat finally realized it couldn’t keep up, it stopped and started meowing loudly at me.  I smiled as I continued running thinking that this cat was my first cheering section of the day.

The second interesting happening occurred five miles into the “race” when I caught up to Dave, a man who used to go to our church.  I almost ran past him until I realized who he was. I asked him how far he was going and he said a few more miles, so we ran together for about two and a half miles catching up on running, our kids, and their new church.  It was a great, unexpected diversion in the middle of my run.

After I left Dave, I continued back on the trail towards home.  As the miles wore on, I could feel my legs starting to grow tired.  With about three miles to go, I saw another familiar face.  Scott, a friend from scouting, was waiting for me and ready to run the final three miles with me.  Apparently, he read my blog and was inspired to come out and run with me.  It was another great diversion at the perfect time.  As we clicked off the final three miles, we talked about our boys who are in the same class in their first year of middle school.  We talked about September 11th and our plans for the day.  And we enjoyed each other’s company as we talked about various other things.

When we finished (and I caught my breath), Scott asked if we should pray.  It was a perfect way to end the Race to Remember.  In addition to praying for the things written on my arm, I thanked God for the reminder through Scott and Dave of those who had “run” alongside my family over the past year at just the right time when we needed a meal, a prayer, or even just a friend to talk with.  I will never forget the “race” yesterday and the reminders of God’s faithfulness and of hope for the future.

I’m looking forward to running the 2nd ever Perk Trail Half Marathon – Another Race to Remember next year.  Who’s with me?

What did you do yesterday?  Did you do anything to remember the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001?

New Traditions

Here we are at the top of Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada after an hour and a half hike back in August.  If it looks cold and cloudy to you, you are correct.  We actually hiked into the clouds, and the temperature dropped noticeably as we made are ascent to the top.  As we journeyed up the mountain, our kids repeatedly spoke of a new family tradition.  You see, last summer, we hiked to the top of Sterling Mountain and Madonna Mountain when we were on vacation in Vermont.  So two years in a row must make a tradition.

Family traditions like this can have a huge positive impact on our families.  Traditions create fun expectations for everyone in the family.  For example, my family always anticipates putting up the Christmas tree and listening to each other share stories as they hang up Christmas ornaments that have special significance.  We also look forward to certain meals that have some tradition and family history tied to them.  For example, I love to make, serve, and eat the Swedish Christmas meal.  It brings back so many sweet memories of my grandparents, cousins, and parents.

This year as we rode the cable car down to the bottom of Mont Tremblant (yes, we cheated), our kids were already scheming and asking about where we could go next year on vacation that has a mountain we can climb.  Despite the fatigue of climbing, I shared their excitement for continuing our new family tradition next year.

What traditions do you keep?  Why?  What is the special significance of these traditions?

A New Beginning

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Today is a day of new beginnings for our family.  Hannah starts her last year of middle school.  She is smart and confident and ready to go.  As I mentioned a few days ago, Isaac starts his first year of middle school.  I’m still blown away by how quickly this came up.  And today, Leanne starts a new job!  She will be helping preschool age children with special needs as she works as a behavioral therapist for Potential Discoveries.  (She’ll be great!)

God’s timing in each of these new beginnings has been amazing.  These opportunities have come at just the right time.  I rejoice today as I recognize God’s faithfulness to us despite our impatience and anxiety.

I’m excited about a couple of new beginnings for me as well.  I’ll keep you in suspense as I’m looking forward to sharing in future blog posts about what is new with me.

What’s new with you?

Be Generous

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, 
   who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalm 112:5

When Leanne and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary in Cape Cod, we met Bob (above).  Bob met us one morning as we were getting off the boat on Nantucket.  This meeting had been arranged by Bob’s son who goes to our church, and I want to make sure I never forget what we experienced.  I don’t want to forget this day, because it was truly a great reminder of generosity.  Here’s what happened.

Leanne and I decided that we should go to Nantucket  on the actual day of our 15th anniversary.  We arranged the visit boat ride over to the island from Cape Cod through Mary, our bed and breakfast hostess.  We decided to take our bikes on the boat, so we could enjoy some biking and sight-seeing during our once in a lifetime day trip.  As we unloaded our bikes from the boat, we met Bob.  He was standing there patiently waiting for us in anticipation of starting the tour.  Bob took us over to his yacht club where we dropped off his bike and proceeded to walk a few blocks up a hill to The First Congregational Church where our friend from church had been married.  We walked up to the bell tower to enjoy spectacular views of Nantucket.

After walking back down to the yacht club, we jumped in Bob’s Suzuki Sidekick.  From here, Bob took us all over the town where we saw The Oldest House on the island, the old windmill, and some homes of well-known business people and celebrities.  The town is beautiful with its cobblestone streets and its blooming hydrangea bushes.  As we traveled around the town, it was obvious that Bob knew many facts about this town and he was so happy to be able to share the place he loves with us.

When we got back to the yacht club, Bob offered to take us for a ride in his boat.  At this point, I was beginning to wonder if I was dreaming – was I going to wake up back at home in Pennsylvania?  Bob drove us around the harbor area of Nantucket and pointed out various homes and sites.  He also shared stories about his family and about his business.  You could tell he was particularly proud of his kids.  The boat ride was so refreshing, and I felt like I was flying along the water as we motored across the harbor.  It was a boat ride to remember.  (Leanne even had an opportunity to drive the boat.)

Our time with Bob wasn’t over when we arrived back at the yacht club.  Bob invited us to lunch at the club.  It was an offer we couldn’t refuse – and I’m not sure he would have taken no for an answer.  We enjoyed sandwiches and lemonades on the patio overlooking the tennis courts and harbor.  Bob continued with stories of the yacht club.  He told us about the boat races that he and his brother had won.  He shared about how his kids had grown up at the yacht club every summer.  He wasn’t bragging.  He was celebrating.  He was expressing thanksgiving for what he had experienced.

Following lunch, we said our good-byes.  As Leanne and I walked to our bikes, we looked at each other and agreed that we would never forget our 15th anniversary, and we would never forget the generosity of Bob – a man we had never met before this day, a man who expressed generosity to complete strangers.  I don’t anticipate the business success that Bob has had in his life (although I suppose that’s possible), but I want to be like Bob when it comes to being generous.  Thanks, Bob for a great day and an important reminder to be generous.

Have you ever experienced generosity that blew you away?

That’s My Boy

This is a big year for Isaac.  In less than one week, he will start middle school.  He’ll tell you that he’s excited and a little bit nervous.  If you ask me, I’m excited and shocked at how quickly we have reached this milestone.  It seems like weeks ago that we were welcoming Isaac home from the hospital.  I can still hear his sister, Hannah, saying, “It’s Baby Isaac!” in her high-pitched toddler voice as we introduced her to her new baby brother.  It seems like several days ago that we were taking Isaac to preschool for the first time with his friends Julia and Grace.  I can still see Isaac dressed up like a farmer for Halloween one year with his big smile and straw hat.  It seems like yesterday that we were sending Isaac off to school on the bus for his first day of kindergarten.  I can still remember his excitement as he finally got to ride the bus with Hannah and all the other kids.

Isaac is a special kid.  He’s funny – in fact, I think he’s inherited the “Stolpe” sense of humor that came down from his Great Grandpa (Far-Far) Stolpe.  He’s smart – more so than I think he realizes at times.  He’s musically talented beyond his years.  He’s kind.  He’s compassionate.  And he has an amazing faith.

As I look ahead, I’m realizing that my time of influence is narrowing.  I want to make the most of the time I have with my kids before they head off into the real world which will be here before I know it.  Some of this involves being more intentional with our day-to-day conversations.  And it also means being more intentional when it comes to planning memorable things like vacations and other family outings.  And for me, it means stopping more often to just enjoy my kids.  I love to watch them.  I love to be with them.  And I am excited to see them growing up.  I just wish it didn’t happen so quickly!

How are your being intentional in your parenting?  What has surprised you the most about parenting?

Less Like Scars

“It’s been a hard year, but I’m climbing out of the rubble.

These lessons are hard, healing changes are subtle.”

– Sara Groves

Recently, I’ve had several people ask how things are going…how’s Leanne?  Almost a year ago, Leanne was hospitalized.  We’ve spent the past year recovering and rediscovering new normals, new priorities, and renewed appreciation and passion for each other, for friends and family, and for life.  God is good!

As I look back on my journal and my blog from the past year I see pain, loneliness, and despair, but I also see healing, connection, and hope.  Sara Groves song, Less Like Scars, speaks so clearly to my thoughts as I look back on this past year.

It’s been a hard year
But I’m climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle
But every day it’s

Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember

And I feel you here
And you’re picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like
Character

Less like a prison, more like my room
It’s less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending

And I feel you here
And you’re picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars

Just a little while ago
I couldn’t feel the power or the hope
I couldn’t cope, I couldn’t feel a thing
Just a little while back
I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping
You would come

And I need you
And I want you here
And I feel you

And I know you’re here
And you’re picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able

And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars

And more like
Character

Today, I rejoice.  I praise God for significant milestones achieved in the healing process.  I’m thankful for a new compassion for families faced with the challenges of mental illness and other health problems.  And I smile as I realize the promise of a bright future with hope for tomorrow.  God is good!

(And by the way, Leanne is doing well – and so am I.  Thanks for asking.)

How are you?  How have you seen your scars transformed?

Heart Broken – Guest Post at Big B

Today, I have the privilege of presenting my first guest blog post over at Big B.  Big B is the blog for an incredible young man named Brandon who is passionate about music, leadership, and God.  I’ve connected with him on-line over the past couple of months, and I have been inspired by words.  Please check out my post and please support Brandon by adding his blog to your regular reading.

Here’s an excerpt from my post:

It can be easy to fall into the trap of tunnel vision.  We can all become so caught up in ourselves that we miss out on what’s happening to those around us.  In many cases, we don’t even see those we walk by on the street or sit next to on the train.  We live and operate in a world of me, me, me.

A recent family vacation to Canada took my family into Montreal for a day.  There’s nothing like a vacation and a trip into a city to jolt one out of their routine and snap one to attention to things that matter.  We had a wonderful time touring around Montreal.  We saw many of the famous tourist sites including the market at Jean-Talon, the view of the city from the top of Mont Royal, Old Montreal, and the port.  All these places were new and interesting, but I will always remember a brief encounter with a young man in a park near the home of the Montreal Canadians.  Here’s how I remembered the encounter in my journal…

(If you’re interested in becoming a guest blogger on my blog, please leave me a comment.  I’d love to connect with you.  Also, I would certainly welcome other opportunities to be a guest blogger on your blog, so you can leave me a comment on that as well.)

Googling God

As a little kid, I can remember having lots of questions about God, heaven, and life.  I asked questions like, “Who created God?” and “Where did God come from?”  I asked, “What was there before God created the heavens and the earth?”  As I was driving home from work yesterday, I was reminded of my child-like curiousity.  For some reason I questioned to myself, “What language will we speak in heaven?” and “How will we understand each other?  Will we have decoders built in to our heavenly bodies?”  I know these questions sound somewhat humorous, but it’s the jumping off point for many other questions that race around my head.

Last year at this time, I found my self asking God more questions as I stood by my wife as she battled the challenges of bipolar disorder.  At one point, I asked “Why?”  “Why would God allow us to go through this?”  “Why is there bipolar disorder?”  “Why doesn’t anyone talk about mental illness and the challenges that come to families as a result of these illnesses?”  These questions still race around my head.

I think we all have questions for God that range across a wide spectrum from humorous to curiosity to doubt.  Last night, I asked my men’s group what questions they have for God, and it was amusing and interesting to hear their responses.

How was God always there?

Where was God born?

Will I be able to fly in heaven?

If God is all knowing and all powerful, why would He need or desire our love?

Why do I ask why questions?

Will Jesus out trash-talk me?

Will I get full at the banquet table?

Are there bathrooms in heaven?

Do we eat in heaven?

Will all our questions be answered in heaven?

What it there to do in heaven?

Will I really be singing all day?

Do I have free will in heaven?

These were just a few of the questions that were brought up as we sat around the table.  I think it can be healthy to ask questions.  But there’s also a trust factor.  I know that God is in control.  I know that He knows what is best.  I know that I’m not God.  But I still have questions from time to time.

How about you?  What questions do you have for God?

Weeding Reminder

Last night, I did some weeding in the yard and in the garden while my son cut the grass.  It’s amazing how the weeds can spring up so quickly and so large when you don’t stay on top of them.  As I was weeding, I was reminded of my blog post from last year.  My weed problem this year is not as bad as last year, but I think my thoughts still apply.

Lessons From My Front Lawn – September 6, 2010

The past three or four years, I’ve paid a company to treat our lawn to prevent the weeds, to prevent fleas and ticks, and to help it stay green and healthy.  There’s no question that it paid off.  Up until the spring, my grass was coming in great and green.

That all changed this summer when we decided not to use the company to treat our lawn and we were faced with one of the hotter and drier summers that we’ve had in a while.  As the summer wore on, our front lawn went from a plush green carpet to a spotty brown and green, weed infested disaster thanks to the lack of treatment and the stresses of the summer heat.  Honestly, I want to throw up every time I pull up our driveway.  It just makes me sick to see what our lawn has become in just one summer.

Now, I realize that a green front lawn isn’t the answer to true happiness and contentment, but I think it speaks to something that is true for our own lives.  Just like water and fertilizer help to keep our lawns healthy, keeping our spiritual lawn green and healthy requires water, nutrition, and weed prevention.  We need to study God’s word (the Bible), and we need to spend time with God.  We also need to  live life in community – the kind of community that can be found by attending and getting involved at a local church along with the kind of community that can be found by getting involved in a small group.  These spiritual treatments are essential to keeping our spiritual lives healthy.

Getting back to my lawn, we finally called the lawn company that we used before, and they explained that our grass can be restored.  The weeds can be eradicated, and the effects of summer stress can be overcome.  It will take some time and special attention, but there is hope for my front lawn.

So, this brings me to my question.  How is your spiritual front lawn?  Is it healthy or does it need some work?  If your spiritual lawn is brown and weed infested, there is hope for restoration and renewal.

Coming Back From Vacation

Getting back into the swing of things following nine days of vacation can be a real challenge.  I especially felt this Monday and Tuesday as I was playing catch up on e-mails, phone calls, and required meetings.  I feel like I have a lot to learn about how to transition from vacations and other breaks back into the routines of work and family activities.  There’s got to be a way to keep the refreshment alive.  There should be some ways to prevent post vacation burnout.

Some ideas come to mind:

1.  Schedule margins in your schedule to breath and to relax even if it’s just for 15 minutes.  This is challenging for me – especially at work where I am on call all the time for help in making decisions or for scheduling resources.  I have tried to make it a habit to step out of the office for a few minutes at lunch time.  This gives me a chance to get some fresh air, to touch base with my wife on her day, and to catch my breath before heading into the afternoon.

2.  Keep thoughts of vacation alive by talking about your vacation and sharing pictures.  I love to hear about the vacation adventures of my co-workers, and I like to share my stories as well.  I love what I do at my job most of the time, and I really appreciate when our personal interests and adventures intersect with work.

3.  Discard or put aside e-mails and other correspondence that are not important, are not urgent, and can be put off until later or not read at all.  I know this can be challenging as it requires a discerning filter, but it’s important.  In today’s information driven world, we have to relearn that it’s okay to miss out on some things.  We don’t need to know every piece of information out there.  What did we do before computers and the internet?

4.  Compose a “to-do-list” and use it to prioritize tasks that must be attended to with greater urgency.  A “to-do-list” can be helpful in documenting the things in our head.  It can minimize the feeling of stress that comes from not knowing where to start.

5.  Be intentional about continuing activities that provide refreshment and renewal.  Leanne and I have taken a few evening strolls through our small town since returning from vacation.  It may seem simple, but these walks have provided relaxation along with time together.

I wish I could say that we have it all figures out and that these five steps are easy to follow and an easy answer to overcoming post vacation burnout.  But I can’t say these things.  Life after vacation can be crazy – but I’m so glad we got away.

What tips do you have for transitioning from vacation back to everyday life?