Half a Mile a Day
Like so much about my about past, I had wide opinions and narrow views about life. This included politics and people; aesthetics and art; food and fun. Like so much about my now, my life has been transformed through the power of God’s grace and unconditional love for all people; people like me and people like you.
Growing up I listened to all genres of music (pre-rap). The one exception was country music. Believing that I was far too sophisticated and stylish, when in hindsight it was really about snobbery and snootiness. Wanting to believe that I was better than other people simply because of musical taste as opposed to my character.
Making false judgements based on imagined stereotypes. Only the uneducated and underemployed enjoyed country music. Music inspired for the working class, not the professional class which I aspired to join.
At thirteen I was more like Frasier then I care to admit. Listening to my ego as opposed to my heart. A tragedy at any age but especially as a young man. Living a life of self-imposed boundaries that limited the bounty and breadth of beautiful music accessible to me. Keeping up appearances that cost me acoustic experiences.
Like other secrets I held on to growing up, I had a secret love for selected country music. Specifically, a couple of John’s; John Denver and Johnny Cash. Both artists infusing country with folk and vice-versa. Both hiding in my musical closet.
When I finally opened my humbled heart to God, I also released any pretentious I had concerning music, myself and my life. Trying to live a life of humility and honesty; a life that honors my savior Jesus Christ.
Over two thousand years ago, a man named John would announce that the kingdom of God is at hand. On a chilly Vegas February evening at fifty-five, my heart would finally repent and by renewed through God’s grace. A spiritual awakening that happened while listening to Johnny Cash’s American Recordings. A heart no longer in-service to the kingdom’s of this world; a heart in-service to the one true kingdom of all worlds; God’s.
No longer living self-imposed boundaries or self-generated ideas about what I want others to think about me. Instead, my one and only priority is living a life of loving God and loving my neighbor. All neighbors.
Spiritually liberated and musically freed, I’ve discovered new country and folk music artists. I’ve also uncovered new music by those I’m familiar with, like Johnny Cash. Devouring his album, Bootleg, Volume 4: The Soul of Truth. A compilation that focuses on his gospel and religious recordings.
It’s a great album, but there’s one song in particular that’s been resonating with me lately. The inspiration for this week’s story. Inspiration needed when I fall short of doing unto others. Inspiration in praise of God’s glorious grace and limitless love.
As much as I try and live a life that honors God, I often miss the mark. Failing and flaying but firm in my belief that God so loved the world and therefore God loves me and you, even when we fail; and we will.
Comforted in knowing that Peter denied Christ three times, Paul participated in the killing of Jesus followers and that by God’s grace alone am I saved. We are all saved, if we believe in him.
Cash reminding me in his song Half a Mile a Day that “the road to heaven doesn’t have a rapid transit plan.” We’re all going to fall short of what God expects of us and yet, God still loves us and only wants the best for us. Only God knows our hearts, our intentions and our commit to love and honor Him.
Expand your experiences while honoring your faith. Live a life that opens the kingdom of God for others. Welcome all people instead of believing that you can determine the faithful.
Don’t fall for the many who will come preaching fear, espousing divisiveness and who put themselves above God; either as judge or idol. Wolves in sheep’s clothing whose ultimate loyalty is to serve the false kingdom of Babylon. A worldly kingdom that’s in rebellion to Love.
Do live a life that’s authentic, openhearted and that loves God, neighbor and self. Humble yourself like little children and don’t play grown-up games. Be a light unto the world. God is love, and the person who abides in love abides in God, and God will abide within you even at a half a mile a day.