Emotional Labor

Yesterday I think I used up my emotional labor tank. Not a really long day at the office but after a full day of work, it's nice to come home and debrief a bit. As some of you know I give guitar lessons and on Tuesday's I have 3 after work. I love giving guitar lessons, don't get me wrong. I love seeing the small victories each student has and celebrating them, but these are hour long, emotional labor intensive sessions for me (Kate, if you read this, it has nothing to do with yesterday-ha! Really). After 3 lessons, I met Court to see some of our friends' new house they just bought. And then after stuffing my face with a calorie packed Carl's Jr. burger, I had a 3 hour long practice session for a gig I'm playing this weekend. This is not meant to be a sap story. Please don't hear that. I realize that many of you are just as busy or busier and this day is not a good representation of a normal day. However, my point is that emotional labor can be taxing. But, I believe, this is what holds our relationships together. The amount of energy you put into your relationships, and conversations, and interactions with people, will more than likely reflect what they give you back. I'm a bit of an extrovert so most of the time being around people infuses me with energy. But every once in a while, it's draining. I'm just glad I have a wife whom after I tell her that I had a draining day says, "We don't have to talk. I understand. Can I do anything for you?" Yeah, she's that awesome.

Love/Hate Blogs

I think that is how I would define my relationship with the blogs I read. I don't read that many, but the ones I do read are challenging and are constantly prodding me to be a better person and christian. Always prodding me to take the high road. I love the challenge, but at the same time its wearing. I have to say, Michael Mitchell's blog has tireless advice and wisdom on how to be a better man. That one has worn me out. About to make a decision...dangit...I should be a man and take the better road. If you want some other ones you can click here, or here (sometimes a bit crude, but great life advice, and awesome art). Any other ones you want to throw out, I would greatly appreciate it...I think.

Generational Differences

Last night Court and I had some really good honest conversation with some friends of ours (hadn't seen them in a while-it was great to catch up). I believe there is something God put in all of us to be authentic and have these refreshing and raw conversations. Now, I realize this statement may resonate with most of the readers here, but it's my parents and older generation who won't read that and think, "Yes, that's what the church is missing." I also realize that is an extremely large generalization (we all know people that age this rings true with). Much of the time I think or talk about generational differences in the church, I am often reminded of my generation's young idealism and border line naivety. However, this may be found to be true, in the back of my head I think, "Maybe we are actually right." Blasphemous I know. Honest, open, raw, authentic conversation is just one of the issues our generations may disagree on-there are countless others. I know, the post-modern thinker would probably say, "Why can't both be right?" I've often thought this myself, but I am reminded by a good friend of mine that our generation has ceased to "Draw lines in the sand." So back to my initial blasphemous thought. What if we are actually right? Then again, what if they are right about other issues? I hate being wrong. How is this reconciled? Some of these issues are causing our generation to leave the church. Unfortunately, this is a direct result of our no commitment, not brand loyal thinking. Think about some other generational issues you have come across. How have these issues played themselves out in your life/way of thinking?