This week my friend Adam took the time to sincerely, and publicly offer his thanks to people that have helped him through a rough stretch of life.  Almost fifty responses later I appreciate that Adam and those who responded to his gratitude have exposed something missing in society — a cultural shortcoming — sincerity.

Sincerity is missing in our society. 

Far too many people hide their motives in manipulation.

Adam is a caring, compassionate, courageous, but conflicted person whose worse battles in life have been with himself.

Yesterday I reminded all of us about 12 Times to Say “I’m Sorry.

Jesus was a the temple one day and a crowd of people gathered. Jesus sat down and began to teach them.  As he was speaking, in the middle of his lesson, a group of religious people rushed up to Jesus dragging along a woman who had been cheating and was caught having sex with him.

Ahem, let me repeat that CAUGHT IN THE ACT of adultery.  

Two things stand out here for me.  One, the incredible shame and humiliation of being interrupted, caught, captured, paraded and “posterized” as an adulterer.  Second, if she was “caught”, where’s the guy she was with?!?

I’m not a hunter, but I can relate to the feelings that many of my hunting friends have enjoyed.  I love thinking about food, the hunt for food, capturing my food, preparing and consuming my food.

My love for food — like many loves — can easily be mismanaged.

Mismanaged MMMmmms

I loved Arby’s “5 for $5.95″ deal.  I remember sitting in an Arby’s with a freshly filled bag of Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches — toasted bun, piled high with sliced beef, a doll up of tasty cheddar cheese, complimented by Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce.  Since Arby’s no longer sells that amazing sandwich a quick search turned up the nutrition information. 1

5 Stop Signs

1. Stop believing the lie: Life isn’t always fair. Accept what you must, and change what you can.

2. Stop before you regret it: Think before you act. A moment today may cause pain for years.

3. Stop & notice:  See the beauty in people, in nature, and in yourself.

4. Stop to appreciate what you have: Family & friends, talents, opportunities & useful stuff.

5. Stop & have fun: Hanging out, talking, laughing and playing and makes some of the best memories.

Regardless what someone else says or does you can respectfully:

Choose to not to use hurtful words.

Choose to use a soft and kind – not sarcastic – tone in your voice.

Choose to have the kind of attitude with others that you want them to have with you.

You do not have to hurt the other person back.

You do not have to allow their words do not have power over you.

Regardless what the other person chooses, you’re responsible for your own actions.

At our house we’re talking about our upcoming Thanksgiving week.  Questions abound.

Will we all be able to get together at Grandma and Grandpa V’s?  Will we travel together?  How long can we stay?  Who has to get back when?

My dad does not like turkey, we do.  No problem, we have a turkey dinner at our house during the Thanksgiving week.

More questions: When will we get together?  What time?  Who can help with the meal?

Questions. Questions. Questions.

Holiday gatherings are stressful times for many people.

In the evening when were not talking or laughing I’m “not watching TV.” Yes, the TV is on, but I am usually reading while the TV plays in the background. Somehow I can pay attention to both my reading and the TV. I’m multitasking.

Multitasking.

Maybe I’m maximizing my time.

Maybe I’m increasing my productivity.

Maybe I’m lying to myself.

What I do know is that I’m dropping in on Facebook, checking an email inbox, messaging a friend or reading my RSS subs.

Tonight something changed. Right in the middle of reading a great article written by Shane Claiborne I stopped.