“They are all chasing a great dream. They are all looking for answers. But they don’t realize is that they have found it already. They have found it in one another.”

Diego Luna - in the preview for the upcoming movie Mister Lonely

We, as a people, need each other. But, we’ve conditioned ourselves to believe that we need our independence. We define ourselves by who is the most independent. If I don’t need anyone, then I am self-sufficient and if I’m self-sufficient then I’m more capable than the next guy. And if I’m capable, then I seem strong and in control. Though now, if feel capable, I also begin feel alone. The tragedy here is that only through interdependence will we find wholeness. The Lord intended it that way (see Matthew 18:20 or Acts 2:46-47).

We’re all off running our own ways, working so hard so grapple for control, but we can’t escape this feeling of emptiness. It never goes away. Why can’t we dream together and chase these dreams together? That’s how we will find the answers… that’s how we should purse the Lord… that’s how we were meant to live.

This was taken on the banks of the Methow River in central Washington.

“…unconditional and unlimited love is what the evangelist John calls God’s first love. “Let us love, he says, “because God loves us first (1 John 4:19).”

” To live a life that is not dominated by the desire to be relevant but is instead safely anchored by the knowledge of God’s first love, we have to be mystics. A mystic is a person who identity is deeply rooted in God’s first love.”

Henry Nouwen - In the Name of Jesus

So are you a mystic?

[Continued from here...]

We woke up early, around 4 am and were on our way by close to 5. There was a lot of driving to be done and I was surprised how quickly the kids mobilized. We hit the first place that brewed coffee and were off.

Destination: In & Out burgers in Redding, CA

Our youth slept most of the morning and I learned something very interesting about Oregon. You can’t pump your own gas in the state of Oregon. It’s illegal. Does it make sense? Nope. It’s just a 100 year old law that keeps on going.

About mid-morning, Oregon turned into California and we were able to experience the town of Weed, CA. The kids were amused for obvious reasons.

From Weed, we kept driving. And something that started that morning would play a considerable role later on into that day… 80’s butt rock was discovered. But more of that later.

Nearing the noon hour, we rolled into the town of Redding. A few exits later and we could see the sign. “In and Out Burger” read above the trees. We were finally there. The kids rushed out and we all waited in line for our “Double Double” burgers (two patties and two layers of cheese). The food was really good. I mean really good. Most of their stuff is fresh and I ate, “hands down” the best fries I’ve ever had. It was so worth it. If the trip ended there, I would have been satisfied; but it was far from over…

Jesus said…”Let anyone who is thirsty come to me! Let anyone who believe in me come and drink (John 7:37-38). Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentile and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

Anyone thirsty? Anyone overburdened? Anyone? Bueller… Bueller… Buller….