And the streak ends

6.

56.

297.

8,243.

19,182.

One of these things is not like the others.

6 is the current streak of consecutive national football championships for the SEC. 56 is the record for the longest MLB hitting streak, held by  Joe DiMaggio. 297 is the longest streak of consecutive NFL games started, held by Brett Favre. 8,243? Similar - Cal Ripken, Jr.'s record streak of consecutive MLB games played in.

How about the last number?

19,182 was the number of days I went without breaking a bone. This streak ended last Friday night. It was a great run.

Fortunately it was a fairly small break, just above the ankle. I just need to keep the ankle stable with a boot until it heals...no resetting required, thank God.

But it is a broken bone. And the streak is over.

So, one of these things is not like the others. Which one? The first, because the SEC is at six and counting.

And the "road to 15" begins for the Tide in 215 days. Seven, anyone?

Fringe: On the limits of forgiveness

 

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22)

Grace and mercy...two sides of the same coin. A part of God's character that we love we we are conscious of our own need, but that doesn't look so attractive when someone has wronged us.

"Why do I have to love them anyway?"

"Why do I have to forgive her?"

"He doesn't deserve it...not this time!"

The concept of forgiveness is one most of us treasure, because we want to be forgiven for our mistakes. We even see that it's only fair for us to forgive others if we want some leeway for ourselves. But aren't there limits? Aren't there trespasses so big that I can't overlook them?
___________________________

Fringe is my favorite show on the air right now. Probably my second favorite all time show. In last week's episode, there was a powerful scene on forgiveness. Before watching it (for those of you who aren't fans), here is the context:

(Spoiler Note: If you are behind on the show, you may want to stop reading here!)

The two characters in this scene are Walter and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is recognized by Walter as his wife...but not really. She is another version of his wife from a parallel universe. In the scene, they both know this. Elizabeth's son Peter was kidnapped as a child by this Walter after his own version of Peter had died from an illness. He had found a cure for the disease and was trying to bring her Peter over to our side to save him. In the process, they fell into a lake and Peter drowned. So both of their sons have died, and Walter is clearly responsible for Elizabeth's son's death. And if that's not enough to challenge the limits of forgiveness, Walter has endangered our very existence by messing with the nature of the universe. I know that's alot to absorb; hopefully it's just the right amount for you grasp the power of this scene:



So much in this scene!

"I asked for a sign of forgiveness and I got none. There is no absolution for me."

"I forgive you, Walter. And if I can, God can."

• God's love for us is so great and so powerful that his grace and mercy extend without limit. There is nothing you can do to change that. If you will return home to him and accept his forgiveness, it's there for the taking. Elizabeth is simply saying that God's forgiveness extends so far beyond ours that if she forgives him, of course God can!

• So what is the limit of forgiveness for us? Do you think you could forgive what Elizabeth forgave? It seems like alot to ask. How big is the offense that it is unforgivable to you? Or how many times can someone wrong you before you say, "Enough!" This scene challenges me. But not as much as the Scripture at the top of this post. And not as much as the parable Jesus tells to illustrate his point (Matthew 18:23-35) when he teaches that our debt to God is so great that nothing we're asked to forgive is even in the ball park.

Walter responded to Elizabeth's (and God's) forgiveness by deciding to help with the crisis at hand. (What crisis? Watch the show!) Mercy should always inspire one to action. But that's not up to us. Our lot is to forgive, no matter what the response.

Father, it's so hard to forgive some things. Or to forgive someone who keeps wronging me over and over. But I know my offenses to you are infinitely greater than anything you're asking me to forgive. Thank you for that forgiveness. Help me to respond in kind with my neighbor. Amen.

Windell Neal, 1925-2012

Today I was planning to write about pop culture and some life lessons that come from them. I was going to choose between last Friday's episode of Fringe and the movie Extrmemly Loud and Incredibly Close. Both had amazing moments that moved me to share. But today something more important is on the agenda. For my first boss at Alfa, my professional mentor, my friend has gone on to his eternal reward. Windell Neal is no longer with us. I am sad for that...and thankful for his life.

A little less than twenty-four years ago I was at a crossroads. I knew God was calling me away from my three years teaching middle school math, but I didn't have any idea what was next. In a long story that I will tell in another blog post one day (if I haven't already - I need to check back), God led me to Mr. Neal at the perfect time. The perfect time for me, and the perfect time for the company. My career as an actuary began.

He gave me my first chance. He supported me as I learned what the heck I was doing. He made sure I got visibility with people here so that management would know my capabilities. And at lunch day after day after day, he gave me advice, and taught me everything he could think of about how to succeed at my career. Because of him, I began a journey that I am convinced put me right where God wanted me, in so many ways. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am.

Tomorrow we will gather at his church to say goodbye. I am honored that his widow Catherine asked me to say a few words. I feel so inadequate, but I know God will help me express how much he has meant to me all these years.

You know, we try to sum up a person's life in a short paragraph in the newspaper. Here is the one for Mr. Neal:

NEAL, Lt Col Windell W., US Air Force (Ret) died on 24 January 2012 after an extended illness. He was 86 years of age. Lt Col Neal entered the Armed Forces during World War II and also served in Vietnam. He served for 27 years at various assignments in the United States and in other stations overseas. While on active duty, he attended the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Subsequent to his retirement, he elected to reside in Prattville, Alabama. He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine, of 31 years. He has 5 children by a previous marriage, Stephen Neal, Atlanta, Georgia, Sheila Neal, Houston, Texas, Joyce Spivey, Montgomery, Alabama, Gail Hayes (Bill) Georgia, Carolyn Dasinger (Jim), Montgomery, Alabama, Surviving grandchildren, Bill Hayes (Washington,DC, Benjamin Dasinger (Montgomery), Ashley and Elizabeth Dasinger, also of Montgomery. Windell is also survived by 2 stepdaughters, Cherie (Clifton) and Jennifer (Jim), both of Prattville. Also surviving is step granddaughter, Stefani Wiley (Jamie), Prattville, Alabama. Windell has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Prattville for many years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Church. A memorial service will be held, Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM, First Methodist Church, Prattville.

No, obituaries don't do a man justice. My life is totally different because of this one. Thank you, Mr.Neal. I'll miss you.

Two out of three ain't bad

A musical tribute to recent football dominance. Roll Tide!