Nancy Beach

The Pros and Cons of a "Staycation"

     I haven't written a post for a couple weeks, mostly because my husband and I are on vacation, and this year, we are trying one based at home. Both of us had traveled so much for ministry purposes in the past six months that it just sounded appealing to embrace Chicago in the summer. Now that we are about to wrap up this time, I have reflected on the pros and cons, from my vantage point, of "staycations."

PROS:

•  You get to sleep in your own comfy bed!
• You enjoy experiences in your local region that often draw tourists but are overlooked by residents. For example, last week we walked around the South Loop area of Chicago and enjoyed Buckingham Fountain for the first time in years.  Yesterday, we went to a suburban art fair that was delightful.
• You save a lot of money on hotel and food expenses...

CONS:

•  You are easily tempted to look at work e-mails too often and get back to your normal life rhythms.
• You are frequently dealing with the guilt stirred up by seeing projects around the house that really, really require some attention such as the mailbox that needs to be replaced, the weeding under the deck, the accumulation of junk in the furnace room from the last couple decades, etc., etc., etc.!!!

     All in all, I think the positives have outweighed the negatives. We did buy a new mailbox (it's not been put in the ground yet), and we pulled stuff out of the furnace room that is now overwhelming the family room. It's one of those projects we got pumped up for a few hours and then lost steam.  Hopefully we can recapture that energy soon!

     I hope that whatever you are able to do in terms of vacation this summer will truly refresh you, whether you stay at home or travel to some distant place.  Only about 42 days of summer remain - so let's savor every day and be filled with gratitude for this glorious season.

Favoritism in the Body of Christ

     I've been reflecting on the issue of favoritism in the Kingdom - the ways in which our celebrity culture spills right over into the Church, and we tend to show extra honor and deference to well-known and specially gifted people.  At the HIllsong Conference this week, Bishop T.D. Jakes mentioned in one of his messages that he wants others to not take away his chance to be human, to be a regular guy.  I understand his statement, and yet, those of us who were teaching there were very well taken care of.  I did not have to show up an hour early at the arena to fight for a seat among 20,000 people.  Instead, I was blessed with a front row seat with my name literally on it.  My backstage pass allowed me to go to special lounges and entrances, to hang out among the speakers and artists.

     There are also Scripture verses that tell us to show honor to those to whom honor is due.  We respect those who teach us well and lead us into worship, and we recognize that they have some demands on them that are terribly complex and draining. So I understand why things are set up the way they are.  I was actually torn between gratitude for the special treatment and discomfort at the favoritism.

     I think where things become most troublesome is in church communities where we isolate pastors and worship leaders, where we treat them with kid gloves, where we find little or no accountability, where we don't ask the right questions and don't realize the fallen nature that so easily starts to become phony if we give ourselves the smallest opportunity. Bishop Jakes kept saying, "I'm just a guy...I'm just a GUY."  Somehow we Christians have to forge a perspective that allows our leaders, teachers, and artists to be human while we also protect them from too much pressure.  We have to hold them to high Biblical standards - the same ones we expect every other Christ follower to obey, if not higher.  When we begin to fawn over them, to place them in some kind of super star category, we do not serve them or the body of Christ.

     This is very complicated...and I have jet lag, so I think I'll try to sort it out another day!

Wondrous Moments at Hillsong Conference

     Later today I will have the privilege of teaching about "Wonder" at the HIlsong Conference here in Sydney.  But I have already tasted so many moments of wonder participating in this event:

•  hearing testimonies like the story of Dave who is recovering from sexual abuse and is a follower of Jesus...and another man who almost lost his wife and daughters because of his alcohol abuse, but who has been transformed by the outrageous grace of God
• worshipping with over 20,000 people in all the main sessions...most of them jumping.
• singing worship songs led by the original songwriters including Tim Huges, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Joel Houston, Christy Nockels, and others
• rich teaching including two messages that stretched me yesterday - one by Pastor Andy Stanley and one by Pastor Judah Smith
• quieter moments reconnecting with folks I know over breakfast and tea
• the joy of seeing Darlene's grandbaby, Ava!
• the awareness that I am among brothers and sisters from 77 different nations, united by our common love of Jesus Christ 

     It's become a cliche that sometimes here on earth, we receive a little taste of heaven - but that's exactly what it feels like to me, and I am abundantly grateful.

 

July 4 in...New Zealand?

     I leave tomorrow for a journey to New Zealand and Australia to do some teaching in both countries, culminating in serving at the HIllsong Conference in Sydney.  On Sunday, July 4, I will be teaching at a church in Auckland.  I have never been away from the U.S. on our country's birthday before, and I suspect it will feel a little strange!  I think I'll have to ask the congregation to pause for a moment of silence to honor America's independence, but I'm not sure they'll really care.

     The other part that seems strange is that now it's winter in these two countries...though I don't think they should be allowed to use the word winter to describe their experience of the season. The Aussies and Kiwis know nothing of below zero temperatures, bitter winds, or blizzards. Today, I sat outside for lunch with my sister at a little cafe on a spectacular, gorgeous summer afternoon.  I must be nuts!  I'll try not to pack my flip flops and shorts, and gird myself for temperatures in the high 50's or low 60's (not much of a hardship).

     I know it's a privilege to be able to travel, to have an opportunity to encourage, inspire, and ennoble church leaders so far away from my home, and to be encouraged by them in return.  I am grateful, and will seek to give my very best.  But I'll sure miss the fireworks, hot dogs, and parade!

     

What I Learn From Produce Man, Frank

     I shop for groceries at the local Jewel.  When I'm selecting produce, there's a man in about his 50's, a small and balding, very friendly guy named Frank, who is usually filling up the produce bins.  One day Frank introduced me to a new kind of apple I had never purchased before. Cutting off a piece with his knife, he said with great enthusiasm, "Here, this is one of the best unknown kinds of apple - so juicy!"

     Just before Father's Day, I went in to purchase fruit for a fruit salad.  I grabbed a normal cantalope, and then Frank spotted me.  He guided me over to another group of melons, some musk melons, and told me they would be a far tastier choice.  When I agreed to make the switch, Frank told me to wait a minute for him to go in the back to hunt for the best melon he could find.  With a grin, he reappeared and I tucked that gorgeous baby into my cart.  Following Frank's instructions, I wrapped it in a towel when I got home so it would be perfectly ripened overnight. The next morning, I couldn't stop sneaking bites of that melon as I prepared the salad - it was incredible!

     Just this morning, Frank saw me grabbing some blueberries and let me know there was another spot with some fresher ones. Lest you think Frank just has some kind of weird thing for me, I've seen him give other customers similar advice, and it always makes me smile!

     So here's what I learn from Frank.  He could easily get away with just placing the produce in the right bins, putting in his eight hours, and heading home.  But Frank is clearly filled with passion about produce!  He knows his "craft" and loves to spread the news about his latest discoveries.  I'm not sure working at Jewel is Frank's idea of a dream job, but he is clearly making the most of it and bringing joy to his corner of the planet.

     I want to bring shining eyes to whatever I set out to do - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." (Colossians 3:23) 

The Thrill of Seeing "Billy Elliott"

     Last night my family enjoyed a magical evening sitting in about the tenth row center for the Elton John musical Billy Elliott.  My birthday request from three months ago was that we could enjoy that experience together, and we've been anticipating it ever since. We were not disappointed!  The musical tells a story based in 1984 in a small mining town in England.  I appreciated how a perspective on actual historical events was woven with a highly personal story of a young boy who discovers he is a dancer, and of how his father, brother, grandmother and the rest of the community respond.

     There were so many moments in the nearly three-hour experience....most of them including dance.  But perhaps my favorite moment was a more simple, intimate one.  It takes place when Billy is at asked a question at his audition for the Royal Ballet - about why he likes to dance.  His response in a simple song is the core response that any of us would have when we are doing what we were born to do, what we can't help doing, what God made us for.  I loved that moment.

     Seeing live theatre, especially Tony-award winning musicals, is very expensive.  I regret that so many of my artist friends will find it difficult to afford seeing shows like Billy Elliott     - because the experience is incredibly life-giving and inspiring.  If there's a way for you to save up and set a date, I strongly urge you to begin the fund right now.  Great art ennobles us, makes us better people and certainly better artists and communicators.  It's worth the investment....

The Incredible Value of Biographies

     I'm currently reading American LIon, a Pulitzer Prize winning biography of President Andrew Jackson, written by Jon Meachum.  My previous knowledge of this President who served our country in the l820's and l830's was limited to some dim awareness that he was called "Old Hickory."  Now I'm learning how Jackson led our nation through incredibly difficult days, fending off the possibility of Civil War and strengthening the role of the executive office.  He was a remarkable man, flawed in certain ways, but fiercely devoted to preserving the Union.  HIs wife died the month before he took office, causing Jackson to face the rest of his life with a sense of grief and loneliness.

     I should read more biographies.  There is always something to be learned from the lives of those who have gone before us, from their moments of tremendous strength and their lowest moments of indecision or significant mistakes. Surely I could invest the rest of my days trying to catch up on all the biographies I would love to read!  This kind of investment is truly a form of leadership development.  We can benefit from the learnings of others if we reflect on their choices and seek the wisdom of the rear view mirror. 

A Touch of Melancholy

     I woke up this morning and sensed a bit of sadness in my heart because normally, this would be the week of our annual Arts Conference.  For ten years, during this week of June, I had the exhilarating experience of welcoming thousands of church artists to our gathering, seeking to inspire, ennoble, and stretch them.  It was an enormous privilege to be a part of that kingdom movement.  Mostly, I'm sad because I miss seeing my friends, those I had the gift of knowing during those years - people who get me and I get them.  

     For reasons of the economy and re-invention of the Willow Creek Association, we are not hosting an Arts Conference this year, and not for the foreseeable future.  I endorse that decision and was a part of making it. We are as committed as ever to training leaders in the local church, and look forward with great anticipation to the Leadership Summit in August.  But I will miss the unmistakable electricity and wonder of a room full of church artists!

     Life is a series of seasons.  I am learning to let go of what is over now.  I am also aware that in the kingdom, God raises up movements and leaders "for such a time as this," and His work is not limited to any particular time, place, or community.  I celebrate what I see happening around the world as artists answer the call to surrender their gifts with authenticity, excellence, and a relentless commitment to the creation of holy moments.  I will be an advocate for church artists as long as God gives me breath, even though I am not able to cheer them on thru a conference this week.  Bless you, my friends around the globe for your vital ministry, for your persevering spirits, for your building of loving communities.  I miss seeing your eager, beautiful faces...

The Final Episode of "Lost"

     I'm know I'm a little late to the party...but because I was away in Australia, I just watched the final episode of Lost.  I feel sad, inspired, ennobled, and... excited about heaven!  Yes, the whole experience was actually very spiritual.  For those who haven't watched this show, I urge you to consider starting with the first season.  For the last many years, I've been stretched and confused, uplifted and ennobled by this show.  I will miss the characters, and the plot that went backwards, forwards, and sideways...yes, sideways. Half the time I didn't really know what was going on, but kept at it because of the intrigue, the fascinating writing, and the cast.  

     When a series ends, most often there is controversy about whether it was strong enough.  Most notably, the endings to Seinfeld and The Sopranos seemed to stir up strong reactions.  I'm curious what others thought about the conclusion to Lost.  I find it difficult to imagine it being any stronger - what did you think?

The Same Language?

     The first time I went to Australia, 18 years ago, a woman who was driving me around told me that I had "left my jumper in her boot."  I had absolutely no clue what she was talking about - for those who don't know, I had left my sweater in the trunk of her car.  I was reminded many times in the past 11 days with the Aussies how many words we say differently, or words that simply mean nothing to the other's culture.  The people I was teaching laughed at how I pronounced the word "leisure" - apparently, they think it should rhyme with "pleasure."  They call diapers "nappies", and want to throw something on the "barby."

     All of this makes me wonder how the same language morphed and changed in different countries - along with our accents.  It's really great fun to see how we miss in communicating to those we think should understand. As I sit in the lounge at the Sydney airport, waiting for my 15 hour flight to Los Angeles, I'm looking forward to returning to a place where people don't think I sound funny, and where I can ask my husband to "pop the trunk" open, and he won't be looking for some kind of boot!  Home sweet home is coming soon...