The Country Club Near Disaster

My first real job was a dishwasher at the Shelby Country Club. I was never really good at  cleaning dishes, so I was ecstatic the day I moved up the country club ladder and became  a full-fledged waitress. I couldn’t wait to get my cute red ruffled uniform and white shoes  that went with the job. Soon, I was making milk shakes, serving ice cream bars and hot  dogs to wet pool kids needing sustenance. The day soon came that I would be working evening dinner shift. I would need to memorize  the menu, answer questions, get their drink orders, serve the meal and basically look like  I knew what I was doing. What could go wrong?  One night, on a busy evening, I was given a particular section of tables near the front of  the dining room.  I still remember the exact table where it happened. Mr. Lederer, the President of the Country Club at the time, came in with his family. He was in my section!  Not to look incompetent, I ran back to the kitchen and freaked out with my fellow staff.  After reassurance from the kitchen staff, I went back out into the dining room, with  confidence and a bright smile, took their order. All went well until it was time to deliver the  meals. I came out with this hefty tray filled with dangling dinner plates. Instead of setting my hefty  tray down on the tray stand, I tried to balance it while distributing the dishes to the family members.  Everything went downhill at that point if you know what I mean. Mr. Lederer’s  meal landed in his lap and not sure what else went where. Everything went  ever-which-aways. This is Texan for “scattered in all directions.” At this point, I lost all memory of what took place. I was horrified. The only thing I  remember was Mr. Lederer’s response. He was so kind, so gracious and so encouraging  as I tried to clean things up. His response went a long way for a young kid. We all need  more Mr. Lederer’s around. That near disaster didn’t destroy my waitress career at all. In fact, I waitressed all the way  through college and loved it. I could have just thrown in the towel (and the tray) that day  and called it quits. But I didn’t. Since those country club days, I’ve had a lot of jobs. I’ve  had some successes and some failures. I believe God intentionally allows us to fail at  times. My failures are a constant reminder of how much I need Him. God teaches me  in my failures…if I let Him. Bob Goff in his amazing book “Love Does” had a similar waiter experience. He writes  “Things that go wrong can shape us or scar us. I’ve had some things go well in my life  and some things not go so well, just like you. More have gone well than have gone  poorly, but I’m not trying to keep score because I have a different way I measure those  things now. God finds us in our failures and our successes, and He says that while we  used to think one way about things, now He wants us to think another way about those  same things. And for me I’ve realized that I used to be afraid of failing at the things that  really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”  Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Summer Refreshment

I know summer has been going on for quite some time in San Antonio, but it officially starts this week! We’re halfway through June and I feel a bit behind in setting some summer fun goals. 

I’m hoping for some great summer fun, whether it be riding my horse at the barn, swimming in our local pool and kayaking on the Guadelupe River. If I don’t watch out, summer can get away from me. I can get caught up with my to-do lists, chores, packing and unpacking for vacations and preparations for fall.

We are so valuable to God and our time is as well! What kinds of things do you want to make SURE you do this summer? Do you have certain goals you’d like to accomplish? Think about how you might incorporate some of these things you’re your summer:

Reading certain books
Doing some exercise competition (5K, Triathlon, Golf tournament, etc)
Going dancing
Starting a new eating plan
Learning a new language
Developing a prayer life
Visiting a state park
Volunteering for a non-profit
Taking a break and do nothing

Take a break and do NOTHING? Yes, do nothing! Most of us work extremely hard each day, giving and serving others. We don’t need to feel guilty for relaxing. It’s OK. I believe God loves when we take a rest and throw our schedule out the window.

If you operate non-stop seven days a week with little breaks, eventually it will catch up with you.  "When we burn the candle at both ends we….
- Lose sight of what we enjoy in our work
- Find even the things we enjoy doing become a chore
- Fail to give people the gift of our attention and presence
- Impair our abilty to hear God’s voice and discern his movement in our lives
- Become obsessive about the to-do list"
(Adele Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, pp. 64)

When was the last time you really rested and took a break? How hard is it for you to relax…really relax? What do you do for fun and play? What can you do to incorporate some refreshing activities (including rest) into your summer? Here’s an invitation to make it the best summer ever!

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."Psalm 23:2-3

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of the Greater San Antonio.

Reckless Love

There was a bunch of tax collectors and sinners who drew close to Jesus to listen to Him. Right then, the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble saying “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So guess what Jesus did? He told a parable! 

“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, “Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it- there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” (Luke 15:4-7, The Message)

This parable was not a real life situation, but a story with a meaning. Those around Jesus would be very familiar with sheep. The shepherd had an important role and often risked his life to protect the sheep from the dangers around. The sheep were very important and the shepherd’s goal was to keep every one of them safe and protected. 

This is the kind of love that God has for us. It’s real. Very real. And His love has no bounds. He receives all! Isn’t that what the world is longing for?

Yet, some find God and conversations about Him very uncomfortable. It’s hard to make sense of God. When we don’t know what to do with God, it’s easier to keep Him at a distance. We run to other pastures, thinking they bring life and happiness.

Why not make God a part of your summer? Get to know the One who loves you so much. Start by reading the Gospels and get to know this Jesus who left the Pharisees and scribes speechless. Model your life and work after His life. He did it right.

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me.
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God…….. (Give a listen to this amazing song… Reckless love, by Cory Asbury)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Costly Mistakes

Game One of the NBA Finals was full of drama, battles, bad calls and mistakes. BIG mistakes. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the biggest underdog in at least 16 years for this game. Yet, with 4.7 seconds left on the clock, George Hill (Former Spur-now-Cav) stood at the free throw line. Gets the first one; misses the second. Confusion begins. JR Smith rebounds the ball and instead of firing up a shot that could have given Cleveland the victory, he dribbled toward center court. Game over. Ugh. The pesky Gold State Warriors win in OT 124-114.

Mistakes can be costly. Just ask JR Smith. He seemed to be the talk-of-the-twitter-town on Friday morning. Smith’s folly seemed to overshadow the amazing 51 points scored by LeBron James. It even seemed to take center stage over the Warrior’s win! Everyone was talking about Smith’s mistake.

In this day and age where our mistakes can be seen, heard, felt and told to all, it might be helpful to pause and ask ourselves these questions: How does it feel to me personally when I make a mistake? How do I feel when others know I make a mistake? Do I feel shame, blame or less than as a person? Let’s flip things. How do I treat others when they make a mistake? For example: How are my interactions with the waiter/waitress when my dinner is overcooked? When the driver in front of me makes a mistake? When I’m talking to a customer service rep and dissatisfied with the service? Wow. From the looks of it, we all need to give everyone (including ourselves) a ton of grace! 

In the Bible, there were a lot of great people who made a lot of big mistakes. Let’s take Simon Peter. He’s a dude I look forward to meeting in heaven. I relate to Peter… a lot! Even with Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny Jesus three times, Peter vehemently said there’d be no way he would do such a thing! Peter loved Jesus and was loyal to Jesus. How could he do such a thing?  Boom! Peter denied Jesus. The cool thing about this story is that Jesus forgave Peter. Peter repented and reaffirmed his faith and went on to share God’s good news even more passionately until his death.

Yes, the Bible is filled with stories of people that mess up, just like us. It’s sometimes in these moments when we feel so bad, that we turn to God. The Lord longs to teach us some of His greatest lessons as we humble ourselves and realize our need. When I’m in these weak moments of “mistake making” it is there that I can find God’s great mercy, hope and forgiveness. 

“May we rush to Jesus quicker than we rush to judgment today.” Scotty Smith

“One must never forget when misfortunes come that it is quite possible they are saving one from something much worse; or that when you make some great mistake, it may very easily serve you better than the best-advised decision.” Winston Churchill

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

We Remember

Three years ago, this weekend, heavy rains triggered record flooding that ravaged the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos. I’ll never forget watching in utter disbelief entire blocks of homes in Wimberley swept away and destroyed. Thirteen lives were lost that weekend in what was supposed to be a fun holiday weekend in the Hill Country. We remember. 

Today, we celebrate Memorial Day, remembering the people that died while serving in our country’s armed forces. It is this day that many memorials and cemeteries to honor those who gave their lives. We remember.

Just last week, we watched yet one more school shooting at Santa Fe High School. Ten precious lives taken. Lives gone way too soon. Never to experience graduation. Never to marry or have a family. We remember.

Days of remembering are good for us all. How quickly we forget how short our time on earth is! We are never guaranteed tomorrow. 

As we start this day, savor the gift of one more day to live and the gift of a holiday.

Take note of our American Flag and give thanks for our great country and those who died defending our freedoms.

Spend time with family and savor their presence, for you may not always have them.

Enjoy a good barbecue with friends and family, knowing that good food and friends are a gift from God.

Remember your God, for it is He who created you and chose you for His purpose on this earth.

Remembering is good. We can get so caught up in the busyness of a day, that we forget the treasures in our moments. We remember.

“We love our earth. We love our people. We love our stuff. We love our schedules. We love our short lives here. And God is saying, look up. This is going fast. Your life is barely a breath here, there is more, way more.”  Jennie Allen

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Undone!

I was undone by what I saw tonight. A young girl walked up to the front of the church toward our pastor right in the middle of his sermon. Our pastor stopped everything and just knelt down by the girl. He listened to her for some time. Everyone remained silent…many praying. Our pastor then gave the girl a hug. There was a roar from the crowd as everyone stood to their feet. Our pastor then shared with all of us that six months ago this girl was going to commit suicide, but feeling loved and accepted at the church, she changed her mind.

I have never seen anything so beautiful in a church. Everything stopped for this one precious girl. What took place WAS the sermon.

I think people can be so turned off by church these days for a variety of reasons. For me, church generally has been a place where I’ve experienced judgment and inauthentic people. What I saw tonight was love without limits. Acceptance. Kindness. Care. A real judgment-free zone.

We start this new week wondering how we can make a positive difference in an increasingly hostile world. We are all so weary of these mass shootings. Our hearts are beyond broken and we can feel so helpless. Yet, God calls us to a life that’s different.

Bob Goff, in his book "Everybody Always", writes "The night before Jesus died, His prayer for us was that we would be "one." He knew what it was like to be "one" with His Father, and He said He wanted that for us. It was a prayer for unity, not sameness. He knew that the gospel wasn’t a bunch of rules to obey; it was a Person to follow and be one with. He wanted us to live into the beautiful, unique creations God made us to be. Simply put, we can be "one" without being each other." (This, by the way, is the verse John 17:21, the YMCA’s theme verse. Can you imagine what our Y's might be like if we live this out as staff???)

Why do we point our fingers at others in judgment? We do we treat some as less than and others as more than? What do we cling to our cliques? Why are we so critical? Why are we so consumed with what everyone else is doing? In keeping up with our "friends" have we forgotten the power of keeping our eyes on the One who loves us, accepts us and wants to spend eternity with us?

Did you know that God has picked YOU to spread His love to a very dark world? It’s an extremely high calling and if done with His power, you can make a big dent of positive change in this crazy, fragile world. But, you gotta know Whose you. Tethered to God’s hand, I encourage you to go and make a difference.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Cone of Shame

Zoe, our English Springer, still gets a kick out of going to the veterinarian. Even at age four, she somehow thinks there’s a party waiting to happen there. This past week, she was limping due to some unknown animal confrontation in the wee hours of the morning. I took her to the vet and the treatment was antibiotics and wait for it…….the cone of shame! When the vet tech brought Zoe the cone of shame, she wagged her tail with glee! As she placed it around her neck, everything changed. Uh oh.

Didn’t Zoe remember that contraption from days gone by? Didn’t she know what she was in for? It occurred to me that we humans can be the same way. We see things coming our way and we’re quick to respond with a valiant YES, until everything falls apart.

How often have you said “yes” to something you should have said “no” to? How many bad date stories do you have where “no” may have been the better answer? Have you said “yes” to things that looked good on the front end, but brought disappointment to follow? I know that I’ve had many times in life where out of insecurity or need, I said “yes” when I should have said “no.” I’m sure this scenario has played out in your life as well.

Did you know that saying “no” is not the end of the world? Sometimes, we’re so into people pleasing that we just have to say “yes.” No, we don’t! There’s been too many times where I’ve wasted way too much time trying to please people who may never be pleased.

On the other hand, sometimes God puts a halt to things and gives us a resounding “no” when we want our agenda! We can go kicking and screaming and getting angry at God, when really, we need our own attitude adjustment. I can name countless times when I’m truly glad God said NO when I wanted Him to say YES.

Will you give God your plans today?  Can you trust Him even when things aren’t going as you imagined they would? Pray that God would give you faith to believe Him even when He gives a “no.” Pray for wisdom in making your best choices whether it’s a “yes” or a “no.” Remember who God is, and know that He always, always, always wants the very best for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord will work out his plans for my life- for your loving-kindness, LORD, continues forever. Don’t abandon me- for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 (TLB)

“We are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4b
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.