The Laws of the Universe

Hi, my name is Rachel Fisher, and I am a Late Person. For 28 years, I have walked God’s Green Earth and still have not unlocked the secret to being on-time. Mostly I try to avoid using harsh vocabulary such as “always” or “never”…but I speak the truth in saying I am ALWAYS racing to my destination and NEVER allow myself enough time. And it is honestly unacceptable.

Why then, if I take such an issue with being late, do I continue to make this same mistake over and over again? Let us look to science for the answer: Sir Isaac Newton, in all his knowledge of our world, may also provide clarity regarding my lack of punctuality.

For example, Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object at rest remains at rest. So if I hit the “snooze” button on my alarm but make no attempt to shorten my morning routine, I will absolutely arrive at work 30 minutes past when it is acceptable. If I go to sleep instead of packing my gym bag before bed, I must allow an extra 15 minutes when I wake up, or else I will miss my kickboxing class. If I decide to remain seated on the couch watching a 22-minute long television episode, but the restaurant where I am supposed to meet my friends is 30 minutes away, I will inevitably miss out on chips and salsa (and the conversations that take place).

I make a choice to remain at rest, so I will remain at rest…and not get to my destination on time. That is how the universe works.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion is this: the acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied (more commonly explained as force equals mass times acceleration). In this equation, the reason behind my tardiness is the force I am seeking to understand, and excuses are the mass, because let me reassure you, I accelerate these “justifications” at the speed of light. I can often be heard quipping:

“I am so busy, which is why it is difficult for me to juggle my schedule.”

“Others distract me, therefore I loiter in an attempt to not appear rude and abruptly leave when I should.”

“I have just had a stroke of brilliance—a genius idea or creative venture I would like to explore—to which that must be attended immediately, affecting my plans.”

Other miscellaneous anecdotes frequently featuring “Traffic, weather, parking, long lines, phone calls, pressing workplace matters, communication errors, acts of God, Mercury in retrograde, etc.”

And yet…no matter how valid (or convincible) my reasons for being late are…I am still late. Even when I have something or someone else to blame, the negative effects of my prolonged arrival are still felt.

The effort I make creates just as much of an impact as external factors. Therefore, I must take greater strides to arrive on-time, regardless of what happens along the way.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion is quite simple: that for every action, there is an equal, but opposite, reaction. I can either choose to be on time (action) by striking down a slothful habit (reaction), or I can choose to be irresponsible (action) and force myself and everyone with whom I interact to feel the reverberations of my selfishness (reaction).

As it relates to our faith, if we neglect our Christianity (action), we send another, opposite action into the world, thereby dismantling the foundation of our faith altogether (reaction).

So what really happens when we do not “show up?” Or rather, “show up late?” By prioritizing ourselves, our time, our desires, over putting forth the work to further the kingdom of God, we miss opportunities for the growth of ourselves and others. We—and those who depend on us—suffer. Our lives create ripple effects that are unavoidable, therefore we must examine wherein our investments lie.

Yes, religion can often feel like a set of action items that must be met: attend worship, join a small group, volunteer, read the Bible, share your faith with others, etc. And when we place our entire value on these parameters, our relationships can be hollow because God’s love is not our foremost pursuit. After all, Jesus came to save us from the almighty judgment of rules. But just as our own actions define the outcome of our timing, so does our choice to take action and actually live out our faith define our identity as Christians.

So be on time, or do not. Pursue Jesus, or do not. Whether from a Bible or a textbook, the laws of the universe are spelled out clearly and without exception. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Choose to be on time. Choose to fulfill deeds. Choose to live.

Nothing But Joy

I have great difficulty doing things I do not want to do. “Well duh,” every reader is presently thinking to themselves. “That is the very definition of not wanting to do something… struggling to find motivation because what is required of them is undesirable.” However, I feel it is reasonable for me to make such a sweeping statement because I actually like doing most things. Spinning a situation into something positive is sort of my specialty. As my siblings have comically observed, “Birds and squirrels must fly into Rachel’s window when the sun rises because only a Disney princess consistently has this cheery of a disposition!”

And yet…my joy is not always genuine. By definition, joy is recognizing God’s grace beyond present pressures. Despite knowing this, I constantly combat the urge to stubbornly reject and dismiss unfavorable scenarios. Far too often, I attempt to logic my way out of accountability, exempting myself due to external circumstances, not personal choices:

“I was not being mean, I just blared my horn at the driver causing the traffic – they deserved it!”

“It is not my fault I was short with the cashier. Clearly, the customer checking out before me had too many items to be in the express lane.”

“Why am I being reprimanded for speaking harshly when they will always try to undermine me? I am simply sticking up for myself!”

Unsparingly, I am never served the gratification I hope to receive. Yes, there might be a moment of sweet satisfaction…but it is always fleeting. Usually, I feel worse than I did beforehand because I feel like I should be better than this.

Spiraling down a path of self-shame, I inevitably ask myself the ever-infuriating question: “Why do I actively choose the wrong decision when I know what is right?”

We know that Christ calls us to spread his love across the Earth, regardless of whatever scenario is unfolding before us. So what prevents us from simply executing this creed, particularly when we are explicitly told it will bring us joy? Proverbs 1:20-23 describes such a stance, explaining the inner workings of Christ’s wisdom:

20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.

Living in a broken world, the daily woes we face are ever-changing and always present. Thankfully, our Lord equips us with all we need to achieve joy: freely given and always accessible wisdom.

It is not the factors of our reality that determine our ability to find joy in all we do and whom we encounter; remember, those are fleeting. In relying on our hubris and need for control, we can become our own worst enemy. Slip-ups and failures are guaranteed, therefore doubt is the only path ahead when we attempt to command our own realities. Solely through our unwavering commitment to obeying God’s voice—empowering us to face any challenge with faithful endurance—do we overcome unfavorable circumstances. By faith, the Lord’s generosity of wisdom ultimately turns even the most loathsome states into nothing but joy.

Ted Lasso, is that you?

September 30: Ted Lasso, is that you?

I, like so many other binge-watchers, am obsessed with the television series, Ted Lasso. Following an American football coach from Kansas who is hired by an English soccer team, Ted shakes things up in the harsh, cutthroat world of professional sports…but not in the way initially predicted. The character of Ted Lasso is hilariously entertaining with his witty euphemisms, yet what has made him shine among other protagonists is his unwavering optimism. Slapping a sign that says “Believe” atop the locker room door on Day One, we soon discover Ted’s success is not defined by the positive outcome of a score, but rather, it is the love of this new community wherein he places his faith. We, as the audience, are invited to marvel each week at the striking transformation that unfolds as people in Ted’s life are shown they matter to him.

Now, I promise this is not just one, big advertisement for Ted Lasso (streaming now on Apple TV+ *wink*). Whether in fiction or actuality, we all know someone who is a “Believer.” Perhaps they were, in fact, a coach, or maybe a teacher, a mentor, a parent… Regardless, I hope we each are able to reflect upon and give gratitude toward a leader that radically changed the trajectory of our destinies through their pure, unflinching encouragement.

The question is, are you that person? Jesus’ parable of “The Sower” reflects a mindset similar to the creed of Ted Lasso. Regularly retold, this story forces us to release our false perception of control over the souls of others; instead, our job is to unceasingly spread goodness, and God will take care of the rest.

I have always taken great comfort in this lesson because I feel it calls us to simply be ourselves. By pursuing our peers and wearing our Christianity on our sleeves, we invite those around us to experience a relationship with God firsthand. From there, we must pray that the Holy Spirit speaks to them, yet we do not have a say in the matter.

This way of thinking is only partially true, however.

Too often, I fancy myself a dedicated, obedient farmer, scattering crop seeds wherever I go and blessing those in my field with the abundant grace of Jesus Christ.

Friends, this self-glorifying narrative is much more of a fantasy than even Ted Lasso.

The truth is, I can be short-tempered, cold, and selfish. I impatiently cut other cars off in traffic, lazily pretend I do not hear my phone ringing, and snap back with curt comebacks when easily offended. Despite wholeheartedly trusting that my savior forgives me time and time again, I still continue to hold grudges and harbor hatred.

Yes, sometimes we are the planter, but oftentimes we are the weeds. We are the birds that snatch away opportunity, the rocks that stifle joy, the thorns that choke out hope. It is easy for us to look at others and recognize their flaws, but we are living in a false reality if we fail to recognize how many problems our sins cause.

Thankfully, the impossible burden of being a perfect sower is not the deciding factor of our fate. In spite of the damage, we do when we are not channeling Christ…or, at the very least, Ted Lasso…Jesus inspires us to keep sharing his love without demand or restraint.

A Magic Kingdom

September 15: The Magic Kingdom of God

I am what society refers to as a “Disney Adult.” I have an Annual Pass to Walt Disney World and visit no less than four times a year, mostly with my parents (we are a family of Disney Adults) and fellow millennial companions who also never want to grow up. Last month, I traveled with one of my best friends to Orlando, seizing the opportunity to dress up in coordinating outfits, wear Mickey Mouse ears, and soak up every magical memory. Our most anticipated itinerary item was one final viewing of the nighttime fireworks show, “Happily Ever After,” as it will soon be retired and replaced by a newer, flashier spectacle. Cherished by us both (my friend even incorporated its theme song into her wedding), we secured a spot on Main Street USA in the center of the park, scoping out the best vantage point with plenty of time to spare.

Lo and behold, our advanced placing was impeccable, as the outdoor space around us quickly filled with other eager guests. All was well…that is, until one person opened an umbrella directly in front of us, blocking the lower part of the projection area. Then, as the street lamps began to dim, a woman illuminated the flashlight on her phone, blinding our immediate area. Finally, someone standing behind me decided his voice was preferable over the professional vocalists, singing just loudly enough to be obnoxiously overbearing.

“When did we all decide common courtesy was overrated?!” I thought to myself, steaming with frustration from the bad behavior of my peers. As I ruminated on the pitfalls of the crowd, trumpets blared to signal the start of the performance. Determined to not allow justice to falter, I fumed loudly, calling out those around me who I perceived to be ruining what should have been a celebratory occasion.

Suddenly out of the corner of my eye, I saw a child climb up onto his father’s shoulders. Bitterly, my first thought was, “I hope the people behind him do not care to watch because their sight is now completely blocked!” After all, I had already established how selfish the personalities were around me, and this family was no exception. My heart soured at the notion that I would be incapable to fully enjoy this treasured experience, shifting the prospect of a jubilant, communal event to grasping onto an individual list of complaints.

Yet, with the first burst of light in the sky, humility snapped me out of my dark, brooding spell. Peering up at Cinderella’s Castle, I witnessed the neighboring boy’s face illuminate with the widest grin and twinkle in his eye out of pure wonderment. Impeccably synchronized with the evening’s sweeping score, he then lifted his hands in adoration, unable to resist sharing his unadulterated joy with those around him.

Overcome with emotion (I am a Disney Adult, remember), tears began to stream down my face. Who was I to believe I knew more about the ways of the world than this child? Yes, it is important to be considerate, and people should be held to reasonable standards. However, in this instance, I realized I had squandered a precious opportunity for happiness—both mine and my peers’—by prioritizing my own, rigid righteousness.

Too often we miserly renounce our ability to spread God’s love because we are so caught up in our own (false) perceptions of authority. We think we are paving the way for virtue to triumph when in reality, we are just hiding God’s gifts in the ground, inaccessible not only to ourselves but to others. While I still wanted the people around me to put down their umbrellas, turn off their phones, and keep quiet, I chose to release my animosity and extend compassion. Not only did it change the outlook of my evening, but this act of recognizing the goodness all around me hopefully had positive ripple effects beyond what I could even see. Because despite the flaws we humans possess, Jesus generously beckons each one of us to turn what we are given into an abundant offering of spiritual wealth…both in the Magic Kingdom AND the kingdom of God.

Red Zone, Green Light

You know the phrase, “Seeing red?” Unfortunately, this idiom frequently describes my vision these days. I continuously operate out of a danger section of my brain—affectionately referred to as the “Red Zone”—one that is constantly yelling at me to be not only cautious, but paranoid… Beyond firm, I am harsh, unable to see past that very moment wherein an extreme reaction is deemed not merely appropriate, but necessary. And it is not okay.

The world is on fire right now, so this mentality feels somewhat justified. And I say that as someone of immense privilege whose quality of life, while interrupted, has not faltered during the global pandemic, natural disasters, political upheavals, healthcare attacks, and overall human rights violations that presently plague our society.

I will admit, I sat down to write something lighthearted today, but it simply does not seem appropriate with everything falling apart around us. The last thing I want to do is be another white woman trying to tie a bow around the pain and tragedy so many are facing by sharing a sweet anecdote or funny quip. Yet I cannot help but question: how do we progress out of such sorrow? What fine line do we walk between staying angry enough to make waves and protecting our spirits from breaking out of despair?

In my glimpses of clarity amid the chaos, I keep coming back to this idea of holding more than one emotion at the same time. I can be mad AND happy. Grateful AND ambitious. Heartbroken AND hopeful. BOTH things can be true. Well, everywhere except the Red Zone, that is.

In the Red Zone, I am unable to control anything, as I have forfeited my mind, body, and yes, mouth, to one, intense, solitary mood. Look, when a bear is attacking me, and I exclusively need to run for my life, I will gladly lean into the Red Zone. It can be lifesaving! But most of the time (even in excruciatingly unprecedented times as these), my Red Zone does not need to be in command. Engaged? Absolutely. But not authoritative.

So how do we give the “Green Light” to leaving the Red Zone? For starters, I am a firm believer in educating oneself. Keeping up with current news and research to stay informed, as well as learning from those whose reality differs from mine, is vital to personal growth (and also just being a responsible citizen).

We also have to be willing to decompress. As much as I lament over my fury and melancholy, a part of me craves that rush of adrenaline. The Red Zone is toxic in that it makes a convincing argument to reign supreme. By taking a step back and reflecting on the actual environment in which we are inhabiting, the Red Zone’s power is stripped down to a factor, not the focus, of our decisions. Prayer, meditation, journaling, confiding in a loved one, taking a walk…you know the drill.

Lastly, we have to be willing to apologize. I cannot tell you how many times I have blurted something out in a rage or snapped to a ruthless judgement, then immediately regretted my actions. My therapist often asks, “Would you rather be right or in right relationship?” Ninety-nine percent of the time, I lean toward the latter, yet my instinct leaps to the desire for proving others wrong. Patience may be a virtue, but I know myself well enough to be aware of my struggles with it. However, the Red Zone does not allow for practice; if I am to aim for perfection—or, at least, improvement—I must humble myself enough to move beyond its grips.

I know I initially declared I would not reach for a content conclusion, but I will say this: My Red Zone brings much anguish, yet through this turmoil, I have looked to God for guidance more and more. I wish I could snap my fingers and make the hate inside me dissipate, but I know I can always turn to God for peace. He created me and knows me and loves me despite my Red Zone. Perhaps we are meant to not ignore our Red Zones, but channel them through God’s almighty power for good…Just as Christ forgives us, so we are given the Green Light to forgive others.

Daily Habit: Impossible to Pin Down

August 30: Impossible to Pin Down

Who was your ultimate celebrity crush growing up? My best friends and I recently discussed this very critical information and immediately spouted off precisely who we claim and why we are still so infatuated with them after all these years. (Our answers shall be revealed at the end of this devotional. Consider it motivation to read through until the end!)

Within five minutes, however, we were all transported to a place of lament. Alas, our sorrow stemmed not from the fact that we shall never actually be with our “dream guys”… No, this dramatic twist in tone came from fear and loss caused by the pandemic.

As painful a turn as our conversation took, I was nevertheless grateful to enter this sacred, vulnerable space of sharing in their sadness. Look, do I prefer laughter over tears? Absolutely. But I am lucky enough to know what loving deeply is, and thus, what it entails: being there for one another when things get hard.

Grand, romantic love, may not happen to us often, but we all can have truly remarkable relationships. When I reflect on the incredible love of my family, for example, I consider our happiest memories: vacations, celebrations, victories. But I also transport myself to the really difficult remembrances: distress, mourning, disappointment. What stands out is not necessarily how much fun we have together (and we do have A LOT of fun), but rather, it is the faithful dedication to each other: an unwavering commitment to grow beyond the grief for the sake of this team we call our own.

This sacrificial love can only be attributed to one, miraculous covenant: God’s promise of unending devotion to his people. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” His great act of love—sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins—equips us with the model to mirror true benevolence and grace.

Because Christ’s love knows no bounds, our love can also be unrelenting. Real love is impossible to pin down in that it manifests itself in various, often messy, forms. One moment, it drives you to burst with joy and contentment; the next, it has you on your knees in anguish and despair. Instead of feeling hopeless or discouraged, however, we are able to turn our hearts toward God, never ceasing to call upon our convictions to serve those we cherish. Just as Jesus eagerly pursues and provides for us, so we should extend our gifts and blessings to others with great delight. Only when we achieve this level of compassion does our love become the best quality it can be: holy.

PS: As promised our celebrity crushes were a. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, b. Joe Jonas, and c. Hayden Christensen aka Anakin Skywalker. You can guess which one was mine…