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April 28, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp!, by Phil Ware
"Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp. Zip-zip. Splzt. Bzrp-cha-ta."
"Okay, listen to it now."
Years ago, Heartlight began as a two-minute radio spot during drive
time in Austin, Texas. This was way before the days of digital editing.
Jim, my buddy and reel-to-reel tape editor, was a master with a razor
blade. When he did his work, it sounded just like, "Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp
zip-zip splzt bzrp-cha-ta." And it took him less time to do it than it
did you to sound it out!
Jim would find the bad place on the tape by listening for the
"bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp" or some similar sound emanating from the speakers as
he rolled the recording tape quickly over the pickup head. Then the
razor blade would flash, making a "zip-zip" sound as Jim cut out the
unwanted piece of material. Then Jim would tear off a piece of splicing
tape, "splzt," and then readjust the good tape, "bzrp-cha-ta." Then we
would listen to the edited portion. All mess ups, "Ughs," verbal
goobers, misspoken words, unwanted pauses, and errors were edited out
-- the bad pieces of tape lying silently on the floor. The finished
product was clean, clear, and as near perfect as possible.
Many times since then, I have wished I could still have Jim with me --
not just for my recorded pieces, but also for my day-to-day life. While
digital editing has made Jim's tape editing skills near obsolete, seems
like I need him more than ever for my life -- my harsh words, dumb
decisions, bad moments, flares of anger, timing blunders, and
insensitive comments.
We all suffer from foot-in-mouth disease at one time or another. We all
awkwardly blunder in important moments with those we love. In addition
are those moments when we stumble, sin, or are just downright mean. We
need Jim's razor sharp editing skills and another chance to get things
"right."
Unfortunately, there are no razor sharp editing tools for life. We
can't unsay, undo, or un-sin away our worst moments. We depend upon the
good grace and forgiveness of those we hurt, wound, and offend. While
it is true that God can and will forgive and cleanse us of our past
messes (1 John 1:5 -- 2:2), the consequence and impact of our blunders,
insensitivities, and rebellions leave scars in the hearts and pain in
lives of others.
So what do we do? How do we recover and repair what we've thrown away
and broken?
What would you suggest to foster an environment of grace?
I'm not sure I can even begin to answer that, but I'm going to offer a
few suggestions and ask you to help with some others. Here's my take on
a few things I believe that I've got to work on in this regard.
Forgive Graciously
I need to forgive those who have offended, wounded, and hurt me. I need
to give people the benefit of the doubt and offer those who fall
another chance at getting things right. Graciousness engenders
graciousness. Jesus said that how we forgive will be how we are
forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-35).
Live Kindly
One of my biggest problems is that I take too many things personally,
when most of those things are just the stuff of life. If I would keep
my mouth shut more, my ears open longer and more often, then my anger
would not be so close to the surface and my behavior more Christ-like (James
1:19-21; Micah 6:8).
Give Generously
Selfishness clouds my eyes in every area of my life, and this is
especially true in regard to forgiveness. Intentional kindness goes a
long way in combating selfishness. A generous spirit -- generosity with
forgiveness, praise, encouragement, support, charity, and empathy --
creates an environment for friendships to flourish and wounds to heal (1
Timothy 6:17-18; Psalm 112:5).
Life doesn't come with a razor blade and a skilled editor like Jim.
But, we can trust in God's gracious forgiveness and cleansing in our
own lives. We can trust in God's eternal kindness. We can depend upon
our Father's faithful generosity. So, let's make a commitment to offer
that same grace, kindness, and generosity to others.
Now it's your turn. What would you suggest to foster an environment of
grace, kindness, and generosity in your life and the life of your
family? I'd love to hear from you on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/28/bzrp/
---------
(c) 2008 Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org>. All rights reserved.
RELATED LINKS:
* Second Chances
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200404/20040416_secondchances.html
* Second Chance Got Him Rolling
http://www.heartlight.org/feature/sf_990804_secondchance.html
* I Was Robbed!
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200703/20070308_robbed.html
* Southern Hills Church of Christ
http://www.southernhillschurch.org
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200804/20080428_bzrp.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
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http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?251
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
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