Prequel Mindset

5May14 7:39 p.m. (now)
Have you ever seen a movie or TV show where the story begins at one point and moves backwards in time, revealing events leading up to one big event?

The only example I can think of right now is the Seinfeld episode where the usual characters start the show at a wedding in India (Scene 1).  Everyone was miserable (in typical Seinfeld humor) for different reasons.  Scene 2 takes place an our or two before Scene 1, setting up the plot line for everyone's misery.  Then Scene 3 sets up Scene 2 so viewers see what led up to Scene 1.

(Hats off to my friend, Scott, who also said there's a movie called "Memento" that progresses back in time, where all the previous events connect and intertwine with each other that led to the events shown in the beginning)

You get the idea, because readers of this blog are incredibly sharp.

Wouldn't it be great if we could have a "prequel" mindset every day, realizing that God's got everything under control?  And despite all our whining and "God please show me" prayers, He says, "I've got this."  Read on while a relate a "prequel" kind of past few days - it actually happened and I have a greater sense of who God is, and who I am.

5May14 9:17 a.m.
I'm getting ready to test out another student taking finals at Century College.  My station is a scenario-based problem and Jake (student) looks a bit nervous.  As we walk to my room and awaiting patient/actors, I figure I'll lighten the mood a bit and talk about Jake's U of M sweatshirt.

Me:  That's a pretty nice sweatshirt.  Are you a big U sports fan?
Jake:  Yeah, I am.  Mostly basketball.
Me:  Well the Gophers had a good season didn't they!  I'm a hockey guy myself.  In fact, I got to sit at a table with Brian Bonin last night at a banquet.
Jake:  Brian Bonin?  The Hockey player Brian Bonin?
Me:  Yup.  Great guy and gave a great talk to a bunch of kids we were recognizing.
Jake:  Well, what banquet was it?
Me;  Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Ever hear of it?
Jake:  Oh yeah!  I'd love to get in to something like that.
Me:  Well let's talk before the lunch break and trade contact info.  I also lead some men's discipling groups and stuff like that - it would be great to talk it over with you sometime soon.
Jake:   I'd like to do that!

Jake's nerves settled and he passed my station with a 98, and I think back to this weekend's sermon quote.

5May14 6:11 a.m.
The icebreaker at our Resolute group was an activity:  Pair up, talk about your work, and what the purpose of your work is.

Lee and I had a great conversation, and as it came to a close, I said, "I'm trying, somehow, to weave a gospel thread into what I'm doing at Century, but, being a public facility and my position, I don't think I can really evangelize.  I don't know, but I'm sure God will find a way for me to work it in - somehow."

4May14 6:45 p.m.
Brian Bonin shows up at the banquet and I'm surprise that he's at the same table as I am.  Actually, I'm thinking, "how the heck did I end up at Table #1 with the mucky mucks from FCA?"

Brian is a great guy and a man of faith.  He also brought his son along - great kid.

4May14 5:53 p.m.
I have no idea what Wes wants me to do (Wes is a friend of mine who is leading FCA this area of the Cities.  Wes is a man who left Delta Airlines to join FCA and officially begin his ministry - calling, really).  I'm thinking, the other day, he said he wanted me ready to open the event in prayer if he can't find one of the kids to do it (incredibly humbling and an honor to have him ask).  Otherwise, if one of the kids would volunteer, he asked if I'd "prep" the pray-er beforehand with a short time of devotion and guidance.

Wes found a volunteer, Lauren, a golfer and FCA Huddle Leader in her school.  We stepped out into the hallway near the registration table and had a great conversation and prayer together.  Tears welled up in her eyes when I read 2 Timothy 1:7, elaborating on how Timothy was a young leader and how Paul encouraged him to "fan the flames of faith" that his mother and grandmother had.

"That's my favorite verse," she said, wiping away a tear before opening the banquet with her own amazing prayer.

We also discussed how God has a plan for her (Lauren), quoting Ephesians 2:10.

4May14 4:55 p.m.
"Lord, I have no idea what you want me to do with this prayer, or with prepping some kids to pray.  I should have put more time into this, searching for something eloquent or fitting for the occasion.  I really shouldn't have come, I feel miserable."

After thumbing through my Bible and reading a few verses, 2 Timothy 1:7 stands out.  Wasn't Timothy a young leader?  Wasn't he encouraged by a mentor, Paul?  Wasn't there something about Timothy's parent's faith?  Wait a second:  There will be parents and coaches at the banquet.

"Thank you, Lord!"

4May14 4:15 p.m.
I can't go to the banquet, my head is so full!  Dang these allergies, head cold, sinus infection!  Whatever!  I'm exhausted.  I can't breathe.

Wes is counting on me, so I have to go.

4May14 11:23 a.m.
The teaching pastor at my church is preaching part two of our current series, "Follow," and one statement really grabbed me.  He said, "You have no idea what hangs in the balance of a single decision."

February 2013
I'm riding to class with a friend when he gets a phone call; Tom's dad passed away.

We're almost at school, so I tell Tom to drop me off and I'll figure out how to get home.

There's a guy named Wes in class.  I've seen him at Tom's table, but I'm at another table.  Seems like a nice enough guy - probably not going toward Vadnais Heights though.

Me:  Hey Wes, I'm Jon.  Tom's dad died not a half hour ago and I'm trying to find a ride home after class.  Any chance you could help me?
Wes:  Where do you live?
Me:  Vadnais Heights.  It's between Shoreview and White Bear.
Wes:  I live in Vadnais Heights.  What's your address?
(I tell him)
Wes:  You're like a block away from me!

On the way home, Wes and I discovered we both worked at Northwest Airlines at the same time, served on the same committees there, and knew and worked with the same people.