The Messenger - February 3, 2011 - An Attitude Adjustment
An Attitude Adjustment
He loved the things he chose to do,
and he learned to love the things he had to do.
--from The Life of an Oarsman by Stefan Harzen
If you've ever received relief from a chiropractor, you know the amazing effect of a good spinal adjustment. But, even more than that, I think that most of us need, at times, a good "attitude" adjustment. Folks with a positive attitude can made a huge difference in this world, and there is no better example than our own John Olguin.
As I think back on John's "public" memorial held on January 22, I remember many words and scenes fondly. I remember Janice Hahn's description of being "dunked" by John Olguin during the annual "Polar Bear Swim" at Cabrillo Beach. I remember Martha McKinsey's lovely image of John as a "light keeper" who helped us keep our city's dreams alive. I remember Albert Olguin's hilarious description of a "fund raiser" needed in heaven--so, of course, they called John home! But the sentence that's really stuck with me throughout the following week came from Stefan Harzen, John's "official" biographer, who said, "John loved the things he chose to do, and he learned to love the things he had to do."
John loved working on the water, and he loved working with the people of our city. So, he chose to do the things he loved, becoming first a lifeguard, then a captain of the guards. John's love of the ocean was contagious, and it eventually drew thousands to our harbor, our beach, and our aquarium. This, in itself, would be a wonderful gift. But John also chose to love the things he had to do. When he assumed the "temporary" job of Aquarium Director, he had very little education, so he had to educate himself. He signed up for college classes, then he got up at 3 a.m to study for them. After a few hours pouring through the books, John put in a full day at the aquarium, then he often gave programs to community groups at night. There must have been many times that this good man felt overwhelmed, but he never allowed himself to drift into despair. Instead, he chose to love this break-neck challenge. Then, through this love, John learned to do it well.
Wouldn't life be so much better if all of us followed that lead? When we are faced with a difficult challenge, we can see it as a terrible burden or a hidden opportunity. When we have a bit of "down" time, we can read books and watch programs that enhance our sense of gratitude, or we can read books and watch programs that create a sense of anxiety. When we are faced with a tedious chore, we can see it as senseless irritant or a means of building character. When we hear about a disturbing situation, we can think "SOMEONE ought to fix that", or we can think "perhaps God's calling ME."
He loved the things he chose to do,
and he learned to love the things he had to do.
May God help each of us to do the same.
Neal
Sanctuary News
The Sanctuary Design Committee has released a third newsletter (January 2011) with an update on the status of the project.
Fri, Feb 4
7:00 pm - Youth Hang-Out
Sat, Feb 5
7:00 pm - AHEPA
Sun, Feb 6
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship: Boy Scout Sunday - "God and Country Award";
Angels & Cherubs Sing
Mon, Feb 7
7:00 pm - Women's Bible Study
Wed, Feb 9
6:45 am - Co-Op Meeting in CE #1
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
1:00 pm - Women's Bible Study
4:00 pm - Parent Hangout
4:00 pm - Angel Choir
4:00 pm - Angel and Cherubs Storytime
4:00 pm - GG Devotional/Homework Hangout
4:30 pm - Cherub Choir
5:00 pm - Gospel Gang Choir
5:45 pm - Dinner for King's Chorus and SonLight Singers
6:15 pm - King's Chorus Choir
6:15 pm - High School Fellowship
6:30 pm - Cub Scout Meeting
7:00 pm - Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - Junior High Fellowship
7:15 pm - SonLight Singers Choir
Thu, Feb 10
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Fri, Feb 11
7:00 pm - Youth Hang-Out
Erik
Larson is the interim editor of the Messenger.
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