Two Videos to Challenge Your Mushy May Mind

The basketball world has March Madness, and the mothers of the world have May Mayhem. If you're a mom with kids in school, you know what I'm talking about. May for a mom is like December for a UPS carrier, like April for an accountant, like July for the owner of a campground. I'm not complaining. Somewhere deep down I love it all, and I remember that I signed up for most of it. But school concerts and awards ceremonies and end-of-year potlucks and soccer games and track meets don't leave much time for pondering one's deepest thoughts. So for now, I'm sharing other people's thoughts.

If you have time and interest in watching thought-provoking videos, I recommend these two.

This one, about how far today's college students will take "tolerance," will provide good dinner conversation. It's about four minutes.

This second one is longer, about 22 minutes, but the first part of it is the most fun. It's fun for me because one of the most remarkable days in my life was the one I got to spend with Eugene Peterson. About 13 years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to meet for a few hours with Eugene one-on-one and ask him all of my questions. (Thank you, Dean.) While he is best known for writing The Message, NavPress's Bible paraphrase, he's also the author of some of my favorite books, and the genius behind what might be my favorite quote of all time. See below.

Rivaling me as Eugene's biggest fan is Bono. Yes, that Bono. This little documentary follows their relationship and Eugene's spiritual investment in Bono's life. I love the way God works! (And I can't help but note that this puts me one degree of separation from the biggest rock star in the world.)

"Every day I put love on the line. There is nothing I am less good at than love. I am far better in competition than in love. I am far better at responding to my instincts and ambitions to get ahead and make my mark than I am at figuring out how to love another. I am schooled and trained in acquisitive skills, in getting my own way. And yet I decide, every day, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily—open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.” Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction