But Jonah got up and went the other direction… Jonah 1:2a (MSG)

There was a house down the street, and over a block, from my childhood home. There was a trampoline in the back yard. Trampolines were fairly rare in those days, so there was a tremendous buzz among the children of the neighborhood about it. I'd never been on a trampoline before. So, when the family with the trampoline went on the vacation, and a bunch of kids in the neighborhood were going over to try it out, I definitely wanted in.

There was only problem: Mom.

I don't know exactly what I said when grilled about this trip down the street to a strange family's house, but I'm sure my story had more holes in it than swiss cheese. The answer was "no." In fact, it was an emphatic "no." I had been given my marching orders: "Stay on the block. Don't you dare go over there."

For whatever reason, I got up and "went the other direction." I got on my Schwinn Sting-ray five speed with the banana seat and began riding my bike towards the house with the trampoline. The kids of the neighborhood were already gathered around jumping on it. It was too much to pass up. I jumped off my bike and got in line for my turn. I jumped on the trampoline with my friends. A while later, I figured it was time to get home. I was just heading for home when my mom drove up in her '73 Volkswagen Super Beetle. You can probably guess what happened next.

To this day, I don't know what my line of reasoning was for deliberately disobeying my mother's command. Sometimes, like Adam, I find myself drawn to forbidden fruit. Other times, like Jonah, I find myself rebelling against God's clear direction. It's all part of the same sin nature within me. As I begin reading Jonah, I can identify with the guy. I know that sense of rebellion. I've ended up in a few storms at sea myself. Storm brought on by my own actions.

You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem into slavery to the Greeks in faraway places. But I'm going to reverse your crime. I'm going to free those slaves. Joel 3:6 (MSG)

Slavery often feels like a distant concept. I hear the word "slavery" and I think of a shameful piece of our nations history. I'd prefer not to think about it too much. We've moved on. Slavery is something that happened long ago in a place far, far away. It's not relevant. At least, that's what I'd like to believe.

Both of my daughters, who have worked to address the problem of human trafficking in today's world, would remind me that slavery is happening all around me. Even here in the "freedom" of the United States. God, help us. Forgive my ignorance and my blindness.

I then think about my own life. I think about my own selfishness. I'm reminded of my own slavery to self and to the things of this world. "Wretched man that I am! Who will free me from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25a)

God's promise of freedom from slavery and Jesus' work of emancipation, is more important, more relevant, than I've dared to believe.

Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. Joel 2:21 (MSG)

I was taken aback at my first reading of the second chapter of Joel. After twenty verses of proclaiming pestilence, doom, destruction and judgment, Joel writes "Fear not! Be glad! Celebrate!" It sounds so silly. It's illogical to be fearless and celebrate in such terrible times. And yet, that's exactly what God tells me to do. "Don't look at the circumstances around you," God says, "Look at me. Depend on me. Trust in me. I've got great things in store for you that you just can't see at the moment."

It's a good message in current times when each day seems to bring more negative news. Doomsday and depression are being doled out in massive doses. It's overwhelming, and can easily lead us to slip into all sorts of fears and apprehensions. I've got all sorts of reasons to be glad. I've got many blessings to celebrate. I've got a host of memories reminding me when God has been faithful and provided for my needs. I've got every reason to smile as I head out today.

Make sure you tell your children, and your children tell their children, And their children their children. Don't let this message die out. Joel 1:2-3 (MGS)

I was looking through my family tree over the weekend. I've collected a host of pictures and other family records that needed to be sorted and so I was going through all of the scraps and photographs of our family history. One of the reasons that I dabble in geneaology is that, by looking back at the generations of yesterday,  I find fascinating clues to who I am today.

Perhaps, this is why I have a different perspective looking forward. I get the sense that most people don't give much thought to the impact their lives have on their children, and certainly don't give a passing thought to future generations. Knowing how the previous generations have impacted me, I often give thought to how I will impact my children's children's children. My kids are almost grown and one will leave the nest in 2009. Yet, I will still have influence over them. As long as I have life and breath I will tough their lives. That imprint will make a difference. God willing, there will be more children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren who I can touch with love, grace, wisdom, peace and understanding.

How can my faith today make a difference in my children, grandchildren, and the generations who will come after?