Before every training session of the karate-do ministry, as with other ministries, we begin with prayer in fellowship. Though each prayer is unique, most contain an invitation to the Lord’s presence, a thankfulness for the health and time, and place to train, asking for protection over the fellowship, as well as a blessing over those members who can’t share that day’s session. I have realized over time, that no matter who leads the particular prayer, before we line up, before that first “Shomen Ni Rei!”, a simple request is heard again and again…that we might learn the unique lessons that He has in store for each of us during that training session.

The Do and the ministry are so much more than just conditioning, stretching, movement, self-defense, or cultural history. As a Christian, if you are Saved…why wouldn’t the Lord take you from your temporal existence immediately? No one can answer for the Lord, but it’s generally thought that the reason each of us continues our mortal existence is because we have more to do and more to learn, here on earth, before we are called forward in His time.

I know I’ve mentioned before, that prior to starting in Shotokan, I had practiced for several years in Aikido. My original reason for joining a karate dojo was to simply learn to punch and kick and add that to my personal repertoire. I was a quick learner and picked up these basic techniques quickly…then, I promptly quit, a month later. I was satisfied that my time with karate-do was done, and I had learned what I expected to learn. The art, however, wasn’t done with me and some months later, I was back in class, training and learning more, surrounded by my dojo-mates. Years later, I stopped for a while, juggling my career and raising a young boy and baby girl with my lovely wife. I was called back to train and teach with my son, who was 7 at the time. Those were great years, when I got a chance to re-evaluate my techniques, from basic to advanced. Over time, Matt made it to his brown belt, when a growing love of music (piano and alto sax) was to call him, his little blue belt sister (6 yr old Trish) and me, away from karate. I gave away my gi’s, lost my old black belt and walked away without a second look back. We plunged Trish into a wealth of activities; singing, modeling, hula, piano, soccer, etc. Then, just three years later, the art called back to me, when 9 year old Trish, told us how much she wanted to train in karate again. The instructor, an old friend, told me her lessons would be free, if I would help teach. I agreed and have never stopped since…and the amazing thing to me is, that I still learn new things at every session.

I think that life is like that…we’re all here to learn something new every day and to do something of value during those 24 hours. That’s what makes each day so unique and valuable, that’s why each of us is here. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s guaranteed…each of us, unfortunately, has the ability to fritter away the day, not attuned to the day’s lessons, nor doing anything meaningful. I’m not talking about laziness…one can be terribly busy and incredibly efficient, yet totally ineffective. Sometimes, it’s only by looking and reflecting on the past, that one can discern whether one’s actions were God-inspired or merely the results of one’s own strong will and focus…look at all of the fruits of your life and ask yourself, are they good? I hope that you treat each day as unique and exciting…don’t adhere so strongly to your own agenda and task list, until you’ve had a chance to consult God’s lesson plan for your day.