The small martial arts class I taught tonight went pretty well. I'm teaching my bro-in-law and his two sons who are both in college. The older of the two young men will miss this summer and we miss having him in class, but we press on.

My nephew got tagged on the forehead tonight while stick-fighting with his dad. It was just a tap, but it was pretty solid. Think of it this way; it only requires about 1,100 lbs. per square inch to break the human femur. The sticks can generate as much as 1,600 p.s.i. or more upon impact.

Fortunately, he didn't get hit that hard. As soon as he got dropped we tended to him and got some ice. He handled it pretty well for a guy who isn't used to getting hit. He might have a slightly red bump to show for it tomorrow, but it won't likely be there for long.

These kinds of experiences just happen when you put yourself out there. You're going take some shots. The same thing happens when you put yourself out there for Jesus. You can probably expect to take some hits. Most of them won't amount to much though. That is to be expected though, isn't it? We're called to present our bodies "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."

When you consider the "hits" Jesus took for us, what's a little lump or two now and again in His service. It does get easier I think as time goes by. I have a friend at church who occasionally remarks, "The older the bolder." I pray for boldness to speak for Jesus whenever and wherever possible and whatever lumps may come.