This past week has been wonderful; painful but wonderful. Wonderful in that I have been able to spend a week in Florida at the beach with my wife and some beautiful weather each and every day. Painful in the sense in that I'm not as smart as I thought I was. It seems that for the last eight years (maybe longer) while I was in school, I got so wrapped up in books, papers, pastoring, and stuff that I may have (probably did) missed out some important things in life like God, family, and friends.
My wife and I were talking last night about the past ten years or so, and now reflecting back on our talk, I came to see this morning that I missed out on a lot mainly because I had gotten my priorities out of line. Don't get me wrong; I know God called and provided the way for me to go back to school but while going through all of that, I made some decisions based on their ease of choice and not the priority of choice.
The best example I can give is a phrase I have laughed at in the past and hopefully will not in the future. The phrase is "self care" and I mean this for all areas of my life- spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Since I started back to school, my prayer life was based mainly on my needs, I have gained about 35 pounds, not taken a vacation with out books and laptop in tow, and have missed out on numerous opportunities to spend time with my beautiful beloved wife, our two great sons, other family members, and many, many wonderful friends.
So what do I do next? I've admitted my problem so now I need a remedy. First thing is something I should have done eight years ago is praying to God for guidance in how to best live a more balanced life in those areas listed above. And second thing is be more dedicated about being aware of my need for self care. And third, finally send this out and believe that God will allow this to be read by my family and friends who will hold me accountable to follow up on what I have written this day.
Hebrews 10:24-25-"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Love Dependent
“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”- 1 Peter 4:8
"Love Dependent"
The above verse is from “The Message” which I love reading. Of course, I couldn’t confess that for the past three years since the seminary I attended did not think too kindly on the accuracy and relevance of this paraphrased version. The reason I like reading The Message is that it often shows me possible meanings for verses which I may not come across using my usual exegetical means and analysis.
After reading the above passage from the fourth chapter of 1 Peter, I was reminded how much my life depends on love. I got to experience that a couple of weeks ago when my older brother from Texas stopped by to visit Brenda and me. It’s been way too long since we had last seen one another and we both need to figure out how to make it happen more often. Then last Thursday, I got to surprise my youngest son with a quick lunch get together after getting away early from an all day meeting. And again, it’s been way too long since we had seen one another (the same goes for our oldest son too).
It’s been real easy for the past three years to blame my school schedule for not seeing my family on a more regular basis, but I don’t have that excuse anymore. I need to be more dedicated in seeing and catching up with my family (anybody want to be my accountability partner?). Looking at that verse above, I am reminded how much my life as a person and as a pastor depends on my relationship with my family. I would especially not be who I am if not for the way my older brother watched out over me during my “formative years” and the way my two boys loved and supported me during the darkest times in my life. Combine that with the daily and never-ending love of my wonderful wife, Brenda, and I am one individual truly blessed beyond what God’s Grace has shown me. My life does depend on their love and of course, God’s love. With all of that love, how can I not be the person God has called me to be? Of course, during those moments where I fail to be that person, then all of that love, like the verse says, does make up for practically anything.
My prayer for those reading this is that you know and believe this too with every part of your being…
"Love Dependent"
The above verse is from “The Message” which I love reading. Of course, I couldn’t confess that for the past three years since the seminary I attended did not think too kindly on the accuracy and relevance of this paraphrased version. The reason I like reading The Message is that it often shows me possible meanings for verses which I may not come across using my usual exegetical means and analysis.
After reading the above passage from the fourth chapter of 1 Peter, I was reminded how much my life depends on love. I got to experience that a couple of weeks ago when my older brother from Texas stopped by to visit Brenda and me. It’s been way too long since we had last seen one another and we both need to figure out how to make it happen more often. Then last Thursday, I got to surprise my youngest son with a quick lunch get together after getting away early from an all day meeting. And again, it’s been way too long since we had seen one another (the same goes for our oldest son too).
It’s been real easy for the past three years to blame my school schedule for not seeing my family on a more regular basis, but I don’t have that excuse anymore. I need to be more dedicated in seeing and catching up with my family (anybody want to be my accountability partner?). Looking at that verse above, I am reminded how much my life as a person and as a pastor depends on my relationship with my family. I would especially not be who I am if not for the way my older brother watched out over me during my “formative years” and the way my two boys loved and supported me during the darkest times in my life. Combine that with the daily and never-ending love of my wonderful wife, Brenda, and I am one individual truly blessed beyond what God’s Grace has shown me. My life does depend on their love and of course, God’s love. With all of that love, how can I not be the person God has called me to be? Of course, during those moments where I fail to be that person, then all of that love, like the verse says, does make up for practically anything.
My prayer for those reading this is that you know and believe this too with every part of your being…
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