It has been a long time since I sat down to share on my blog. These have been challenging days as I have sought to understand the direction of ministry, the rhythms of life, and the range of emotions that accompany the empty nest.
In terms of the direction of ministry, I find myself more and more practicing what I call the slla model…stop for a moment, look and see what God is doing, listen for His voice and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and then act -- only as the Lord clearly directs my path. While the place of ministry has not changed, the direction of my heart and what I perceive God wants to do in this place is changing -- we are seeing Him do a new thing, and there are incredible blessings to be experienced along the way.
In terms of the rhythms of life I am learning more and more what it means to find His strength in weakness as arthritis continues to ravage my body and the daily challenges of living with pain once again come against me. I am thankful that God's grace is sufficient and that though prayer, diet, exercise, and just plain being tough, I am managing well in spite of the issues confronting me. I am by no means overcome, and in Christ I am enjoying life, even if I am moving just a little slower.
In terms of the empty nest, well suffice it to say I miss my kids. Our children have always been the center of our lives and now that both are "all grown up, married, and on their own" I am supposed to be excited about what the future holds for Debbie and me. And while I am excited about the future, I must confess that I was made to be a dad and no matter how grown up they get, I still enjoy those daily phone calls, FaceTime chats, text messages, and occasional long distance hugs we get to share. God blessed us with two kids that have now become four and we could not be happier. And as for the empty nest -- well the house is just too quiet!
What this is all saying is that God is at work in my heart, shaping and making me more and more to be what He desires me to be during a season of change. In the midst of it all He is reaffirming His call upon my life, helping me to find peace in the midst of the craziness that often accompanies my living, and is giving the strength that I need to remain faithful at the task. God is good, and I am so blessed to live in relationship with Him. Which brings me to another thing…
The whole concept of relationship has taken on a new image for me. Over the last two months, we have celebrated the salvation of eight people in our Anglo services, and at least that and more through our Hispanic ministries. With new life comes new opportunities, and it is exciting to see my people energized to DO the Great Commission. We are a disciple-making church and in the midst of it, God is blessing our efforts with great new believers, a renewed emphasis on telling our faith story, and on leading people to Jesus. And that brings me to a question for you -- those few folks who venture across this blogway to see what I am up to…
What is God doing in your life, and what are you doing to share Him with those He sends across your pathway? Let me know -- I'd love to hear what I call your "fruit story!:
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