As I read Miles Stanford's The Green Letters this morning, I came across a profound thought. So many times we see busyness as evidence that we are doing the work of God - in reality, busyness is a way to prevent growth.
Amazingly enough, I'd never really thought about why I keep myself busy or the problems that it can cause. But the more I thought about what Stanford penned, the more I saw its truth. Nothing grows while its moving - growth happens in stillness. That's when roots can grow deep, searching for nourishment and creating a strong foundation. Busyness prevents reflections.
Busyness is such a product of American society. We've created so many facets of technology and modern conveniences that are supposed to save us time. Rather than use that saved time for relaxation, building relationships, exploring new friendships, I find myself working more and relaxing less. I've saved time so that I can do more work - how in the world is that logical.
So I'm making efforts to be more prayerful, more selective about the things I do. God's created me as a specific being with specific talents and abilities. If I do everything, not only am I not doing what I'm intended, I'm actually preventing others from using their gifts and busyness. And that's the truth.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Random Thoughts
So the last few days I've had some really random thoughts on a variety of subjects . . . here goes.
1. I don't get why people are willing to complain/talk about what is wrong with (or lacking at) church, but unwilling to do anything about it. If you don't have a solution to the issue - why are you talking? Why haven't you spent time in prayer to see how God would have you move?
2. Women want to be seen as unique - but everywhere I look I see the same thing. If you don't figure out a way to set yourself apart you'll keep blending into the background. Cookie cutters are consistent but lifeless.
3. Jim talked about submission today - always a pleasant subject (you heard that sarcasm, right). I was so encouraged to hear him talk about mutual submission - seems like you never hear that in church. The coolest bit was most definitely when he said that if you have to tell someone to submit to you, the problem lies with you and not them. People naturally submit to good leaders - but that's a whole other thought.
4. What happened to all the men? All I see are little boys, complaining about what they don't have or wish they did, or how their life doesn't look like they thought it would. Get over it already! God didn't promise us a pleasant perfect world here - the Bible is quite clear that our sin nature has led to some awful things. It goes back to the problem or solution side of things. Are you going to sit and dwell on your past or are you going to suck it up and move on? That's the only way you'll progress.
I suppose the running theme is 'leadership'. So many people talk about wanting to be leaders or desiring some sort of power within the church. Leadership isn't something you get elected into - its something that just is part of who you are. You can't force people to follow you or listen to you - but if you speak truth and live honestly people will be drawn to you. Jeff talked about this idea today.
Anyway. Just needed to get a few things off my chest. I feel better now.
1. I don't get why people are willing to complain/talk about what is wrong with (or lacking at) church, but unwilling to do anything about it. If you don't have a solution to the issue - why are you talking? Why haven't you spent time in prayer to see how God would have you move?
2. Women want to be seen as unique - but everywhere I look I see the same thing. If you don't figure out a way to set yourself apart you'll keep blending into the background. Cookie cutters are consistent but lifeless.
3. Jim talked about submission today - always a pleasant subject (you heard that sarcasm, right). I was so encouraged to hear him talk about mutual submission - seems like you never hear that in church. The coolest bit was most definitely when he said that if you have to tell someone to submit to you, the problem lies with you and not them. People naturally submit to good leaders - but that's a whole other thought.
4. What happened to all the men? All I see are little boys, complaining about what they don't have or wish they did, or how their life doesn't look like they thought it would. Get over it already! God didn't promise us a pleasant perfect world here - the Bible is quite clear that our sin nature has led to some awful things. It goes back to the problem or solution side of things. Are you going to sit and dwell on your past or are you going to suck it up and move on? That's the only way you'll progress.
I suppose the running theme is 'leadership'. So many people talk about wanting to be leaders or desiring some sort of power within the church. Leadership isn't something you get elected into - its something that just is part of who you are. You can't force people to follow you or listen to you - but if you speak truth and live honestly people will be drawn to you. Jeff talked about this idea today.
Anyway. Just needed to get a few things off my chest. I feel better now.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Do I really have time for this?
It seems like everyone I talk to is amazed that I don't have a blog. While there are several reasons I've never started one, I suppose the primary reason is that I feel its a somewhat narcissistic format.
I mean, seriously. Isn't a blog really just a way for me to share my thoughts and opinions? By blogging, I'm assuming that someone actually cares enough about what I think to hit this page on a regular basis to see my pearls of wisdom.
The secondary reason, and one I commonly provide when asked to do something new, is that I'm just too busy. All that phrase really means, though, is that I don't think its important enough for me to invest my time and effort into it.
But I sat waiting for my co-workers at Benetti's this morning, I began to wonder if there might be more to blogging than meets the eye. Instead of viewing it as something more to do in a day, I began to see it as a way to get things out of my brain - which is definitely much healthier than thinking about the same things over and over and over and over and over . . .
So here we go. Coffee, thoughts and my take on the world at large. This should be interesting. . .
I mean, seriously. Isn't a blog really just a way for me to share my thoughts and opinions? By blogging, I'm assuming that someone actually cares enough about what I think to hit this page on a regular basis to see my pearls of wisdom.
The secondary reason, and one I commonly provide when asked to do something new, is that I'm just too busy. All that phrase really means, though, is that I don't think its important enough for me to invest my time and effort into it.
But I sat waiting for my co-workers at Benetti's this morning, I began to wonder if there might be more to blogging than meets the eye. Instead of viewing it as something more to do in a day, I began to see it as a way to get things out of my brain - which is definitely much healthier than thinking about the same things over and over and over and over and over . . .
So here we go. Coffee, thoughts and my take on the world at large. This should be interesting. . .
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