We've got about 18 inches of snow in our yard, so I'm back from dropping my mom at SEATAC for her flight back to Texas and hunkered down for the day. It's a great time for some reflections of recent events and thinking:
* My daughter was a stunning bride and I'm so happy for her, Brian and Jaiden. They make a wonderful family and I am thankful to God for His favor.
* Had a great visit with my mom and, as usual, it sent me into a season of analysis and self-therapy about my family of origin, my dad (whose birthday is today and who died almost 33 years ago), and my identity as a man and follower of Jesus. It was meaningful to see my kids get reacquainted with their grandmother and her with them.
* Started reading a book about Hudson Taylor (missionary to China long ago) and I'm captivated by his guiding principle for life: Jesus Christ is sufficient - for everything. This resulted in a life without worry, anxiety, and loss - at least Taylor confesses. I'm wondering much about how far I am from that level of trust in Jesus and the possibility of a sustained level of complete trust like that...
* I began a new friendship and coaching relationship with a Pastor I admire - Rod Loy in North Little Rock, AR - and I've got much to reflect on from our first phone call and subsequent email. Thinking about time management, priorities, student ministry and team development at the staff level.
* Ministry is hard work - harder than probably ever before - and I'm occasionally suspect of my preparedness for it. But that leads me straight back into the Sufficiency of Christ conversation with Hudson Taylor.
* I'm beginning, finally, to get some traction on my goals for 2012. That is, I'm working out almost half an hour per day (thanks Tina for the help!), reading more (goal is a book a week), and working that coaching relationship.
I love my LORD, I'm truly enjoying my family, I love my church, and I'm blessed far beyond what I could ever deserve. I am humbled, grateful, and determined to honor God with a life well-lived.
1 comments:
Jesus Christ is sufficient: those are challenging words. Especially when I am worrying about everything I "have to do."
Keep us posted on Hudson Taylor!
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