Where I've been

Some of you may wonder where I've been. I have actually been right here the whole time, but the last couple days have been busy for me. Wednesday and Thursday were days that I wasn't able to accomplish everything I wanted to.

I started our Second year fundraising, by asking churches and individuals who supported us in our first year to continue for a second year. I'm currently 3/5 through that process. Because I have a relationship with these pastors and churches I am handwriting reflections of what their contributions have meant so far. This is, of course, the long way around, but I think they deserve a sincere thank you for the investment they've made. Enclosed in the card is a postcard that allows them to express their intention for the future. Some churches I know are going to end their support, I wanted them to be able to do it while knowing what their church's sacrifice has meant to me.


That started bleeding into Friday morning. I sat at my desk and started doing "prep work" addressing and stamping the envelopes and postcards. The whole time I was hearing in my head, "This is your rest day (sabbath). Why are you working?" So, I got up and went in the house where Corie asked if I had been working. I sheepishly gave a non-commital answer (it was only addressing and stamping.) Then she helped direct my priorities, by moving me out of the house towards Lake Waterford Park with my girls, lunch, swimming, watching tv at my in-laws. I got home at around 10:00 p.m. Many people have no trouble resting. It is a little more difficult for me. Taking a day to rest during the week is a discipline for me. I think that others think it comes easier to me than it does to them, I just think I work harder at resting. The bottom line is I can't afford to wear out. A jaded plumber, or burned out accountant can still operate their business focusing only on the task and having a terrible attitude. But for me to accomplish the mission of pastoring I need to be as fresh, creative, and senstive as I can be. I'm doing eternal work with people not tasks. If you ever wonder how to pray for me, rest is probably a good one. And wisdom. And improved preaching. (But you already pray for that. every week ;-)

--Ben