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I just returned from a week of canoeing. It was a great trip and it helped me to get my mind off of the many details of everyday life and focus on just enjoying the great outdoors. I found myself relaxing and even taking a nap from time to time. However the down side of getting away is coming back to a pile of ’stuff’ that needs to be done. So, today I sit here not knowing where to start so I decided to try and write this blog. I am never sure what to say or what to share. But I do know today that God is not only in life but actively involved in life.
I know this because so many happenings in life are more than happenings. On the canoe trip just the right people were on it. It seemed like it was the right group at the right time. Not only that but it seemed like just the right words were spoken to me by others. I even had a couple of moments that brought tears to my eyes. So, as I catch up on ‘things’ my heart is singing a song of praise that the canoe trip was not only a get away but a time for my spiritual growth.
Getting older has some draw-backs and one of the biggest is that change is more difficult. When I started out in ministry, there were certain expectations. A robe was always worn at the services and the music was all traditional. We did not have overhead screens and always sang from a hymnal. In my mind, I remember an usher’s meeting to discuss if ushers could wear sports jackets rather than suits. The world has changed in my lifetime and certainly the church is no exception.
Not wanting to be one of those “old guys” who does not know what is going on in the world, I want and need help. I enjoy hearing what other churches are doing to be more relative in our world. How do we really reach those who are not interested in going to church but who want to grow deeper in their relationship to God?
So ifyou have poisitive thoughts on this subject, I would not only read them, but give them some serious thought. Perhaps your thought will spring board something in me or someone else that can advence God’s kingdom. Thanks in advance!
I have been rather busy the last few weeks. There seems like a never ending to do list before me. Yesterday I was not looking forward to several things I had to do. In the middle of those things was my preaching and attending our church’s annual boat outing. I tried to catch a nap between church and the outing but there was just not enough time. So, I was tired when I stepped out of the car and got ready to greet people and go boating. My grandson was with me and he was ready to go. (Where do he get all that energy?) We hopped on a boat and away we went. Watching him enjoy the boat ride suddenly brought me a refreshment that carried me through the day. All seemed better and the world looked much brighter. I consider that a great gift from God.
This is not the only time God has brought me refreshment in the middle of being exhausted. Sometimes I wonder how I am going to make it through and yet I do. I know it is God who gives strength and carried me through it all. The older I get the more I am finding out that letting God be in control of my life is the answer to joy and peace. I hope I can get this lesson fully learned so that my life is always refreshed even in the midst of being tired.
In a few days my spouse and I will take off to lead a canoe trip. We have 25 people signed up to canoe a week in the ‘North’ country. Personally it is a time of refreshment. I will be able to not think of much except where we are going to canoe for the day and other related matters. My mind will not be thinking much of the normal routines of my life. I have been on this trip for over 20 years and each one is loaded with memories that I cherish. I really thank God that I am able to go and enjoy the outdoors. Sleeping in tents and camping on remote islands fills a void in my life and fuels me to enjoy life more.
Getting ready for this trip takes a lot of work. There is food to be not only purchased but pre-cooked. Tents have to be set up and inspected. Canoes have to be arranged for and many other details taken care of. I help with some of these necessary details but most of them are taken care of by Phyllis, my spouse. What is amazing about Phyllis is that she puts in hours and hours and really asks for no credit. In fact she does not mention it to anyone. I am the only one who really sees it. Most of those canoeing probably don’t even think about all that goes into the trip. But I notice the days she spends making sure all is in place.
She serves as a reminder to me that there are many, many who give of themselves and don’t ask for any recognition. These are the ones who God sees and really blesses. However, it wouldn’t hurt me to be more thankful and to let those who do so much know that I am thankful. When I go home today I am going to say thanks to one who gives so much.