FreeTruth

Many folks were dreading the recent snow storm. It was an inconvenience for some, and an unwelcome interruption for others. But I found myself looking forward to it with anticipation, even hoping for the higher end of the 8 to 24 inches predicted.

Albert Mohler had a terrific piece last summer on his blog about the need for silence. Our world is filled with noise. Mohler alerts us to the finding that "the development of individual identity requires extended periods of solitude, reflection, and silence." And that "the Christian tradition has honored silence as a matter of spiritual discipline and an intentional effort to flee the noise of everyday life in order to hear what that noise cannot supply." (See Mohler's blog of June 11, 2009)

What does this have to do with the weekend snow storm? I would argue that what is true of "noise" in our lives is also true of "busy-ness." For me, the snow storm represented a welcome break in routine. On Sunday morning we shoveled hard to free up the vehicles, and then came inside to a hot breakfast (thank you Theresa), and a relaxed time around the table.

It may be that my own temperament, more than others, yearns for this kind of thing. Or it may be that my normal routine isn't all that inspiring, or that my vision for life, service, and work is impaired. Or, it may be as simple as "sinful laziness" welcoming any opportunity to sit down a little longer with another cup of coffee.

Whatever the mix of reasons... I do thank the Lord for the recent "slow down." This morning I feel a new sense of need for His strength and joy. I've had the opportunity to "be still" and I can attest to a renewed sense of His greatness, and my great need of Him if I am to live in any meaningful, fruitful way in this world.

Thanks for listening.

Labels: Guest Post, Simplicity

Well friends; I've been blog quiet for a few days. Strange how life can pull you along at times, being full of this and that, hardly giving one time to pause and think beyond the immediate pressing need to consider other things.

In recent days my life has included caring for the grieving, the diseased, the sin-wearied, the worn out parent. I've had to comfort the repentant and confront the resistant.

Time had been needed to plan, to prepare for pastoral care, to study, to teach, to preach, to visit, to email, to phone call, to pray.

There has been need for me to be a parent, a grand-parent, a pastor and leader of pastors, a mediator, an organizer, a motivator, a witness.

I've had to fix screens, clean yards, build woodsheds, collect firewood, mend fences (on which big branches have fallen), be a husband.

Pipes have broken, cars have clunked.

I've even spent time (hopefully in ways pleasing to God and in no way trusting in self or money) financial planning (that's ironic in light of the recent posts and comments; by the way--while one may not agree with every conclusion others have drawn in these discussions, one can and should learn from the others and see the very important truth that each has brought to the table).

Please know why I share all of this. It is not so you will feel pity for me or marvel over how busy or full my life is. Why should you? Yours is full too!

My point is that life is full for all of us, and in the middle of it we have to commit to a couple of things:
1. We must commit to pursue only what is most needful, refusing to be caught up in matters that have no abiding relevance or worth. Folks, my biblical call and commitment for years has been to be in the constant pursuit of less; to be relentlessly in the hunt for simplicity. If we do so we will be able to keep our balance even when the pace picks up as it inevitably will.
2. We must make sure in the midst of all we need to do to do that which is most needful--be with God. Keep your focus. Practice the RMMR plan that we are aiming at in our care groups this year (see the TFC website for more on that). Read. Meditate. Memorize. Repeat. And do it all with one single passion: to know more of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Keep first things first.
3. Remember, only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omni-competent. He alone can do all things; He alone knows all things; He alone has competence to get everything done that is on His task list. Neither you nor I is God. Rest easy when the list is longer at the end of the day than it was at the start. Only God gets everything done that He wants done. The rest of us do our best and then leave it with Him to cover for our deficiencies.

Just a few musings for us for what will probably be another busy day, musings that I hope will help us avoid finding our busyness turning to stress and distraction.

Go with God and know His grace.

Labels: Devotion, Simplicity, Time