Testing in the resting

Okay you speak about something and boom you get hit with it. Has that ever happened to you? I have received a considerable amount of feedback from this past Sunday. I was blessed to share this idea of "taking a rest stop". This was an easy message to speak on for this part of the country. Life will chew you up and spit you out. If you don't manage your time, it will pass you by, and make you pay dearly for it. So yes friends, we all, we all, all of us, you and me, everyone needs to take some time to think.

So today I get this email from one of the devotional sites I am associated with. It takes some excerpts from a book called practicing greatness by Reggie McNeal. It asks abaout seven areas in our lives... Adequate Sleep..Proper Diet..Moderate Caffeine..Adequate Exercise..Positive human contact..Mental Recreation..Think Time. I scored okay on some and not so okay on others. I am crossing a big hurdle that says it is okay to stop to think, and to enjoy life. Seriously we are all working hard, and we should. But we should also rest well. I am not going to feel bad when I stop. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have echoed this idea, "When I stop I feel like I am doing something wrong". Why? It is because we are in a workaholic society. This week the message is tough..."Lean not on what you Understand...but Trust the Lord" Wow - once again the simple and profound. I don't want to just speak about it I want to live... Lord help me today to be a doer of your word.

I am now going to get my work out in before running off to more chauffeuring, appointments, and meetings, and calls.

J

Capt Fun

My kids have called me Capt Fun in the past. However as we all get older, I have moved into Sgt Fun. My overall fun factor has diminished with busyness, schedule, and life. I think mainly because I have changed due to all that. I am pretty serious most of the time. Life has gotten more demanding and serious. My kids have changed. My kids need someone to help direct and encourage them - and discipline is tough. No one revels in that. So I guess it is the natural progression of maturity and growth. I have always said, that you have to learn that there is a time and place for everything.

I am learning the value of relaxation. When Christa and I were first married, I had to be going somewhere all the time. A trip to the beach and I wanted to boogie board, play volleyball, swim, surf, anything but relax. That has changed as well. Maybe I can learn a new moniker - Capt relaxation.

Maybe this weekend our independence day celebration I can get a message ready, get the van tires fixed, clean the house, encourage the kids, and have a few moments to reflect and relax. Listen everyone we need to enjoy life, not just do life. Take time to spend with those you love and remember that relationships are the only thing we take to heaven.

Shalom

J