10.05.09
Reflection on a month (September)
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish be understand what the Lord’s will is.
I preached on these verses a few weeks back and wow, these verses proved so evident in my life during the month of September. I am not sure where the month went. It really flew by. It is amazing how quickly a month goes in retrospect.
As I look back I realize that I did not keep up the blog as much as I wanted and I do hope to do better in October. I need to carve out time for reflection and communication.
September has to be summarized by one word “warfare”. I felt like I was dropped on the battlefield and spiritual struggles were all around. It is clear that we must make the most of every opportunity to connect people to Jesus, like in Ephesians. However, in the midst of daily routines and work and expectations, when you are just keeping your head above water, other people’s connection issues seem like burdens rather than opportunities.
“I can’t do one more conversation.” “I can’t squeeze one more minute out of my day for another person.” Now don’t get me wrong. It is not that I am that overworked. I work hard, but it is more the small voice inside that says, “You worked hard today. You deserve to go home and shut out the world. Don’t worry about the other people.” I think that summarizes a bit of my September. I was consumed with disconnecting rather than connecting. I certainly did not make the most of every opportunity.
This is where I fall into the arms of Jesus and say, “Forgive me.” “Renew me” Refocus me” “Let me make the most of October”
So this pastor looks back on September 2009 and wishes he had been more faithful to the Lord with few key opportunities that presented themselves, but I was not. Someone else will share the joy of those opportunities. They were lost to me, but certainly not to the Lord.
I enter October 2009. On my knees, praying to be a servant to is ready to respond as the Lord sees fit and not as I see fit.
Blessings,
Greg
Enelson said,
October 5, 2009 at 8:12 pm
All I can think, is oh, baby… Sounds like a struggle not unlike the previous September. Stay on your knees. Don’t forget to look up every once and a while. Let people in, just a little;) Take some time to be STILL. Just breathe deeply. Love you. Talk to you later, when I’m back home & recovered from jet lag…
lisa said,
October 7, 2009 at 2:07 am
amen, Amen, AMEN to that, Greg! September happened too fast to even be a blur (in my mind it is still July and you haven’t left yet) – and I had such good intentions…once school started I thought I would have sooo much time to take care of our home & family….not the case. HOWEVER….there is a new saying between me and my very good friend…it is: “I have no business being here/doing that” (we say that while laughing as hard as we can) as our plans are all laid out in our minds and we cannot possibly fit one more thing in, however God places people and/or things in our paths that cannot and should not be ignored. My priorities of getting the house ‘organized’ or running errands to get things accomplished seem so important, but what is truly important are the people and relationships we have a chance to enjoy & nurture ~ and that is my excuse for not yet being as organized as thought I should be Actually, thinking back, the same thing happened the last school year and summer…..but I do have some great memories….
One key point to remember – sleep is over-rated ~