Slowing and Slow Rain

Rain is moving in, and apparently, the cold rolls in tonight and tomorrow. I'm sitting in the Franklin Mercantile finishing up prep for staff meeting, and on first glance, it looks a little dreary outside. The rain had started as I left Spring Hill, and my first thought, was, "oh great, a rainy drive." But the funniest thing occurred to me on the drive. When it rains, everything seems to slow down. Yeah, there are crazies who think wet roads translates into faster driving. But most of us tend to slow down and be a little more cautious.

In a season that tends to spin out of control, every opportunity to slow down should be seen as a good thing. My calendar, and really our family calendar, can get jammed. But I think we've made the intentional choice to control what we schedule. Relationships and quality time matter. What is going on in peoples lives around me matter. I'm determined to make time for what is important this Christmas season.

I'm glad its raining. I'm glad for the reminder to slow down. I hope you can slow down a little today and the rest of the Christmas season.

Crazy Week

I knew coming in that this was going to be a crazy week.  There are a thousand little details that have to be resolved before I head around the world to India on Friday, plus the day to day routine of leading a church remains as well as leading a household.  It seems that God is opening doors for new friendships and new opportunities to live out my faith.  It has been a huge reminder that the Christ-following life is always full of surprises and opportunities.

Don't get me wrong.  I know that "business" doesn't equal "Godliness."  Far from it.  But I do believe that when we pray for opportunities, He gives them, as well as empowers us to accomplish that which He has called us.  

We asked Ridgies (RCC members and attenders) to pray for fertile soil as we head to India, so I'm repeating that request here.  Pray for safety for us as travelers.  Pray for the "ground crew" that is there, that live there, that God has been using... Pray for their encouragement and clear vision for the task at hand.  And certainly pray for those that our team will have contact.  There is such a huge spiritual need; I am confident that the Holy Spirit is already going before us.

I can't promise daily updates from India because of internet availability, but there will be contact.  It's going to be a great trip after a crazy week.

Christmas: from good to ....

Ok, we are almost through with the first week of December.  Everybody ok?  Everyone still breathing?  

It's almost funny (almost) how we simply get sucked in to this almost carnival craziness that our culture calls christmas.... yes, with a little "c" because it's not the way it should be.  

We've been decorating the house, doing some shopping, making plans for the rest of the month, and trying to keep "normal" life going.  Wow, I'm already exhausted.  

My friend, Kyle Goen, Exec. Pastor at FBC Smyrna, introduced a concept to me several years ago that has been so incredibly helpful since rocking my world originally.  This whole notion of good being the enemy of great can be applied to all areas of life.  I realize this is not really the place to discuss the philosophy of G2G, but I did want to comment on its application to Christmas.  

There are so many things that we can be involved in this time of the year.  And, most of them are good... few of them are great.  The challenge, both for me and for all of us, is to decide what is best.  What is best for us personally?  What is best for our family?  What is best the Kingdom purpose that we've all been called to?  We have to intentionally ask ourselves those questions or we will begin to spin out of control just adding "stuff" to our already busy schedule.  I talked with someone yesterday who sounded absolutely exasperated because of all that "they had to do."  Maybe one of the best things we can do is say "no."  It doesn't sound very "Christmasy"  but it might be best.  

So, I'm going to finish my Americano, take a final look at my "6 by 6" list for the next 10 days (we'll talk about that later), and get busy.  I'm going to say no today... maybe more than once.  I don't want just a good day.