Busy

Adam with some sartorial issues.

Well, this week proved to be a toughie. Felicia worked Monday day, Wed. night and now tonight. And then she turns around and works on Monday.

I had meetings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a real test, as I had to write a sermon in the midst of feeding, changing, bathing and playing with the kids.

Today, I took a day off. I find that when I am doing a lot of heavy mental lifting - like doing exegetical research for a sermon, there comes a time when you just have to step back from it: walk to Starbucks, walk around the block. Do anything that removes you from the task at hand for awhile.

This applies to the weekly rythym of Sabbath. Sabbath is a day for non-activity, rest. Sabbath forces us into the position of being "non-God". One pastor told me, that if a friend he was witnessing to, told him that the only day he could meet with him, was during a time when the pastor had already scheduled some r&r, the pastor would cancel his plans and meet with the friend. I told him, I wouldn't. He was shocked. I simply told him, that I schedule rest into my life, just like I schedule ministry and work - of course, if it was an emergancy I would have gone.

SHINE A LIGHT - The Stones on Imax - every wrinkle on display. Killer movie. I'm starting to wonder if seeing a band on IMAX is better then the real thing. It has better sound for sure, and you are so close to the images. There is a certain electric rush at seeing a band live - in sharing the same space of earth with them. But, you can see and hear so much more on IMAX.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Go to church

Image
We are several months out of even the most limited pandemic restrictions. I cannot remember the last time I wore a mask. When I see someone wearing a mask, it feels nostalgic - a reminder of a strange time when that person was the norm and I - the unmasked one would look strange. Despite the fact that we can break the 6-foot barrier and admire the lower halves of other's faces - I have been surprised at the number of Christians I meet who are just NOW starting to return to live worship services. I understand the lure of the live stream worship experience while sitting at home on the couch - worshipping in sweats and hot coffee in my mug - much more appealing than a hard couch and no coffee. I've also met believers boldly walking away from regular church attendance and proclaiming they can worship God anywhere - including the pickleball court. Nature is my sanctuary. "God’s Spirit and gift of salvation are not defined by church walls. But without an embodied community of be
Read more

Coaster goes up (a little)

Image
Unused photo from the Globe and Mail shoot. So, last night and all day today I was on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Quite auspicious surroundings for church council/pastors meetings! there were stunning views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and the downtown buildings. The meetings were lengthy, exhausting and a lot of work. Basically, FBC has been on a year long journey of crafting its vision statement and core values - we did it with the assistance of a coach from Outreach Canada. We are coming down the home stretch and needed to hammer out everything for presentation to the congregation. Today was the first day that I have begun to feel lighter and ready to resume the work. Although still feeling wounded from this whole mess, I'm ready to limp on. It's true: Sunday,Monday - elation at finally reaching a goal of holding a first@night service in a trendy nightclub - excitement at getting press coverage - even thoug
Read more

Where the Light Falls

Image
I've read two books by Augustine - City of God and Confessions. I think I've read his confessions 3 times. I like him because he is a good writer, has lots of self-insight, and loves God passionately. He was very honest about his pre-Christian life. At one point he makes this observation: "I had my back toward the light, and my face toward the things on which the light falls." Most people have their back to the light - and they focus where his light falls. Where the light falls refers to God's common grace. God does not keep good things only for those who follow him. Because he is good he distributes his blessings and grace widely. Where the light falls are places of grace: art, music, beauty, sunshine, loving relationships, a baby's smile. But - these things are not the light - to enjoy and encounter the light, we must turn around and follow the rays of light back to the source. What is the source of beauty, love, and truth? Jesus said he is the light of the
Read more