My Blog 6-22-12

Celebrate more – I believe in celebrating. I would advise other leaders to do so. Occasionally, I take my own advice. Sometimes, however, I get distracted or feel guilty if I do celebrate. I want to do better. I have much to celebrate personally, especially with my family and professionally as well. God rejoices when we do well as long as it isn’t arrogant or boastful. I shouldn’t live in the past, but I’m going to take time to savor the “good” taking place in my life.

Pray with Passion – I believe in prayer. I want to be a person of prayer. I pray for people and I hope they pray for me. I try to surround myself with prayer warriors. This year, I want to discipline myself to pray even more and see my ministry defined by my prayers and the prayers of the church I’ve been asked to lead with deep passion.

Stress less – I’ve stressed about too many things within the church and within my personal life. This year, I want to trust more and stress less. God is in charge after all, not me. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Be more disciplined – Again, some people would think I’m fairly disciplined, and in many ways I am. I’m not sure, however, if I’m always disciplined in the right areas (healthy eating). Maybe I should have titled this one “prioritize better.” Either way, I want my life defined more by where I want to end up someday. The best way to do that is to live that way now. So, I’ve begun to work a plan in a variety of areas of my life so that I can be better disciplined.

Satisfy fewer – I’m actually not good at this. People say that I’m pretty transparent and I don’t usually try to pretend otherwise. Still, I, like so many pastors, try to be a people-pleaser. Whereas, I do believe getting along with folks is important, I realize that having everyone “like” you is simply not possible as a leader in any organization, much less the church. What is most important is that I’m honoring Christ and living as an honorable father and husband for my family. Beyond that, it’s okay if I’m not popular, as long as I’m being obedient to God. When I try to “satisfy” people, I only make less of the will of God and more of the will of man. That seems counterproductive to my calling.

Grumble Less – As much as I dislike habitual complainers and long for people in my life to be more solution driven and helpful, I too find myself a “griper.” It may not be about the same things as other folk, but nevertheless, it is grumbling. So, my goal this eleventh year in leadership is to be someone who leads by presenting uplifting possibilities, rather than finding reasons to complain.

Rest better – Perhaps my biggest weakness is that I’m always doing something. I do not protect my Sabbath. I’m a doer. I want to be productive. I’m usually busy from early morning until late at night. I will probably never rest by doing nothing. The sound of that drives me crazy, but I do want to take more time to do what I want to do to rest. Read a book. Take a long walk. Go on a kayaking trip.