creative force...force creative

It's been a break of sorts. After a week of vacation several weeks ago, a busy Thanksgiving week, and a bit of nudging I am back posting. I had a wonderful week off before Thanksgiving. It gave me several weeks off from preaching because of a guests preachers. I needed time to breathe and not have a week of work hanging over my head. I think I did a relatively good job of forgetting about what was coming up. Although, I now know that I will always be at least slightly plagued by what is "to come", that is until the heavens tear open.

What I have realized this week is the enormous responsibility I feel to be creative week in and week out. It often feels like I am in the belly of Jonah in the belly of a big fish. I am not sure how I am going to get my way out of this one. I kind of wish I had some Caster Oil and some blueberry pies...

Yet, I am learning lessons. From other pastors in the area and what they are dealing with in congregational life, and from my own experiences. It is daily letting go of my own shortcomings. It is, at least for now, knowing that I am called to do things that I am not so very good at. I am at the most humbling, and I think self-conscious point in my life. I am laid bare before a people I am called to serve. I am so thankful they are accepting and very kind to me.

Despite that, the days are fully of good surprises. I have come to expect the best parts of my days to be the unplanned one. The surprises are creeping in daily.

What I could go for right now is a good solid mentor in ministry. One who keeps me accountable as well as one who tells me that such and such is not my responsibility. This I pray for.

To those of you who create and create, God give you strength. By the grace of God the work will be faithful. Paz