In the process of creating my yearly inspirational-life journal for the New Year, I thought to add my goals and intentions for 2021. I feel so good about this year upon us. Even in times of trouble surrounding uncertainty of what my life, work, family, and friend dynamics will look like, it’s a good thing to know, I am feeling well. I have tons of energy, and had perfect results from my physical a week ago, my dogs are happy and healthy, the roof over my head is in good shape, and so much more. I really am peaceful.
The Bible tells us:
“Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves].” Hebrews 4:11 (AMP).
I preface this verse here, because recently I’ve had special moments of conversation with several friends in Christian leadership who feel tired and worn out. Some have stated the desire to leave the role as shepherd’s to God’s sheep, which has become significantly wearing. I believe these moments of intimacy were designed by God Himself as means of direction of this short note today.
Some in Christian leadership, may be reluctant to share upon this very personal crisis in church homes of today. Hesitancy to do so, could stem from the desire to not seem weak or that of having the personality of someone who is slowly falling into worldly desires. This is indeed understandable. Yet, it is important I say these two things to you.
- By sharing, integrity and trust toward you usually grows.
- In sharing, you will then know the nature of support you have within your institution.
If having a supportive, caring, and growing ministry is important to you, good relationships, which include transparency, propels anyone. They lead every person into a healthy way to embrace the awkwardness, driving fear, and to beat the desire to move into a different form of work. Scary steps are perfect charges to begin change, in you, your family, ministry followers, and community. If you are overwhelmed in the beginning, remember also that the Bible tells us this:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Return to God and allow His specific guidance to allay confidence in you and His process. Life can throw to us so many curve balls, but I say, a nice hard ball (think a lacrosse ball here), is the perfect way to take out the enemy too :-).
The year 2020 is ending in the just about two weeks. The lessons learned this year should be used to every person’s advantage, as growth in so many levels. Take the teachings of this year and make them work for you. Write about them, plan upon them, be calm with them, and be grateful for them.
Friends remember-
“Do not lose inner-peace for anything whatsoever even if your whole world seems upset.” – St Francis De Sales
Enjoy this holy season!
