Life is full of opportunities for preachers to practice their sermons. That's been my experience at least:) And this week has been full of reminders that the person I was preaching to this past Sunday was me.
It seems like my hurried sickness is getting worse! I'll spare you the task list:) Suffice it to say that "slowing" is easier said than done. I'm convinced though. Maintaining a growing and passionate relationship with Jesus is the most challenging pursuit of my life.
Meanwhile I came across this quote today while writing a paper for school.
Why all this clutter (even of important or noble things) in our lives? Are we helpless pawns, caught in the jaws of an unrelenting fate? Of course not. One can hardly think of another profession in which the leaders have more freedom to set their own schedule than that of the parish pastor. Sooner or later we must admit that we tolerate or initiate this clutter, because it serves an important purpose for us. As stressful as it may be, it keeps us from having to face a reality we dread even more--that of coming home to ourselves (Norman Shawchuck).
Hey Brad,
Just stumbled across your blog, I enjoyed it. I too have this struggle with busyness, have had it for a loooong time. Something I have found that helps me is to spend more time with people. (sounds crazy, but it works) It forces me to slow down, pay attention, listen, etc. You can't spend time with people and be in a hurry.
congrats on the upcoming nuptials
Posted by: Joe Coffman | December 08, 2007 at 05:01 PM
Brad,
Jeremy and I were in charge of leading our S.School class this past week for our young married's group, and we loved your blogs about the "strike on busyness" so much that we made it our topic of the discussion and everyone agreed to join your church in the "strike." Personally, I'm going to get in the longest line at Wal-mart (torture) to try and slow down :) Thanks for your inspiration! love, cousin amy
Posted by: Amy Baker | December 10, 2007 at 11:13 AM