FINISHING THE RACE

I am now finally in the last week of this Masters class. So now what? The answer to that is one that I will be contemplating for a while. I kow that this class has changed me and helped me better understand my calling. Along with that this class has given me a lot of information and tools to use in ministry. My hopes are that what I have learned will be seen in and through me. It will propell me to be closer to a man in God's image and a faithful servant to our King. This leg of the race is almost over, the the race is just beginning.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

As I am getting closer to finishing this master's program I am finding myself having a stronger desire for social justice. Throughout our country, let alone the world, are people who are struggling to survive, they are financially impovershed, physically ill, and often socially shunned. So what do we do about it? I think the first thing we have to do is decide that we are willing to get involved. We have to be willing to get our hands dirty, to humble ourselves, and to see that there is a need we can meet. We have to be willing to do the hard work, to take the road less traveled, and to make a possitive difference. We have to choose to get uncomfortable, to build relationships, and to spend our time on someone other than ourselves. What we need to do is actually love others as much as we love ourselves.

Pressing On

This past Monday a friend from church and I went to ride our bikes around Lake Geode. This is a six mile trail that has a lot of ups and downs that are steep and some require walking rather than riding. Within the first mile I wrecked on a corner and landed on a fallen tree. With some hurt pride we continued on, but I must admit it was more than I wanted to do. Fortunately for me I had my friend along who kept pushing me further, encouraging me, and helping me to keep going. This is sort of like ministry. There are times things get hard and we want to give up. It is then that good friends and co-laborers come alongside and cheer us along, encourage us, and keep us going. Great fellowship is often hard to find, but when you have it, it is wonderful. Thank God for those who won't quit on us.

Good Friends

It is so good to have good friends. People who will stick life out with you as you experience your ups and down, people who you can share your life with and not feel judged, those who you don't have to entertain every second of every day. It is especially good when that good friend is also your wife. Today is Kim's birthday and I am so thankful for her and for her love for me and our family. What a joy to have a Godly wife and mother to our children, and a Godly friend. I am blessed.