RELOAD, REFRESH, REFIRE

I am an avid student of the bible. One thing that I have seen in my studies there, and that I have witnessed in my own personal life, is this: sometimes you just need to get refreshed. You need to reload, spiritually. And then you can refire. Refire may not be a word the dictionary understands, so I will define it- to stir up the fire again; to shoot at the target again.

The bible gives us the history of great attacks from the enemy after great victories. David knew this. One of his greatest moments of despair came after a victory. I have witnessed this in church life. After great undertakings and accomplishments, we become under attack. We may be vulnerable at these moments. Tired physically, mentally, and spiritually. We don't mean to let our guards down. But it happens. And the enemy launches a full fledged attack.

The need to refresh, reload, and refire is not just due to unforseen attacks of the enemy. It is needed in order to be replenished. Jesus told the disciples on one occasion to "come apart and rest a while." The word of God said the disciples had no leisure. They had no rest, no relaxation, no refreshing. They were constantly giving out. Jesus knew the danger in this. He told them to pull away-- yes, pull away from the busyness of life.

And so Trish and I are taking a few days this week to do it. We have wanted to for some time, but it just didn't work out. We have decided to make it work. We love church life, and we have had some amazing things going on. We are proud of our church family. But we are tired. We need to be refreshed for them, and for others the Lord sends us to. We are going to the bookstore this morning. Going to buy a good book to read, maybe a new worship tape. We'll take our bibles. Somewhere in the mountains of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, we will find a spot to stay. We will read, pray, study, and enjoy the company of one another. And we will come back down from the mountain in time for church Sunday morning. We plan on being...

Refreshed, Reloaded, and Refired!!

I NEED SOME HE, WE, ME TIME

Trish and I take a family vacation once a year. For the past several years we have gone to Ocean Lakes Campground, just south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We have again planned our vacation there. We rent a house that can accommodate our family. Some of them are able to attend, and some of them are not. This year, we are blessed to have a couple from the church and their child going with us. They are like family to us, and we are looking forward to the trip.

We don't usually plan a lot of activities while there. Rest and relaxation is the main event for the week. A little shopping, of course the eating, and probably some park rides for the kids. And, while the others may plan some other things, Trish and I just plan on doing a lot of nothing.

I have looked for this week for several months now. The fact is, I need it. I need some time...
Some HE time. I plan on taking my bible, notepad, and a couple of good books. I will sit and look at the water and relax, read some books, and pray. Read the word of God, and allow Him to speak to me. Getting away and getting still is good for me. This HE time will replenish my soul.

I also need some WE time. We (the family) have been through some things the past year. I want go into details here, except to say that it will be good to get away and have fun with the family. While away we will celebrate Trish's birthday (my wife) and Father's Day (for me). However, Father's Day will have a sad note this year. It will be the first year without my dad, who passed away this past March. We will connect and have fun. The We includes a special little girl in our lives and the couple I spoke of earlier. They are also family, though not in the flesh. They are one of the few relationships we have in ministry where we can be ourselves.

I also need some ME time. Yeah, I said it. I need time for me. When in ministry, you are constantly serving others. It is part of the call. I don't mind serving. But sometimes I get tired. Tired mentally, physically, and spiritually. People complaining about things that don't really matter. People not supporting the church, not praying, giving, serving. Makes it difficult for the pastor and his wife, especially in a small church where everyone counts and every dollar counts. The me time will not solve the problems, but it will give me a few days to be replenished.

Jesus spoke to the disciples on one occasion, and told them to "come apart and rest awhile." The bible says they were busy and had no time for recreation. I have often said that if we fail to come apart, we will come apart. Burnout occurs when we are constantly giving and giving, and giving.

So, after this Wednesday's service, I am "Out" as Ryan Seacrest says on American Idol. Although we will not be leaving until Saturday morning, I am signing out. I will run by the Friday Night After Graduation Party at the church to open with prayer, and stay for a few minutes. But I am basically off the clock.

GOTTA HAVE SOME HE, WE, ME TIME.... C YA!