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!

Staying fresh

One of the points of emphasis I had while ministering in the pastors and leaders conferences/meetings on my trip last week to El Salvador was the need to stay fresh in God. I told the pastors how they need to ensure that their relationship with Christ was vibrant and alive, and not to allow anything to take them away from that. Being a pastor for a good number of years now, I know that nothing affects the church more than a man and woman of God in the pulpit who are on fire. It is vitally important that leadership is refueled and refreshed at all times.

I find myself sometimes needing to get what I have preached. Being busy or active does not imply that we are anointed. Sometimes I find myself running on fumes. Jesus told the disciples on one occasion to "come apart and rest awhile". It is important to come apart lest we come apart. Sometimes my precious wife, Trish, will remind me to practice what I preach.

I want to encourage you today to keep your romance alive with Christ. Take time out for Him. Take a few minutes before you start the day, on your lunch break, or whatever works for you. Open your bible, say a prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to respond to your spirit. Those around you need your freshness in God!

Be Blessed!