Thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for appreciating our Ministerial staff so well during Pastor Appreciation month. We were blessed by all your cards and kind words and gracious gifts. It was very rewarding to be on Sabbatical this month and have the opportunity to just sit and think and pray.

 

The LORD opened up a place for me to go and spend quality time resting and reflecting. It was somewhat off the grid with a little electricity from solar panel but no refrigerator. I got to go back to my days of camping with my family and having to keep our food on ice. My routine each day included a bike ride around the property covering portions of loops more than once, allowing me to accomplish over 7 miles each morning. I would sit in the swing on the cabin porch and journal after riding. Never underestimate what can be accomplished by sitting and swinging on a porch.

 

One thing the LORD brought to mind as I was journaling and watching the nature around me was the awareness of squirrels and deer that blended in so well with the landscape. They were very camouflaged but visible. The thought immediately came to mind that we are sometimes so busy, going from place to place and doing this activity and that activity, that we certainly miss some of the landscape around us. Whether that landscape be animals or people, it is worth slowing down and focusing on the moments God places before us.

 

There is no better time to stop and consider all God is doing around us than at this season of giving thanks. I love that November and Thanksgiving precede December and Christmas. We ought to always be grateful and remember God’s love through Christ’s coming. Our calendar puts us in the position to let the world know what we are truly thankful for and to Whom our gratitude is given.

 

It was good to be away. It is even better to be back in Kerrville and anticipating the good God has placed before us as a Faith Family. Find a swing, find a place, where you can sit and see what God is doing. Let’s be thankful together.

 

 

We are truly blessed to bless.
In Christ,

 

 

Eugene Peterson’s book, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society,” shares timeless truths based upon biblical foundations. The Christian life has been described in many ways. One that seems to resonate with me is that of a race. Track meets hold different events allowing many athletes to compete in their specific fields. I think the endurance events better describe the life of a Christian. It is not a quick race, but rather a strategic and long one.

 

Ranatunge Karunananda was a long-distance runner who represented his country of Sri Lanka. In the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, he was described as the most spirited loser in Olympic history. In the 10,000 meter race, Karunananda was overtaken by the leaders and by the end of the race had been lapped four times by winner Billie Mills from the United States. Karunananda continued to run. At first, he was met by jeers from the crowd as he chose not to quit. Then as he continued to run, the jeers became cheers. As he crossed the finish line there was applause from the entire
stadium for his effort of perseverance and completion.

 

When asked about his running, he responded, “The Olympic spirit is not to win, but to take part. So I came here. I took part in the 10,000 meters and completed my rounds.” Yes, Paul tells us to run in such a way as to win in 1 Corinthians 9:24, but what is the real reward? Is it a ribbon or medal? Or could it be the race itself and the lessons learned in the journey? Paul speaks of training so that when the time comes he is not disqualified for his race. We should also take aim at our effort, but do so with our focus on Jesus who authors and perfects faith.

 

God is blessing our journey together. There are many who are running in the same direction with a long obedience. Thank you for your faithfulness to God’s assignment among us. May we continue to see the blessings of our race together as we give honor and glory to God.