First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

November, 2011

I am amazed at how fast life is these days. It seems like it was yesterday that I was digging in the ground, planting seeds and flowers. Those days are gone, if for a short time, as leaves fall and plants die for the season. But there is much more to this “rushed life” than the change of seasons. Way before Halloween, I saw Christmas decorations out in the stores. Last week I saw a family decorating their house with red and green lights. I get caught up in the hustle and bustle too, as I rush from one thing to another, hardly completing one task before the next one comes along. I’m not complaining (well, yes I am). I guess I’m complaining to myself, for allowing the often busy and complicated calendars of life to get in the way of taking the time to enjoy all that is around me. But that is going to change, or at least I hope it will.

There is the possibility, I guess, of it getting more hectic, but I will try to not let it. Thanksgiving is less than a month away, Christmas two months, and the start of a new year around the corner. I could, and will be tempted, to put more on my platter than I can handle. I will book myself, coming and going, burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle, so to speak. But I will also enjoy life. I promise myself to take the time to enjoy family and not be concerned about the little things that distract me. I will visit with friends in the church and not be so rushed that I don’t take the time to listen. I hope to sit down and read a little more, watch TV a little less, and talk to Barbara a whole lot more. I will stop taking things for granted.

Those Christmas cards will get addressed, even if it is on December 24th. The presents will get wrapped and I will make the time to call an old friend or two. Taking care of oneself is important, I think, no I know, it is God’s desire that we do this. If it means an event that is so “important” has to be missed, that’s OK. If it means that not everything gets done, I don’t think everyone will mind. Work ahead a bit and enjoy life each day. That’s my motto for November and December.

By the way , I will and I hope you will too, find time for God in all of this. Prayer, Bible verses, meditations, paintings, nature, all of which is God speaking to us. So, if I seem more concerned with “God’s things” than meetings, plans or getting to the sale, I hope you understand. I think this is what God is calling me to do. How about you?

Pastor Woody