I woke up this morning and immediately my mind was taken captive by all the day’s activities, events, and meetings. As a pastor, this time of the year is not as much fun as it for everyone else. If all ministers were allowed to take the cloak of superficial dignity away we would admit that our favorite day of the year is January 2. There are parties, end of the year programs, end of the year committee meetings, budget recommendations, threee sermons to prepare for, and it seems that everyone is healthy until the holidays. Please don’t hear me complaining, there is nothing in this world that I would rather be doing, but it is quite hectic and draining. In the midst of all this chaos, I had a somewhat normal night where I got an opportunity to go to bed at a reasonable hour, and then the phone rang…
After finally getting in the bed around 11 I was not enthused with benevolence when my six month old Solomon woke me up very very early. As I wiped the interrupted sleep out of my eyes, my mind raced with the thoughts of all I need to do today. I stumbled over to his crib to attempt to get him to simmer down and then it happened; he cracked a laugh and smiled at me. As I sat there and watched him, God spoke very clearly to me. Solomon could care less about my busy schedule, he just wanted daddy to play with him, pick him up, and hold him.
I must be transparent; it is a struggle for me to observe everyday with a childlike faith. I pray that during this Christmas season, I won’t allow my busy schedule to clutter my relationship with Jesus. God’s will for me is to have the same mentality as my six month old. Solomon is not immersed with a busy schedule clogging his thoughts and holding him in captivity. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not implying that the work of ministry is not important, but I am being faithful to Scripture in striving to keep first things first. My ministry must flow from my relationship with Jesus. If ministry hinders my relationship with Jesus it has become an idol. Solomon woke up and wanted his daddy to hold him. I pray that I will learn from him. Thank you Solomon for your Christmas gift to me.
2 Comments
December 12, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Good word. Thanks. You know, it’s still a blessing when your son smiles at you.
Brad
December 17, 2007 at 4:38 am
Enjoyed your message, enjoy your son while you can,time will pass so fast. I prayed for you, I know you can use it at this time. I know God will always use you, he has used you already in our church and with our people. God will bless you and your family…
Pat