Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry

One of the things I ask God for on a regular basis is that He will speak to my life through a reading of the Scriptures, sermons, podcasts, and other reading. Yesterday He spoke to me in a rather profound way.

John Ortberg, pastor of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, is one of my favorire preachers. I enjoy listening to his podcasts. As I listened to one of his recent messages he told the story of the time he went to famed Christian philosopher Dallas Willard and asked, "What must I do to enjoy a healthy spirituality?" And Dr. Willard simply said, "You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." He went on to distinguish between external business and an inner state of hurry."

That was the encouragement I needed to slow down and enjoy the easy cadence of a daily walk with Jesus.

Gelato Therapy

I'm all for healthy eating, but every now and then the human spirit must be fed a bit of extravagance. Today we made a trip down to Powell’s for a bit of gelato therapy. Just a small cup of tropical (pineapple and coconut) and burgundy cherry gelato. It sure was good! Every time I eat gelato, I am carried back to the Piazza della Signoria in Florence where I had my very first gelato. Just cattycorner across the piazza from the David replica is a very fine gelato shop with an amazing frozen mango confection. Then down the street going towards the Duomo is an even larger shop where each of the gelato trays is topped with a decorative piece of fruit. Gelato is health food – health food for the soul.

Sabbath Togetherness

Today we have enjoyed a quiet Sabbath together. This morning we watched Fireproof together. Then we went to the beach for a picnic lunch and a walk. It was foggy and a bit cool. Then we came home and spent more time reading and talking together. Tonight we're going to enjoy the updated Oklahoma. What a day -- me and the lady!

The Poet's Gift

Last Sabbath Ruth Welker put special effort into being at church. It was great to see her. Before going home she slipped a gift into my hands -- a book of her poetry. Now I am not a huge fan of poetry, and yet I am reading one of Ruth's poem each day and am blessed by her gift. Ruth has a profound love for God, a colorful perspective of nature, and a lyrical way with words. This morning's poem was especially encouraging:

O for a lonely little spot
To sit alone and rest~,
To let your thoughts just wander by
And feel that you are blessed!


To see the beauty all around,
The grass its deepest green,
The leaves that shimmer in the sun,
Displaying silver gleam.


The little country road is laced
With brushes all around:
They slightly quiver in the breeze
And listen to its sound.


The sunlit sea of drifting clouds~
Like a majestic band~
In faithfulness pursue their course,
Held by eternal hand.


O for a lonely little spot
To sit alone and rest~,
To feel your heart from burdens freed
And know that you are blessed.

Go Take a Nap

I grew up on the adage, "Don't just stand there -- Do something!" Right now I'm thinking about that whole thing in reverse. Perhaps there are times when it is best to not do something and to just stand there. Or sit. Or even lie down. Probably the two most significant things I have done today is to have my devotions in a hot tub of water and to take a nap. It felt good.

What I'm Feeling

Last Friday night Linda said, "I want to talk. I want to know what you are feeling go into this summer break." At that point I had no idea what to tell her. Now I have a little bit of an answer.

I feel like a college kid who has just taken their last final and is now on summer break. Just like the college kid taking their finals, life has been intense for the last few weeks. I'm tired. I'm relieved. I'm resting up for a few days and will then be ready to take on the summer adventure.

I'm also feeling an uncomfortable, but healthy stretch in my faith. I keep thinking, "I hope so and so will take care of ____ at the church. I hope such and such will happen" and it is totally out of my control. I have to let go. I have to let God take care of the whole thing. Not a bad spot to be!

Day One

Today is Day One of my sabbatical. I’m excited. I’m prepared to embrace this journey. I fully anticipate a profound sense of rest and renewal as the Lord leads me through the quiet spaces of the next three months.

People have asked why I am doing this. I suppose that it could be argued that this is the right thing to do because the Northern California Conference provides such a benefit for qualifying pastors. It could further be argued that after 32 years of intensive pastoral ministry that it is time to take a break. While both of these explanations are valid, they seem rather inadequate for me. I am taking this sabbatical because I believe that it is in the best interest of the two churches I serve.

I believe that healthy pastors are essential for healthy churches. I believe that churches deserve to have pastors who are fresh and vital. Pastors who are brimming with creative ideas. Pastors who have the ability to look their people in the eye and fully engage in a meaningful conversation. Pastors who can move with the rhythms of their congregations. Pastors who are sure about their calling and clear about their vision.

People have also asked what my plans are for the coming three months. In my morning devotions I plan to study the gospel stories and identifying the strategies Jesus used to build margin into His busy life. I plan to take time to forge strong connections with my wife, children, parents, and siblings. I plan to take some classes: Digital photography, How To Be An Outstanding Communicator, and the Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics course. That last class should help me to cut through the stack of books I want to read during this renewal break. I look forward to the therapy of time spent working in the garden. I want to take a number of day trips that will open up new vistas in creativity, spur reflective thought, and connect me to my local community. And

I invite you to check in every few days – it will be our way of staying in touch over the next few months. We can share spiritual insights, discoveries, and personal news. We can truly journey together.