2009 comes to a close in a couple of days. I think it is a great time of the year to do private and personal introspection, slowing down just long enough to make sure we are exactly where God would have us be. I am convinced that decisions like Urban Meyer made this past weekend should be made more often, and more consistently all over the world. We get complacent, lose our priorities, follow our own desires instead of God’s, and end up just becoming a fairly effective leader in whatever it is we are doing.
This happens whether we want it to or not. As proven in Urban’s case, it’s easy to make the initial call, but then buyer’s remorse takes over……pain for wanting what we built takes over….watching what we had slip away takes over…watching the income slip away takes over. I think ministers, though lowly paid, oftentimes, are some of the most “lame ducks” there are in the workplace. It’s an income to most and very few are living the life of faith! It’s too easy to do the least. It’s too easy to lose the warrior edge and become a mouthpiece for doing what someone else thinks you ought to do. It’s too easy to say, “I’ve fought my fight, I’m older now, and it’s time to enjoy more of what I’ve built.” That is why the end of our journeys get a little skewed and is illustrated by the likes of Bobby Bowden at Florida State. Very few of us hear clearly enough to make the change necessary to leave while at the top of our game.
How high up you are is not the issue. In fact, what is high? Success is simple obedience to go to the next best place in God’s eyes; big, small, desert, sideline, press box, or complete reinvention of yourself. Don’t let anyone lie to you and convince you that it’s more or less than that.
What are you hearing this week? Do you believe God would like to speak to you? Slow down, listen, and see. He does! There should be a ton of new decisions made over the next two weeks. What will yours be?
Great insightful words for us all Shane. May God bless you and yours in this New Year to continue to make a difference!
Jamey, great to hear from you and thank you…….it’s for me too, for sure. Look forward to seeing you soon. Can’t wait to hear more about Nashville. Let me know if I can help in any way. I’m just down the road in Chattanooga.
Wow! Thanks for the reminder to slow down, listen to God and see what he has in store for each and every one of our lives. So many times we think we know what’s best and make decisions based on our fleshly feelings rather than stopping, listening to God and allowing Him to work in our lives. This is the 2nd post/blog I’ve read relating to this today….thanks God for the 2×4’s to get my attention!!
Love you guys and are glad you are a part of our lives.
Cindy, you are welcome……….gosh, we all need this and I’m at the top of the list. I write more to myself than anyone else.
Thanks for the encouraging words! Our life is about to change big time in 2010…All we know is that we are moving back to Ga with Duane’s job. I am not always good with change, God is stetching us to just follow him and have faith..We have NO clue as to where we will live or where He will lead us to serve..I am of course very anxious because we like most are very comfortable here in Florida with friends, a home we thought we just built to in forever, and a church family.. I continue to lean on James words in 1:1-7 and know that these are trials that will grow us and make us closer to Him and as a family! Even though we don’t see you guys we still pray for you and Love you!