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Here
it is fall already. It seemed that summer had just arrived when I begin
to see color in the trees and other signs that there is another change
of seasons. That also means that the fall programs begin at the church.
I hope you have enjoyed a relaxing summer and are gearing up for a busier
time. I found the following story to remind us that as we get busier
it is important to take care of our bodies, souls and spirits. It is
called “A Little Time Alone.”
John R. O'Neil, in his book The Paradox of Success tells about a psychologist
who was once summoned for a delicate interview with a top executive
who had been acting oddly. Every Wednesday afternoon, this hard-charging
company man would leave his office for a 3:00 appointment and did not
return. He never told anyone where he went, but because he was observed
entering a nearby apartment building it was assumed he must be visiting
a mistress. Not so. The executive explained his habit to the psychologist
quite easily. Inside Apartment 2B waited, not a luscious blonde, but
a professional woodworking shop that he had set up, where he labored
happily to turn out furniture and knick-knacks. He kept his special
appointment with himself faithfully because it was his retreat from
the demands he fulfilled so carefully day in and day out. He needed
this chance to be alone with himself, engaged in an activity that took
his mind far from the job and focused his attention in a calming way.
The psychologist pronounced him eminently healthy. This was the man's
retreat from pressing responsibilities.
You have to admire Jesus' commitment to maintaining balance in his life.
The Savior took time to go apart. Many of us could learn from him. We,
too, need a time apart. As someone has said, we need to go apart before
we come apart. (From: King Duncan, When You Need Help, Collected Sermons)
I have been able to get away occasionally this summer and get some reading
and other work done that never seems to get finished (or started) with
my busy schedule at church. It was refreshing and reminded me that I
need to take time to “go apart” for a time before I “come
apart.”
There will be many opportunities to get involved in church activities
this fall and winter so watch for those events that are of interest
to you and join in with others to serve Christ. There will be Sunday
school for all ages starting in September as well as Wednesday evening
Kid’s night. Watch for Bible Studies and other growth opportunities.
Wayne Barrett will be back in the Marquette District on October 11.
He is very worth the time to hear.
Enjoy the rest of the good weather because we know what follows that.
Fall is my favorite time of year as we have warm days, cool nights AND
usually no bugs! We also look forward to our church conference on October
21st. It is a good time to celebrate our past year and begin to imagine
what all we can do in the year ahead.
God bless you as you seek to serve God. As I write this newsletter article,
the Olympics are still going on and I am reminded that we need to keep
our eye on the prize as we journey toward God. It will all be worth
it in the end! I believe we will be as happy and excited as the Olympian
medal winners as we complete the tasks God asks us to do. And then there
is the final prize that we receive when we spend eternity with God.
I pray we will see you all in church as we get back to the fall and
perhaps some of you will not be on vacation. We miss you when you are
not in “your” pew. Peace and grace from God the Father and
our Lord Jesus Christ. |