As a fellow DIY'er (for the exact same reasons), I LOVE this analogy. It is so true. In fact, I specifically engage in home projects and woodworking for that very reason. Having something tangible created by my efforts meets a deep need within me that I often don't get when doing ministry. I often say it this way: "Fruit is rarely eaten in sight of the tree." Meaning, it is carted off to some other location where it then fulfills the important task of feeding people.
Here is what I needed to hear:
The reminder that details matter. For much of my life, I've been guilty of doing things 90% of the way. It's the old adage "good enough for government work" mentality. Just didn't have the patience and/or attention span. But as you advised in an earlier post, forcing myself to slow down cures those impulses. More importantly, as you point out, it is a reflection of character.
Here is what I would suggest:
I like what you wrote about "success", but I would encourage you to press into that point more. I think the self-perceived lack of success is what the enemy uses to whisper to us that we are failures, especially those in ministry. (I know that I struggle with it.)
- Maybe you could expand on the definition of success from a biblical/theological perspective.
- From your perspective/experience, what has achieving success "delivered" for you? In other words, is it as fulfilling as we all expect it to be?
When your book comes out (I sincerely hope it's a real book, not audio or an e-book), those of us who are paid subscribers, can we get first dibs at it? This article makes me itch to get the book so I can mess it up with a highlighter and a pen!!😊
Here is what I like:
As a fellow DIY'er (for the exact same reasons), I LOVE this analogy. It is so true. In fact, I specifically engage in home projects and woodworking for that very reason. Having something tangible created by my efforts meets a deep need within me that I often don't get when doing ministry. I often say it this way: "Fruit is rarely eaten in sight of the tree." Meaning, it is carted off to some other location where it then fulfills the important task of feeding people.
Here is what I needed to hear:
The reminder that details matter. For much of my life, I've been guilty of doing things 90% of the way. It's the old adage "good enough for government work" mentality. Just didn't have the patience and/or attention span. But as you advised in an earlier post, forcing myself to slow down cures those impulses. More importantly, as you point out, it is a reflection of character.
Here is what I would suggest:
I like what you wrote about "success", but I would encourage you to press into that point more. I think the self-perceived lack of success is what the enemy uses to whisper to us that we are failures, especially those in ministry. (I know that I struggle with it.)
- Maybe you could expand on the definition of success from a biblical/theological perspective.
- From your perspective/experience, what has achieving success "delivered" for you? In other words, is it as fulfilling as we all expect it to be?
This is a really really good suggestion! Thanks Art. I'll look into this. Sorry for delayed response. I unplugged last week.
THANK YOU for those words of encouragement!!!
I can't speak for everyone, but parenting can feel like a thankless "ReLeading" job at times, especially, single-parenting!!!!
I needed that this morning!
Thsnk you!
Blessings,
Hey Pastor, I got a suggestion:
When your book comes out (I sincerely hope it's a real book, not audio or an e-book), those of us who are paid subscribers, can we get first dibs at it? This article makes me itch to get the book so I can mess it up with a highlighter and a pen!!😊
Subscribers will definitely get first crack!