What if... I...

Still on this journey. God is so faithful. I have been busy with life lately - reflecting and then looking forward.

Read some great books lately.

Busy being obsessed with my Strategic Planning for the non-profit client. I love this stuff.

Here is what I am reflecting about:

The view from the pulpit for many years...

The view from the pew for many years...

I think both views make me a better person for what lies ahead. And I will continue to write about those views to perhaps help others.

Sometimes pastors ask God for grace to serve His people - or sometimes referred to it as "these people you gave me, Lord." I know, not that great an attitude. Pastoring is a HUGE responsibility - that is why it is a call.

NOW I know His PEOPLE in the pew probably need MORE GRACE to serve with His pastors - Lord, help us! Because even "called" people are not perfect. The anointing won't make them perfect either.

I am not so sure our training for ministry is the best it could be. No fault of anyone really. We get the message down. We are taught the principles and doctrine.

But people skills..

Conflict resolutions skills (how to obtain peace - not "I win, you lose")...

Healthy leadership skills...etc. could help more.

I see this beginning to take place in many Bible Colleges and applaud it. Not a crime to read and teach from some good healthy secular and denominational Christian publications.

Bottom line - I was really a jerk early in ministry - I had so much growing to do.

Still do have growing to do - but I dropped the "jerk" tag....after all -

"I am perfect in Christ, right?" Even if I act like a jerk, I would never confess it (OK, sarcasm is in me some times).

And even if you see me act like a jerk, you would not confess it. Of course, not sure how I would even get any help if I needed someone to speak into my life...but that is a whole other story.

Anyway... I had to figure out a lot on my own which was probably no fun for anyone around me... I am sure people needed a LOT of grace to serve with me.

So now looking forward. Gather, gather, gather...what am I gathering?

Gathering all the best, the good, the bad, the ugly and sorting....

Toss that out

Keep this

Hang on to that

Burn that

Embrace this

Let go of that

Be thankful for this

Forgive that

Leave that alone now

And let's move on....

And hopefully, the road ahead will be traveled the best it can be by someone who still loves God, still loves people, still married to the same great guy after 37 years, still loves being a mom....and still has somewhat to offer.

One thing I am for sure taking with me...

I vowed to myself that for this part of the journey, I will be honest with myself and others. I never "lied" to others....just simply did not "offer" truth when the occasion needed it. It is diplomacy at its best. I had all the "code language" down pat.

Now "speaking the truth love...." I can do this. I know my love for people.

Wives in ministry are usually some of the most quiet woman you will meet. Not all - not all - we just hate running the risk of being accused of being a "Jezebel." Wow - if she knew how much mileage the church would get out of her story.

We have no trouble with women in politics sharing what they believe to be true (well, depends on what party), but if those minister's wives begin to speak..... whoops - "leave that alone now."

Spring is coming to Michigan and before you know it, neighbors will be out in their yards working - cleaning up after the harsh winter. We tend to hibernate in the winter, so we catch up on life in the spring as we see how the winter treated us all. It is a great time of the year to start new projects. Great time of the year to just "move on."