Walking the Talk

Our first Vineyard Days has come and gone. I thought it was great that the Region pulled this off. It was easy for me because my only role was to run a workshop for 1 hour on Saturday.
It was to be on the whole thing of spiritual formation and leadership. I created this teaching around the idea that if you want to maintain your spiritual integrity in ministry, then you need to view ministry leadership through the lens of orienteering. Orienteering is a cross country sport where one navigates their way through unknown territory using only a map and a compass. I spoke about 4 different areas that one comes upon during the trek - the open field, the trail, lost in the bush, and the lookout. The open field represented Sabbath rest. As I was preparing this I kept feeling this prodding about practicing what I teach.

I try to do Sabbath rest, but I may as well be honest...'try' is not really accurate. I 'think about it' - that's as far as I usually get. Why? Lots to do!

Sabbath means quitting or stopping - on purpose! I know that the benefits are huge. But there is something inside me that sees all the work that has to be done...and it's a killer to NOT do it. So I'm feeling...really feeling that the Lord is putting a challenge in front of me: Take 24 hours straight, once per week and quit from doing things. I want to argue that this is not the season for this. We have begun to restructure, how can I possibly afford to take a full 24 hours off? But then I hear this other whispery voice saying - "you can't afford not to!"

My desire has always been to live like Jesus lived. You would think that by quitting [Oh yeh...quitting doesn't mean get busy around the house and do those chores - but to take time to do those things that bring me life - to rest - to read - to STOP.] Taking 24 hours totally off is radical for our culture - our culture measures our value by what we accomplish. And I've bought into that. So am I up to the challenge? I think so - I hope so, anyway.

So now the tough part - examining my schedule and life and fitting in this time...first. I invite you to follow me on my journey...
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