Random Thoughts

Every now and then I spend some time with a blog idea in my head. (Obviously most of the time I don't get it into a blog format. I'll try to be better at that!) God has definitely given us an interesting year, full of situations we were able to grow and learn from. Most, if not all of them, I wouldn't have asked for. Yet our family is much stronger because of them. It often makes me wonder what is coming next! And I look forward to that with both excitement and nervousness.

One of these situations brought a question to the front of my mind. Why do you/we go to church? A question we all answer differently at different times in our lives. We probably start out answering, "because my parents go." I have had varied answers...because I wanted to, because I was expected to, to see my friends, etc. Sometimes I have felt like going to church was our job (naturally, I suppose). No matter the reason, I have always been blessed by being there.

I have noticed that there are some people who go for themselves. The ministers need to preach about what they want to hear, their kids should get their way in the youth ministry, they should be able to sponsor activities they want to sponsor and do it their way, etc. Not only does this frustrate me immensely, it's purely selfish. It causes division, jealousy, anger, and so much more.

One visit I had at home triggered this particular thought for me. My granny was talking about my aunt, who is have some major health problems, and mentioned that she was disappointed that their minister hadn't visited them. The conversation continued about how visiting others wasn't this minister's strength, and they wished for more from him. Being the wife of a minister who has to deal with these issues, I told them to think about all the work this man does well. How much time he must spend caring about the congregation. No minister is perfect. If you are unhappy with how your ministers are serving, what can you do to pick up the slack? All of us our ministers. We don't get out of that responsibility just because we pay someone full-time to minister. (I have to say that Granny is probably more in tune with God and his Word than almost anyone I know, so please don't think I'm down on her spirituality!)

Look around you today and see how you can build up someone else, especially those who are paid ministers. Some rarely hear what they are doing well...only the negative things.

I so often fail to look beyond myself, but I'm trying to change that. God has taught me all year to look past my wants/needs and to rely on him. A lesson that I'll probably continue to learn for the rest of my life.