A Living Alternative

(anyone who knows me, knows how I feel about salad)

It has been just over a year since Kim & I got  a plane to spend Christmas with her family in Australia.  Beyond the joy that always accompanies such a trip to see the in-laws (seriously, they are wonderful), this particular trip was also a necessary, if temporary, escape from the stresses of life.  I found myself at a critical stage of burn out where something had to be done before I landed myself in the hospital.  A month Down Under made a huge impact on that very dark and difficult time.

Of course, while getting away helps, it certainly doesn’t solve the root issues.  And though this past year has been much better in respect to the causes of my burn out, the roots are still there needing to be addressed.  It is with great relief, then, that I see the Christmas break approaching, followed by a period of relative stress-reduction for January and February.  The time has come for me to re-evaluate where I am putting my energies in life & ministry.  My wife has been incredibly supportive in this processes, especially since she already carries the lions share of leadership for YWAM.

I know that the coming year will bring with it major shifts, not the least of which (Lord willing) is the arrival of our child from Ethiopia.  Little Flowers Community is beginning to natural take root and grow, requiring more of my time and energy.  Further, I need to keep developing my heart and mind to better serve in this new pastoral capacity (albeit, somewhat non-traditional by some standards).  I also need to refocus on writing, something I have put aside largely during our JDTS.  My St. Francis inspired book needs more attention and this blog should be more regularly updated (though my brother is designing me a new blog, which I am excited about).

Another area that need my attention and diligent discipline my health.  Sure, I can use the excuse of the JDTS to cop out for the most part.  And there is some partial truth in that- the schedule is grueling and we don’t control our menu.  However, I have been far too lazy and must return to my practice of daily exercise and healthier eating.  It is too easy for me to neglect, and with my families history of heart problems, I have to take it more seriously.

So, if I haven’t bored you with the dull details of life and you’ve made it this far, I hope you will think of us in prayer today and in the coming months.  We really need it.

Anything else I haven’t mentioned that you are interested?  Feel free to ask!

.