Closing Out My Week

I've read other pastors blogs and noticed a common thing many of them do - they kind of let all the thoughts of their week flood out on Sunday nights - kind of a letting go experience. Thought I'd do it too and see how it goes.

Things I've learned this week.

1- No matter how much you want things to stay the same, they don't. Every Christmas is a little different now - and that's a good thing. Different days, times and plans - all good.

2- Making a difference in the life of someone else is where it's at. Had the chance to bless someone this week who would be alone on Christmas - it felt great to keep the focus off of me!

3- I don't need anything! Struggled to come up with a list for my family for Christmas. Loved everything I got - but really have more than I could hope for - we are so rich.

4- Grandkids in one day can provide you a week, make that a month's worth of memories. I find myself making nonsensical sounds and repeating gibberish much to the dismay of the parents who I'm sure wish I would talk more intelligently.

5- I truly want to finish strong in 2008 and get my new year off on the right foot. I will be making some goals and specific life plans and won't rest til I've met them.

6- I love my church family and the committed Christians who work along side of me. We will be making a huge difference in N/E Ohio this year.

7- I'm getting older and it's taking much longer to do things than it used to. I just pray God gives me enough time to complete all the dreams he's given me.

8- Finally. As I shared this morning - I woke from a deep dream this week realizing I had been weeping. When asked by others around me I couldn't speak. As I probed deeper into my dream I realized it was because I felt deep sorrow for those who didn't have clean water to drink and that up until now I hadn't done anything about it. Thanks to the Grovers who stepped up today and gave $1,500 in our Christmas offering. I hope I dream more this week - more importantly I hope I feel deeply about those things that grieve the heart of God.

Time for rest.

Jeff