There's a song from the past that describes a particular dilemma for me. The song is, "Torn Between Two Lovers". NO...I'm not torn between the love of my life, my wife of almost 35 years and someone else! I am completely, totally, head over heals in love with her! Instead it has to do with my feelings about my work.
Life's cirucumstances have pushed me to the point of wondering where I can best serve. As my parents, and Sue's, decline in health would it be best for me to be closer to them? As our grandchidren grow and get involved in new things, would it be good to be close enough to them so that we could be part of those things? OR...is it better to stay where we are and long to be closer to those who are most important to us?
The real question isn't about where we can be most effective in our work. I believe God will use us wherever we are. The real question is whether or not we are willing to continue sacrificing being close (physically) to family and remain in a "comfortable" place to work. (Comfortable is relative depending on what time of year we are experiencing.)
We've prayed about it and prayed about it. No decision is imminent as far as I can tell. Just exactly what is it that I'm looking for? Am I expecting God to open the sky and boom out the answer? Not exactly...but I do expect to hear His calling very clearly. I believe as time passes and churches consider us and we consider them, the answer will be very clear.
In the meantime, I remain torn between two...waiting expectantly for the answer to my dilemma.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Contemplating
A few days with my terminally ill father has me contemplating life again. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it does take a lot of energy. Here are some conclusions that I've come to (even though some are rather obvious and may seem trite)...
1) Life is WAY too short. 2) Make sure the last words others hear from you are positive, they may be the last words you speak. 3) Tell the ones you love that you love them...often! You may not get that chance again. 4) Treat your children with respect. They will be the ones making decisions for you when you're old. 5) Cherish the moments you have with the people you love. They are gone way to fast. 6) Record (either in writing or better still in A/V form) the stories you got tired of hearing. You'll treasure the words, and the way they were spoken when that loved one is gone. 7) Pay attention to the lessons you are taught, in word and deed. You'll need to draw on them in a crisis. 8) Share your struggles with others. Their prayers are priceless bits of hope in times of darkness. 9) Talk with God about what hurts. He understands in a unique way and will find a way to give you strength and comfort (even if you don't want to accept it). 10) NEVER pass up the opportunity to see your parents. They WILL NOT live forever.
I am blessed beyond comprehension because of the prayers, thoughts and well-wishes of my friends and Christian family. As my Daddy approaches his final days, I have found comfort in his wisdom, his character and his trust. I can only hope that as he breathes his last I can exhibit the same character of love and faith.
1) Life is WAY too short. 2) Make sure the last words others hear from you are positive, they may be the last words you speak. 3) Tell the ones you love that you love them...often! You may not get that chance again. 4) Treat your children with respect. They will be the ones making decisions for you when you're old. 5) Cherish the moments you have with the people you love. They are gone way to fast. 6) Record (either in writing or better still in A/V form) the stories you got tired of hearing. You'll treasure the words, and the way they were spoken when that loved one is gone. 7) Pay attention to the lessons you are taught, in word and deed. You'll need to draw on them in a crisis. 8) Share your struggles with others. Their prayers are priceless bits of hope in times of darkness. 9) Talk with God about what hurts. He understands in a unique way and will find a way to give you strength and comfort (even if you don't want to accept it). 10) NEVER pass up the opportunity to see your parents. They WILL NOT live forever.
I am blessed beyond comprehension because of the prayers, thoughts and well-wishes of my friends and Christian family. As my Daddy approaches his final days, I have found comfort in his wisdom, his character and his trust. I can only hope that as he breathes his last I can exhibit the same character of love and faith.
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