SUMMER TIME

This has been the hardest five months I have faced. Our family has been stretch, my schedule has been impossible, and by God's grace I have been hanging on. But summer is coming; in some ways, it is already here. Graduation was yesterday, and I have no more classes. The schedule is flexible now, if not empty.

What shall I do with my time? Moreover, what shall I do with my days on earth? They are but few, and full of hardship, says the Bible. Why am I here? Junctures like this make a mission statement helpful. Some years ago, I prayerfully sought the Lord on this big-picture question, and here's what He said: I am here to worship, and to bring others to worship, both as a lead worshiper and a trainer of other lead worshipers.

How have I been doing at my goal? Not so very well this year, so far. My daily schedule and energy level have kept me from regular times in the Word, and I know that I am at my best when I have those times. And while I have been more than busy training worship leaders, I have been stretched so thin that I haven't gone very deeply with anyone.

This summer, goal #1 is to recharge. Goal #2 is to invest in those who are most important: my family. Out of that life will come effective ministry. Time to get the cart back behind the horse again.

"LORD, I give you the summer, each day, each hour. I am your servant. I will follow You all of my days, and step by step You'll lead me. Amen."
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