Whoa!!! We survived RAGBRAI! What an interesting experience to say the least. We made some money for the youth group and we got to see and talk to a lot of interesting people. Even though it was fun and interesting I'm glad we don't have to do it every year! There is a lot of planning and work that goes on in preparing for that event. All the planning and work that went into getting ready made me think a lot about how we get busy in life and before we know it life is rushing by so fast we look back and wonder what we've missed.
The sermon this week focused on the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus visited their house and while Martha busied herself making the guests feel comfortable Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him talk. Martha, as would any of us I think, asked Jesus to tell Mary to get off her butt and help with the work of meal preparation. But, instead of Jesus siding with Martha he said that Mary had chosen the right thing by sitting and listening to him. So, in this story Jesus seems to be saying it's okay to sit by and let someone else work! Well not exactly, but I believe this story is a reminder that sometimes we get so busy in our lives that we don't have time to relax, recharge and listen for Jesus. Usually what happens is we work ourselves so much we are either forced to stop because we get physically ill and our bodies make the decision for us, or we get so burnt out and frustrated we just can't handle it anymore.
The story of Jesus' visit with Martha and Mary reminds us that while doing work, whether it be volunteer or job related or church related or whatever, is important, but it has to be balanced with rest, relaxation and recharging. God rested on the 7th day, Jesus often went off and prayed by himself, why do we find it a badge of honor to work ourselves silly? Somehow we think that taking time for ourselves, and perhaps even saying "no" once in awhile is taboo. Do we have a martyr complex? Do we like to show others how busy we are and how "important" we are because of all the stuff we can juggle? Will it not get done if we don't do it? How do we know what can get done if we don't let someone else do it? How do we expect more help if we're always the ones saying we'll do it and take care of it? Jesus himself is telling us that if we're too busy to find time to listen to him and find time to rest, relax, and recharge then he isn't impressed with our work. In fact, he would say slow down and stop it.
We aren't doing anyone any favors trying to be super dad/mom/friend/coworker/brother/sister/volunteer if in the end we become so tired and burnout that we're resentful towards the work we do. We need to learn to recognize when we're becoming too busy. The signs are different for everyone, but if you see your family less then coworkers and others then...here's your sign. If you realize that you are starting to resent the work you've volunteered to do then...here's your sign. If you find yourself short and snippy with people then...here's your sign. Of course there are times in our lives when responsibilities take a front seat to anything else, but if that starts to become the norm instead of the exception then I think a priority check is in order. And I certainly hope that finding time to spend with the Spirit and Jesus isn't pushed back, because that is time that you will find rewarding beyond any work you do...I promise!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Southern California...was this work or play?
I just got back from the United Church of Christ's national meeting, which is called General Synod, that is held every two years. I was selected as a delegate to represent the Iowa Conference and I reluctantly agreed to attend the meeting which was held in Long Beach, California. You know, sometimes you just have to take one for the team! It would suffice to say I was looking forward to the location and not necessarily the meetings and conference. I was pleasantly surprised by both actually.
Of course the weather was great. It was a little unseasonably humid for southern California, but we suffered through it. We arrived in Long Beach Thursday afternoon. The conference didn't start until Friday afternoon so I took the chance to rent a car, cruise the Pacific Coast Highway, and also take in a Dodger game. Once the conference started on Friday our free time was cut down so the rental had to go back. I would be lying if I didn't say the pull of the beach and the convertible was stronger then sitting in the convention center for meetings, but I resisted the urge and decided to attend the conference.
There were about 800 delegates from around the country, and there were about 2000 visitors from around the country that came to General Synod. The conference consisted of elections of our national officers, the recognition of some dignitaries, worship, and the work was the passing of resolutions. The resolutions were debated in committees on Saturday and then brought to all the delegates for a vote. Let's just say the voting on the resolutions is where the conference really bogged down. The resolutions were anything from a statement denouncing bullying to a call for the UCC to divest itself from companies that profit from fossil fuels. The process of amendments, voting, the voices for and the voices against worked a lot like any committee/meeting works so you can imagine it really got tiresome sometimes, but some good work was done.
What was really cool about General Synod was the chance to meet some new friends, to experience some different worship styles, to see God active in our wider church, and to be reminded that there is a lot of good stuff going on around the country and in our denomination. Now, I may not agree with all the things the national UCC does, and I didn't agree with all the resolutions, but I do really enjoy the fact that the UCC really strives to the an inclusive and all loving church that welcomes all...even those they may disagree with that very policy. I don't always do a good job of keeping our church connected to the wider church, and attending General Synod was a great reminder to me that God is at work in the wider church.
One final take away from General Synod was a reminder to me again to how blessed I am to be serving at the Minden United Church of Christ. I listen to a lot of ministers talk about their struggles, and I was humbled at the way the Spirit has worked with our church and helped shape us into the church family we are. I know I make a lot of mistakes, and I am thankful you are willing to work with me through those mistakes. With the leading of the Spirit we will continue to be a light in this community and a great faith family together.
Of course the weather was great. It was a little unseasonably humid for southern California, but we suffered through it. We arrived in Long Beach Thursday afternoon. The conference didn't start until Friday afternoon so I took the chance to rent a car, cruise the Pacific Coast Highway, and also take in a Dodger game. Once the conference started on Friday our free time was cut down so the rental had to go back. I would be lying if I didn't say the pull of the beach and the convertible was stronger then sitting in the convention center for meetings, but I resisted the urge and decided to attend the conference.
There were about 800 delegates from around the country, and there were about 2000 visitors from around the country that came to General Synod. The conference consisted of elections of our national officers, the recognition of some dignitaries, worship, and the work was the passing of resolutions. The resolutions were debated in committees on Saturday and then brought to all the delegates for a vote. Let's just say the voting on the resolutions is where the conference really bogged down. The resolutions were anything from a statement denouncing bullying to a call for the UCC to divest itself from companies that profit from fossil fuels. The process of amendments, voting, the voices for and the voices against worked a lot like any committee/meeting works so you can imagine it really got tiresome sometimes, but some good work was done.
What was really cool about General Synod was the chance to meet some new friends, to experience some different worship styles, to see God active in our wider church, and to be reminded that there is a lot of good stuff going on around the country and in our denomination. Now, I may not agree with all the things the national UCC does, and I didn't agree with all the resolutions, but I do really enjoy the fact that the UCC really strives to the an inclusive and all loving church that welcomes all...even those they may disagree with that very policy. I don't always do a good job of keeping our church connected to the wider church, and attending General Synod was a great reminder to me that God is at work in the wider church.
One final take away from General Synod was a reminder to me again to how blessed I am to be serving at the Minden United Church of Christ. I listen to a lot of ministers talk about their struggles, and I was humbled at the way the Spirit has worked with our church and helped shape us into the church family we are. I know I make a lot of mistakes, and I am thankful you are willing to work with me through those mistakes. With the leading of the Spirit we will continue to be a light in this community and a great faith family together.
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