Shape
5:30 AM........seriously
Thu/16/Oct 2008
At last weekend’s SHAPE retreat, the participants were introduced to an exercise called “lifemapping.” It sounds much more complicated than it actually is. It is a tool that helps one pinpoint strengths, weaknesses, and areas in which they need to grow. I learned a lot about myself during this exercise. One of the first things that came out of this process was my need to be more disciplined with my time. I am naturally a morning person. That is the most productive part of my day. Yet, in recent months I have found it difficult to get up and out the door before 8 am. I know that doesn’t seem late to a lot of people, but for me, that was wasting a lot of quality time. The result was that I was not spending a lot of quality devotion time with God. Nor was I getting any physical exercise.
So I made a commitment, with the help of a member of my SHAPE cohort, Rev. Don Evans, to get up an hour earlier than normal. I asked Don to hold me accountable by calling me each morning at 5:30 am. He’s been faithful to do that.
The first couple of days were rough. I did not want to get out of that bed. It is amazing how much one hour changes your schedule. But I am already beginning to feel better and it is becoming easier to get up and get going. Once I’m up, I go for a short jog, followed by some light exercising to get my heart rate elevated. I have also been spending more time praying for my community and myself.
This is just one tangible example of how SHAPE has been a great blessing to me. There is no doubt that I would not have the personal discipline to get out of bed at 5:30 am if I didn’t have Don calling me. The truth is, most of us only do what we are accountable for. We all need someone to call us, to check on us, and to ask us hard questions. If you do not have someone like that, you need to find one. It will make a difference in your life.
|
SHAPE Retreat
Mon/13/Oct 2008
Beth and I returned from the SHAPE retreat Saturday
evening exhausted and encouraged. We both agreed that
it was one of the best thing we have done together in
a very long time. We spent most of the weekend in a
room with 20 other pastoring couples, dealing with
issues that relate to how the emotional, physical,
and spiritual demands of pastoring. Al Ells did a
phenomenal job leading each session that centered on
these unique aspects. Al helped spend considerable
time addressing the cultural shift that has occurred,
and its effect upon the pastor and their family.
Virtually every couple testified to the positive
influence our weekend had on their relationship. I
went into the weekend thinking that our marriage was
about “as good as it gets.” I’ve always thought Beth
and I were definitely on the right track. I still
believe that, but after looking at our results and
discussing some issues, I realize that we have some
work to do. I better understand how important it is
to accept one another’s differences, and I understand
more of why we are different.
All in all, I very hopeful that this weekend will help Beth and I to increasingly understand one another, and enable us to grow closer. Pastoring is not always easy on families, but I am confident that it doesn’t have to be a detriment.
All in all, I very hopeful that this weekend will help Beth and I to increasingly understand one another, and enable us to grow closer. Pastoring is not always easy on families, but I am confident that it doesn’t have to be a detriment.
