Sometimes, it’s difficult to get access to a leader. We may need to have crucial conversations, but a leader may need solitude to get important work done. That idea inspired me to draw this “A senior pastor’s moat” cartoon.
No matter where you go, it can be difficult to get access to leaders. Sometimes, it is because leaders get interrupted continually. Other times, it can be because of personalities that clash. Then there are times it may be because there was a great sale on moats and alligators. It can be for a host of reasons.
I had the opportunity to interview two pastors about the California Creek Fire in Fresno County and how the churches have rallied together to bring relief efforts in the area. The article appeared on the Church of God News Blog on October 1, 20202. Here’s a link.
The fire began over a month ago. As I write this on October 7, 2020, the fire is still only 49% contained. Thankfully, most of the fire is in sparsely inhabited areas. Largely, this fire is no longer in the national news cycle. It’s no wonder. When I checked TheLA Times map of current wildfires, there were twenty-nine active California wildfires. That’s a lot to keep track of!
However, the way the churches rallied in this wildfire response inspired me. Here was a group of people that under normal, prosperous times may have eyed each other as competitors. But as the fire endangered their community, they knew they had more in common than not.
So it can be hard to remain an optimist when things are literally burning around you. But it is so helpful to remain positive and to give help where needed. I loved the outlook Pastor Shawn Beaty displayed.
God uses traumas, trials, and transitions to bring people to him.
Shawn Beaty: Clovis Hills Community Church
Some relief workers had to evacuate. No doubt, relief workers were concerned they could lose their own property. In the early days, the fire was unpredictable and it was a very fluid situation. But the pastors observed the members that were in the best frame of mind were those who were helping others. Instead of despairing, the churches were aiding those who may have been in similar or worse situations.
Sure, we can see the troubles all around us as obstacles worth complaining about. Or like the churches in this article, we can put our resources together and do some good in tough situations.
There are times when we have legitimate fears. It can keep us from making foolish choices like betting all your paycheck on a horse, running in traffic without looking for traffic or speeding in a snowstorm. Foolish choices have repercussions.
There are other times when we make excuses for something we know we should be doing. Our imaginations work overtime while the rest of us are lazy.
The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”
This morning, I smelled a skunk when I went for my run. I hesitated for a moment, then when I checked, it was obvious its stench was nearby while the lovely creature wasn’t. I could have used that as an excuse not to run the moment I smelled the lovely aroma.
We can watch out for excuses that keep us from our full potential. Yes, life is risky and we need to take proper precautions. But It is also good to take some risks and get out there, even if there’s a chance a lion, tiger bear or skunk may be on your path.
Thrill-seekers love adventure. Sure, you can attempt to minimize it. You can wear protective clothing, helmets and use climbing ropes. You can go to an amusement park and ride an inspected roller coaster that’s been deemed safe. You can go to a haunted house with chainsaw-wielding fiends and fake blood on the wall, knowing full well they won’t hurt you because that’s bad for business. But if there is no risk involved, there’s no adventure, is there?
On the one hand, we yearn for some adventure. On the other hand, we are risk-averse. We want someone else to take the risk. We don’t really want to risk it all for the business, success or imagined glory. Yet that is what is required to move forward. Change is an adventure. Adventures are risky.
Seth Godin has defined creativity simply as, “It might not work.” That new product launch, the new marketing campaign, that career move may not be as successful as you hope. But deep down, isn’t that the adventure we are all looking for?
Cartoon of a lamb and wolf. The sheep says, “This year, I resolve to stay away from unnecessary risks.”
One thing I have discovered over the years is that if I make a resolution to avoid something, that temptation doesn’t necessarily go away. Resolutions just don’t work if I phrase them as a negative. I can give up soda pop as a resolution. But if I don’t replace it with something, such as water, I usually fail.
So instead of thinking about what you’re going to give up this year, think about what good habit you can replace it with.
This month, my goal is to write five hundred words a day. Hidden within that goal is to regulate how much time I spend online. If I’m going to write those words, something will have to give. So while I may not be surfing as much, this will give me a better opportunity to write my blog. I also plan to explore writing my next book.
So what is your resolution for the new year? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
