Without even knowing it, I’ve created intentional stress in my life … and those who are doing the pushing and pulling tell me it’s a good thing.
That’s easy for them to say.
I’m trying so hard these days to keep focused on what’s important: Study of the Word; using my gifts for a higher purpose; family; health; business; personal time; and investing financially in the future.
It’s time to forget the Harley Davidson, the dream of being a BBQ grillmaster and making a fortune …for now.
For now, it’s time to stay focused on what’s important, the theory being that all of the above may come later.
Earlier this week, I had my first meeting with my career/spiritual coach, Dick Savidge of Ministry Coaching International. His number-one job is to keep me focused on these things. Keep me disciplined. Keep me harnessed. Reign me in from the tasty distractions that satisfy my fleshly appetite. Oh, the mouth-watering hunger…
Then there’s my book editor, Bradley Harris, a Canadian born, expatriate, now living in the Deep South of Memphis, TN, who informs me now that his job is to stretch me, take me beyond what I might imagine and savor all the possibilities.
Then, there are my respected bosses and colleagues at my day job who envision a new product line, and want me on the front line of sales to make it happen. They don’t express it as sink or swim, but if you’re a guy like me, my self-imposed nature sure makes it feel that way.
So I pointed out to Brad yesterday “…you guys are pulling me in half a dozen different directions, when what I’m looking for is FOCUS.”
“So?” he responds.
He says it’s a good thing.
Have you ever bent an iron bar, or even a coat hanger back and forth. When bent back and forth, to and fro, the properties of certain metals have a tendency to heat up as the molecules become more and more active.
And you know what eventually happens as the bending and stretching continues? It breaks.
Lord, don’t let me break. I asked for the tension and the stress and you handed it to me on a silver platter.
You know what You’re doing. I sure hope I do.
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Steven –
Journey … you’re on a journey!! God bless ya and hold on to your hat. Doing God’s will can be a bumpy ride but spectacular, to be sure.
Keep us all posted along the way.
Luckily, I have a huge collection of hats! Thanks, Robin! Many thanks.
Hey Steve, being broken by the Holy Spirit is kind of like breaking a horse. You want to break the horses will but not his spirit. I think God works that same way in our lives by allowing the stress mold us and make us into what He has planned for our lives. It’s all good. Can’t wait to see your new book.