Desiree Rutter
Recently, a good friend that lives in the same small town that we do called to let me know she was really burned out at her church and she really couldn’t bear much more. She wasn’t growing. In fact, she was parched. Serving had become a duty and not a pleasure. The list went on and on of why she could not worship there anymore.
I, being a pastor’s wife, am sure she was looking to me for some godly counsel. Well, I really did not have any to offer. I did not want her to come to our church unless the Lord Himself rained down fire from heaven calling them to move there.
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There are so many things that demand my time and focus. Cleaning the house, schooling my children, spending time with my husband- all of these things keep me busy. Then there are the church things that I stay busy doing. Teaching Sunday school, working in Vacation Bible School, leading a Bible study or church ministry all keep me busy. And, if there is any time left over- entertainment. I can find an hour gone while I use the computer, play music, read a book, or watch television or a movie!
None of these things are bad. Many of these are very good.
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My six year old was born to run. Since he was a toddler, I’ve loved to see him break into a sprint (which is nearly any time there’s a distance to cover of more than 10 feet). In his mind, he’s usually imagining himself as a train of some sort, but I see a future track star.
Olympic runner and missionary to China, Eric Liddell was also born to run. His famous statement has inspired many, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
I think God has given each of us something special like that.
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I took a deep breath and sunk my toes into the sand. Beside me my husband sat with long legs outstretched, one toe tapping to the tunes in his earphones. I closed my eyes and listened to the crashing waves. Knowing my children were happy back at the pool with their grandparents, I let the tension roll down my shoulders and onto the sand where it waited for the wind to carry it away.
Soon, the roar of the waves had to compete with the howl of the wind as the first drops of rain splashed on the tops of my feet.
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The definition of slump, according to Merriam-Webster online is to fall or sink suddenly or to assume a drooping posture or carriage.
How much would I love to blame my recent slump on the endless days of rain we’ve had or on countless other things! I can’t though. I can’t blame my slump on anything but myself. I’m the one with the poor spiritual posture. I’m the one who hasn’t fallen on my knees before God asking for His blessing or direction. I made this slump, now I need to sleep in it. Or instead, I could listen to the Counselor.
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Last time I shared with you that the Lord has faithfully held our family through some difficult storms. I also promised to share some specifics with you, so today I would like to tell you about one with a happy ending. Like so many of you, we still have ongoing prayers where we continue to wait on the Lord’s timing for happy endings ….
About three years ago, my husband became very ill with symptoms like those for congestive heart failure. He had been a faithful exerciser for twenty five years, and other than a very bad virus just a couple of months earlier he had been the picture of health.
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by Sarah
I love my children. I have two girls, ages 4 and 6. They are my heart and my purpose. Even when they make me crazy, as children are wont to do. I received a gift when I became a mother, and it was more than just a baby. It was insight into the heart of God. I have learned more about the nature of God since I had my first child 6 years ago than I learned in the 25 years prior.
I can’t tell you how many times I am in the midst of a mommy moment and the light bulb goes on above my head.
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While enjoying my Sunday afternoon- iced tea in one hand, newspaper in the other, I stumbled across an interview with actor Shia LaBeouf. If you have children you might remember him as the star from the Transformers or Holes movies. His interview left me feeling pretty sad.
At 23 years old he is at the top of the fame and fortune mountain and has every material thing possible for happiness. Yet, he was quoted as saying, “I don’t handle fame well. Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy.” LaBeouf says. “I have no idea where this insecurity comes from but it’s a God-sized hole.
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