Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: Direction
You ever get lost going somewhere? How do you plan a trip somewhere?
Last night, I had a buddy of mine over. My wife has gone for a few days, and we were having “guys” night. It ended at 11:00 p.m. I like to get my ‘beauty’ sleep…or I just like to sleep.
Anyways.. he called to get directions to my house. We played some Call of Duty 4, and heavily relied on the map in the game, showing us where the enemy was. When it was time to go (after the Cherry Dr. Pepper and Pringles were gone), he need directions to get back to his place – due to the overwhelmingly large amount of left and right hand turns in the subdivision. He would’ve used his own GPS system; but since it was out of commission, he needed some old fashion drawing.
Reflecting on last night, got me thinking…
In my own personal life, I’m not a big fan of the whole GPS thing. I prefer Google Earth/Maps and planning out my trip. I’d rather know what highways to take, where to stop, what restaurant is available (very important!) – all before I go. GPS systems are good and all; I just perfer the old school way of maps.
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) – that in ministry, it’s good to know where you’re going before you get there.
Chart out the direction of your ministry. Highlight the portions of your journey that you do not want to get lost. Track your progress and know where you’ve come from, and where you are going.
Prepare for possible detours. However, don’t focus on the detours, don’t dwell on them, don’t live in them…. just be ready for them. They will come! And when they come – take a breath, and allow God to help you navigate through them.
Plan your rest stops. Rest stops were created for a reason. Sleep, food, bathroom break, and more food. Find a “rest stop” in your season of ministry to re-energize, re-focus and just rest! You need those moments to rest.
Balance your speed. We all speed on the road. There is always someone going too slow. In ministry, there is a time and a place for speeding through it. The momentum might be going well, and you might be cruising along, enjoying the scenery. However, know when to turn the cruise control off, slow it down a little bit, and reflect on where you are.
You may have heard/read these points before. Allow this to be a fresh reminder for you. Oh.. and my friend. He made the 6 block trip home safe.
Andy Disher is currently serving in Youth Ministry in Canada’s southernmost town; Kingsville, ON. He is happily married to his wife, Melissa and also blogs at http://ymrookie.wordpress.com. Guest posts appear every weekend. Contact Josh with your submissions.
Great post. I think it’s funny how Google Maps is considered “Old School”.
No doubt! JG