I preview the week’s obligations on my calendar first thing Monday morning, sometimes Sunday night. Mostly to get an idea of how the coming days are planned out. I’ve concluded that I’m on overload. Plain and simple, I’m overbooked. Some of it is my doing, and some of it is just life stuff that needs to be cared for.
I write or borrow content each day during the week to compose the Daily Memo. I prepare well in advance to record our podcasts every 2 weeks. That becomes time-consuming since we’ve been inviting guests on the program to share their stories and areas of ministry. Most have written books, produce their own podcast, and are well-versed in the subjects God has their focus on. I read their books, listen to their podcasts, and research their backgrounds and interests as I prepare to interview each person. I’m sure you can imagine. Then all the video edits to the podcast come after that. Colleen and I teach “Identity Matters”, part of a greater curriculum we’ve crafted, at the County Prison every Thursday. I’m involved in the Men’s ministry at our church and preparing to get more involved in leadership and teaching there too.
I blog occasionally. I manage all social media and website updates. We launched a new app and that requires attention. We’re finishing up our first book, entitled “Embracing Brokenness” and plan to have that edited and published along with a study guide later in the year. We speak on different topics when invited and will be part of a 3-day conference presenting two of those nights in mid-July. That’s right after coming off a week of vacation celebrating our anniversary. Our HVAC system needs to be replaced; we’re updating our podcast studio. Oil tanks are being removed and after building a shed in the backyard I’m rearranging a collective 110+ years of stuff like the deck chairs on the Titanic – Moving them from one place to another to accommodate the next thing, hoping it’s not a sinking ship.
Are you still reading, or did you check out? That’s a lot going on. There’s more but this is supposed to be a memo. I suspect you can relate.
I thought ministry and life would be slower paced, especially after Colleen joined me recently on a full-time basis. We’d share responsibilities and be led as God directed. We do just that but it seems like overload right now.
I’m sure that’s not how God intended it to be.
“Slowdown Steve”, that’s what I’m hearing. I intend to do just that. How about you? Here are a few reminders from God’s Word.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34
“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Four our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalms 33:20-22
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Rest Friends. God’s got this.
And that’s the memo.
Steve
