Tis The Season - For Festivals!

Not that we in the New Orleans area need a reason to throw a party, but Fall is here so we are. The place to be this Friday and Saturday will be at any number of Fall Festivals held by Baptist churches throughout the metro area. There will be games, candy, music, and things for kids to jump around on. I'm convinced that companies that rent inflatables get absolutely giddy around this time of year from all the business they get from churches. Most importantly, these events will provide our churches with opportunities for sharing Christ with their communities. It looks like we'll have good weather this weekend so hopefully that will translate into lots of people attending this year's festivals which will mean lots of sharing and seeds planted. Fall is traditionally a time of harvest and my prayer is that we will use these events to glorify God and share the gospel so that we will have our own time of harvest.

Vacation - It Makes God Happy

Jaime and I spent all of last week in Miami doing nothing that resembled work. We had the time of our lives. I know too many in ministry that think vacations are for chumps. They typically end up burned out and bitter, spending the rest of their lives blaming those hypocrites in the church for not appreciating their sacrifice and causing their emotional and spiritual downfall. One of the best pieces of advice my daddy gave me about going into the ministry was to protect my family. "There are a lot of churches out there," he said "but you've only got one family." I found it easy to follow his advice because he practiced what he preached. Growing up, my mamma, brother and I never wanted for his attention. It’s a gift I have long cherished and one I intend to pass on to my family.

We were staying at Jaime's dad and step-mom's house while in Miami. Actually, I think the house belongs to a Siamese cat who graciously agreed to let us stay. We hadn't been their 20 minuets when Jaime looked over at me and said, "This has been the longest conversation you and I have had in over a month." Being a woman, she would know these things. It really hit me though. We were visiting with her dad and step-mom that entire time and whatever things we said to one another while catching up with her folks during that 20 minuets had trumped any conversation we had had in over a month. Boy, did we ever need this vacation. I knew things had become far too busy for the both of us but I would have bet money we had spent more time together than that. Apparently, I'd have lost big.

Scripture makes it abundantly clear; God takes this family business very seriously. I honor Him by honoring Jaime with my undivided attention, snuggling on the couch, pillow talk at night, catering to her needs, and other various and a sundry husband and wife stuff. I felt more relaxed with her than with any activity during the week. It was a joy to see us both unwind and put the daily grind out or our minds. It was a joy to make one another the focus or our time and efforts. It was a joy to be reminded just how beautiful God created family to be. It was a joy to know that our time together was more pleasing to Him than any event I can plan or loan Jaime underwrites. It is for these reasons and more than I will never, ever feel guilty about taking a week off to honor God by honoring my family.