How Long This Sabbath?
Well, I've been stuck in a rut lately. It's been hard for me to delve into any kind of deep thought on any topic, even ones that I've been involved in up until know. It's even proving tricky to write this entry. I do have more that I want to offer about the "In / Not Of" topic, but I'm just not sure how to say it. My brain seems to have fallen behind itself. This rut extends beyond the "blogosphere", too. I cozied up to Kierkegaard the other day, read three pages, and haven't picked it up since; I've been reading snipets of the scriptures, but nothing meaty; I've got about four chapters left in a book that I'm reading with my pastor, but haven't had the where-with-all to polish it off. Needless to say, I'm a little frustrated with myself. I feel very undisciplined. I find it kind of funny how these ebbs and flows, these highs and lows [really didn't mean that to rhyme] work into our lives. They are an inescapable reality of the way we function, but I honestly didn't see this one coming, or lasting so long. I also think it's worse that I'm aware that I'm in a rut, but nothing I do can seem to get me out of it. It's like standing on the beach with your surfboard waiting for the tide to come in; It seems I'm at the mercy of something beyond myself. I've got things to do! I've got places to be! I was walking along at a steady pace, and then, "BAM!", I'm in a rut, waiting to be pulled out. Maybe God is forcing me to take it easy, or maybe He's humbling me. This must be how it felt to fall in a ditch on the Sabbath....
posted by Ian @ 4:01 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Buck up, Little Camper! If you were on "vacation" and just being lazy, I'd say you had reason to be hard on yourself. But between working and family, you've got a lot on your plate- you do have things to do and places to be; curling up with a book for an hour or so isn't an option.
Take care of the important things in life first, and then, if you have time, tackle the rest- but don't feel guilty if you don't get to everything.
-Matt
don't feel bad, i dont think i could ever finish a Kierkegaard book if it wasn't for class. during these times i usually like reading something lighter but still convicting. try Prayer of Jabez or Secrets of the Vine or something.
ok, that was a joke. just in case people couldn't hear the sarcasm in my voice.
Phew, Tim, my body just went into immediate seizure while reading your comment! It's not nice to do that to people over 50! ;)
Ian- Cozying up to Kierkegaard? There's your problem. He LIVED in a rut! Seriously, as one who experiences ebbs and flows in energy and clarity (yes, I do still have problems from that aneurysm I had)I recommend keeping up the prayer life, enjoying your family and reading missions biographies. (Let me know if you want any suggestions.)
I've been reading a book I found at the Boy Scout Yard Sale (remember that wonderful yearly event?) called "Readings for Writers" by McCuen & Winkler. It has really useful advice on how to express yourself clearly in your writing and includes numerous essays as examples. The essays themselves have been a joy to read. Can't say that I have read many compilations of essays recently, so I've discovered a new field to pay attention to. It's also interesting to reread some I read years ago from my current perspective as a follower of Christ. I've got pencil notes all over the margins. Great fun and easy to put down when you've had enough.
Hey Ian,
As you might know, I have collected a LOT of prop stuff for use with VBS and SS. Last week when we were preparing for VBS a camo net, that I'm sure is left over from that year you did the army theme, was found in the little building out back. I decided to rescue it and store it with my other loot (I'm SURE we'll need it for something, like...a fisherman's net maybe?) Anyway, I'm giving it a wash and dry before I store it away. You don't recommend fabric softener, do you? ;)
I'd be THRILLED to hear about what you guys are doing for ministry these days, what you're learning as you prepare, what encouragements you have had, how you have seen the Lord work in peoples' lives. How about writing about some of that for a while?
If it's the camo netting that we used years ago, I woudl just hose it down. The "leafy strips" are vinyl, so they should just come clean with water. If you do wash it, let it hang out to dry, don't put in the dryer as the the vinyl may melt.
Well, seeing as how I've resorted to giving laundering tips on my blog, I just might take your suggestion about topic material. Goodness knows there has been no shortage of encouragement and evidence of God working through others lives!
This didn't have any vinyl leaves; it was just khaki netting made of tough fiber. There were 5 long pieces of it. Maybe it's from something else. Anyway, it washed and dried "properly" (for all of you waiting with baited breath...;)
Russ,
Funny, I was thinking the same thing about the Reformed discussion. As with any work out, you're gonna' feel the burn afterward.
Praying for your quick recovery....
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