Different Measures

The past two days have held a lot of activity and prayer, but not much in the way of directly measurable productivity. I've been fortunate, however, as God continues to show me how He works in all circumstances. On two different occasions in completely different locations I have been approached by people who knew me from Northridge. One of them wanted to talk about making a decision for Christ and the other was trying to get his adult son connected to the church. I wasn't advertising who I was or what I was doing, but they both took the initiative to come up to me and start a conversation.

It's another reminder to me of how God is actively working in & through us. He is constantly providing opportunities for us to positively impact the people in our community. There is a continual flow of the Spirit that draws people to Him and when we are open to it we will be surprised how many people are ready to hear truth. It's further validation that God doesn't measure productivity by the number of things accomplished, but by our level of eager obedience.

Mental Stretching

While I am a creature of habit and routine, I also need to vary that structure on occasion or I find myself falling into a rut that leads to a desperate lack of creativity. One of my favorite authors, Mark Batterson, says it best: change of pace + change of place = change of perspective. I used to make sure that this happened on a regular basis when I was working in Florida, but have not done nearly as well here in Georgia. When I do manage to shake things up I am almost always rewarded with stimulating thoughts and dialogue.

I managed to escape from the church office this afternoon and planned on having about an hour to read and think over coffee at Starbucks. I was there about 30 minutes alone before a good friend and colleague came in to meet someone else. The three of us ended up talking for about an hour about vision, strengths, leadership, reading, and our futures. It was an extremely rewarding time for me and reminds me of the need to seek out divine appointments on a regular basis. It is also affirmation of one of my strengths-investing in people-and the fulfillment that I gain when I can operate within that strength.

I have been reminded lately (especially today) of the need to invest in my strengths. There are things that have to be done in ministry (or in any leadership position) that require us to work outside of our naturally gifted areas. I would wager that we will be the most fulfilled and most effective, however, when we can spend time sharpening the gifts that God has given to each of us.