This will likely be my final post for 2008. Tami and I are looking forward for a few days away by ourselves over the coming weekend and during the first few days of next week. Maybe this is a good time to stop and reflect on some things I've learned in the past year.
I have learned that children grow up far too quickly. Two of my daughters have gotten married this year (Emily in May and Brooke just last week). Our son, Josh, is a senior in High School. Our oldest daughter, Patti, has been away from home for several years now. I remember how often people would tell us when they were small, "they'll be grown before you know it." I confess that in those days of changing diapers, picking up toys and carrying around car seats and diaper bags there were sometimes thoughts of, "I'll be glad when they do grow up." But now that time has come and I look back with regret that I didn't take more time with them to enjoy many of the simple things in life like going fishing or taking a walk. I am thankful for the many fun things we have done together but oh, how I'd long to have just one more summer with them when there were about nine or ten years old. To each of my children may I tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you. Being a "preacher's kid" has not been easy. Too often you have been held to a standard that at best has often been grossly unfair. I think you've all turned out, "O.K!" and for that I am thankful!
I have learned to love and lean upon my wife more and more. Though we've been married for twenty-eight years and dated for three and one half years before that I think the past year has brought us closer together in many respects as we've planned the girl's weddings, talked about family issues and spent time in conversation with one another. We try to have a "date" night each week where we go out to eat and talk. Sometimes we go to a movie or just to shop. Once every three months or so we try to get out of town together for a couple of days. This past fall we spent a Friday and Saturday wandering through antique stores and then driving through the colorful hills of north Arkansas. She is my best friend and I am thankful.
I have learned not to be too startled by statistics. Some preachers and churches gauge effectiveness merely by counting "nickles and noses." Our attendance at church this year did not increase. In fact, it probably decreased somewhat as some members returned to a former congregation from which they had originally come. Does that mean that no effective ministry took place? Were there no souls saved? Were brethren not strengthened and the bond of brotherly love enhanced? Many of the factors that produced strong numerical growth in our community and congregation just a few years ago have changed and we're going to have to recognize that and deal with it for the foreseeable future. I have learned not to panic but to continue on steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord - 1 Cor. 15:58.
I have learned that the most important thing I can do is to strive to be a man of God. At the end of the day and the end of the way it will not matter that I have preached for a 1000 member church or spoken in a host of meetings and lectureships. What will matter is whether or not I have been faithful to the profession of faith I made over thirty years ago that Jesus is the Son of God. He is Lord of my Life and I will live each day devoted to Him and His cause.
May you and your family be blessed with a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2009!
THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT!
