Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

This time of year, the clock and calendar always seem to speed up! Annual commitments are wrapping up for the Summer. Children are graduating, and the press is on to make college decisions. Every organization seems to have an end of the year party. And the push is on to get things done before the pace changes for summer, and to allow us to get out of town. A change of pace is always welcome, and milestones like graduation, or weddings are times to celebrate. But I want to make a plea to have your summer season also reflect your values and priorities, just as you do from September to May.

In his book, Life’s Little Instruction Book, H. Jackson Brown, Jr. wrote: “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” I find that we all have time to get to the things that are most important to us. So, maybe coming to worship, our own prayer disciplines, and our ministries of compassion and service should not take a vacation. Just as we set our own plans and goals for the summer – things we want to get done – consider setting goals for your relationship with God. It could be something organized, like worship in the sanctuary, or participating in a summer service or study project. Or it could be on your own. If you want to read a book that points to God or want suggestions on devotional reading, Ed and I would be happy to help! Or better yet, set a goal to memorize some Scripture or hymns. If you need it, I have a tune to help you memorize the Books of the Bible. Maybe your plans could include a regular prayer time in the morning since you won’t have to run carpool. What is it that you want to explore or to try that might help you SEE GOD more clearly?

OUR faith journey is a path that only WE can walk. Every one of us has a slightly different faith path, because God has made each of us unique. God has given you specific gifts and talents and opportunities. If you do not act on the opportunities for faith and mission that are in your own life, no one else can walk that same path. We have all the time we need to follow Jesus. We have all the time we need to use the gifts and talents God has given us. We have all the time we need to make the world a better place for everyone. Do we have enough time? We have all the time God has given us.