OnFire #127 Tired But Not Without Hope
Hi Folks:
Lots to report this week. First, Mark did very, very well in his sport stacking competition, setting three new Canadian records and winning 1 bronze and 4 gold medals and 5 trophies. We were already proud - this gives us lots of reason to announce it from the rooftops. For pictures check the website at www.onfireletter.com . Some of you are wondering what sport stacking is - there is an explanation with the pictures.
Some of you heard about the wind storm we had here - post-tropical storm Noel. We were fortunate here in that there was no flooding or damage to roads. We kept our power. Some are still without in other parts of the province. The odd tree came down. Remarkably, a big old maple came down behind the church, laying down perfectly between the church and a shed, with no damage to property.
There will be no OnFire letter next week. I am taking my last week of vacation for the year and will be away. More on this below.
Finally, last week I reported about a new section on the website to help with Bible reading. Follow the big NEW sign.
Blessings,
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When I was a swimming instructor and lifeguard I learned quickly how to identify victims in the water. One sure sign of trouble is to see someone making all the motions of swimming, but without making progress in the water. When swimmers get tired they continue to move their arms and legs, but there is no power in their movement. They look like they are swimming, but they don’t go anywhere. I assisted a number of people with this problem.
I feel like one of those swimmers today. My body is still moving, but I’m feeling dead in the water. Spiritually, I’m feeling drained, tapped out. It takes more energy than normal to have patience. Little things feel big. You may know the feeling.
I don’t have what it takes to research Peter for this week’s letter. But I will share with you what I plan to do about this condition I find myself in. I’ve been here before and have discovered some things.
What I have found in the past is that I arrive at this condition because I’ve pushed God out of the centre. I’ve been trying to do things based on my effort and my own resources instead of relying on God and listening to his voice.
I’ve changed my goals for what I want next week. Months ago I planned this week to write part of my book. This, now, is a secondary goal which I’ll work on as I reconnect with God. Without that re-connection, there is no sense in trying to be creative. I’m sapped. My energy is going to self-control and just getting through. But God is the Creator, and when I re-connect with him, I am re-created.
I’m tired. That’s not good, but I have hope because I know God will give me strength. In the past I’ve been tired, without hope, and that is plain bad. And so I pass this along and hope it helps.
Be on fire.
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