Better Together Newlsetter
"Leaving the Room"
A thought from Dave Hearn, District Superintendent
This past week I was able to attend Larry Crabb's School of Spiritual Direction. At first I was feeling a little bit uncertain of what it would require of me personally. I am an activist by nature and the idea of a whole week in deep reflection and contemplation was terrifying. About the third day into the school God began to ply open a part of my soul that I had carefully and skilfully insulated from everyone, including God. It had to do with my passion to want to "fix things". I am exhilarated by a new challenge to "fix something" or "repair someone". I take great delight in seeing a situation that was deeply broken, stuck or seemingly beyond repair, find hope, traction and resolution. However, the dark side of this passion is the tendency to become discouraged or withdraw when I feel inadequate or unable to "fix it". God had a great plan when he gave me a house full of women! The drama and complexity has been overwhelming at times. The past few years have been particularly stressful. My middle daughter Alysha was hurt in a horse riding incident where she suffered a mild brain injury. It was a deep night of the soul for our whole family. Praise God that she has fully recovered and we have experienced God's mercy. However, in the darkest moments of our family journey I was deeply frustrated by my inability to "fix it." I felt inadequate and insecure. So when the stress became too great I would "leave the room". I always had a good excuse but it was very damaging especially for Agnes who was left alone to deal with the pain. She carried the weight of the anguish while I checked out and found challenges I had solutions for. God confronted me with this sinful behaviour head on. It has been a week of deep repentance before God and my family. I have made a new promise I will NOT leave the room anymore. I admitted to them I feel insecure, and I do not have the answers, and I do feel inadequate but I will not LEAVE anymore. I will stay in the room and trust God to help us find our way together. I wonder if I am talking to some "fixers" that are frustrated by feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. It may be in your family, your ministry or your leadership. I want to challenge you not to LEAVE...stay in the room! It is the very place where God can form your soul and refine your character.
|
Current Prayer Needs
|
