I haven't posted anything lately not because I haven't done anything or learned anything recently, but because I have. In the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving--Christmas eating/celebrating frenzy, shuttling a team of 20 down to Mexico for a week of veterinary surgeries, visiting the soon to be distant relatives for a couple fun days in Colorado, then returning to a plate full of catching up and getting behind again I got busy. Not to say that I'm not usually busy, but for once, I recognized it as a problem.
As chores with deadlines or people waiting on them took precedence, subjects of actual importance took a backseat. I realized I was getting behind on my Spanish study and my Bible reading, but I wasn't neglecting more instantly-gratifying activities such as blogging, planning service projects, or keeping up with Facebook. And I remembered an article entitled Tyranny of the Urgent. "The momentary appeal of these tasks seems irresistible and important, and they devour our energy. But in light of time's perspective their deceptive prominence fades; with a sense of loss we recall the important task pushed aside." So I slowed down, worked on the preterite tense in espanol, finished a book, and refocused my priorities, because even "...frenetic service for God can become an escape from God." And escaping God is the last thing I want to do.
Allowing margin time has never been a strength of mine, but I appreciate its benefits when I can. This week we got an invite with short notice to fill in for a cancellation to serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald House. Tonight, a group of Mosaic chefs was able to take advantage of that opportunity and enjoy an evening with some lovely families, because we left a little room for God's timing in our plans.
But I think the perfect balance of scheduling is when you're able to accept a request at 7am on your day off to babysit momentarily so that Mom and Dad can go deliver a baby. Last Wednesday, I was so blessed to have the flexibility to play with Reagan Love Kuhl all day while Carl Herman Kuhl V (Quint) was brought into the world. From what I've seen he's a sweet precious tiny thing with a full head of blonde hair. From what I hear he likes to make a lot of noise at night.
In a couple weeks Mosaic will begin a new trimester of growth groups. In my opinion, last season was a huge success! People who were strangers the month before went from being acquaintances to friends. We shared clothes, meals, cars, GPS's, Wii's, burdens and praises. We studied a book, prayed, served, bowled, and started doing life together. We weren't afraid to have differing views and we were quick to forgive when voices were raised. We shared intimate details on personal topics in the pursuit of transparency and community.
Small group night is often my favorite of the week. It takes reading a book to a whole new depth. It transforms goofing off and hanging out into a purposeful experience. Many evenings a headache, traffic, or a bad day at work will nearly keep everyone from showing up, but once the group is gathered, the host is usually hard-pressed to get his house back.
Three weeks from today we'll start a new group studying the book Get Uncomfortableby pastor Todd Phillips of McLean Bible Church's Frontline service. A short, but eye-opening look at what the Bible has to say about serving, and how God feels about poverty. I've read it before, but I look forward to the fresh prespectives of the group that will highlight scripture in ways I never would have noticed alone. We'll watch movies, listen to music, discuss ideas, take fieldtrips, and use our new insights and new friends to better serve our community, and the world. I get excited just thinking about it!
But I think the perfect balance of scheduling is when you're able to accept a request at 7am on your day off to babysit momentarily so that Mom and Dad can go deliver a baby. Last Wednesday, I was so blessed to have the flexibility to play with Reagan Love Kuhl all day while Carl Herman Kuhl V (Quint) was brought into the world. From what I've seen he's a sweet precious tiny thing with a full head of blonde hair. From what I hear he likes to make a lot of noise at night.
