Lame joke, whats the best kind of tent? Content.
There is nothing better than being content in whatever situation you have. This is something that I struggle with. For years we have been told we always need this, that or the newest... But in reality a year old phone is more than enough. So many people struggle with being happy with what they have.
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A couple of days ago, I got up at 5:15 AM to meet a buddy at the hotel gym. It was a pretty nice hotel gym, with several treadmills, some ellipticals, bikes, and machines. Many hotel gyms have just a few cardio machines, but this place was well stocked, it even had an extensive arrangement of free weights. Dumbell and barbells.
My good friend and I set up a bench to work out our chests and arms. It seems like no matter how many times I work out chest, I still feel like a bit of a softy. No, I am not pushing three or even two plates. Today was an interesting day. I was challenged in more than one way. Physically I push almost as far as I could. I am not sure I could have done much more. Mentally, and Spiritually I was also pushed.
The good news is that when you are pushed you usually only fall over if you aren't ready for the push. Today, I was ready for both. In life, change comes over time. This is a real thing, whether in work, in exercise, in marriages, in parenting or in your relationship with God. You have got to FOCUS your intensity over TIME. To succeed takes diligence. Nothing good is easy. We must make ourselves, intentional, consistent and persistent.
My last run was not long but it was at some pretty intense pacing. I did 5 - 1-minute intervals at a 6:45 pace. (For me it was intense.) My wife reminded me how when I started running I struggled... Today we drove, for what seemed like forever. Arrived at a hotel, settled in and then I attended the first meeting of a conference, meant to equip and train pastors for the future of ministry in our area. For the next four days, we will refresh, learn and be fed.
All of us need to be nourished spiritually. We all need to be fed. Sometimes people ask me, "who feeds you?" As a pastor, we are always expected to bring messages of love, leadership, faith, and growth to our churches. But some may then wonder who feeds a pastor. The reality is that all of us need to be fed. Matt Stutzman, knows how to hit his goals. In 2015 he became the world record holder for the farthest accurate shot in archery. He shot an arrow on target from 903 ft away. I can barely hit a target 6o ft away. That is impressive.
But what is more impressive is that ...
In my mind success is somewhat determined by the view of the one succeeding. I heard a story of a man, who had bowled two perfect games in 2004. In 2005 he was inducted into the Kalamazoo metro bowling association hall of fame. In 2006 he bowled another perfect game and died of a heart attack. His bowling partner described... Ups and downs. Ups and downs. I like to eat, I would also like to be healthier. I am torn by this. I eat too much, I eat food that I shouldn't. Then I eat foods that I should, I feel better. I feel good.
So why then is it, that when I see the bad, I eat it because it looks and so good? Why do I eat, what makes me weak? Food is a struggle for me. Inside all of us, is desire. Desire that begins in the heart. A desire that calls to us. And so we search.
I remember a while back I lost my keychain that has my shed and lawnmower keys on it. I only have one key to the mower and so without it, my yard quickly turns into a jungle. After a week or so of not being able to find the keys, I walked through the yard trying to find them. But to no avail. Finding keys on a black keychain in a long yard is not the easiest thing to find. I searched and searched to no avail. In my head, I said a prayer of frustration and desperation. "Lord please help me find these keys." By this time I had already checked to see if I could somehow get a key made, or replace the lock for cheap. But of course not. I don't know about you but I love the holidays, Christmas, New Years. Awesome! I feel so much joy over Christmas especially. I get to give things to the people I love. We can do our best to help the less fortunate enjoy the time also. The most important thing is that we can think about and celebrate Jesus's birth. (Yes I know it probably wasn't in December.) But that is when we think of it the most.
The thought that Jesus would come to this sin-stained planet is what really brings me joy in the Holidays. A planet in which regular life is relatively painful. To think that He would come here, and help us! That is pretty amazing. Then comes January... |
AuthorRyan Hodgins, pastor, coach. Married to a gorgeous wife. Father to three girls. I need this epic walk. Archives
February 2023
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How often do we wonder, "Where am I going? or What is my purpose?" In our day to day life, in our inner walk, many of us are looking for a purpose. You may be here because you want answers. You may be here because you truly want an Epic Walk. For whatever your reason, I am glad you are here. Read on. Enjoy our daily homework and hopefully, you can find more purpose, and begin an Epic Walk.
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