Offseason

I really wish I had an offseason. You know, I mean, teachers get the summer off to regroup, read, study, and plan for the next school year. Athlete's have an offseason to heal and develop their game.

I remember when I used to play football. At the beginning of the year you would get an assortment of scrapes and things; these would pile up, along with a list of other bruises and sores, and you pretty-much just had to gut it out until the season was over. Then you could let your body heal, and you could begin to build up for the next season.

As a pastor, that would be so nice sometimes. I love being a pastor, but sometimes I get scrapes and bruises on my ego, or get my feelings hurt, or I'll twist a thought here and there. It would sure be nice to have some time to heal and regroup.

I kind of feel like I've been playing hurt for awhile. Nothing serious, just a number of little "dings." And the worst thing it does is saps my level of creativity. Oh, I can still put the uniform on, still go out and pitch in for the good of the team. But I'm not at full strength. And honestly, I am wondering if I ever will be again.

This isn't really a complaint. I'm just tired. Maybe it should be a prayer. Lord, renew a right Spirit within me. Restore the joy of my salvation (please).

I guess after the previous post, maybe what I need to do is spend a little less time thinking of myself, and a little more time thinking of others. Hmpf.