catapult magazine

Many of us are hopeful idealists about what can be done in the name of the Lord and we give ourselves to many projects, maybe too many, wanting to see the Kingdom of God come to full fruition. But such a life can be so tiring, not just physically, but spiritually. In an attempt to stay true to *cino’s original goal of being a meeting place for people who want practical support for their faith in all areas of life, I’d be interested to know what people do to keep going? And don’t just say: “Pray alot!” What kind of prayer? How do you pray and what has it yielded in your life and work? I need to know how people deal with business realities and family pressures etc. while holding onto the grand vision of God’s Kingdom and the tasks they’ve set themselves to within it.

One thing I’m realizing as [i:7360b3d5d5]really[/i:7360b3d5d5] important (as I’ve realized many times before) is appropriate time for rest. I know it sounds obvious—and it is—but I find it so difficult to set aside time where I allow myself to be still and enjoy the relationships I share with those around me. Instead, I work myself into a frenzy and find myself becoming more and more cynical. Which, of course, isn’t entirely helpful. A healthy rhythm is necessary.

Part of the rhythm has to be living in the present. I find myself spending so much time in the future that I spin my wheels trying to accomplish the tasks in front of me. Grand visions are great, but they’re useless if you can’t figure out what you need to do during the day toward the vision.

Sometimes I think I’ve matured in that I realize I can’t spread myself too thin – that it’s actually a disservice to those I’m trying to help if I’m doing many things at once and doing all of them somewhat inadequately. Other times, I think I’ve just gotten too busy with children and family and have therefore been forced to pick and choose my service activities … so, replacing one form of busyness with another. And still other times my “selectivity” seems to come from laziness.

It takes discipline, though, to not be distracted by every great idea that comes along before seeing other ideas to fruition … and I think lectio divina is a great way to practice discipline that might hopefully spill into other areas of one’s life.

I wish I could answer more thoughtfully, but I’ve got a 4-year-old who needs a band-aid like, NOW.

A lot of stuff I aim to do for the Kingdom is intangible and unquantifiable, so I love physical labor. I love mowing the lawn and sitting down afterwards and looking at the ordered lines in the grass. It has a pleasing and simple appearance. I love trimming trees and dressing vines for the winter. There’s a clear and tangible work accomplished. Life taking care of itself to return in Spring. It’s autumn here and the leaves are changing, putting off bright colors and then falling. I love working out too…enjoying being tired with endorphins rushing in my bloodstream, head clear.

The best by far is applying the gospel to my heart well. It’s hard to apply the gospel well, and I don’t it well often enough. When I do, though, there’s nothing like it. Christ is building his Kingdom; I am but a tool. The Spirit is strong; I am weak. My sin is forgiven; I am right with God, new fellowship; what can possibly hold me back? Deep strength fills my heart; I can face the world. It is dangerous, but God’s people are not those who shrink back and are defeated. I am one of God’s own people. A child of the King.

Amen to Anne’s comment. My father recently explained to me that the last thing an organization or committee needs is somebody with wonderful intentions but no time or energy to put them into practice. I think that’s what we risk doing when we take on too much. We spread ourselves to thin to be effective in any particular area.
I find surrounding myself with good community to be the best thing to keep me motivated. Most of my friends work their tails off to accomplish things for the church, their family and other kingdom service. We tend to feed off eachother’s energy and focus.
Though, there is a lot to be said about rest too!

I bike. It’s something I just discovered this past summer—not biking aimlessly for pleasure, but going places. I could get to work in less than five minutes every morning in the car, but why not take ten to ride? Biking establishes a more reasonable pace for the day, I think. I appreciate the moment in practice and cultivate good health, which has wonderful effects on my attitude. Biking also helps me think about how one small choice can have a great effect. The action itself helps to cultivate a community of folks who want to put into practice their desires for mental, physical, spiritual and environmental health. Biking is beneficial in itself, but also serves as a rich metaphor for my other work, which like Anton’s, is less tangible.