Back Into the Swing of Things!

After two weeks of vacation up in the Adirondack Mountains, this week has been my time to get back into the swing of things. It was really nice to have two weeks to take life a bit slower—pretty much just taking life day to day; and even, hour to hour.  It was nice to get up in the morning and not really have anything in particular to run to—no calendar to keep, no to-do-list to follow.  But as is said, “all good things must come to an end!”  So, this week I’ve needed to dive back into my work at the church, including preparing to preach this coming Sunday.  There’s been the grocery shopping and small tasks to get done around the house. We’ve had to catch up on the mail and the paying of bills.  And, I’ve had to force myself to get back to the gym and back to a healthier diet (I can’t eat bacon four times a week with breakfast or dessert every night!). 

Sunset by Lake Pleasant...ah, what a sight!

Of course, getting back into the swing of things is not always easy.  It takes effort. It takes a change in mindset.  It takes discipline.  And, why do we do it? Because we know the rewards are worth it. The right diet, exercise, our work around the house and on the job all pay dividends: healthy bodies, an income to provide for one’s family, a home in which to live; and hopefully, accomplish something worthwhile with our lives.

As much as I love being on vacation, especially when I can be away with my family, I’m reminded that God didn’t create me, nor you, to live on an unending vacation.  Yes, he wants us to have times of rest (that’s why he created a weekly Sabbath).  But, he created us to work, to be productive, and ultimately to bring blessing into the lives of others and into our world. 

To the Ephesians the Apostle Paul wrote, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV – emphasis mine) Elsewhere he speaks of being “co-workers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9)—i.e. we get to be partners with God! 

Yes, it’s nice to be on vacation. It’s even necessary to have times of rest.  But ultimately God created you for something more than a seat by the side of a pool or lake or beach. God created you for something so much bigger and better—to partner with him in what he is doing within our world.  He has a plan for your life and things he wants to accomplish through you.  So, let’s get back into the swing of things!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris