Fading Desires
“It is possible to work in a bakery and lose one’s appetite for bread” so said Vance Havner. I guess that explains why I no longer have a desire for some of the ministry things that I used to do with gusto. I’m currently reading Billy Graham’s new book, “Nearing Home” and it’s reassuring to know that I’m not the first person to face this loss of interest in previously exciting things. It’s nothing serious. My faith is not fading. It’s just little things. Like, I’m fast losing interest in anything that has the word “committee” in it. Red-eye flights no longer seem exciting. Lock-ins lost all appeal years ago. My new idea of “roughing it” is a hotel with a hard mattress. I’m also not really interested anymore in what’s on my resume. I don’t have to go anywhere or perform any ministry or pay tribute to any human, to pad the resume. I’ve done what I’ve done. I’m not through, but I seem to be pickier these days. “I am who I am” is the response God used in the Bible when Moses asked for His name (Exodus 3:14). Maybe Popeye’s version is a better fit for me: “I ‘yams whats I ams, and dats all that I ‘yams.” Can I get some feedback on this Monday Memo? How about commenting at the bottom, where it reads, “Post a comment to this memo by clicking here.” Or if you’re on the Facebook version, click “Comment.” I’d hate to think I’m the only one feeling this way. Now if any of you young readers feel this way, don’t tell anyone but me. It won’t look good on your resume.
Join me in praying for the following global concerns, which I still thoroughly enjoy doing:
• Pray for the adoption process for Eric and Tricia in Bangkok. Also for the adoption process for Craig and Ellen in Vancouver.
• Pray for Lori and others related to the security in the north of Mali, an area that has become dangerous for expatriates.
• As the world missions becomes increasing challenging, pray for protection for those who serve in extremely dangerous areas.
• Pray for those who minister a long way from home during this Christmas season – Missionaries, Chaplains, etc.
If you are on Facebook and you are interested in joining a closed group to read through Proverbs and Psalms for 6 months – a chapter per day, let me know. Group members will post favorite verses, phrases, ideas, etc. on the Facebook group page, as well as share prayer requests and hold each other accountable for the daily reading. In order to have the group set up and ready for Jan. 1, I need to know who is interested no later than Dec. 25 (Merry Christmas). Comment or send me a Facebook message.