Thinking Out Loud

June 01, 2012  •  1 Comment

A few weeks ago, Mike Watt and I had the privilege of getting to attend the Catalyst Conference in Dallas courtesy of Anthony Watt, who had come into free tickets from someone else who couldn't go.  It was a last-minute whirlwind of a trip, but one well worth taking.  Most conferences geared toward ministers (church professionals?) focus in on the nuts and bolts of what it takes to "run" a ministry.  Techniques, practices, problem-solving, delivering your message effectively, those sorts of things.  And while there were certainly hints of those things at this particular conference, the stated theme of the weekend was "Be Present."  Whether referring to ministry in our churches or our personal lives in the communities God's put us in, we far too often have a tendency to retreat within ourselves, to seek out comfort and smooth-sailing, and fail to make the impact that God's called and equipped us to make.

And it's out of this line of thinking that this blog post has emerged.  I've blogged sporadically in the past about things outside of sharing photos of events and family happenings, and as I go back and look at those, I don't really see that I added much "for the good of the group" as we often say in our staff meetings (and you'll notice I'm not including links to those blog entries for you to read and agree!).  I believe what I have to offer pales in comparison to those who are stronger, faster, and/or smarter than I am and thus that I have nothing to offer...which is a misunderstanding that I tend to operate under in regards to how God uses people.  See, I generally wait to be asked, or at least to see some sort of need, before I take action on most things.  Specifically when it comes to sharing thoughts, I strongly believe that there are plenty of folks out there more than willing to fill the internet (no small task, mind you) with their own thoughts, and many of them are infinitely more qualified than I am to speak.  So why add mine into the mix?

One of the things that came from spending a couple of days at the conference was a calling to share.  There will always be others who know more, have more experience, or have a better understanding of whatever might be the subject at hand.  That's ok, though, because my calling isn't to know it all, do it all, or understand it all.  Instead, it's to do what I can to seek out the truth, know how it applies to the present situation, and humbly share that (II Timothy 2:15).  The fact is that no one may ever read these words, or maybe just one person (hi honey, glad you could stop by!), but that's not what this is about.  It's about being faithful to share what I'm called to share.  My hope is that someone would receive benefit from this, or, if nothing else, would realize they can do a much better job than I and then go out and do it.  However, even if they don't, that's not my business, I'm simply called to be faithful in responding on my end and God will handle the details beyond that.  That's what I'm discovering about divine calling (and it's certainly not anything new, it's just been easy for me to forget), is that it doesn't always make logical sense, or even seem terribly effective, but the point is that I follow what I'm called to.  What about you?  Is there anything you're feeling a calling to that you just need to be faithful to?  How are you talking yourself out of it, and what needs to be the first step of faith you need to take to follow through on that calling?

Thanks for reading-

Damon

 

Photo Courtesy BradLomenick.com


Comments

Debbie Sanders(non-registered)
I do not even feel qualified to comment on this blog. :-) But your humble and honest sharing did have some points that I have been feeling. Specifically the last few sentences! I do talk myself out of these callings. They do not seem logical at this season of my life. They take me out of my comfort zone. Too many life demands. And what impact or difference would they make? And maybe they just don't have an impact or make a big difference. If God is clearly talking to me, then maybe I should not try to over think the why's or why nots. And just do!
Have changed this from public to private several times. Think I am just going to jump out there and make it public. LOL
Keep sharing Damon!
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