The Creeping Wilderness

After a few weeks of not being in church, ok wait, let me rephrase that. After a couple of months of not being in church, I'll admit that I've become a little heart-hardened and worldly-minded. My spiritual well-being hasn't necessarily been at the top of my priority list..."I've just been too busy." ;-) Yep, I know you've heard that one before...you've probably even said it yourself. And every time I say that, God smacks me in the forehead with a 2x4 quote that I heard a few years ago...Satan loves to interrupt God's business with busyness.

A faithful, loving, encouraging friend emailed me, and I was really convicted about something I've been doing--or rather, not doing. He said, "No great company sets a goal to slide into mediocrity. No in-love newlyweds plan to divorce down the road. No fit, muscular athlete figures how to put on a hundred pounds and get totally out of shape in the next few years. No neighborhood holds a meeting to outline steps toward a rundown community. No committed, vibrant Christian dreams of a day when he or she will walk far from God, living a life of joyless compromise.

The common denominator in all the above too-often-true scenarios?...neglect."

Wow.

I'm guilty. Are you? I quickly slouched in disappointment with myself, but he quickly reminded me that it doesn't have to be that way. He encouraged me to take care of myself and others, keeping my friendships vibrant and honest. And keeping our souls healthy and growing. "But, it will take determined work, paying attention to those persons and things helping us grow and excel; and maybe staying away from those persons and things the energy of which is centripetal."

With that said, I would like to challenge you, as he challenged me...to minimze this nasty n-word. Whether it involves you or me or God, this neglect thing needs to be, as Grady use to say, "gonk."

My friend suggested to me, and I'm suggesting to you, a buoyant, well-lighted, upbeat disposition that lightens the load, encourages the heart, and chases away the shadows of the person waiting behind you in line.

Let's do it. Together.


Hey God, sorry I've been neglecting the most important part of my life...You. Please give me the diligence to take care of my soul and walk ever more closely with you. Amen.


Big Love,
Sarah