As I'm writing this, I have my brother's blog on my mind, where he is talking about running in a marathon. This is making the writing of this blog a bit "odd"...
The reason why is because as I was meeting with a church committee that has a responsibility to hold me accountable for parts of my job, some of the things stated in the slide presentation training for this committee talks of things that the pastor can't do, or should do less of.
What this means is that not every pastor has the same gifts, and also, the pastor can't be the one to do everything - the people of the church has responsibilities as well.
Then I think about the recent past to when a friend of mine might have "worked themselves sick" through the Holidays - to the point where this person must take a couple of weeks off.
As my brother is working hard to get ready for his marathon, which he loves doing and I hope he does well, my goal is to work hard at "getting lazier". I still need to exercise and eat better, but by being lazier, I mean that I'm not going to be putting so much time into some things, and instead, put the time into "having fun" at things. I need to know when to step out of the office, or to let me answering machine take some of my calls, or getting away on my days off, or making time for my vacations.
My friend is someone that, when I would get stressed, I would think "how might they do this", and aim to try it that way. The story of their life is great, and very inspiring. But it also shows that I can't try to play Superman at my job and even though as a Pastor, and suppose to be "everything for everyone", I have to be something for myself.
I have to take time to mourn the loss of friends and parishioners that I've had to bury.
I have to learn to laugh more.
I have to "let things go" easier.
I have to not bypass my daily spiritual time with interruptions.
I hope and pray that my friend gets better soon, and I hope and pray that my brother is able to get ready for his marathons.
And I hope and pray that everyone will understand that I need to do what I need to do.
