Back at it!

So today is my first day back to work at the BGH in over 8 days. I must admit the alarm didn't go off, I was up and ready to go before it even sounded off. I spent the last week without an alarm clock and still got up early. I spent the last week with my family in the mountains, sightseeing and shopping. Doing all kinds of fun things with my daughters from horseback riding, to putt-putt, to riding rides at Ghost town. All of these things were designed in my mind to spend time alone, quality time with my wife and daughters. I enjoyed it all, and we had a great time. But, meanwhile my mind was slowly taking a little vacation. My body was relaxing and getting a little rest(even though some days we were on the go from 7am to after 10pm) and getting refreshed. I could feel yesterday that I was relaxed as I got all my pre-church morning tasks done. This is a process we must go through from time to time just to clear our bodies and minds.
But, we must also remember that with God the Spiritual process is equally important and it is a daily walk. It takes a daily attitude of renewal to walk with God day in and day out.
Romans 12:2 Do not confrom any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- His good, pleasing and perfect will.
What is the pattern of this world in a bodily sense? Busy, busy, busy grab everything you can, do all you can to get ahead economically. If you can work extra hours and make extra money then who needs that quality time with the family. If you can do more, make more, acheive more the heck with quality time period. God is telling you not to get caught up in that, to slow down, daily take a time and make it slow down time. Either in the morning, at lunch time, or in the evening make it a point to slow down and thank GOd for the opportunity to renew your spiritual body through Him.
Many people think because I go into the office at 7am, work until 3pm, spend my lunch breaks at the schools eating with students, and go immediately to football practice afterward I am hypocritical in this sense. But, let me tell you I spend the first hour in prayer, study for my next sermon, and blogging to renew my mind. I have a few books and a devotional that I pause and read through during my lunch times, and I spend the whole afternoon with the girls playing games, doing homework and watching television. If I can do it, I am sure you can too!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!