While I drove to PE on Tuesday morning I realised how much more in control of my life I am than I was a week ago. Last week I pushed off to college with unironed clothes - because I just gave up trying to find the time to iron (and I didn't have an ironing board - it's not fun ironing on the floor). I also forgot to check the actual address of the place I was going - although I had a reasonably good idea. But I had just given up being as prepared and organised as I like to be. I was so overwhelmed by life that I was living minute by minute.
This Tuesday I was stressing because I managed to overcommit myself and was angry with myself for offering to be back in Grahamstown on Tuesday evening. So I wasn't that happy, but it was my own fault and a sign that actually I am managing to take control of my life.
It was also a reminder that I need to be looking out for myself. My supervising minister shouldn't have pushed me to do circuit work on a college day. My college supervisor shouldn't have given me 'dispensation'. So if I don't draw the boundaries nobody else will! However it was my first opportunity to preach in Grahamstown - at a Wesley Guild/Youth event and I was glad to get that 'first' out of the way and maybe to be a bit useful!
The picture is of the Wesley Guild burning prayer requests. I'm not too sure what the symbolism was intended to be!
4 comments:
Hi Jen
It's tough to say "no", especially when one is new at this and want to form relationships with our congregations. However, we need to somehow manage our time (something I'm particularly bad at), and one thing my Superintendent Minister is absolutely adamant about: Monday = day off. Tuesday / Wednesday = College. Thursday - Sunday = Circuit. If we don't do this, we'll end up burning ourselves out trying to be 24/7/365 ministers - something not even Paul Verryn can do (although with only 3 1/2 hours of sleep per night he comes close but at serious cost to his health. I continue to pray for him, and hope that when he steps down as Bishop he will be able to reduce his workload somewhat).
Having said that, I DO sneak in a couple of hospital visits after College on Wednesdays, as well as the odd Circuit meeting. I've also been seen lurking around home cells on Monday nights. Just in case anyone thinks I'm a complete goody-goody. (Please don't tell my Superintendent...)
Keep being the blessing that you are!
Thanks so much for the greeting on my blog, Jenny. You remind me of the verse: “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:14 KJV). :-) P.S. I left out the second part of the verse (KJV) for reasons of decorum. ;-)
What - the bit about being fat and flourishing?
Yes, although it's not likely to come true on fishcakes. ;-)
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