There was a time when I really enjoyed the winter and that time is in the past. I love being outdoors, running, playing with the kids, and just hanging out. I still do these things in the winter but I just don’t enjoy it as much. I just find myself being uncomfortable and more edgy during this time of year. Part of this comes from the fact that it gets harder to get outside and put the miles in. I really don’t know how people make it who don’t exercise in some form or fashion. It is the best thing I do, combined with prayer, to fight stress.
2010 has been a really stressful year, starting with the 50 Golden Days of Evangelism, our focus in Holston to Baptize 3000 people on Pentecost Sunday, Graduation from seminary, my brother’s tragic death, meeting all the requirements for ordination, leading a growing youth ministry, and then the birth of a new worship center through 1st UMC Hillsville. There have been so many other factors, just the stress of being a pastor, with helping to carry the burden of others, through funerals, sickness, failed marriages, and a multitude of other things. It has been a hard year.
I stop often to count my blessings and they are many. I have an awesome family, an awesome church family, awesome friends, and I serve the AWESOME God. Because of these blessings I can get through the hard times.
I am looking forward to December 31st when I will blog about all the blessings that have come through the refining fire this year in 2010.
Remember me and my family when you pray and I pray continually for my readers.
Ronnie