Saturday, August 20, 2011

Vacate the Premises

Given the 24/7 nature of my passion: equipping others for acts of service, it is tempting to occasionally "vacate the premises" while on vacation. By it I do not mean I walk away from my faith. Far from that! But, there is a temptation to put the mind in neutral and coast, or just fill the mind with other things: fishing, spending time with Carol (Wahoo!) driving, looking for endless activity, movies, reading (book 2), the tube, etc. It usually takes 6 to 7 days to just slow down, only to be back to work on day 8.

Today, as a result of reading 1 Corinthians (especially chapters 6—8) the last few days and the words, thoughts and prayers of Eugene H. Peterson, the realization of always experiencing and expressing God's grace are not options to living but are life itself. The way of grace infuses relationships, decisions, actions, etc. The way of grace is shaped by new grace, not old sins! Realizing new grace today is helping me relax on day 5 in way that is refreshing and reinvigorating. In fact, instead of "vacating the premises" the old site is being remodeled, reshaped and restored to its ancient intention—the image of His likeness.

Grace, peace and mercy
Doug

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