My wife and I have been off of Facebook since Lent started. That’s a grand total of 12 days. It feels like a month already. A big reason why I’m doing it is because I am on the internet too much. I am trying to limit myself to checking email, posting pics up on flickr, and updating this blog. I’m also on espn.com a lot. But Facebook was up on my computer almost any time I was working. So, for Lent it was a good idea to “fast” from it and redirect my time more productively.
The Source of My Exhaustion
The past two weeks have been crazy. Crazy because it’s been busy. My work at our church has extended into Compassion Ministries. A few weeks ago we decided to start one and I was asked by the Missions Committee to head it up. I gladly accepted because it is where my heart is right now. Since our initial meeting/dinner a few weeks ago, I’ve been thinking, praying and trying to figure out what to do next with this ministry.
Another thing on my plate is what my job is supposed to be at my church. I’ve been doing much more for our youths and our youth group than I have in the last 6 months. A huge surge of inspiration and ideas has hit me since the end of last year, when a friend of mine spoke at my church on Sunday. Suddenly, I feel more alive in ministry and more in-sync with God. I am excited for where our youths are at spiritually. I see so many more of them thinking not just of their own spiritual condition but the rest of the group’s state too. About half of our student population want to get involved serving and growing in some capacity at our youth group and in church. A number want to go on a mission trip to Mexico, while a number want to do something significant for God at the church. What a huge blessing this is for us. I pray God would lead them to that place where they can experience Him the most.
The third thing that’s kept me busy is the sermon I gave yesterday. Preparing, writing and thinking about a sermon is in itself a full-time job. I am amazed at pastors who can do it week-in and week-out. Last night, laying in bed while my wife was on the computer, I said, “I’m exhausted. Preaching is a lot of work.” My wife said, “Get used to it. You might end up doing it every week some day.” My sermon yesterday is only the 26th I’ve given at our current church since 2006.
And finally, school. I had class all day on Saturday and that too was exhausting. It was good, but exhausting. I will surely be glad when I graduate in June! Hope I can make it there and finish strongly. A completed Master of Arts in Theology and Biblical Studies, here I come.
Well, that’s me in a nutshell. Thanks for reading.
Joe
2nd-to-last paragraph…AWESOME. Your wife is just downright awesome…givin’ it to you straight!
Good work, Mrs. Castillo!