Bits for Sunday, November 4, 2007

Ahh…the world is right again…all the time zones back in their proper places. What a great weekend!

It’s probably a good reminder for me to share the third/fifth of my list this week, because I didn’t have much enthusiasm in this department this week. But it’s too far into the year to give up now, so maybe explaining it to all of you will motivate me to stay on track.

My third area of commitment this year was the area of ministry. Last spring I spoke at a one-day women’s retreat for some of the ladies at my parents’ church, and the key verse for the day was the one that hovered over this area this year. 2 Timothy 1:6 says “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” That day we talked about how each of us has different gifts and how we’re expected to use what we’ve been given, rather than doing what comes more naturally: sitting around wishing we had the same gifts as our neighbors.

Using our own gifts can be scary because the things we’re really good at are often the things we’re most passionate about…and that can bring about a big dose of vulnerability. It’s scary to think about opening up your soul and having people laugh at you – or shrug their shoulders and roll their eyes. But regardless of the reaction, we’re supposed to fan those gifts into flame, so here were my specific covenants to do so this year.

1. Finish writing and seek publication of Advent project. Last year, during December, I started writing about Advent and lives that had been changed after encountering Jesus in the flesh. Though I write all the time, I decided it was time to at least attempt to take something I’d written and move it out of the confines of the journals only I see. This year I picked up that project (I’d somewhat abandoned it as the holidays closed in last year and I became busy) and finished it. I’m in the process of trying to find a way to publish it. That’s a very uncomfortable adventure for me, but I’m forcing myself to stick with it and keep trying until the right door opens.

And even though I’m done with the Advent book (minus the ever-elusive title) – I’ve also started making a small group study out of it. That’s pushing me back into my own words and causing me to learn even more from the study of a year ago.

The verdict? I guess I’ll keep trying until I’m successful – and I have plans for the next ten years to write more book-length works.

2. Habitually (weekly if possible) meet with Olivia. Olivia goes to my church, and probably four years ago, we started meeting for coffee one night a week. We’ve done some Bible studies, we’ve done nights of just girl talk, we’ve gone out for breakfast, we’ve had scrapping days…we’ve had fun. It’s exciting to me to see Olivia run after God’s plan for her, and I’m so thankful for all that I have learned from her.

I noticed last year that I was slipping into a habit of postponing our meeting a day here or a week there because I’d allowed my schedule to become too crowded. So this year, I made the commitment to be available every week if I possibly could. This semester we’ve had to get a little creative and meet before work for breakfast because it is the only time we’re both available at the same time. And though you know me and mornings, I love those mornings. I love spending those minutes with her and just knowing that we’re both learning and growing.

The verdict? As long as she’ll put up with me…or for as long as we live close enough to do so…I would love to continue this tradition. And when the time comes for our meeting together to end, I would love to start up with someone else.

3. Finish spring Bible study with enthusiasm and pray about fall. For the last five years, I taught the Ladies Bible Study at my church, and I noticed that I worked hard to prepare in the September-December months, but from January-May, I started to lose steam. I determined this year I would study hard and do my best even at the end of the season.

At the same time, I started to feel that God was pulling me away from this group. I love these ladies and could not imagine not preparing and teaching each week. But God confirmed to me that it was time to step down – so I did. I’m not 100% sure of all the reasons, but for now I know that releasing that duty has given me more time to write, and it’s allowed me to be involved in a short-term Bible study that I desperately needed right now. So I know it was a good thing.

The verdict? I’d love to lead a small group again…guess I’ll wait on God to say!

4. Entertain once a month. I inherited the hospitality bug from my Mom, and it’s something I really love to do. I love inviting people over for dinner or a game night (well, depending on the games…) or a movie night. But I noticed last year that I did a really lousy job of actually picking up the phone and making the invitation. So this year I made a commitment to have people over at least once a month. Sometimes it’s a full meal, sometimes it’s just snacks, but it’s always a chance to hang out with good friends and have fun.

The verdict? I am hopeful that in the future I will keep up the good habit of inviting people over, even though it won’t be a specific commitment anymore.

5. Do something purposefully encouraging to someone once a week. I realize it’s a little ridiculous to have to make this a priority. But I would think of things to do for someone – a card, a flower, a batch of cookies – and the thought was the end of it. I needed to push myself to actually do it. So every week I’m on the lookout for a little something fun I can do to cheer up someone’s week. The things don’t always take a lot of time or cost much money, but I love seeing (or hearing about) the reactions when the little gifts are discovered.

The verdict? I have something similar to this planned for next year, with a slight twist to it.

Ministries don’t have to be flagrant to be important. Don’t be afraid to use whatever has been ingrained in your heart. God gave it to you for a reason, and He wants you to use it!