While our folks back home are awaiting rain and a cold front, we have already experienced that here in Arkansas. Thankfully, we prepared to stay in and had plenty of food and coffee to see us through. And it wasn’t an imposition … at … all. The main focus of this trip was to try to rest for a few days and just enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. In the previous post I shared some pictures we took Friday. Good thing we did that, Saturday and Sunday were ‘fit for a duck’ and that’s about all.
It’s been hard to let go of my duties back home. I admit to texting a few items to Daniel before Sunday worship. He didn’t need my input, but it was hard not to. A couple of things I kept thinking about were squashed by the wisdom of Maggy who told me to let it go and the world will not stop.
That’s really the purpose of the Sabbath - and of any time of purposeful rest. It’s a reminder that God has everything in His hands and he doesn’t need me to run the world. So today was a big day at Forsythe. Our offering (on all 5th Sundays) goes to pay down our renovation debt. There was a fish fry after class. There was Trick-R-Trunk in the afternoon. At no time did I get a phone call asking what to do or indicating that something needed my input. Talk about a way to hurt a fellow’s feelings! I’m mostly kidding.
The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. - Job 36:28
But that’s the point. A reminder. Not to diminish my work or effort, but to note that it’s not all dependent on me. I need that reminder every once in a while. The truth is that I didn’t take my vacation time wisely this year. I’ve barely used any of it - except for a few travel days this summer. That left me pretty ragged before this trip. Still, there’s wisdom to gain from the experience. I’m making plans for a better approach for the new year.
He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities. - Benjamin Franklin
When I return to work on Thursday, October will be gone. The Sunday sermon will be on my mind. Those who subscribe to the Forsythe Sermons substack will receive a November sermon preview, a post that projects the sermon topics and texts for the month. We will begin a new series of four messages under the theme RECONNECT WITH GOD. Reconnecting with God is something we all need to think about from time to time. Watch for that post on November 1st if you are a subscriber.
I’m sure Maggy and I will remember this trip for a long time. It was a refresher for sure. The rain made sure of that and I’m grateful.
READING
I finished a book that caught my eye, called The Characters of Sardis Lake. It caught my eye because I spent many years directing sessions at Sardis Lake Christian Camp. And it was free on Kindle Unlimited. The Mississippi author, Kathy Wile, wrote a story with a lot of smiles and warmth.
I began J. R. Ellis’ 9th Yorkshire murder mystery, The Brewery Murders. Ellis typically writes “locked door” type mysteries where there is a body, but no possible way for anyone to have committed murder … except for the information you do not know until the end. The Brewery Murders departs from this theme, but the characters I’ve come to know and love are all present and accounted for, including the famously perceptive DCI Oldroyd. You do not have to read these mysteries in order, but the characters do develop over time. These are great on audiobooks as well if that’s what you enjoy.
I’m not too far away from being through with In God’s Care, a daily devotional I enjoy. Usually, I read three or four at a time (they are brief).
WATCHING
This week we have watched several episodes of an old favorite, Medium. Patricia Arquette is amazing as the psychic Allison DuBois. Though I’m not a believer in mediums, this fictional series has some great stories with a lot of heart. We saw the last episode in which her husband, Joe, dies (oh, sorry, spoiler alert from 2011), and we saw the first episode. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was a good selection for the season upon us.
LISTENING
October is a special month to me, and so the melancholy When October Goes by Barry Manilow arrives to my playlist for a few weeks. Also, I’ve been listening to Calvin Nowell lately. Love his voice and the tender way he reaches out to God in gratitude for His grace. I also like the simple piano-only arrangement that allows us to focus on his voice.
SUBSTACKS
Laura Kelly Fanucci’s stunning post 5, 7, 8 addresses painful losses and perspective. One of the most touching posts I’ve read on Substack.
Anne Kadet’s Fake Steakhouse Aftermath had me smiling and laughing all the way through.
If you’ve read this far, I give you an A+. Thanks for that. The Sunday Night Check-In is now complete! I hope you have a fantastic week. Watch for God at work, because He certainly is. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
-John
Have you been gone? :))
So glad you've been able to get some restful time away John (& Maggy). I was going to say that I can relate to all you've said re ministry and rest - and I can, very much - but I hesitated to do so because things are so different in the UK and elsewhere to the US in terms of how much leave people generally are entitled to. The least seems to be 20 days (4 working weeks) but most people have 25-30 days, in addition to 8 statutory bank holidays. I'm blessed to have 30 days leave, albeit I never manage to take it all (currently on 11 days for this year). I'd love your church to up the amount of leave you get - it would benefit them, too, having a better rested pastor - but I guess it's a wider cultural issue. Hard for a pastor to take long vacations if the rest of the congregation aren't able to do so.