Missing the Mark in Ministry

I was at lunch with a friend this week, talking about the things the Lord is teaching us in this season. She said one of her recent prayers was, “Lord, thank you for letting me fall short, so I know where the end of me is.”

It was a gut punch.

Because I hate when I fall short.
I hate when I let people down.
I hate when I miss the mark.

Sometimes I lament that I didn’t read the terms and conditions of “being in ministry” closely enough, because falling short is what I spend a lot of my time doing.

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Love. Even When It Hurts.

A letter to my children:

Let your life be marked by love.

Be patient.
Be kind.
Be quick to forgive and quick to listen.
Be slow to speak and slow to anger.
Believe the best.

I know it’s not easy.

I wish I could protect your heart forever. But as you go out into the world, and you choose to love people, I can’t tell you that it won’t hurt. I can’t tell you that you’ll be able to fix everything, or save everyone. I can’t tell you that it will all work out, or that if you mess up, you’ll always be able to mend it. I can’t tell you that your love will be returned.

Continue reading “Love. Even When It Hurts.”

My Yes in the Secret Place

If my life has impact, it is not because of my strength, or my wisdom, or my talent. If my life bears fruit, it is not because of my wit, or my humor, or my intelligence. If my life makes a difference, it is not because I was brave, or bold, or beautiful.

It’s because I was transformed.

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