Need a little Extra?
10 December, 2008 -
Of course that depends on what it is. Stress, pressure, deadlines and demands we can all take a pass, but extra volunteers, funds, time and energy we would freely embrace.
We want to give you a little extra this Christmas. With 2008 nearly over, it’s a great time to refect on all that has happened during the year. For me 2008 has had some “EXTRA” challenging moments, those moments when all I could do was cry out to God, “Where are you?” Then there were those “EXTRA” incredible moments like being at the GLS, sharing with you all; I had some of those ‘and I get to lead this?’ moments - Wow! While on the surface would much prefer the great moments, the feeling of fun and exhilaration, yet I know that you never realise how high the peaks are if you have never been in the valleys. It is when we refect on the hard times that we can grow and learn. With the pace of life these days, there is a real tendency to move to the next challenge without pausing to ask, “God what are you teaching me through this?” What have I learnt about me? About You? About leadership?
Did you fnd the packet of EXTRA gum we sent you this month? (Yes there was a reason for it – it’s your little extra!) Open it up and take a moment to chew over some thoughts. Using the word extra, write down phrases that describe your year:
I have been extra busy this year.
I have found leadership extra hard.
Growth this year has been extra energizing.
I discovered that I did have the extra energy that I needed to make it through.
Using these statements to prompt your thoughts, complete these sentences;
God you have been extra faithful...
I received an extra blessing when...
When I noticed how much extra our volunteers gave...
I was extra frustrated when...
I was extra disappointed when...
God whenever I lack energy, confdence, or direction, your extraordinary love holds me, guides me and fulfls me in every way.
Henry Cloud in his recent message “necessary endings” reminds us that we make investments in our lives with time and energy. Are the things you are investing your time and energy in giving the results that you desire? - For yourself, your family, your church or business? It’s not just about what you do, it’s about who you are becoming in the process. Our time and energy are valuable commodities; we need to use them wisely. Refection helps us grow in wisdom, plan for the future, make decisions ba
Considering the statements you have made about your year, what has God been teaching you? As Craig Groeschel said at the Summit, “God guides by what he doesn’t provide.”
So enjoy some extras this Christmas.Take some extra time for doing something that you really want to do. Activities that will fill you up bring a sense of wholeness. Often these activities fall by the way during high pressure times. (Make a list of these activities and write them in the front of your 2009 diary so when you are not sure what to do you just have to pick one!)
Take some extra time to play, talk and engage with family or friends.
Push yourself to read an extra book, one that you would not normally pick up, maybe a different genre, or even opinion than your own. 2009 is a blank canvas, how you invest your time and energy adds your colour to it.
Take this Christmas time to refresh and reenergize for 2009.
My prayer for you: May God be extra close to you this Christmas. May you find the rest and peace you need in him. May you be ready for an extra exciting year in 2009.
Blessings,
Margaret Spicer
Executive Director
