Things I Do Not Do Well…

Wow–there are so many!

I have pastors contact me from time to time for chats over the phone. One of the questions that I am usually asked is, “Hey Perry, what are some things you don’t do that well?” (I guess everyone needs to feel normal!) Here’s a list of things I wrestle with…

#1 - Disconnecting From Technology

I remember hearing Rob Bell say one time, “If I were satan I would invent a device you held in your hand that never allowed you to escape your schedule and always assured that you were accessible.” WOW–I have one of those–it’s called a “smart phone,” and although it is a great tool it is also very addicting!

AND…we have wi-fi in our home…and so if I am not careful I will be wearing out my computer and phone…while right next to me is the woman of my dreams and the most incredible little girl on the planet–and I neglect them for the sake of “keeping connected!”

I am getting better…but I think this will always be a temptation. (For further reading check out Driscoll’s article here–DANG!)

#2 - Shut My Mind Off!

I am always thinking–which is NOT good when you get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom! Seriously, I will have a thought, my heart will begin pounding, adrenaline will be released and then I will be up for the next hour or two being mad at myself for not being able to go to sleep! (All pastors know exactly what I am talking about!)

I haven’t figured this out yet…it bothers me. I have literally caught myself thinking about something work related while Lucretia and I are riding down the road and she is telling me sometime important! AHHHH! I am really seeking the Lord to show me how to just relax my mind.

#3 - Times Of Silence

Silence is LOUD! AND…I am horrible at doing this! Why? We live in a noisy culture. Seriously, noise is optional just about wherever we are. When I get in the car I can turn on the radio–I have tons of options and so I can keep on scanning…OR…I can pick up my cell phone and begin to just call random people…not really for any purpose other than killing the silence.

SO…about two months ago I really felt God wanted me to stop listening to the radio while I was in the car…just for a while. It was so hard at first because most people I know don’t really enjoy silence. BUT, over time it was amazing!

I am trying to do a better job here as well–when I am the most silent it seems the Lord is the loudest and I am desperate to hear His voice. (This story in Scripture ALWAYS speaks to me regarding this issue!)

#4 - Remembering How Good God Has Been!

At times I simply lack faith! Seriously, there are days when I wonder, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?” I wrestle with personal insecurities and doubts…I begin to believe the lies the enemy whispers that God is going to laugh and the jerk out the rug from beneath me…I think about how God has to have the wrong person to lead this thing…

AND…it is during those times that He simply reminds me of His faithfulness. He always takes me back to where I was when He found me. He takes me back to the first and second churches I served and the lessons learned. He takes me back to the days when NewSpring could not even afford microphones for our sound system and we could not pay for computers we needed in our office!

He takes me back there are reminds me, “I’m still God, I’ve carried you this far and if You will stay close to me and obey my leadership–there literally isn’t a lid on where this thing can go!”

Those are a few things I wrestle with…hope that helps…and, if you think about it–throw up a prayer for me in regards to these thing–my family and I would MUCH appreciate it!