Archive for May, 2007
Recreation
May 14, 2007 – 8:00 amOne of the great pleasures we find in taking vacation is the opportunity to enjoy recreation. When we say recreation, we don’t mean an endless stream of hyper-activity that leaves us exhausted at the end of each day - though activity is a part of recreation. We don’t mean countless hours spent in line waiting to see the latest movie - though entertainment is a part of recreation. We also don’t mean endless days of doing nothing - though rest is a part of recreation.When we say recreation, we break the word down to its two essential components: the prefix and the root word. Re - to do it again; and Creation - to be made new. For us this means an opportunity to step away from the daunting demands of every day and absorb life in such a way as to renew our spirits, restore our minds and rest our bodies. It helps us connect with the quiet place in our soul so we’re re-created from the inside out.
We couldn’t stop ourselves from thinking about you while we were gone, and we did - on occasion - think about the work we do together.
You’ve heard us say and seen me write, on more than one occasion, that the work we do is about others - we’re here to build whole people: spirit, soul and body. The work we do is important - we’re not pushing stuff or selling junk, we’re promoting life. The work we do is transcendent - we’re engaged with activities that are infused with value and meaning. The work we do is eternal - we’re concerned about people today and into eternity.
It’s easy to lose sight of our purpose and mission in the rattle and hum of daily activity. The wanting member, the project deadline, the ringing telephone, and the email. Though we set out in one direction, the reality of today takes us on a journey we did not expect.
First, we must be flexible with the “bits” - prepared to move with the ebb and flow of today. Regarding flexibility, King Solomon shared this bit of wisdom, “Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent.” (Ecclesiastes 7:13) In other words, our plans for today may be like a straight, dessert road-trip to our destination; whereas God’s plan for our journey may take us through the mountains. Different routes. Same destination.
Second, we must be inflexible with the things of substance - holding fast to our purpose and mission without compromise or apology. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
So here’s the big question: what is the non-negotiable thing we’re about? (We had a chance to contemplate this while we were on vacation, and to be reminded of why we do what we do every day.)
We’re here to transform life - one person at a time -
through God’s love and relevant service.
We can say that in different ways. We can do that in different ways. But say it and do it we must because it’s who we are.
We are The Salvation Army!
Kind personal regards.
John & Lisa Van Cleef, Captains
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