This week I am an extrovert living an introverted life. By now everyone knows I am away this week speaking at Polishing the Pulpit in Sevierville, Tennessee. I am fortunate they invite me in each year to teach classes on personalities. There are 3,600+ Christians in attendance this year. So far it has been a great experience.
As personalities go, I am an extrovert but this week I am living an introverted lifestyle. With Missy and the kids back in Vero I pretty much stay to myself. When you speak several times you tend to spend most of the time in your room preparing for the next class (and of course the occasional nap). I know a lot of people here but I usually sit by myself in sessions, do some reading and eat turkey sandwiches in the room (and a few Oatmeal Cream Pies). For people like my introverted wife this is a dream vacation, but for extroverts like myself it is difficult. To be honest, I need this each year. I am the Martha of the Bible, always up, doing and moving, and that includes those things I am doing for the Lord. I need to be more like Mary at times, quietly sitting at the feet of Jesus. This week forces me to clear my mind of everyday business and spend some time thinking internally, praying, and doing introspection. I sit and listen to other people preach to be refreshed in my love for the Master. Don't get me wrong, I love being an extrovert, it is what comes natural, but it is also good to learn from the other temperament types.
Let me give a big kudos to David Paladin this week, for not only filling in for me in the pulpit but also taking the Sunday morning Bible class at the spur of the moment. When you come to conventions like this and you talk with other preachers and elders, if doesn't take long to realize how blessed we are to have men like David and Joel. And let me say this: I love being at Vero! Not only because of the staff, but I love working with our elders. We have an amazing work relationship the average preacher doesn't enjoy. The people in this church have been such an encouragement to me since my first day. I told Missy yesterday that I can't see myself wanting to be anywhere else than this congregation. Introspection is good because you always come away realizing what your blessings are in life. Thanks to all you!
Well, I need to get up and have my morning coffee but I wanted to share a few things with you before getting to my next thing. Now it's back to by introverted life of instant oatmeal in the room, a few classes and preparing for my 3:30 pm class. See you Sunday, Lord willing.
No comments:
Post a Comment