Reflections...

I am planning a rafting trip for our college ministry this summer and in thinking through the logistics I began to reminisce about my joys of rafting. The fun and excitement of experiencing the fast paced rapids is difficult to overstate. But, I am quickly reminded that it is precisely the fact that these raging trips are both rare and exhilarating, that the anticipation before and the reflection afterwards solidifies the journey.

For a while now I have felt as though I was being pulled behind a speed boat with just one ski and one buttery hand hanging on (sorry, too many water sports illustrations!). I love the fast paced reality of ministry, particularly that of Student Ministry, but I am finding that the much needed time of reflection, both personally and ministerially, is somewhat lacking.

Pastors, maybe our insatiable desire for productivity and the pre-packaged "Western" idea of church (need for speed) in and of itself is why so many are burnt out and doing "business as usual". Perhaps we are in dire need of an oasis, a slow cruise in a mirrored lake of reflection in order to make sure we are charting the right course. And when the pace of the waves picks up, we find ourselves more apt to eagerly paddle against the tide and enjoy the ride!