Prodigal Me. . . again.

I think a lot. My mind is always running around, and often my words have a hard time keeping up. I love thinking about Jesus - his life, his love, his unparalleled sacrifice. . . Sometimes, though, there are other things that consume my thoughts.

Sometimes I spend more time thinking about 'churchy stuff' than Jesus. Not that thinking about church is bad - its unavoidable, essential, and often productive when you're the pastor's wife - just that I have noticed that replacing thoughts of Jesus with thoughts of church is not a good thing.

In fact, it is a really, really bad thing. Why? Because a person can only run on fumes for so long. Talking about ministry philosophy is not the same as meditating on the life of Christ. Practicing worship music is not as fulfilling as quiet moments spent in fellowship with my Savior. Analyzing ministry issues is not as productive as going to God's word and learning how Christ dealt with the curve balls in His ministry.

If you want to know the truth of why I haven't blogged consistently in some time, here it is: I have allowed my mind and heart to become consumed with Christian stuff instead of JESUS.

Quite frankly, Christian stuff is just not as filling and inspiring and exciting. Therefore, I had nothing to write. So this morning I decided I was going to nip this little valley excursion in the butt and refocus my heart and mind back where it belongs.

Jesus.

Ahhh. Seriously, after 15 minutes of praying and reading in John I felt like a new woman. I would like to say that I will never again become so consumed with the to-dos of the Christian life that I forget the who and the why, but the reality is that I am a prodigal daughter. I will get lost in life's distractions and will need to be reminded that there is no replacement for time spent with my Sustainer. I will need you along the way to help me. . . and hopefully, in return, I can help you.

I feel full this morning. Ready to analyze ministry philosophy, practice worship music, and sort out relational issues with a renewed perspective and a satisfied soul.

Today is going to be a good day, no matter what comes. . . as long as Christ is at the center, well, bring it on.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." - Jesus, in John 15:5