January 2010

“Stop and Look!”

shouted my diving coach as I made my approach to the dive. Stop? Now? I'm doing my last hop, why stop now? I'm ready to fly, why stop now? "Stop!" he yelled. I stopped.

He said, "Check your position of the board." "What?" I said to myself, "Why does that matter?" (He didn't know I was just glad to be on the board at all." I looked down to the end fo the board and noticed where I was. First, I noticed I was off to the side of the board which meant I would not finish stright to the board. Second, I was back about 5 inches from the end of the board which meant I would spring up too straight and have a high probability of hitting the board. I now knew why he wanted me to stop.

The approach to the dive was as important as the spins, twists or entry. In fact most of the time, it was the prime indicator of how the rest of the dive would go.

Just as my coach shouted for me to stop, so I would like to shout for you to stop.

Stop!!!

When we come to the beginning of a new year, I would like to encourage you to stop for a moment. Stop and assess where you are in your life. It's a great time to see where your life is going based on your approach.

Is God's word a part of it? Are the foundational verses of life front and center or off the other side? In Proverbs 3 we are given a great directive verse.

"My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, 2 for they will give you a long and satisfying life. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. 8 Then you will gain renewed health and vitality."

You may be off to the side or coming up short on life's board. You may be emotionally moving away from your family. Stop and reconnect. Your spending, schedule, addictions, selfishness, and _______________(add yours) may be out of control. Stop and seek help. The important thing is to once again align your life with God's word.

As we come tot he end of another year, take a moment this week to stop and look. Be excited about your victories and make the corrections needed to spring straight forward and strong into a new year.

I pray for God's richest blessing on your life.

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4.

Pastor Craig