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I was just adding another item to our calendar today and I noticed a decided shift in the overall color scheme.
I use a program that comes with Mac OS X called iCal, and you can assign specific colors to the various categories that items on your calendar might fall into. I do. And in the past, our calendar has been very red (the color I chose for basic/ministry events). But I was just noticing that the red has diminished quite a bit, and the blue, which represents our personal schedule (dinners/gatherings with friends and family, fun activities, and even our parenting class that we’re leading) has increased dramatically.
I don’t mean that we are doing more. In fact, I believe there is much more white space than previously occupied those tiny little squares. What I mean is, it seems that our priorities have shifted, or at least the labels we choose have changed.
Our calendars are filling up with all things relational. I work in the daytime, and help people through my graphic and web design skills. Then our evenings and weekends are no longer repleat with meetings or rehearsals or services… they are free for small or even large group relational connections. Even just time as a family, taking a walk to a park or something.
The colors on my calendar seem to indicate we really are shifting from doing ministry to having relationships with the people God has put around us.
Don’t misunderstand. I am completely aware that ministry devoid of relationship does not really exist. You can’t really do ministry without people. But the focus inevitably (at least for those in leadership) drifts to the details of the event, rather than the personal and meaningful connection with the heart and soul of another brother or sister. And the calendar, with all its many colors reflects where our hearts are.
(This thought for today is perhaps most condemning of me, not anyone else.)
Many of our relationships used to be intertwined very closely with our employment, or our “ministry”. Yes, we were relating, but that was our job. That’s a precarious line all church staff must tread. Pastors “check in” with members of their congregation as part of their 9-5 responsibilities. Youth ministers spend time with the kids at their houses, at school, at their sporting events to maintain relationship, yes… but also as a part of their duties. It’s always an interesting thing when tax season comes around and we label our relational activities as “work related” miles or other expenses.
But it’s true! We have created a business of relating to people! Yes there is relationship but it’s also diminished because it’s the through the lens of a business. Just as my post yesterday suggested, it is somewhat contrived, and that creates a “sense of artificiality”.
Oh what a mess.
We are enjoying this very interesting shift in the way God is working in us, and through us. It is fascinating. I love that I get to write out and share my thoughts here. Please feel free to comment. And please don’t feel stepped on. I don’t intend any judgment or condemnation or belittlement of anyone reading this. I am only sharing what I see from my perspective these days as God opens my eyes to the colors of my calendar.