Off the Shelf
On January 13, 2003 I climbed into my pickup and drove away on one of the most challenging journeys of my life.
As a minister and pastor of more than 30 years, God was calling me to step out of my comfort zone into unfamiliar ground. At age 53, I found myself moving toward a dream God had place within me.
My heart was in my throat as I watched my wife, Beth, waving from the sidewalk. For the first time in 30 years of marriage we would be apart for more than a few days at time. She was going to continue teaching until May and get our house ready to sell while I worked at a new job 400 miles away.
As I drove, the story replayed in my mind. My experience in professional ministry had been mainly positive. In my current pastorate, I had a good compensation package along with all the perks plus a good ministry budget. I had the freedom to lead. By all external appearances I had it pretty good.
I was not angry or at odd with traditional ministry. It was my roots and had been my life. But Christ was calling me to leave all that and to follow in a new direction. An enthusiasm for church planting and starting simple, organic churches was increasing.
You’re Not a Cut Flower
There is a certain a video from Whitestone Motion Pictures that captures how I feel about my journey. It reminds me of a line form a sermon I heard Charles Lee Williamson preach back in 1986. In referring to Jesus’ words, “See how the lilies of the field grow” he said “You’re not a cut flower.”
I think it’s more than the pickup truck in the movie that stirs me. It’s how God led me to get off the shelf. To live an organic life in Christ. To be a lily in the field among all the others.
Get a cup of coffee and click the play button and watch the 3:14 minute video, Off the Shelf and you might just catch a little of what my incredible journey has been like.
Grace and Peace,
Terry
Join the Conversation: Do you ever long to take a journey to find more in life? What’s keeping you on the shelf?
Filed under: Life Habits
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Terry,
What an amazing video! Couldn’t help but smile watching the end of it. We’re on our own interesting journey right now. Had been in Abilene planning to go to Lubbock & we ended up in Houston. Not where we thought we’d be but we’re loving our community here. Not sure where our next step in the journey will be, but we’re ready, wherever & whenever He sends us.
C.C.
C.C. – So glad to hear from you. I learned just last week that you were in Houston. I’m glad you found some meaning in the video. I look forward to you joining the conversation often.
Tery,
It is always good to be reminded about our purpose for following His leading. It is through those times that we seek to fulfil his calling in our lives, that we often step out into uncharted territory. Uncharted for us, that is, it is never uncharted for Him. As I follow Him, I am amazed how He leads me to give something of our relationship to someone else in need. I need to be reminded about my mission from time to time, thanks. lrj
Hey, Lonnie! So glad you are part of the conversation. Sharing ideas about living a missional lifestyle here at Coffee Cup Conversation has helped make we more aware of my mission on a daily basis. I hope that what I write in the future will continue to do for you and others, just what you stated, “remind me about my mission from time to time.”
u r a pretty tuff flower yourself….
Lindsay, sometimes I don’t feel so “tuff,” but when I listen to that song and watch the video I do feel blessed to be “off the shelf.” When I see that last scene I am reminded that the flower had to die for all those seeds to spread across that field. That’s what I want – spread gospel seeds. A seed by itself remains alone . . .
i think this should be in your top 10 blogs
Thanks Lindsay. It is one of my favorites. I might make the top ten if you pointed some of your friends and readers towards it in one of your blog or facebook posts.