TAKE A HIKE
I knew it was coming. There are experiences that patiently lurk, waiting to jump on you and demand your attention. So there it was, the fateful email from Don Bryan (DB) wondering if I’d be willing to occasionally write a pastor’s message. Writing anything is so painful for me that the thought of typing a few meaningful messages over the next few months pushed me back to high school and college writing classes. Having known DB for a while I could just hear his voice in the pleasant email he was sending-how can you say no to this sincere guy who opens up easily and kindly to you when he makes a request. After saying yes, I decided to share thoughts on why writing is such a painful experience for me. There are many reasons, but you can be encouraged that this message will only mention one.
I’m always worried that my writing will never be good enough. You’ll see my mistakes. You’ll think I’m dumb. You’ll wonder if I really went to college. You’ll wonder how I received a teaching certificate. You might not like me. Don’t smile. I’m not exaggerating. (How can “exaggerating” have gg right there in the middle it?)
I understood from my high school teachers that someone had failed me when it came to teaching spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and composition. My first paper in College Writing was an F. At the end of the first quarter I had earned a D. Writing these last two paragraphs brings emotion that is painful.
Life is often about “not being good enough!” Here comes the predictable life lesson: Walking with God is not about being “good enough.” Walking with God is about, “I’m really glad we’re together, as long as you want me I’ll always be willing to hike with you.”
Is going to church that simple for me? Am I going to church to be reminded that friendship with God is “enough?” I once received a letter from Jana, a former student. “It took me six years Pastor Worley but I’m finally a college graduate! I just wanted you to know that I made it!” I want my students to know that they can make it in school and in life. More than that, I want them to know that God doesn’t give Fs in our walk with Him. You and I have already MADE IT. Today, take a hike, go at a comfortable speed; you already have an “A.”
TRF
I’m always worried that my writing will never be good enough. You’ll see my mistakes. You’ll think I’m dumb. You’ll wonder if I really went to college. You’ll wonder how I received a teaching certificate. You might not like me. Don’t smile. I’m not exaggerating. (How can “exaggerating” have gg right there in the middle it?)
I understood from my high school teachers that someone had failed me when it came to teaching spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and composition. My first paper in College Writing was an F. At the end of the first quarter I had earned a D. Writing these last two paragraphs brings emotion that is painful.
Life is often about “not being good enough!” Here comes the predictable life lesson: Walking with God is not about being “good enough.” Walking with God is about, “I’m really glad we’re together, as long as you want me I’ll always be willing to hike with you.”
Is going to church that simple for me? Am I going to church to be reminded that friendship with God is “enough?” I once received a letter from Jana, a former student. “It took me six years Pastor Worley but I’m finally a college graduate! I just wanted you to know that I made it!” I want my students to know that they can make it in school and in life. More than that, I want them to know that God doesn’t give Fs in our walk with Him. You and I have already MADE IT. Today, take a hike, go at a comfortable speed; you already have an “A.”
TRF
