Coloring and Contentment

Sorry it's been a long time (not that people are lining up to read my rantings).

I was a little overwhelmed today. I'm part of the twitter-rific world of instant blog/thought about life and ministry and as a man in my early 30's it is easy to feel unsatisfied about all that you aren't doing. I've always been my worst critic and always had a deep sense of passion to be on the top of my game. As I'm logged on right now, thousands of great thinkers, strategists, missional pastors, teachers, and influencers are typing, texting, blogging, writing, and speaking an incredible amount of insightful, helpful, ministry-changing ideas at their high level churches, ministries, and offices. To quote Chandler, "these guys are seriously legit."

It's easy for me to be overwhelmed at not only the enormity of information but how little I feel that I contribute. I want my church, our ministry, and the people that I lead to catch an unprecedented vision from God to reach our community for Christ and I often hold myself accountable to helping our people see the need and the possibilities. In a nutshell, I want to be legit and wow those are some big shoes to fill. So, yes, there are moments when I'm stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed and today was one of those days.

A little dejected, I came home and just began to read the paper at the hub (aka breakfast table) trying to mute the noise of the boys playing in the living room, Brooke preparing dinner in the kitchen, and everything else in between. Yet, I heard the sweetest thing...I noticed my 4 year old daughter at the end of the table singing. She was singing a made up song of unintelligible words just lost in her own world. She had a piece of construction paper and large bright markers. She was coloring a picture, singing a song with not a care in the world. She had abandoned the noise (doing a much better job that I was) lost in her own enjoyment; not paying attention to the world around her; content as can be.

I stared at her for a few moments and I can feel my mind and soul take a breath. I began to wonder if I was feeling some of the same joy and warmth that God feels as He sees His children simply content. They aren't trying to keep up or speed up with the world, people, jobs, MINISTRIES around them; they are just content to be a child of the King, in His presence, under His grace. I wonder if God stares at us and can find the enjoyment of seeing us content with nothing else than just Him. All it took for my daughter was a piece of paper and a few markers; surely with the majestic power of the Lord of All Creation I can simply be content.

Lord, reassure me of Your power, mission, and purpose when I'm overwhelmed and help me to find contentment in Your calling and Your strength.