Into the wall

My father-in-law is what some might call a NASCAR fan. We, on the other hand, have been known to put a race on for our afternoon nap. Something about the drone which helps us sleep. I like to watch the last few laps and the highlights (read: the wrecks).

Those cars go, what 300-400 miles in any given race? Round and round and round. Really fast. It occurs to me that the slightest hesitation, the tiniest miscalculation could put a car into the wall. The drivers must trust their team to keep them and their cars in top shape. Ultimately, though, it doesn't matter how well put-together a machine is if the driver is not paying attention.

I am thinking that my spiritual life is like that. (Not the round in circles part) I need a solid pit crew in my church family, but when it comes down to it, I have to take responsibility for my own spiritual growth.

Becoming a part of Gracepoint has really brought this home for me. This weekend, we had the opportunity to reach out to the North Las Vegas community through Balloon-a-Palooza. We made contact with literally thousands of people. GP is a missional church, some people call it a "seeker" church. (I am not really sure I like the baggage this name carries, but that is immaterial.) Two years ago, I never would have been able to be a part of something like GP; I was not ready. At that time, I still considered Sunday mornings to be about me, my growth, my spiritual needs.

Now I see Sunday mornings a litlte differently. Sunday worship is not for me, it is for God, and our Sunday service is actually an entry point; it is our church community reaching out to the community at large. This is not to say that Devin's teaching is beneath me, to the contrary; but his lessons are designed to reach out to all. Some people would say this is milk, and I was one of them. Perhaps it is, but if I am not getting meat, it is MY fault. Each of us started life on milk, and our spiritual lives are no different.

I am no longer a baby, and not quite a baby Christian either. But you know what? Adults feed themselves. What Jon and I have been through in the last year has really brought this home for me. Looking back, I can see where God was working in our life. He taught us how to feed ourselves, and now we are better equipped to reach out to His creation.

I may still run into the wall, but it would be counter-productive to place blame anywhere but squarely on my own shoulders.