“HOW DO YOU STAY SANE ON THE JOURNEY?”

Ha! This is a great question, cos some might seriously argue that we aren’t sane! In fact, I have been heard to say (on occasion) to either myself or anyone within hearing distance – “we must be INSANE” in trying to pull off what we sometimes pull off.

I realized a long time ago that “my life, the man I married, our church and ministry, the pace of life we live at, and the responsibility we carry” is not normal … and that it is going to require A DIFFERENT KIND OF SANITY to fulfill what we need to fulfill.

Sanity by definition means “mental health” or to be “free of mental disorder”. Yes, and if this question was a spontaneous question on a panel, I sorely doubt that I would have had that dictionary definition in my immediate memory bank, hence the beauty of a blog setting. But there’s some wisdom in the definition.

-Staying “healthy in ya head” when the pace or journey borders on madness is a key. That means (again) knowing: who you are, WHY you are doing what you are doing and being able to intelligently process the challenges. Perspective is extremely empowering in getting perspective (and yes, that play on words was intentional).

-Staying “free of mental dis-order” is also a great thought. When the pressure is on, it’s easy to get emotionally muddled … so (again) learn to recognize the muddle-signs and address them before emotional meltdown happens. God is not the author of confusion, but even Jesus had to battle with mental (and spiritual) anguish in the garden, in the fulfilment of the Father’s Master plan.

-And maybe “a little INSANITY works” … I think it has been the crazy, zealous, impassioned, reckless-in-a-good-way, faith-maniacs, with fire in their eyes and a touch of holy-insanity in their wings who have blazed their way through history. Anyone who ventures onto the FRONTLINES OF “THY KINGDOM COME” has to be a little insane! (Smile)

So manage ya “sanity AND insanity” for the sake of all those Christ has called us to reach.

AND on a little practical note, getting out in the fresh air with a little walk n pray with God always helps. It’s amazing what some sunlight, wind on your face and change of scenery will do.

Bobbie

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, and be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behaviour. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.

But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.” Titus 2:1-8 (MSG)