On my way to the city of Gillette recently I came across this truck parked along the street in Wright, Wyoming. The photograph does not really capture the immensity of this machine. It was huge. I am not sure what I would do with it if I owned it, but since we are exactly six months from Christmas I decided to add it to my Christmas wish list. I have not driven a tractor-trailer truck in 16 years but the fascination with heavy equipment remains.
Each of us bring our life experiences into the spiritual journey. I grew up on a farm about forty miles northwest of St. Louis. I learned at an early age some of the responsibilities of working around animals and equipment. You respect both. Hard work was part of the equation while growing up. There were times I resented working all day on Saturday. I also didn't appreciate feeding the hogs before and after school during the week. This was especially true during the winter months when the work was completed in the dark. I learned a lot from that way of life during my first 25 years.
We develop habits and values through our life experiences. Playing sports through high school and college taught me perseverance. Fighting cancer taught me about faith, hope, and trust. Working in law enforcement and corrections taught me about some of the harsher realities of life. Working for the power company taught me about business, corporate politics between union members and management, and the skill of driving a tractor-trailer. Loading backhoes, bulldozers, and other equipment onto trailers was a bonus that I had not anticipated. Good times!
When I entered full-time ministry in the year 2000 I had no idea just how much each of these life experiences shaped my ministry. In many ways it seems like my experiences are varied and disconnected, but in the end it has provided a multi-faceted look at life that has been extremely beneficial as I minister to and with others. I am grateful for the many opportunities and blessings all across the board.
What has shaped your spiritual life through the years? Is there a connection between your many experiences? Give it some thought. Feel free to post your comments. You only need to use your first name to post something. Some have told me they don't like putting their full name in the comments. That is fine. As long as the comment is appropriate there will not be a problem.
Well, it is time to get back to my Christmas wish list. What do I need to go along with the monster truck? I am sure I will think of something.
Each of us bring our life experiences into the spiritual journey. I grew up on a farm about forty miles northwest of St. Louis. I learned at an early age some of the responsibilities of working around animals and equipment. You respect both. Hard work was part of the equation while growing up. There were times I resented working all day on Saturday. I also didn't appreciate feeding the hogs before and after school during the week. This was especially true during the winter months when the work was completed in the dark. I learned a lot from that way of life during my first 25 years.
We develop habits and values through our life experiences. Playing sports through high school and college taught me perseverance. Fighting cancer taught me about faith, hope, and trust. Working in law enforcement and corrections taught me about some of the harsher realities of life. Working for the power company taught me about business, corporate politics between union members and management, and the skill of driving a tractor-trailer. Loading backhoes, bulldozers, and other equipment onto trailers was a bonus that I had not anticipated. Good times!
When I entered full-time ministry in the year 2000 I had no idea just how much each of these life experiences shaped my ministry. In many ways it seems like my experiences are varied and disconnected, but in the end it has provided a multi-faceted look at life that has been extremely beneficial as I minister to and with others. I am grateful for the many opportunities and blessings all across the board.
What has shaped your spiritual life through the years? Is there a connection between your many experiences? Give it some thought. Feel free to post your comments. You only need to use your first name to post something. Some have told me they don't like putting their full name in the comments. That is fine. As long as the comment is appropriate there will not be a problem.
Well, it is time to get back to my Christmas wish list. What do I need to go along with the monster truck? I am sure I will think of something.
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