I have been reminded in the last couple of weeks of the ebb and flow not only of the ministry but also of life. Nothing in ministry or in life stays the same. We have our routines, but as we say, life happens. This certainly has been the case for me lately. While more obvious at some times than at others, life often dictates our continual adjustment to its circumstances.

This reality has given me a great perspective from Ecclesiastes. I love this book of the Bible. I am afraid many Christians overlook its importance in navigating everyday life. While I continue to compile “life’s helps” from this great book, the main point I want to get across in this newsletter is the importance of our perspective during seasons. If we are thinking today, “Life is good,” we can guarantee that a different, less enjoyable season is on the horizon. Likewise, a “winter” season in life will eventually give way to a “spring” season.

Life’s circumstances that demand our attention can sometimes limit our ministry. That is okay. We must manage our lives wisely in order to be good stewards. To ignore the seasons of life for ministry will ultimately limit our ministries. Another way to look at this is for us to take advantage of the current season while in it. The strength we have today we will not have forever. If our strength is not reliable now, we can depend on our wisdom and experience. It is all about perspective.

As for my own personal encounter with the quick changes that can take place in life and ministry, I have had some health concerns that have required my attention recently. I have made some appropriate changes to improve my health. I can be upset that I have had to cancel some speaking engagements—or I can alter my perspective to enjoy the fact that I get to be home more with my youngest daughter, just months before she graduates from high school. I can lament the missed opportunities to be a blessing and an influence at other churches—or I can be excited about the opportunity to be able to write more due to a freed-up schedule. It is about perspective. Let me encourage you not to be a prisoner of your changed circumstances but to look at the blessings in your new situation.

As I write this, I am growing more and more motivated about putting together a book of some sort on these lessons from Ecclesiastes. I appreciate those who take the time to read the weekly newsletter. Please share it with someone if you believe it will be a blessing.

As far as One More Thing…

Sometimes, we need to change our perspective; we must be willing to view life from a different vantage point. This gives us a better outlook on reality. How do we do this? I think it is great counsel to read the book of Ecclesiastes often. We should block off some time to read Ecclesiastes in its entirety at one time. This will enable a good perspective. I do this frequently; it keeps me “steady” as life happens.

Often, it is not our life we need to change but our perspective.