• May. 20, 2008 - Colorado & Planned Neglect
Nope, I don't think we should neglect the folks in Colorado OR the beautiful Colorado scenery. I just had two different topics on my mind and decided to combine them in one entry.
First of all, my family is really excited because we're heading to Durango for our Summer vacation. Yippee! This will be our first flight all together as a family and the first time the boys have seen those majestic Rocky Mountains. Tony and I haven't been to Colorado in years and when we used to go, we were always skiing and didn't explore much beyond the resort. So, now we're taking the boys and I'm wondering what all we should try to do while we're there.
I've got mounds of tourist brochures and have done quite a bit of research on the internet, but I mentioned that I struggle with indecision and get overwhelmed with too many choices in my last entry, didn't I?
So, I've got a few questions for you all:
- What things would you consider to be must-see in the Durango area?
- What are some frugal money-saving travel ideas?
- What books should I read with the kids before we go to help them appreciate the history of the area?
And now, onto my second topic - planned neglect...
Randy Alcorn has a GREAT entry on his blog today about the topic. He calls it, "Saying no to good things, so that you can say Yes to the Best." I loved this excerpt:
"If we have X number of people to make time for, they have to come out of the same small pie of available time, and pretty soon the slices of the pie get smaller and smaller. You end up having dear friends who no longer get a sliver, because it’s been divided so many times.
As with people, so it is with causes. Rather than a large number of causes that we have tiny little investments in, better to have a much smaller number that you’re wholeheartedly engaged in, giving your very best. Ask God for wisdom as to which these should be, and God will give it (James 1:3). But NEVER say yes without asking whether this is one of those exceptional things God really wants you to do. Tell Him that unless He smacks you in the side of the head and makes it clear, you will assume He DOESN’T want you to do it."
Wow, that just really spoke to me. I know that many of us assume that we ARE supposed to be doing something unless God says otherwise and I'm pretty sure that it can often be to the detriment of our families, friends, and true assignments from the Lord.
I remember years ago when we lived in town, realizing just how few people were actually at home during the day. We were just literally surrounded by empty houses as people headed off to work each day. When someone's car wouldn't start, we were the ones who could give them a ride to work. When one of the neighbor boys locked himself out of the house, he could hang out at our house until his mom got home from work. When one of the older neighbors needed help lifting something or carrying something in from her car, we were home.
It affirmed to me that being home in and of itself was a ministry and that God has us there for a reason. Outside activities and ministries have their place. Don't get me wrong. I think they are "good". I just appreciated Randy's thoughts about deciding what things to neglect.
"So, decide what you are going to neglect this week in order to pay attention to God. And while you do that, seek His wisdom and empowerment in doing those few things He wants you to do."
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
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Posted by dawn 
• May. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Thanks for the tip on Randy's blog. Going to peruse it now.
And thanks for reminding me to say no to the so-so things in life.
Julie