Retirement is exhausting! Maybe that’s because I’m not actually retired. I’m just in a place where my kids are grown, my wife is no longer working, I don’t have the pressures and demands of a large church, and I can pretty much pursue ministry with a freedom heretofore unexperienced.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not constantly facing deadlines. And to be honest, I face more deadlines now than at any time during my years of ministry.
It’s my own fault. I’m always biting off more than I can chew.
Currently, I’m preparing and preaching weekly (file sermons lack the fresh, living quality that a congregation needs), meeting with other pastors on a regular basis, working on a book to be released this Spring, writing posts distributed worldwide, five days a week, and serving as a writer for “Living Life Magazine.”
I’m also playing golf one to two times a week and putting in time at the gym. But since I’m the kind of person who tends to work at his play, these things, while enjoyable and good for me, are also commitments.
“So, what’s the deal, Dan.? Why tell us all this?
Three reasons.
First, I’m not posting as regularly as I have for the last couple of years. Chances are this trend will continue. But I hope what I do post will encourage and challenge you. That’s always the goal.
Second, I’m really excited about my upcoming book on the New Testament letter to the Galatians. I’ve entitled it “Confronting Cultural Christianity,” and it’s a different take, a unique approach, distinctly different from the standard Bible study book or commentary. But it’s taking a lot of my time, and I really want to get it done and get it out for people to read. Lately, I find myself scrambling to find the time to write.
Third, my workload for “Living Life Magazine” has increased. For those of you who do not read “Living Life,” I highly recommend it. We are constantly leading our readers through books of the Bible, and our writers come from all over the globe. I’m delighted to say that many of our writers are former students. If you would like to subscribe to “Living Life,” you can do so here.
I’ve been blessed to spend my life doing what I love, and by God’s grace, I will continue to do just that. My prayer is that what I do will have an impact for good in your life as you seek to serve Christ.
The longer I live and the more I serve, the more in line my heart is with the words of the apostle Paul, who said, “for me to live is Christ.”
In Christ,
Dan
Check out my podcasts from Church on the Edge and my books on Kindle.
You can listen to my weekly messages at Embrace Church, High Point.
Dan, you continue to be a friend, mentor and pastor to me and my family. The impact you and your wife have had on me and my wife is beyond words and my ability to tha k you. We love you guys dearly and look forward to many more years together despite the miles between us. Semper Fidelis!!