Dear Evergreen Family:
I’m not a science guy. My brain’s not really wired that way. I’m more right brained…or left brained…I’m not sure which. So, I’ll probably get this totally wrong.
These days, I feel like my soul is under centrifugal force. That’s the kind (I think) where you attach a ball to a string and start spinning it, and the ball’s every desire (if a ball desires anything) is to fly off into the distance because of the force being exerted on it. Please don’t write me notes about how centrifugal force is not the right term. I’m trying my best.
The point is that I feel that there are so many forces in our culture and environment these days that have me spinning in circles, pulling me farther and farther away from my center. I find myself being pulled one way, and then another, and then I feel pulled somewhere else entirely. It’s hard to even see the center of all things anymore. I know I’m being vague. It’s more of a feeling. Maybe you can relate.
So, this week, I’m deciding to cut the string and climb back to the center. Jesus is my center. When I’m there, I’m no longer in orbit, just acting and reacting and reacting again. I’m clear. I’m often broken and in need of grace, yes, but clear. I’m not ricocheting between half-truths. I’m not chasing mirages. I’m not reacting to the loudest voice. I know I’m where I need to be. Let’s go to the center together and hear Jesus speak.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11).
May God bless us all.
Your Fellow Minister in Christ,
Mark