I recognize more than ever, the need to find myself! Jesus told his disciples, “Come aside and rest awhile.” He said this in the height of ministry activity. I love this new edifice. I did not know by moving to this new edifice, how much it would change me. The changes though subtle are noticeable.

Some people have quietly (some, not so quietly) been critical of me-saying how much I have changed. I have changed! Try to understand my changing in terms of a farmer when he or she goes from harvesting land of ten acres to a hundred acres. There is a need for more laborers-more seed must be sown.

The farmer must now negotiate with different distributors for the produce he or she is harvesting. He is more dependent on the heavens for healthy rains because crop failure will have more devastating effects. More people can be fed by the larger farm, but more people will complain if the harvest is weak. So, I recognize the need to get away and rest. I carefully resolve, “You are still the same person who was scared to death to preach at Morning Star Baptist Church on April 26th 1981.” I am the same farmer who, twenty five years ago, thanked God for the ten acres.

I know you are concerned for me as your pastor. I am more concerned for myself-that I remember to be a child. “Unless you humble yourselves as this little child, you shall in no wise enter the kingdom of God” (Matt. 18). There is so much to do. We use to be a size 12 foot trying to fit into a size 8 shoe. Now, we are a size 15 foot fitting into a size 16 ½ shoe. The adjustments we must make are not inconsequential-we are in a good place in God.

Since being on vacation and away from the church, I have reflected on some basic questions: Do I have a sincere soul? Do I love The Lord’s people? Am I preaching the Gospel through the love of Jesus? Is my prayer life enough to keep me before the Lord? Am I a good husband, father, son, brother and friend? All these questions have been asked as of late. While I am off this week, the same as last week, I still remember it is not about me-it is about the Lord.