I've been at Horizons for 2 and a half weeks now! It's been going great, but everything's new. New people, new routines, new home, new family... yep. There's so much to do, so much learning. The first day I was in the office, before I could get started on the new computer, I first had to figure out how the chair worked so I could sit in comfort. I'm sure it was a sad moment to see the new guy, sitting in his naked office in front of a dark monitor, tinkering with his chair as if that was the key to smooth operations at church.
But everything's been like that. Before I can do anything I actually need to do, I have to about 10 things that don't seem relevant at all. I'm not really complaining though. It's just a good picture to paint: with everything I wish to accomplish, there's an equal ammount of learning or tinkering to be done.
So here's the deal. In my attempt to get settled here at Horizons as quickly as possible, I'm moving like a freight train. I'm rolling through the stops, plowing through the blocks. I enjoy moving at this rate. It feels natural, comfortable even. But it does get old sometimes.
I get the image of the dog chasing its tail--or something like the Tom and Jerry cartoons. I'm always trying to get ahead--always trying to create some space for that big break in the action. The only problem is that the faster I work, the more I do, and the more things I try to get ahead of. But there's no getting ahead of "being ahead." So here I am, chasing the getting ahead destination, only to find it's chasing me instead.
At any rate, it's nice to stop trying to get ahead for once, and perhaps even fall a little behind. That's where God seems to work the best. When the train slows down, the chariot picks up the pace. In Life with God, there's no need to get ahead. There's just today. Right now. Getting ahead is senseless and offensive.
So, I'm not terribly sure exactly how much I'll slow down, but at least there's a chance I'll quit chasing "getting ahead." Thanks to Jesus for offering that grace as we walk. Thanks to the staff and crew here at Horizons for your enthusiasm, grace, and understanding. We'll get to where we're going right on time.
Jason <><
