The Advent and Christmas seasons are “Take a Walk Around the Block” seasons. What do I mean by that? Well, several things. For many of you, either family will descend on you or you will descend on family. In many ways, that is a wonderful thing! But, it also carries with it the tensions and frustrations that have built up over a lifetime. You will experience love; but someone will also ask you — for the umpteenth time — why you chose that career path or why you’re not tougher on your children. “But I told you last year!” And the judgment- oh, boy the judgment. As if you didn’t have enough. I have a family who needs my attention. Am I doing it right? Was I too merciful? Too tough? In what ways am I ruining my sons’ lives? I shepherd a wonderful church with wonderful people. Am I doing them justice? Am I honoring God in my calling as their pastor? I have an old boat in my garage that has a rotten transom I need to replace. The…
