A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life, Uncategorized

Yee-Haw, Little Kitties!

October 6, 2017

I am the children’s pastor at my church, and yesterday was “Kids Day” during the worship service. That means I had to plan the program from top to bottom, including songs with motions for the kids to do, stories, PowerPoints, and a message deep enough for the adults but short enough to appease the children’s flea-size attention spans. Have I mentioned I am not a planner?

It took a lot of preparation and a lot of sweat and prayer to pull it off. Was it easy? No. “No” with a capital “N.” And a capital “O.” Actually a lot of capital “Os.” More like NOOOOOOOOOOO.

Was it worth it?

“Y” to “E” to the “S.”

(See, I told you I was hip and cool.)

Remember that Super Bowl commercial a few years ago about herding cats? That’s EXACTLY what children’s ministry is like. Thinking of the eternal significance of it all, however, keeps me going week to week and makes it all worthwhile.

Does any of this sound familiar, writers? Is writing easy?

No. With a capital “N.” And lots of “Os.”

Writing is hard, coming up with something new every day. I’m currently on deadline with a new assignment that is out of my comfort zone, and it is easy for me to feel overwhelmed. I inadvertently preached to myself during my lesson yesterday.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

I’m learning more and more that God likes it when I’m out of my comfort zone. That’s where His power is most evident, and I have to lean on Him. It’s that way in children’s ministry, and it’s certainly that way in writing—can I get a witness?

Yesterday, God took all of the pieces and all of my brokenness and put it together for a beautiful service. I’m trusting Him to do the same with my latest writing assignment.

So it’s back to the keyboard to “herd some cats.” Anyone with me?

 

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5 Comments

  • Reply David Winters October 6, 2017 at 9:22 am

    Thanks, Carlton. Very good word.

  • Reply Cherrilynn Bisbano - Associate Editor A3 October 6, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Carlton, I love your humor and honesty. I’m with you on the cat herding. Thanks for the laugh.

  • Reply Connie Clyburn October 7, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Yes, witness over here! Love It Carlton.

  • Reply Jennifer October 10, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Or maybe roping goldfish ☺

  • Reply Alice H. Murray October 10, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    Sounds like you are the cat’s meow! 🙂 Your words make me think of one of my mother’s favorite sayings, “Two can do anything if one is the Lord.” He’s got you covered for cat herding!

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