Accepting CHALLENGES in the Season of CHILL

Many people already think of retirement as a multi-decade vacation. When you put that mindset smack dab in the middle of summer—universally prime vacation season—promoting serving opportunities can have a swimming-against-the-current feel.

But as you know, needs around us don’t take a vacation, so any time of year is right for a serving plunge.

We’re certainly not anti-vacation. Everyone needs periods of rest and relaxation. But let’s also be open to God’s call to serve at any time of year. 

Even on vacation a surrendered servant’s heart is the perfect traveling companion. Not our will but Yours, Lord.

In Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and Levite’s work responsibilities, along with prejudice, appeared to be obstacles to their impromptu serving opportunity. A ‘don’t-bother-me-I’m-on-vacation’ mindset can also trip us up.

As we announced a serving trek to San Francisco’s Tenderloin District a few days following the Fourth of July, we certainly felt the tension between the desire to take on a challenge or to chill.

We were so grateful for the many who joined YES! for a Sunday afternoon of ministry in a rough neighborhood of a city with challenges galore. 

San Francisco is a destination where prejudice could easily steer us away. Not so, though, for Bill and Patty Moll, in their early seventies, who have led the Adopt-A-Building ministry of City Impact for the last ten years.

We’re grateful for both times to chill and times to take on challenges.

As we grow older, may the Lord make us pliable, still ready to accept serving challenges...even when it feels like the whole world is on vacation. :)

As a young adult, my maternal grandfather served with the Salvation Army in San Francisco in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Judy’s parents and oldest brother served here late last century. That heritage is special to reflect on as we periodically serve here in the 21st century.