Well, let me first of all catch up on the family news. We have rejoiced in the arrival on August 4th of our new grandaughter, Madison Mercy Elliott, to Justin and Cara. This beautiful little red-haired girl in the words of her completely unbiased father and grandfather is “perfect”. That may be a little hard for her to live up to when she’s 15 years old, but at least we’re off to a good start. Anyway, I’ll let you judge for yourself…
Madison with her proud Grandma Darla
I just called this morning and both baby and big sister, Sahara, are doing great. The other family news is that our new foster daughter, Nicole, is adjusting to life at the Elliott’s quite well. This energetic young lady is full of personality and very gifted in art and music (she plays the flute). We just registered her at Redmond High School and signed her up for soccer. She has never played before, but is very excited to get on the field mix it up.
This Sunday (8/17) I will be sharing my experiences in Zambia twice. At 10 a.m. I will be preaching at the Chapel of the Pines in Camp Sherman and at 6:30 p.m. I will have a more extended time to share pictures and thoughts on the ministry of our missionaries, Jason and Beckie (and kids) as they share their lives with the Zambian people. You are more than welcome to join us for either time.
Upon returning I’ve had a new grandaughter, new foster daughter, been catching up the yardwork, watching the summer Olympics, football camp this week, coaches meetings, preparing to speak and squeezing the last out of my summer with some hunting with my son, Brandon and camping with the Lutes, Lewis, Nicole and Darla. Yes, that’s right Darla went camping… I think she’s preparing herself to go to Zambia next summer! Now as you can see, my system has definitely been shocked back into a pace of life that is so typical of we Americans. Now don’t get me wrong… it’s not like it was all rest and relaxation in Zambia despite the contrary evidence of the pose that my supposed friend, Jason, caught…
Here I am, deep in 'prayer' on the Sibley couch!
There were times of intense ministry in Zambia, especially on the weekends with MTI classes and Sunday services. However, without the distraction of TV news and sports, the telephone and the constant demands of American life, there was a pace to Zambian life that I found very appealing. The mornings usually began sometime before 5 a.m. with coffee and devotions (yes, in that order). After breakfast Jason, some of the kids and I would go for a 1 hour walk through the neighborhood greeting scores of Zambians on their way to work or school. I cherished these times of discussion and reflection with my friend. After returning the rest of the morning was often open for preparation of teachings/sermons and extended times of prayer that I never seem to have time for here. After lunch there was science class for the kids, which was a total ’kick in the pants’! The rest of the weekday afternoons and evenings were for fellowship with pastors and their wives, playing “Bear” with the kids, watching a video or just fellowshipping with meaningful conversation… sometimes in the darkness when the power went out.
In our fast paced society we can easily lose two things that I found an abundance of in Zambia… alone time with God and time for people. The alone time God allowed for a lot of reflection on the meaning and significance of my relationship with Him. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God.” How often do we really allow ourselves to really “Be still”? Since returning to the States I’ve found that it is really difficult to have that quality of a time with God, because there are simply so many distractions. And then there is taking time for people. We’ve been trying to get together with another couple now for about 3 months for dinner and between our schedules we still haven’t pulled it off. Zambians are exceptional in fellowship and conversation, because much of their lives are dependent upon meaningful relationships with one another. Jesus gave us a new command in John 13:34,35 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
So how does this effect the way I choose to live my life? Well for one thing I’m not watching nearly as much news as I was… less than an hour all totalled in the last 2 weeks. Other than the Olympics, which will end in a week, I’ve watched a lot less TV and have not really missed it. I will have to contend with an enormously busy life to keep focused on the most important things and I invite you join me in defeating the time thieves of our culture.
Growing in Christ,
Dan
