Preparation

It seems as though we are always in some state of preparation.  We spend our childhood in school and learning in preparation to be an adult.  Some choose a college and major and spend four or more years preparing for a career or vocation.  Some spend much time preparing for a wedding.  There are preparations when company heads your way.  There are preparations for just about everything.  An event over the weekend caused me again to think of all of the ways the Lord prepares us for ministry.  Paul spent time in the wilderness.  Moses got some time in a palace and then headed to the wilderness.  It turned out that the majority of his ministry was in the wilderness.  David had time in the fields, time as a fugitive, and then he arrived in the palace.  Ministry preparation is not something that can happen in just four years of school - rather, it is years of experiences and acquaintances that mold us, change us, temper us to be more useful. 

The Fair is in town for the next 10 days.  We don't usually attend for the entertainment, but I will be spending 3 1/2 to 4 hours there each of the next 4 days, so will you excuse me if I don't visit with you each day?  We will be sharing the gospel with the 1000's who will attend by handing out tracts and talking with those who will listen.