the back burner

Yesterday was good

...for a variety of reasons. I slept in till 8, biked around, had some good devotions, heard from BOTH BB and AG, called a couple of PCA folks here in TX, started another presentation, got the better of a rip-roaring headache, shuffled through a few emails, and stayed up late reading Becker's Tricks of the Trade and watching Fried Green Tomatoes. But I think it was really good MOSTLY becuase of a just-before-bed conversation with God.

It was a great day, all around. I was thankful, but also shocked. I didn't think I was allowed to have great days that didn't begin with an hour of early prayer, solid Bible study, strenuous exercise, and lots of productivity. Who knew this was an issue? Who knew that this is what I thought? I didn't. But climbing between the sheets, I was suddenly struck with how thankful I was for the day's contents and for how non-ideal the day had been. I spent nearly two hours in bed at midday because of that headache! I read some Scripture, but prayer got squeezed out! I mean, surely God can't be pleased with this kind of mediocrity. Surely he would have been happier if I had nailed a few more churches...

Nighttime reflections aren't usually this theological for me, but last night forced me to ask the question: "Can my actions elicit more pleasure (or less pleasure) from God?" The more I think about it, the deeper this question becomes. I went to bed refreshed by the possibility that the answer is no. This thought needs much more unpacking and thoughtful phrasing. More to come.