Ten years ago when we returned to the Northwest Ministry Network to lead the area of Pastoral Care & Development, we felt the role God was calling us to involved being on the road most of the time. Feeling like it was not healthy for us to stay in motels day after day, we considered buying an RV. A total new thought to us.

God gave us a great friend in Ron George, who owns an RV business. Ron was a leader in the Church we pastored in the Tri-Cities. We told Ron about our ministry vision and he helped us get our first motor home. We were not RV people, but it seemed a wise move. Many times Martha and I have commented on  what wonderful advice and guidance Ron shared with us. Because of buying a motor home, we were able to spend over half our days on the road in the NWMN making big loops around the network doing cohorts and LEAD Seminars.

Then it seemed like our travel pattern changed and we sold the motor home and started using motels much more.

This past year we felt like God was leading us to be back on the road much more. But this time instead of moving every couple of days, like when we had the motor home, we will be staying in an area about a week at a time. We again called on our friend Ron George for advice. As has always been the case, he knows so much more about RV’s than we ever will, he recommended a fifth wheel for this phase of ministry.

So this past summer, we sold our Honda truck and bought a one ton Dodge diesel. Next Monday we pick up the new 5th wheel trailer. We will spend over 110 days in it just in the rest of 2010. More days in 2011.

I am so grateful to have a spouse who is willing to make major adjustments in life (like not living in our home over 1/3 of the time), because of the mission God has given us. I am also grateful for Ron and Shirley George who have been a great help to us in ministry.

I hope I am always willing to make changes based on the direction of God.

In the New Testament, I think this happened to the Pharisees. They begin to see themselves as better than the other people. It is a danger anyone who achieves some level of success faces.

Of course I think we should all seek to develop ourselves and reach for becoming our full Kingdom potential. This includes being a lifelong learner. But we must be careful we don’t start focusing on our achievements (positions, titles, degrees, status, successes), for this can lead to arrogance, elitism and self centeredness.

Instead be must value others, seek interdependency, and possess real humility. We must see the strengths and abilities in others without devaluing how God has wired us.

Jesus called twelve common normal men to be His disciples and they changed their world. I think great leadership is helping common ordinary people accomplish extraordinary results. That is one reason Jesus is the greatest leader of all time.

I look review and refine my personal:

• Mission
• Core Values
• Roles
• My Life Timeline and Major Events journal

I also decide on my spiritual growth plan for the year:

• What version of the Bible will I read?
• What my reading plan is?
• My prayer plan?

I have found this practice to be very helpful to me. It help me keep my focus clear. If you have not done this, why not give it a try this year.

Mel

Dave and his wife, Sue, have called me or sent me a birthday card every year for over 45 years. Whenever I get near my birthday, I start anticipating their call. For over 45 years I have know there was someone who was praying for me. Now into their 80′s they still care! That is a wonderful gift!!!