I mentioned the other day that I have been paying special attention to Acts 20:28 - Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care.

I’m far from perfect at doing it, but during forty years of ministry, I’ve endeavored to look after everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in my care. At times I may have glided over the first part a little too often as I’ve pursued the second, but as I approach the start of a fifth decade of pastoring, I do so with a fresh realization that if I look after myself then I will be better equipped to minister to all those I serve.

So I’m amping up my RPMs and plan to look after myself better Relationally, Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.

RELATIONALLY

I read a piece a while ago that said statistics show that the older people get, the more isolationist they tend to become – and I can believe that. I’ve spent my whole life working with people, thousands of people over the years, tens of thousands and because we are all a work in progress I have been disappointed, disillusioned and downright burned more times than I choose to recall. I am aware of the lurking temptation to become more reclusive, but am determined that I will safeguard and maintain as many hands-on, meaningful relationships as I can both within our church family and farther afield.

This year I also plan to prioritize spending time with my family. So I’ll  go to the UK at some point to witness my sister’s baptism. I also want to see my Texas grandchildren (and their father) more than I did last year. Spending time with them twice in twelve months is just not enough.

Throughout the coming months, I also want to be sure to maintain connections with the terrific friends I have who are also in ministry. Locally, I’m grateful to have so many good guys around me, especially the younger leaders who help me stay connected to the 21st century. Farther afield, there’s a whole bunch of friends that I must take the time to stay in touch with. I don’t like talking on the phone, but need to use it more often, together with emails and even hopefully some opportunities to break bread together.

We all need to think about the people who are important to us and make sure we make the time to develop and enjoy those relationships.