I just felt like I wanted to do a blog disclaimer.
I posted about goals quite a bit this past week. But I don't want it to come across like I jump out of bed every morning and look for a big, hairy, audacious goal to accomplish! I get up every morning and pick up our dog's poop. That is how my day begins. Some days I don't even feel like getting out of bed. I think I hit my snooze button an average of 2.3 times per day. And I get discouraged and demotivated like everyone else.
I never want it to come across like I'm super-dad or super-pastor. I get mad at my kids. I have lots of shortcomings as a pastor. And I experience writer's block all the time.
You know the old adage: objects in the mirror appear closer than they are? There ought to be a blog disclaimer: bloggers appear to be better than they really are.
My prayer batting average isn't any better than anyone else's. I wish I heard God's voice more consistently and more clearly. And I wish I didn't mess up so much!
Just wanted to put that out there.
I posted about goals quite a bit this past week. But I don't want it to come across like I jump out of bed every morning and look for a big, hairy, audacious goal to accomplish! I get up every morning and pick up our dog's poop. That is how my day begins. Some days I don't even feel like getting out of bed. I think I hit my snooze button an average of 2.3 times per day. And I get discouraged and demotivated like everyone else.
I never want it to come across like I'm super-dad or super-pastor. I get mad at my kids. I have lots of shortcomings as a pastor. And I experience writer's block all the time.
You know the old adage: objects in the mirror appear closer than they are? There ought to be a blog disclaimer: bloggers appear to be better than they really are.
My prayer batting average isn't any better than anyone else's. I wish I heard God's voice more consistently and more clearly. And I wish I didn't mess up so much!
Just wanted to put that out there.
20 Comments:
I needed to hear that. Life is hard and you seem to live it so well. Good to know that you too have to scoop dog poop.
I appreciate your humility. It's one of the reasons I enjoy, and learn from, your blog.
Mark, I am a huge fan of you bro and appreciate your honesty. You are setting a wonderful example to young guys in ministry like me. And by the way, I just finished your book and recommend it to everyone! I posted on my blog recently about it!
Thanks, man!
Mark:
One of the reasons I read your blog on a daily basis is because you are "real." I remember when I first met you in Atlanta last year, you came in wearing blue jeans and you made sure and spent time with everyone. That made a positive impact on me and many others that night. You are a human and with that comes all the baggage you mentioned.
I love your humilty man!!!
Thanks for blessing my day...
chillpastor
Mark,
Thanks for your posts and for this little glimpse into "real" life.
I am a reader (of your book and your blog) living and serving at an International school here in South Korea.
Your book, "In a Pit...." served as a real inspiration to me and others. I shared it with our Headmaster and he loved it.
As we here hold out the hope of the Gospel to this culture and as we prayerfully look at penetrating North Korea someday with the light of Jesus, your words within the context of Risk Theology really serve as inspiration. Thanks again. Keep up the good work.
Ryan
www.ryanmroberts.com
Thanks for being real.
We must play the cards we're dealt. Do our best knowing that life is eternal and that our reward lies in heaven.
This is my first time reading your blog and I am encouraged by your transparency and honesty. Thanks for keeping it real.
A BHAG...wow - I miss hearing that!
I'm with ya. Just posted about that actually. and I discovered a new devotion book that I'm giving a try for 2008. (It has nothing to go with picking up poop, though.) Called SOLO.
Anyway, thanks for the honesty...being transparent.
Mark,
Thanks so much for the authenticity. Your wisdom from this blog and from "In a Pit..." has profoundly impacted my life and ministry.
Simple and honest---thanks!
Everyone else has already said "Thanks for being real and transparent." I didn't want to another "me too", but I am challenged and inspired by your blog (just ordered your book from Amazon this week) and figured I owed it you after all I have benefited from your wisdom and your "chase the lion" encouragement. Thanks for being who God made you to be. We need you!
Can't believe that you would make up weaknesses just to appear genuine and connect us mere mortals.
Seriously, encouraging post. The snooze thing gave me some cred with my wife. She thought I was the only one who did that.
Blessings, Ken
I think that there is a special strength and courage in someone who is willing to be open about their shortcomings. It takes the pressure of perfection off of everyone. Thanks for your post.
You mean you're human? :-) Nice post, Mark! --Heather T.
This is great to hear and it's hard to find truly humble people these days.
James 4:6 popped into my head after reading this post. "But He gives us more grace...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Isn't grace an amazing thing?
Pastor does not equal super human! Thanks for posting this.
Ok, now we all know how we should be praying for you Mark. The truth shall set us free! I appreciate your passion and honesty. Thanks for being real.
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