Out Of My Mind
[ How This All Started ]
"I am not out of my mind!"
Acts 26:24

Some years ago, Carol and I spent several days at Acadia National Park along the seaboard of southern Maine. It’s my favorite vacation spot on the entire east coast. One afternoon we decided to take a hike ... one which the brochure described as "strenuous". We had already taken a "moderate" hike, and so we agreed, "Let’s go for it!" Little did I know what trepidation awaited.

The narrow trail worked its way up the face of a mountainous cliff! With a path only 18-24" wide, the rocky trail clung precariously to the side of a craggy bluff. On the other side of the slowing rising path was a sheer drop to the forest floor. At several points it was necessary to hold on to iron rails that had been embedded into the rock, in order to climb to the next level of pathway. Upward, upward!

Now, you should understand that I have a fear of heights. I could feel the tightening knot in my stomach as we proceeded, and the beads of sweat on my forehead. All the while I’m thinking, "Bud, what are you doing here? You must be out of your mind!!!!" But I pressed on ... thinking this to be a personal challenge. Of course, I may have been over-reacting. I mean — there were 12-year-old kids scrambling up the rock face, scooting by this old man with white knuckles!

Somewhere in this story comes my choice for the title of this pastor’s column: Out Of My Mind. I think about the opportunities for ministry here at First Baptist. I think about the prospects of growth and outreach and service. I think about ways to enhance our ministries of fellowship, nurture, worship, and evangelism. I realize that much of this work could require "strenuous" efforts on the part of each one of us. And I can imagine that should I suggest "Let’s go for it," there may be times when people will ask "Are You Out Of Your Mind?"

That’s OK. I figure I’m in good company. There were once those who said to the Apostle Paul, "You are out of your mind, Paul!" He responded "I am not out of my mind ... but I am speaking the truth" [Acts 26:24-25].

At any rate, I look forward to sharing some thoughts with you through this column. Hopefully, you’ll find that I have something worthwhile to share ... something that comes from the heart. And I surely hope you’ll find that "I am speaking the truth."

By the way — I made it to the top of the mountain. And what a view from above!!!

Blessings,
Pastor Bud