Author: Ron Baker

I have been given strength for this day.  As I approach a busy season, my early morning rising means that by mid-evening I’m coming to an end.  Not a total stop, just an end of activity.

So, now I’m sitting here at the computer and resting in the soft swoosh of the computer keyboard and the blinking cursor that keeps my mind focused.

There is truly a sense of accomplishment when a day finishes with measurable achievements.  Today I could measure that in people talked to, an administration load lessened, and a children’s club attended.

And what makes that even more exciting is that the tasks help other people accomplish their own goals and increase their opportunities for relationship.  Above all that are the God Times where I sense God’s pleasure in what I do, and I sense others sensing God Moments in their own lives.

And so, as I write this, I’m tired but satisfied.  May your day also be blessed with that type of ending!!

I’m a sucker for the question – “Can you help me organize . . . ?”

This morning I was working on my sermon for this coming Sunday.  My wife entered our office area and made that enquiry.  There were just a few shelves.  The photo albums were particularly pressing.

Now, at 7:30 in the evening I am feeling quite rejuvenated as I tuck away that last piece that needed to be put into place.

So, if you are looking for someone to just drop by and organize the place, give me a call.  I’ll take a day off and come give you a hand!!

Early in our marriage we had been heading down separate paths.  Not with premeditation or malice.  Just with busyness.  Everyday activity that kept us both engaged, but not with each other.

I still remember one day having one of those discussions married couples have.  More like a debate – or should we say an outright verbal fight.  Both of us recognized, after a few minutes, that we were on the same page, just coloring with different crayons.

So, we took a scrap piece of paper.  One of those sheets that are part of everyday life.  And we scrawled on it – “We will work together” (or some close paraphrase to that).  Then I placed it with a magnet on our file cabinet (which I am currently sitting beside). 

Although the memory may have faded over the years, the idea has not.  Jill and I work together in partnership – and love it.  We know that we must if we are to live successfully together!

God helping we will continue on – for more years to come.

After almost 34 years of marriage (tomorrow will turn that calendar!), we find we can finish each other’s sentences.  We can sense a direction to travel together.  We can end up in the same store aisle on the hunch that this is where we will find what we need.

Most of all, I find that I listen very carefully.  If the volume of the listening ear is low for acquaintances, the volume is screeching when my wife speaks.  Loud enough to either warn me or encourage me.  Loud enough to push me to action or quiet my impatience.

This does not come in a short acquaintance.  This comes in trusted years of circumstance.  Where once I may have wondered the motive for a question or a directive, now I assume that love is the motivator.

Not that some pretty heated discussions do not ensue.  As a matter of fact, we are more animated now than when we were younger.  We do not fear being broken by the other because we know each of us is committed to the other – for better and for worse!

So, my thanks to my closest advisor.  You are who you are, and I thank you!