Blog
Yesterday Mark Oestreicher from Youth Specialties posted a blog saying that among other things, he was ending his blog, closing his Facebook account, and cutting back on travel. The reason? He wanted to give more time to his family and the staff of Youth Specialties. Marko and Jeannie are dear friends and his blog touched me.
It seems to be touching others too. One youth worker friend of mine told me, “This gives me permission to end my Facebook account too.”
I’m glad that Marko’s cutting back gives others freedom to do so also. I really am. But even in the midst of my love and appreciation for community, I wish that we all could give ourselves permission because of God’s grace, not because of someone else. One of the insights we’ve been reminded of during our current Urban Self-Care Tool Kit is that many of us (myself included) are more driven by expectations (others’ and our own) than a sense of God’s call that flows from God’s amazing grace.
God speed, Marko. Or maybe it would be better to say God slow down, Marko… And the rest of us too.
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May 27th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Like you, I found it odd that Marko’s actions somehow gave others permission. I suppose that is the role of a “tribe leader” that his actions give others permission to do the same. But, like you, I hope people are sensitive to the Holy Spirit… and by sensitive I mean bold enough to both hear and do what the Holy Spirit is telling them to do. I can’t wait to see what God does with Marko as he sheds “ysmarko.”
May 28th, 2009 at 1:28 am
thank you for this post…..so helpful and also Adam’s comment too!