The Browning's
Stressful Love 10/22/2009
 
I talked with a friend last month, and he made a statement that has been on my mind for the last several weeks.  My friend, Marshall, said, "I've noticed that the things that stress me out the most are also the things that I love the most."  Wow!  That is so true.  The top 10 factors that bring me the greatest amount of stress are also the top 10 passions of my life.  Maybe you aren't following me.  Let me give an example.

I love being a pastor.  I get to help people in their greatest times of need.  I get to see their life find purpose through their relationship with God.  I get a front row seat as He builds His Kingdom before my eyes.  While it is the greatest thrill on earth to be used by God in a mighty way, it is also most stressful.  I feel the weight of being God's mouthpiece.  I feel the immense pressure of being a visionary on His behalf and when people in my flock hurt, I hurt alongside of them in a transcendent way.

Okay, I recognize this experience is unique to me in comparison to the typical reader so let me give another example.  How about you guys who love golf?  Does it bring you any stress?  When your fade turns into a slice or when every putt seems to lip out, does your passion turn into frustration, anger, or stress?  How about parenting?  I love my kids, but they bring about a great deal of stress.  My 9 year old daughter is the love of my life, but she stresses me out to no end. She is already asking me when she can have a boyfriend.  I told her yesterday that she already had a boyfriend (her daddy) and I wasn't ready to breakup yet and probably won't for a long time.  I can only imagine what it is going to be like when she is a teenager.

How about marriage?  Your Career?  Your favorite sports team?  Why is it that the things we are most passionate about bring about the greatest amount of stress?  I think about Jesus on the cross, which must have been the greatest moment of stress in His incarnate life.  Why would he endure such stress?  Why endure the whips, the mockery, and the abuse?  If my illustration is implied to Jesus' death, the implications would say that Jesus had an unquestionable, deeply passionate love for God's children.  So much so that He would endure such excruciating stress that made the pores on his brow sweat blood.  Oh how He loves us!
 


Comments

Bryan Burroughs

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:27:19

Great blog!

I feel your stress and agree. I would not give up my stress because it also makes me appreciate the love ones in my life.

Cassidy is 9 and I tell her she is not allowed to have a boyfriend until after she is married...which is not until she is at least 30. Right now she is good with that.

 

Blair Kaufman

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:37:57

I love it..
I stress out more with my family and best friends than I show that I love them. It's crazy because they are my world. I try so hard to love them but my stress becomes so overwhelming that it tangles up my relationships with people. I tend to take my stress out ON the ones I care for the most.

Good Blog Though, I love reading people's thoughts!!

 

Bobby

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:08:48

This may be one of your best blogs yet. I believe it is true, at least by the things, people and pursuits I care for and love the most. They are the greatest area stresses. I am leanring to see it all as being wrapped God's enduring love. I am very thankful He stressed over me and those I love, how He works all things for Glory and Good!

 



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