What Are You Building?

leejohndrowteamLast night I had a dream and in that dream a dear friend had started a project. The project completed, he began another one. When that one was finished he started yet another.

(I get this. I came from a time where building was good. To see things grow. Strong work ethics in play.)

As my friend moved along in his projects he seemed to not be able to stop. At some point I visited this project he was currently involved in. What I saw and I walked into was huge. As I entered there was a concert going inside the building. (This place was monstrous.)And there was my friend selling at the refreshments stand. I went over to him. All I could say was “why”. “Why what?” he responded. “Look at this place. It’s amazing.” “Why are you behind the counter?”

He gave me all the reasons. He continued to tell me how great this place was. It was. But as I talked to my friend it was clear he was not stopping. And he believed he could do it all. I spent a long time explaining to him, how he could have more time, more family time and simply be freer. He looked at me like “why would I do that”.

I awoke. I get it. I have been that person. I have built things and got stuck in the weeds of the little things. As I prayed about it clearly it could have been me. Could still be me if I allowed it.

I slowly came to the church in my thinking.

Often times we have embraced busyness like it is all on us. “If I don’t do it, no one will.” I get that. I have been there. But I have come to realize we are partnered with God. Joint heirs, yoked to the Father. And He is all powerful, all capable. He takes delight in working with us, working through us and frequently working…without us!

Today is a day to determine as to whether your busyness is God, you looking for God or simply a method to avoid God. Too often we do things thinking God is in them. The result is burnout, anxiety, frustration and often times, loss.

I pray that today you would take heed. You may find your family and friends are in the balance, while you are being “busy”. The loss is perhaps greater than you or I might recognize.

Let this be the day we agree to “only do the things I see my Father doing”. Meaning, let us determine if God is in it or it is just us out for a walk. Is it Him? It is time to evaluate the value of what we do and when we do it.

Today, let us not get so caught up in building that one day we “look” out only to see Jesus on the other side.

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!


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