Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that I was worried and stressing about the new Sunday School year that begins for us August 24. There was still one more teaching team needed and not much time left to recruit. I kept telling myself to calm down and deal with it in the morning--not much can be accomplished at 3 am!
Our Sunday School Superintendent and I had a couple of folks in mind, but had not seen them on Sunday morning the past few weeks so I could speak with them. We prefer asking someone to teach in person--because we're more likely to get a "yes" answer.
When sleep is disrupted, you have to take action. So I made a phone call this morning and not only got an immediate "yes", but a "thanks so much for thinking of us, we'd love to do it." Wow!
Now I think that I was getting a nudge from the Holy Spirit last night. Did anything like that ever happen to you?
Short answer, yes.
ReplyDeleteI've been on both sides of that experience -- i.e. when I've been prompted to say or do something that in hindsight seems to have been the Holy Spirit, and when others have said or done things what were eerily timely and appropriate in ways they could not have known.
I used to have a whole "theology of nudgement," in fact.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I will learn that when I keep thinking about the same thing over and over it's most often because the Spirit is nudging me to do something about it.
"Theology of nudgment"! I love it! It's when God says "Do it. Now."
ReplyDeleteYes. I agree with that theology of "nudgment". Many such experiences.
ReplyDeletethe theology of nudgement is great! I love that phrase.
ReplyDeleteI begin praying for whoever keeps coming to my mind then try to discipline myself to contact them although I am slow.
Ideas in the middle of the night, while taking a shower and when I'm just waking up often come to good or direct me in some way.
I'm thinking that finding someone who is excited about teaching Sunday School is pretty much scientific proof of the existance of God.
ReplyDeletespookrach's comment just had me doubled over in laughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. Thanks for it. :)
I need two more leaders for my wonderful class of 8th and 9th graders. And I do mean wonderful. Say what you will about it being a miracle to find people willing to do it, but I find working with this age group to be a blessing beyond description. I am just praying we find people who are called to be part of this team, not just warm bodies.
ReplyDeleteThis age group is the most under served group in most churches (college age young adults and generation xers probably tie for second) and we are desperately trying to change that in our congregation.
I am praying for a phone conversation where someone says yes to my invite to ministry with our young people.
I'll pray along with you--let me know when you get the right answer!
ReplyDelete