Matt Smay

July was a month I took seriously as a time to be with family, catch up on some much needed R&R, and get geared up for the second half of ‘08. This included a trip to Montana for a week with my sister and her family, which involved 2 days of fly-fishing with my brother-in-law (and his TR Special – hand-tied flies). I’m happy to report that in the past month I’ve caught fish in some of the most renown rivers in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana; including the Gibbon, Firehole, Madison, Gardiner, Lava Creek, Blue River, S. Platte, and the Arkansas. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the entire month was getting quality time with Maren and Maegan. The memories made at rest-stops, hotels, city parks, Yellowstone, and the retreat house will not soon be forgotten. Besides the much needed rest, the time away gave me ample time to reflect on the year to date. Here are a few thoughts along the way:

• Finding balance between work (ministry) and family will be increasingly more important in the future.
• Rest is not an option – I’ve found a renewed peace and depth of vision since taking some time away from the ordinary routine.
• As one commercial states, “Take time to be a dad today.” One of my goals is to make this part of the daily job description.
• I’ve been in the process of becoming a ‘Family Man.’ While I’m already a husband and now a dad, I’m learning there’s something entirely unique about blending those roles, and doing it well.
• Building community takes time and a commitment to invest in long-term relationships, and individualism works in direct opposition to community.
• Discipleship is contrary to our nature and requires significant amounts of intentionality – it’s an uphill grind.
• Stability is based on faithfulness and is often perceived as maturity. Too much conflict, change, debt, or stress can drastically impact a person’s level of stability.
• Success is a matter of perspective. Everyone asks how the book (TK) and MCAP are doing, and I’m recognizing this is a difficult question to answer because I have nothing to compare them against – even though I’m thrilled by the progress of both.
• Diversity of personality, skills, and gifting is something to be embraced, and is too often viewed as a threat which creates standards of conformity and reduces the capacity for creativity and movements. This is a point where Alan Hirsch is absolutely correct – check out his book, “The Forgotten Ways” if you haven’t read it yet!