David Richardson

I’m making my final post of the year while resting on vacation in South Carolina.

Thank you for checking in on my blog this past year. I’m honored that you take the time to stop by. Also, thanks for the feedback you have given. It’s always a thrill to hear from readers.

The blog will continue to press forward with more observations, ideas, reflections, and devotions in 2010. I also want to start posting short video blog posts where I can speak with you and give you neat glimpses into our corner of the world. That should be fun!

It’s been a great year. Hands down, being called to Sebring, Florida was the best thing that happened. First Baptist is exactly where I need to be, and I could not be happier. Please remember me in your prayers as I lead this church in 2010. There is a lot to do. God is laying a ton of things on my heart to do with this fine congregation. Pray for His wisdom and courage in the exciting times ahead!

I hope you have a blessed 2010. May it be filled with God’s richest blessings from above. Keep your eyes on Him and let Him work in you and through in this new year.

My next blog post will be on Sunday, January 3.

Until then, Happy New Year and God bless you!

Yes, I’ve already written about Coach Steve Spurrier this week, but I do feel the need to share some good advice he recently gave in an interview.

In the Tuesday, December29 edition of The Item, he offers a word of wisdom for Coach Urban Meyer, who is the head football coach at the University of Florida.  In dealing with the stress of the job, Spurrier said “He needs to have some outside interests.”  The point was that Meyer should have some sort of activity or outlet that is separate from his coaching job.  For instance, Spurrier plays golf as a hobby on the side. 

Perhaps we all should have some outside interests to avoid over-obsessing and burning out with our work.  Reading.  Taking walks.  Tennis.  These and many, many other things can be healthy outside interests.  Find the one that works for you and let it protect you from over-doing it on the job. 

To be honest, this is an area I need to improve in myself!  I have not developed a lot of outside interests in my own life.  With a new year about to start, I want to find the right outlet for me to enjoy.

Jesus did this during his earthly ministry.  He was in high demand all the time.  More than once, Jesus slipped away from the crowd and visited a mountain or lake.  He needed to get off away from the crowd and recharge his batteries.

I remember reading a book by Calvin Miller a few years ago that addressed this principle.  In his book entitled “The Book Of 7 Truths” Miller explained “You can’t help people if you are always with people.”  His point was that we must get away from people at times and refuel.

Spurrier’s advice is good for Meyer.  But it’s also good for the rest of us.  Thanks, Coach!

One of our church members shared a neat idea with me on Sunday night, and here it is:  we would all be wise to remember the word “FROG” because it stands for Fully Rely On God.

Personally, I like that idea!

Some people rely on themselves.  Others rely on family and friends.  The wisest of people, however, rely on God.  He has solutions for problems and comfort for aches. 

No matter what, make sure you FROG!

The State newspaper recently ran a great article by Travis Haney about Scott Spurrier.  For those who don’t know, Scott is the son of Coach Steve Spurrier.  The 22-year-old is on the South Carolina Gamecock football team.  His plan for the future is to get into coaching.  Sounds like a chip off the old block, doesn’t he?!

While he is a good enough athlete to walk onto the team and to earn a scholarship, Scott has not won the awards and recognition that his dad did.  His playing time has been somewhat limited, and he has not been a major player on the field.  But his attitude and work ethic have been commendable.  Special teams coach Shane Beamer said this about Scott:  “He’s got some toughness to him.  He won’t back down from anybody.  He’ll fight you and compete.  From that standpoint, you wish you had more guys like him.”

Coach Spurrier said this about his son’s role on the team:  “He’s one of the guys.  He and so many of these players understand their roles.  Hopefully as coaches we treat all the walk-ons, the backup players, as if they’re important.  Because they are.  Every player is important, and every player has a role on this team.”

Right on Coach Spurrier! 

If you think about it, this truth also applies to the church.  Everyone counts.  Everyone is important.  Everyone plays a role.  Yes, everyone. 

It doesn’t matter if you are scrubbing toilets, singing solos, changing babies, preaching sermons, or driving vans.  If you are a part of God’s church, you count.  God designed you with unique skills that can make the church a better church.

If you’re in the spotlight, don’t think too highly of yourself.  If you’re in the background, don’t think to lowly of yourself.  At the end of the day, we’re all the same:  people who have been saved by grace and utilized by God.