Relaxation: A Guilty Pleasure?
17 June 2006

It’s been awhile since I posted, so I thought I better put something up before I get out of the habit. What’s been keeping me is an unusual mix of free time and an enormous amount of projects. What I mean by that is right now there’s a lull as I’m not taking any classes which filled up most of my free time, and yet I’m facing a series of large projects. So while I think I have time to relax a little bit for the summer, I also feel guilty if I do because there’s so much I need to get done! Can anyone relate to that?

Here’s some of the projects I’m working on:

• Novel. I checked out 12 large books from the library this past week for research. I think I’ve gotten in over my head I’ll have fun drowning.
• Comprehensive outreach strategy for the church to help every person in any stage of life connect to their neighbors. This should be exciting. We plan to launch it in the fall/winter. I’ll be doing some traveling as part of research.
• Editing a book to crystallize the “Live Your Design” philosophy to help the church family understand it better so they see how valuable and fulfilling it is to live out one’s design
• Developing a quarterly daily devotional to distribute to churches to help pastors get their people spending time in the Bible each day. What’s really cool about this is that with printing technology I can customize each devotional for each church to help the church have a greater sense of ownership in the devotional. I hope this will be affordable to the churches and also help my church raise funds.

Those are the highlights. Did I mentioned I need to get this stuff done before Summer!

One thing I did to relax was take Andrea out on a date yesterday afternoon. Afternoon? Yes, but it’s not what you’re thinking. I know I’m the youngest old man around who likes to be at home early. But that’s not why we went out so early. It was our first date on my motorcycle. We rode down the cost to Boca. It was gorgeous. We just cruised along and took in the ocean air and the sights. We stopped for an early dinner at P.F. Changs (one of Andrea’s favorite restaurants) and then caught the movie Nacho Libre. That was pretty funny. It’s the kind of movie you either get or don’t. It’s directed by the same guy who directed Napoleon Dynamite, if that helps you out. We cruised back up the coast and stopped in for ice cream at a little shop across from the Ritz Carlton in Manalapan. Just hanging out around there makes you forget you have bills for a little bit.

I must say that for the past few weeks since I’ve had my bike I’ve been the most chilled. I hear all the horror stories when people find out I have a bike, but I must say the benefits for my mental state have been great. Every one needs to find something to get that release.

P.S. I’ve noticed that people react to hearing you have a motorcycle by telling you how someone lost a limb, broke their face, or some other horrific event. I’ve never experienced this with any other thing I’ve owned. For example, “I just got a waffle iron.” Response, “Be careful, my cousin’s face looks like a manhole cover. He was making breakfast and lost control.”

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Danny & Tammy Hopkins 17 June 2006 - 12:46:55PM

Yeah! I know exactly what you mean, I am relaxing right now and I am feeling guilty too.  There are a million things I could be doing, but none as important as what you have going on this summer.  I just need to get my bathrooms clean, laundry done and study for my fitness exam. 
Your date sounds like fun. Andrea has already been talking about it.  Danny and I also went on a date last night and we were home before 8:00, so your not the only one who likes to be home early.  We also went to the ice cream shop you went to.  It is such a beautiful area.  I know Danny is one of the guys who has been telling you horror stories.  Don’t let him fool you he is just jealous and wishes he had one too.  I know he wants to take yours for a ride. You should tell him he can ride your motorcycle if he lets you drive his cop car.

Kay Smith 18 June 2006 - 1:59:45PM

Pastor Jared, It sounds as if you might need to live an extra long life to get everything done that you have projected plus all the other things lurking in your brain.  I like the motorcycle idea and have always wanted one but my grandmother told me that it is the only velhicle that will throw you off and then turn around and run over you.  Therefore, I had to live out my motorcycle dreams by purchasing one for my son almost before he could ride a bicycle.  We did spend a lot of time in the ER.  Anyway, that sounded like a great ride down the coast and you both are to be congratulated for taking time to do things like that.  Praying for you.  kay

shannon 18 June 2006 - 5:38:40PM

Pastor Jared - Kenny and I are dying at the “waffle iron” thing...you are hilarious and even though I told you a horrific story about a bike (knowing I have the same fears for my husband)- I also told Andrea how thankful I was - that I hoped this would be something you could enjoy and so thankful you enjoyed it together on Friday. I am sure it helped you earn “brownie” points! Happy Father’s Day from the Morris family!