Today in New Zealand it is March 15 - half time for my second leg of the trip. I only have two more months here in New Zealand, ever...whew! September seemed so long ago when this trip began. How does 9 months go by so fast?!

As I stand at the middle of this trip I am reminded of the many half time speeches I have heard from my days in sports. I feel as though one of those speeches would be appropriate now. When I look ahead to the rest of this trip, do I need to shape up and try harder, or am I doing good so I just need to keep my focus and not let up because the end is almost near. Probably a little bit of both.

Although I joke a bit, it seems that when the end is in sight the tendency to slack off is more prevalent. I can see that in certain areas of ministry that I may not necessarily enjoy as much as others. But when I leave this trip will I look back and wish I had stayed focused? Praise the Lord for Half Times! It gives me a great opportunity for reflection and (if needed) correction. I praise the Lord that He has given me the wisdom to know what areas I do need to change and leaders to help me along the way. God is so good!