This year I received an e-mail asking how things were going. If I was alright. This person had noticed my absence and lack of posts on the website and as concerned. I was thankful for them checking on me. Many websites become inactive when there is illness, or fatality, with the one who maintains it. This was not the case for me. For me, it was something else. Please allow me to share.
Simply put, life got in the way. Due to various circumstances, I have been working 50-60+ hours weekly at my full-time along (not including the long commute) with an additional 15 hours leading the children’s ministry in the local church. This has been a difficult pace to maintain and does not leave much time for other ventures, like CommanderBill.net. I do strive to be active in the many Awana Facebook groups that I administer, which takes more time than many realize, but I have not posted on the website as I desire.
The world has changed greatly, both generally and personally, since the declared pandemic. I am still trying to get my bearings and manage it all. Let me illustrate it this way. Have you ever been to a buffet? We can load our plates with various options to eat, but at some point, our plate can become full and can handle no more. If we desire to add something else, than it either covers an existing item, or something has to go to make space for it. My plate has been full since the summer of 2019, and sadly, CommanderBill.net has suffered.
It was a pleasure to be able to be a part of Awana Ministry Conferences in-person in both North Carolina and Maryland.
I am hopeful to find “room on the plate” for CommanderBill.net in 2023. I hope to be able to produce more videos, hold regular webinars, and post more regularly. I am also considering writing a book sharing about my life as “Commander Bill” to include lessons that I have learned. Though time will tell as there seems to be no easing in my work schedule at my full-time job as I have two major projects that I am currently working on and they will last for the duration of 2023.
Please know that I well aware of the need for rest, both mentally and physically. I have tried to ensure that I rest well, take time off as needed, and I am intentional about time with family and with God. I know that burn-out can come easily if I lose the proper focus.
I would appreciate your prayers for guidance as I see where God will lead Commander Bill in 2023.
Thank you, Bill, for being open and honest with us!
I will continue to recommend your site to others as I help them with their Awana Ministries, unless & until you tell me to “STOP!” 🙂 I’ll just tell them about patience with “CB”
God Bless you, Brother! You have been more help to more people than you may realize!
Thanks for all you do that’s publicly known and all that only you and God know about. As a deacon in my church, we get a 1 year sabbatical every 10 years and mine started on Jan 1st. Much like you, I will continue to serve in the kingdom this year, albeit with reduced visibility. May God continue to bless you!
Bill, I too appreciate your honesty. I became commander of my club with little notice right before the many restrictions throughout 2020 began and your site has been an incredible resource for me. Thank you for your ministry and I will be praying for your endurance going forward!