In what I promise is a non-seedy, and non physical sense of the term, I must confess that I am something of a masochist! No, I don’t like pain, but I am constantly inflicting undue stress and emotional distress upon myself by my grand ideas.

Back in 1997 I got the grand idea of starting an online internet magazine, and spent the next six years or so in a monthly equivalent of pulling teeth in getting each issue of Watchman Magazine online.  And, to top it off, I have been considering recently resuming the publication of the magazine.  Although, hopefully in a way that will entail much less in the way of editing on my part.

A few years back I decided that it would be good to expand the weekly bulletin I prepare and print for the congregation where I preach.  So, now, I prepare, print, fold and staple an 8 page bulletin every week.

About 8 years ago I volunteered to write a weekly column each Monday for our local newspaper about the sports teams at our local high school.  Of course, in order to write the columns, I have to go to the games. Sometimes even when my own kids aren’t playing!  About four years ago I decided to start taking pictures for the paper as well, because the kids like seeing action shots in the paper.  Now it is expected every week.

You might notice that the common thing in all of these examples is that I had a bright idea.  No one told me I needed to do these things (and believe me, that listing is by no means exhaustive).  No, like I said, I am a masochist! (more…)