Gearing up for Australia

Next week I fly to Sydney, Australia for nine days. I speak at a Preaching Conference and teach a Doctor of Ministry preaching course, (plus preach three times at different churches on Sunday May 9th). Actually, it works out that I speak for 17 sessions, eight of them completely filling in two days 9:30 to 4:30.

Honestly, I did think and pray about whether I should say "Yes" or "No" when the invitation came. I know the human response is often to say "Yes" without thinking. How it delights the ego to be invited! However, I knew the timing could be difficult and with a genuine measure of caution said yes. In the last three weeks, of course (I say of course because doesn't this so often seem to happen?) 101 things have sprung up crying out for attention before I leave. Especially my manuscript which I thought would have been completed a while ago!

I am hoping and praying that it will all prove to be worthwhile in terms of what God can do with my stuff in Oz. I know it is all up to Him.
Maybe I should have said "No"? I'll let you know what happens.