May 3, 2007
I have had a very interesting week in which I have experienced some great highs followed with a generous portion of the Lord’s maturing grace (translation – the Lord removed the scales from my eyes to show me wounds and scars he wants to heal – but which I would prefer to never have to deal with). I would appreciate your prayers to let the Spirit continue to search and reveal and heal these deep places. But I what I really wanted to share was a deep, heart-felt “thank you” to everyone who participates in Open Table. I had a funeral on Friday and pre-marriage counseling on Saturday. On Sunday I had a sermon, a discussion group/teaching time on Hospitality, and a meeting of the ministry team leaders after church for our quarterly updates. I then drove an hour to Hiram to teach in a church out there. When all was said on done I had arrived at church on 5:30 am on Sunday and pulled in for bed at about 8:30 pm. I was talking with Heather about the day, and my over-riding thought was sheer gratitude for my job. I was tired, happy, and satisfied. I kept thinking how amazing it is to be invited into your lives for births, weddings, funerals, graduations, hardships, crisis, and triumphs. That the Lord has given me the privilege of teaching God’s Word and sharing stories of faith and encouragement in our journey together is an undeserved, stunning honor. I kept thinking about how, 5 years ago, the congregation listened to the Spirit and offered me – the least qualified candidate – this high privilege of loving you all and being loved by you. It is so…sacred. Thank you.
Now, this isn’t to say that there aren’t days when I am less than grateful for all of these privileges. <grin> But with all candor and sincerity – from a full and happy heart – I want to say how much you all bless me with your trust and support. I know you are doing this for the Lord and not directly for me, but as a beneficiary of your giving and love I want you to know how much I appreciate you all. I am overwhelmed by the goodness of our God.
