Who knew? Have you ever learned a lesson from an unexpected source? I’m in the middle of one of those lessons now. Our church (my employer) is in the middle of a building project. There is always something exciting about that process. This happens to be a major project for us. After many years of meeting in a room that was really a multi-purpose-type room, we are FINALLY building a “real” sanctuary. The enthusiasm is palpable.
With this project comes the need for our staff offices to move off site for a minimum of six months. We are being evicted (that’s a bit what it feels like) this week. Thankfully we have been able to rent a piece of a strip mall that will enable all of us to stay together as a staff team for a resonable price. That fact doesn’t necessarily help me welcome the pre-process that is a part of our reality, but I mention all of this because the unexpected lesson comes in here.
So what’s the lesson? Don’t move! My family’s movement would have dizzied the pioneers who journeyed west. After all, even though they moved frequently, their movement was in one direction. Since I married my wonderful, loving, kind and patient wife twelve-and-a-half years ago we have lived in South Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky and, for the last 5 years, here in Michigan.
Needless to say – for my dear wife’s sake – I have no business even thinking about another move. But unfortunately, I do. It can be a difficult situation, a cross word from a parent, insecurity over aging and remaining a Pastor to Students… the Enemy has many great ideas (and proven methods of infiltration) to get me thinking about relocation. And after all, the greatest myth… surely the grass is greener on the other side. Sheep!
OK. Now I’m rambling. So what is the lesson? Having to pack up my things and put them in boxes has made me resist any of the urges (no matter how logical they may be at the time) to move. And, quite simply, that was a totally unexpected lesson from a strange source. We love The Chapel Evangelical Free Church and all we have experienced here. With God’s help, we will keep shepherding students and families here for as long as he wills. Thanks for the lesson.
re:THINK 