Reflection

"O the weather outside is frightful," or so the song goes. I suppose that could apply to the weather here right now. It's a whoppin' 2 degrees with a winter storm warning for 8+ inches of snow forcast for the night to come. That means that the last official school day before the Christmas break will probably be cancelled and the kids will have an extra long weekend to get that much more excited about what they might get for Christmas next week.

But it's not the weather that has me thinking...instead, I can't help but look back at the year and stand in awe of how God has worked in my life. I'm still scratching my head about some of it, but I can't deny the fact that God has blessed me beyond measure...in spite of my best efforts!

As I look back I realize that our time in Tallahassee was way too short! Oh how I wish we could have found Meridian Woods several years ago and grown with it. As it turned out, our 8 month stay was a blessing that can't be overemphasized. The shepherds there worked hard to make us feel welcome and to support the changes that we were guiding. They pressed me to be God's man regardless of the fall-out or difficulty in doing so. I'm not quite sure why we had such a hard time with the community...I just know that those 8 months will live in my heart as among the best in my ministry (at least personally).

For some reason though there was a constant tug at us to try and return to Rockford and in particular to North Park. When the offer came, we felt tha God was speaking directly to us, telling us to "go home" and do His work.

The return was overwhelming. People expressing their love and support far beyond what we had experienced in our previous 3 years with them. There seemed to be a desire to move in a different direction, to step out into uncharted waters and discover all over again what God had in mind for this church. Of course, there continue to be huge challenges, particularly with some in the leadership...but the fact is, right now there is a spirit of cooperation that hasn't been felt here in many years.

Our living arrangements allowed us to bring Carla and Devon to stay with us for several months. While I know it was awkward at times, there is little doubt but what that time will be counted among my greatest blessings. To be able to spend time every day with my grandson was priceless!

Of course my parents celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary is a blessing beyond what most people will ever even dream. They have been, and continue to be shining examples of true agape love. To make that day even better, another grandson came into our lives. Cayden Daniel was born to Danny and Jenni. What a joy he will be as we move forward in our lives.

Completion of the vision for the church here is another hightlight that cannot be overstated. I was ready to throw in the towel on that process here at North Park. It seemed to be a dividing point instead of a unifying factor. Just when I was ready to give up on it, the Spirit stepped in and brought us all together in a unified understanding of what God has in mind for us.

The renewal of old friendships; the affirmation of godly elders; God working through knuckleheads like me to bring his church together; family that continues to make us scratch our head in amazement...what could be better than that?

God is good...ALL THE TIME!

December!!!

That's right...it's December...in fact, we are quickly closing in on the middle of December. As I look out my window I can see snow falling as it has most of the day. The snow plow has already begun to make a nice little fence around the outside edge of my yard with the 3 decent snows we've had this month.
As I think about the snowfall and the season that has arrived I can't help but be drawn to the symbolism of the freshly fallen, pure white snow. Because God came to earth as a human baby, lived life just like we do and died like a common criminal, we are now seen, in His eyes as pure and white as that snow...before any cars drive on it or snow plows dirty it up with salt and sand. Like the gentle drifts of pure white that now cover my back yard, I am better able to reflect the Son because of the brilliant purity that has been given to me.
For many this is a season of depression. With the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces they are forced (or sometimes just choose) to stay inside, isolated from the routine of life and their circle of friends. But because I see the amazing work of God in the mounds of crystalized water, I find this to be a rejuvinating season. It exists to restore nutrients to the ground that were taken by a season of growth. It's a reminder that life follows death.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God's plan continues to work in the lives of everyone who will allow him to work. Thank you Lord for making me pure and holy, for making me your likeness!