Personal Review

I had to renew my driver's license today.  At first I thought I was going to be able to do it online, but then I got the rather jarring reminder of my stage in life as I had to go into the DMV to have an eye test.  No biggie, my first born son and I took the trip to Mexico, Maine to renew my license and grab some quick Subway.  Fun time together.

I wanted to further do a bit of review and inventory taking.  Turned 43, marked my 6th anniversary as senior pastor at Bean's Corner, in the middle of my 17th year serving at Bean's Corner, 24th year at Camp Berea.  The most important stats; in year 14 of being a husband, in 10th year of being a dad.

At Home:  Home is my favorite place to be.  Sarah and I treasure any evening that we don't have anything to have to go to.  It is a rare week that I can't stay home at least one night if not two or even three.  Working out of my home office means I'm around during the day to step in if needed with the kids and to be there for a quick help, hug, or anything.  The TV is rarely on except when everyone else is in bed and I take a little down time (although I'm trying to curtail that and read more).  We do have family movie night now and then and Sarah and I will sometimes sit on the couch and watch something.  Occasionally the kids can watch a little TV.  Bob the Builder is popular as are science specials (they would watch the one on whales every day if we'd let them).  When the kids are done with school, they love to build with legos or lincoln logs.  They work well together (most of the time).  They love to make things (so much so that we have to sneakily throw some things away or we'd be buried) and #3 especially loves to listen to music and sing.  It is also routine to find everyone curled up somewhere each reading a book.  Daughter is burning through Anne of Green Gables that she got for Christmas.  Probably have the book finished by tomorrow.  Sarah and I don't fight much but we do laugh a lot.  After a lot of years of work, it is pretty rare we can't talk out differences or hurts before they get to the aggressive stage.   Makes home pretty peaceful and I am so thankful that she is such an amazing friend and companion.  Even this early winter as she has struggled with health issues, she amazes me with her ability to minister to others and care for our family.

Church:  Church is my second favorite place to be.  I sit back in utter amazement at what God is doing at Bean's Corner.  New people regularly walk through the door, and they aren't coming from another church, they just decided that they should start going to church.  We have seen new members added every year and more people are getting involved.  The kids are learning and growing and the adults are too.  New ministries are being created.  I am so thankful that so many are stepping up.  There is no way I could helm all this stuff.  People are taking ownership and following God's call.  Having a team of pastors and deacons all working together, holding each other accountable, and growing is such a blessing.  Knowing that in my weak areas and rough spots that there are godly men that I can turn to for help and support, well, that's invaluable.  I know for sure that I am not responsible for the wonderful things and amazing growth that is happening at church.  It is God's church and the work is completely His.  It is that understanding that makes each week so much fun.  I'm not under pressure, I am excited to see what God is going to do next!

Well, I could go on and talk about Camp, but this is getting long and most of you probably stopped reading two paragraphs ago.  :)   I just wanted to stop and take some personal time to look back and share my thoughts on my life with any of you who wished to listen.  God has blessed me, first with salvation, and then with many more blessings.  Some blessings are harder and take more work than others, but all things work together for the good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.   Thanks for reading!