See you in September...

We had our "End of Summer Picnic" today right after the morning worship service out at the Switzer cottage on Horseshoe Lake. The weather was spectacular - sunny skies, warm temps and a pleasant breeze to mix it all up. We ate well, had great conversation and stories were shared. I even got to do some intense tubing on the lake - man, am I sore and tired! I haven't done that in over 20 years!
As I was sitting in my lawn chair, surveying the scene around me, I pondered the moment that I was in and found it to be deeply moving. I saw people who had once been strangers to me that had now become my family. Children running around, teenagers laughing, parents relaxing in the shade, grandparents smiling - all connected by a singular faith and a growing sense of purpose. These were MY people. This was MY family. We were sent here to shepherd and lead, not knowing where we were going or what was waiting for us. But God is always faithful and He knew what He was doing when brought us to Greenville. We belong here. We are home here. Still in flux, but somehow home. It feels good. It feels strangely peaceful. It feels right.
A young mother came up to me as I arrived at the lake today to let me know that her toddler daughter kept asking when I was going to get there. That was nice. Charlie did an impression of how I act during a worship service. That was funny. Another person asked if I felt different at this year's picnic, versus last year. A year ago we had just arrived and I needed a map to get to the lake. I felt nervous and could not relax, always wondering if I was being "pastoral" enough, always over-thinking the situation. It was awkward. It was a little nerve-wracking. This year? I realized that we are now a part of this community. We are accepted and respected. I felt relaxed enough to just sit and not say a word, letting others around me tell the stories and lead the conversations. That's a special place to be, where you know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. I like it. I love these people. I feel a deep sense of responsibility towards them and want to serve them to the best of my limited abilities. I am trusting God, that He will give me what I need so that I can do what I need to do.
I feel good. September is right around the corner, bringing lots of interesting changes and challenges. Bring it on! I can't wait to see what happens this year...