Someone once told me that every solution has it's problems, I think that is pretty much true. Atleast I have personally confirmed it for myself this week. I really don't believe I am a pessimist, I'm pretty sure I am not. I guess I just never realized what kind of challenges one would face in a new church like ours. Over the last 10 months (wow, I can't believe it has been this long) our church has gone from no place to meet to a congregation truly reaching out to it's community and being focused on others rather than self. It is quite cool, and while we have a long way to go, I am expecting continued growth which I pray will bring much glory to the Lord in the near future and beyond!
Last night I had a great time with our teens, I was so pumped about the way that God has really given me new opportunities to meet new teens and try and encourage them and touch them for Christ. We finished up Christian Extreme bowling last night and I rolled in around 12:30 as I usually do on a summer Thursday, and found quite an interesting e-mail.
This e-mail was interesting to me because it was from a man whose family has come to PC from outside the area, and I really haven't had the chance to get to know him or his family yet, but have enjoyed spending time with his sons. He was asking me why in my lesson on Sunday and in my time with the teens last night would I use the NLT so much? I am not going to go into the whole scenario but one thing it made me realize is that, while I know I don't have it all together, I really need to be more prayerful that God's people will see the bigger picture. Because knowing that we have been saved by the blood of Christ which sets us free and is filled with love, mercy and understanding. I know serving others is what it's all about. As I said earlier a new solution; a new problem.
I also had lunch with Bruce today, he seems to have a renewed sense of understanidng as to what God is trying to accomplish through us. I know God put us together today to encourage me, and for that I am thankful.
Father, this life is full of trivial things that mean nothing to you. And you have challenged us to forge through those things and encouraged us to take every opportunity to share your love and understanding with others. Thank you for taking the time with people like me who continually dissappoint you and don't often do much for your kingdom. I love you and pray that you will continue to open all of our eyes to the BIG PICTURE and help us give you the glory for all things good and blessing. May our lives be a beautiful portrait of the spirit of your son and truly be lived in honor of you. Amen.
