I was working in the office at EABC this past Friday, and I wrote the following.
With just under two weeks left at EABC, there is a flood of emotions. I feel hope for what I am about to step into and what God will do both in the new venture and within the ministry of EABC. There is also fear as I step into the unknown of church planting. I have read articles, books, I have listened to audio and sermons on it, I have talked to men who have planted, yet there is a difference between learning and doing. The “doing” part will be very different than I have imagined, I would imagine. On top of these emotions I am also filled with sadness as I leave the ministry that I have called home for the past 22 years. EABC has been such a large part of who I am and now it will take on a whole new and undefined roll within my life.
It is hard to articulate what it will be like not to get ready and make the mile and a half trek that has become my commute. It will be strange not to turn the corner and see the church building, park in my parking spot and walk into my office (I plan to steal the name plate off my door so I will have a little bit of EABC with me in my new study). All of these things that have been such a normal part of my life for the past 5+ years will no longer be. To be honest, I am not entirely sure what type of emotions and feelings will be present come January when we launch Redemption Hill and I start 2 new jobs.* Even though the unknown factor is large in my life right now, the feelings of hope and excitement are just as large.
There will be moments of sadness and if there isn’t, something’s wrong. But we can know from Scriptures that sadness itself, is not wrong (Ecc. 3.4). Jesus was full of sorrow at certain times (Jn. 11.35) even to the point of sweating drops of blood (Lk. 22.44). So sorrow will come and my prayer is that I will not dwell upon these sorrows, but I will dwell upon the hope that is found in Jesus. No matter what, it is going to be an interesting couple months – even years!
*I got a great part time job. More on that another time.
Grace and peace to you and yours in this exciting time!
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9
Thanks man for the encouragement. Have a great Christmas!
I hear ya man…. sure is weird not being around! God bless you as you plant~
Thanks man! Office got cleaned out today, just have to do 2 more small projects and my final CC report and I am finished this chapter. On to write another one!