A Year in the Life . . .



One year ago our family began heading east from California to an unknown land (at least for us). It would take several days to get to Michigan, but we were on our way, not knowing what the future held. We left behind friends and family, familiar places and activities. We would say good bye to the ocean and the mountains. And we would be heading across mountains and deserts, prairies and the Great Plains, heading to the Great Lakes region, a land of four seasons, including snow.

Because I took vacation time from my new position to cover our travel east, I began my ministry at Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Troy, MI one year ago today. It's an anniversary!

Living in Michigan has been an adventure of its own! Remember the snow. Biggest winter we've seen in some time, people told me as January gave way to February. But you know, when the last of the snows left (first week of April), the signs of spring began to show themselves, and we the spirits brightened. We've seen places we'd never seen before, and are looking forward to seeing more as time goes on. Yes, we miss California (except that it's going broke -- and there were two big fires this past year that crept close to where we were living), but we welcome the opportunities that lie before us.

As a pastor, taking on a new congregation is always a challenge. You have to get a sense of the heritage, the passions, the interests, and the people themselves. You also have to keep focused on your sense of where God is leading, knowing that not everyone will agree with you on every issue. It's a matter of listening for God's voice within the community -- discerning a direction. We're still learning what God has for us, and we're learning how to listen for that voice. It's not always easy -- but I'm where I'm supposed to be -- one year later!! Now, we start year 2!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Happy anniversary to you and your family. Hopefully, the first year was the toughest for you! We'll continue to help "lend a few ears".

David Mc

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