A New Chapter

I sit in my pew and feel the surge of emotion that's welled up every Sunday since the official announcements have been made. God has called us to a new ministry.  We are moving back to upstate NY this summer as a result of Conroy being called to accept the role of lead pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY.

For the past 10 years, we've been waiting, praying, learning, and training in anticipation of this call. So here it is.  Conflicting emotions surface.  We've anticipated the Lord's call for some time, but now that it's come, we're faced with the grief that comes from severing a bond that's been forged over the last decade.

And so begins a season of goodbyes. Three months of saying goodbye, to be exact.  It's hard to sit in this place of grieving, to feel the weight of the sorrow, to lean into the pain of severing ties. But it's necessary.  I'm learning that during this time. 

Standing on the threshold of a new adventure, we pause to look back on the last decade of ministry at Open Door. We've lived life, endured hardship, and grown together with the people of Open Door.  Our hearts are knitted to this place and this Body.  We've given birth to and raised our daughter here.  We've seen her faith become established and grow as a direct result of the influences of Sunday School teachers, Christian school teachers, and faithful friends. A piece of us will always be here, and conversely the people of Open Door will go with us "... because [we] have them in [our] hearts," as the Apostle Paul said to the Philippians.

Uncharted waters lie ahead.  But the God of the Unknown goes ahead of us and with us. He has never failed us and He never will. Where He leads we'll follow.

I anticipate blogging more about our move and new ministry in the future as we stretch and grow in this new chapter.  Stay tuned! 😊

Valentine's Day 13 Years In

Thursday was Valentine's Day, and we celebrated with roses and dinner out.  When we stopped on the way home for a quick Walmart run, I contemplated the difference between married-life Valentine's Day dates and dating Valentine's Day dates.  Though the anticipation of being picked up at my apartment and the mystique of that first glimpse of each other all dolled-up is gone, the exchange is exhilarating in a very different way.  

Instead of the dinner dates becoming ordinary, the ordinary has become magical.

Walking into Walmart for milk with the man I get to spend forever with makes Walmart the best date ever. Discussing ordinary grocery needs and checking account balances doesn't suck the romance from the day, instead it turns those discussions into the magic of our lives together. 

I'm not disappointed; I'm delighted. I'd rather be going to Walmart with this man than going to fancy restaurants with anyone else.

Proving wrong yet again the TV shows, magazines, and social media that make serial dating look like the enviable life and married life dull and lackluster.  I'd rather have gold over glitter any day.