Reflecting on the belated farewel notes from Aug. 30th

Yesterday Will came home from work with a basket of notes and cards. They are from CLPC members written to me on Aug.30th. We had left town two days after that day and had not seen these cards until now. As Will read each of them to me out loud we were filled with gratitude towards God. Every one's graciousness,kind words and well wishes fill our hearts with gladness. My sense of call to ministry is being reaffirmed as well. Each day of the last 13 months at CLPC had been a gift from God. I enjoyed every day of it. I did all that I could possibly humanly do in that short a time. I am very grateful for that privilege. Members of CLPC are great faithful Christians and the staff is outstanding. The reason we had a good year was - my friends, that is YOU. welcomed me and WE worked together to further the Kingdom of God in Ministry. I know not where or to which type of ministry God is going to call me next but I have no worries. At this very moment God is calling me to "R&R" as the M.A.S.H. people would say. It is so very good to be in Rest & Relaxation mode because it really does Restore you (does that make it R&R&R?). I love it. I cook, I clean my house to my heart's content, I iron (very strange concept), I read, I write, I take naps (notice "s" in there) like a baby, walk a little (this needs to improve), I meditate....It's really nice. I highly recommend it. It is also Great to hear that CLPC have found the new Youth Director. So, pieces of the staffing puzzle are being put together for real. Thanks be to God and thanks to those who work hard on search committees. One of Taize songs says, "wait for the Lord.....keep watch, take heart". Waiting for the Lord always yield blessings. Blessings in abundance, indeed.