3 years on...

This weekend our son Jack turned 3 years old! Next month our church community will do the same.

Amazing to watch the parallels too- both learning to do new things, finding new words, new ways...

I'm constantly amazed at both as well, but I suppose as I sit here in my chair this morning, I'm really amazed at the God who has given, nurtured and sustained both. I feel incredibly blessed with what God has given me and allowed me to be a part of, both in my family of Amy, Jack and Jane and in my family of evergreen.

I could tell you all the good things that are happening (and I will, honestly)... but maybe it's enough for now to excerpt from an email I got yesterday, from someone who's been a part of evergreen for, I think, 4 weeks now:

"bob, i appreciate you being so welcoming to us. i know some people might think, "well that's what a pastor is supposed to do." yet, as we have become more involved with evergreen we have seen a culture of inclusion among its people. as if evergreeners truly want others to experience their community...because they know how much of a blessing it is. these are things that continue to impress us about evergreen...so thanks for your intentionality"

We're moving into a time of change and growth as a community- and this is going to be a tough time for me personally as I move to give away more and more and more of the pieces of ministry that I'm still doing. Everyone knows it's more difficult to delegate and help others do things than simply to do it yourself... but if we're ever going to get where we're going and where we need to be for the sake of Portland and each other, it's a process that needs to happen... So like I say- a time of change and growth. But even in the midst of that it's good to stop and reflect on the seeds we've planted, the work we've done on this little organic garden of ours that is now sprouting and growing and bearing fruit.

Thank you God for three years with boy Jack, and three years with my people of Evergreen. Please continue to protect and grow and bless both as You have done this last season of our lives. Give me the wisdom to know how to parent and how to pastor best- when to act, when not to act (so others may), when to speak and when to remain silent (so others may speak). God- thanks for an incredible ride so far. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Comments

[Daniel]

Congrats, and happy birthday to Jack.

It's funny - my parents planted a church 2 weeks after I was born (and still pastor it today, 26 years later). I think that they made the connection between my development and the church's, too.

/random

Blessings,
Daniel