New new digs

I finally arrived in Boston last week, and spent two days working with my boss on site. It has been a huge adjustment, being back in a big city. Why God brought me here was still a hard question until this morning, when I visited Grace Chapel. There I learned that their pastor is going on a two-month sabbatical. It was a good message because it was an example. There was nothing wrong; he just needed and had earned a sabbatical, a rest period to recharge. I'm sure after 9 years solid pastoring, and 25 years in the ministry, he needed and had earned such a vacation. He seemed quite happy about it, and not the least worried about his church, which he placed in God's hands.

I on the other hand have not earned anything, have been a lay pastor, part time, for only 6 months in Charlottesville, and three years in Richmond, with occasional respites when we visited other ministries or conferences where I didn't preach. I have no reason to think I need or deserve a sabbatical, even of three or four weeks. I did not want to leave behind my fledgling church to come and work in Boston. But it is clearly the Lord's will. I must trust and believe this, and know that He will take care of my church and bless it. In the end, it is ME the Lord wants, more than my work or talents. He wants my heart and my mind, and for me to love him with all that I am. Lord, am I fantasizing, or did you really bring me here out of your love for me and my family? Please help me to give you my heart, and to be a blessing while I am here.

It was also a great, great blessing to be with the Jungs and Jeoungs in Cambridge today, to have their wonderful Korean cooking, and to have their children as my own, calling me samchun, and their fellowship. I can't thank the Lord enough for them, and they even asked me to preach next Sunday. Lord, help me to encourage them by your word, and bless them each.

It goes without saying that I miss my beautiful Christine, and Josh, Sadie and Matthew, and worry about them. But they are doing well and keeping the faith. May God be close to them.