Today is Father's Day and also happens to be the beginning of my 22nd year at Riverbluff/Midland Park.
22 years ago, I was working at LIFEWAY as a youth expert. I traveled to all of the states and tried to help youth leaders develop teens into disciples of Jesus rather than simply believers in Jesus. We developed materials and processes to help the local church leaders. It was pretty cool, with most of my time spent traveling and speaking. It would not be unusual to go to work (in Nashville); then have lunch in Phoenix, and dinner at home. It was exciting but not quite what I was "wired up" to do in Kingdom work. I think I'm designed by Him to "do life" with a group of people; not to fly in, speak to them, and leave.
Then God called me to a place called Midland Park Baptist. And I found "my groove" so to speak.
I have been fulfilled in my role as lead pastor at (now) Riverbluff Church and look forward to serving a while longer. I do notice that my body is turning 61 the end of this month, so I've wondered "when do I stop doing what I'm doing?" Of course, the Lord is in charge and I will certainly listen to hear His sweet voice tell me when it's quitting time. But I've also got another way to "hear Him speak".
In the South, whenever someone wants to say something true but hard, we soften the blow by saying, "bless your heart". I've asked several buddies to tell me when they turn to their wife after one of my sermons and say "bless his heart". I'll know then that it's time to get me off the platform and take me home. I'm done!
Hopefully, that will be a while.
In the meantime, I will keep doing what I love with people that I love trying to change a city that I love and a world that needs Him! Many thanks to the people called Riverbluff for letting me serve with you. You are a gracious and kind people and I really do "have you in my heart".
congrats on 22 years. or, maybe to them, or to Joyce. Somebody done good.
Posted by: Sonny Holmes | June 23, 2009 at 07:36 AM