On our wedding invitations, 37 years ago, it said: Today is the first day of the rest of your life. That is a good way to describe my life. I have had many first days and we are now about to embark on another "first day."
There have been a lot of factors that have lead us to this day, but needless to say, first days are always filled with excitement and fear. Now at age 56, I still feel this excitement and fear as we venture into our new life in New Jersey.
But before I get started I would like to reminisce. I'll try not to get too nostalgic, but our past has so much to do with who we are today that I think it will help us all get a real glimpse of "Who am I?"
Rich and I both grew up in homes that taught us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. That had great impact in our life as young adults as we sensed the Lord was leading us into full time christian service. Whenever an opportunity came to serve the Lord, we always said "I'll go!" "We'll do it!" I always thought we would end up on the mission field, but Rich always wanted to preach in the local church so that is where we have served for all these years.
Our first church consisted of about 40 people. We had to work hard at evangelism just to survive. The Lord was gracious and added many to His kingdom during our 8 years there. As we moved on to our second church, our role began to change and yet it always is the same, i.e. sharing Christ with those God has put into our path. And once again God added to His kingdom during our 8 years there. It was during these years that our children grew up and moved into their own worlds. Chapter Three brought new challenges but once again, God added to His kingdom. I don't want to start naming names, but we are still in touch with many who hold a special place in our heart.
Now as we leave behind all those that God allowed us to influence for his kingdom, I wonder, "who is that next neighbor, acquaintance, friend that God wants me to influence for eternity?" As you travel this road with me, I trust you continue to pray, as Jesus taught His disciples:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Hallowed be Your Name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Yours is the Kingdom
And the Glory and the Honor
Forever!!!
Amen
2 comments:
I look forward to following your blog
Christi
Thank you for this insight into yourself. You ARE who God created you to be and do not let anyone squeeze you into a box God did not intend for you to be in. How boring would it be if all the pastor's spouses were cookie-cutter-pastor's-wives? (Sounds like the title to a book!) Did anyone ever ask you why you didn't play the piano? You have ministered to me in very difficult times and are faithful about telling the truth in love!!!! Thank you for your fearless encouragement and instruction.
Dwight and I will miss you and Pastor Rich very much, yet know you will be a great blessing in your next church. We are very happy for you both and this new chapter in your life, wish you well and will pray for you!
God bless you and keep you!
Judith
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