On Retreats, Birthdays and Broken Mirrors

The past week has been quite a blur, but wanted to capture a few thoughts...

Spent last Sunday-Thursday with the CrossPointe staff on a retreat to Hilton Head Island.  In addition to the cool location (my first trip there) it was such a helpful experience to be part of the process of planning out 2008.  I learned much in the way of organization, vision casting, intentionality, etc., but was especially challenged and encouraged by the amount of time spent in prayer for the mission of the church.  We spent much time doing prayer walks down the beach.  Pretty nice backdrop for prayer.  I was reminded of the majesty and goodness of God.  However, I must confess...I always am thankful for a time of prayer in retrospect, but I rarely look forward to it.  Not sure why that is.  I definitely think God uses it, I just struggle with conjuring up the desire at times.  I am challenged by this staff to get before God in prayer.  It is good for me. 

As good as the retreat was, I was very thankful to get back home to Heather and the girls.  It's increasingly harder to be away.  I'm glad I don't have to travel without my family much.  So cool to have Sydnie running out the front door yelling "Daddy!"  Hard to beat that.  I was also thankful to be back home in time for Heather's 32nd birthday which was on Friday.  We got to kayak in the morning with the girls which was fun...Mackinley's first time.  It had been too long since we used them.  Random caveat...in loading the kayak on the Xterra it dropped off the side and took out the passenger side mirror.  Fun.  Just what I wanted...to spend $240 to fix a mirror.  I have a hard time not letting that kind of stupid stuff get to me. 

Anyway, after kayaking and fixing the mirror (great birthday gift for Heather), I got to take Heather out to Season's 52.  I am so thankful for Heather.  She is such a gift and "help-mate" to me--I mean that term in the best possible sense.  I love getting to spend time with her and just talk over dinner.  Our lives are increasingly crazy and these times together are of utmost importance.  I need to guard these times. 

All of this to say it was a full, but good week.  I am looking forward to getting back into the church planting work this week.  Two day seminar on "first steps" in church planting starts tomorrow.  Should be good. I need a healthy dose of the pragmatic. 

Peace.