Reflections from the Last Decade: 2010-2020

Thoughts from December 31, 2019…

Today is the end of a decade. This time in 2009 we were post-sabbatical and pre-resignation from the Pastorate. Within this last decade our family has lived in 3 nations and traversed the earth. We have been loved, shaped and changed in ways we could’ve never imagined possible. We’ve experienced great success and major crisis. As I wrap of this decade I summarize it with 4 words:

Crucible: This last decade has been a crucible for Tricia and I. A time of deepening work and intense attention to our inner lives and places of pain. We have found and faced tons of mess inside our tender little hearts. 

Formed: Through it we’ve been formed. We are completely different humans. Africa alone can change you. Add in loss, pain, suffering, death, sickness, exposure, success, wins, influence, a global network of relationships and you get a recipe for major FORMation. 

Saved: I was saved 100 times as a child. But, I feel like I have been saved again in the last 5-10 years. I found a God I hadn’t met before. I rediscovered Jesus...and it felt like it was the first time. He saved me...again. I feel saved from destroying myself through ego. Saved from ruining my future and my family by living and leading for all the wrong motivations. And saved from theology that was harmful and hopeless. A new theology has ushered in a new identity in me. And holy wow, it’s been a gift. 

Ready: Ready to rock and roll. Ready to live with remarkable intention. Ready to step into this next decade a new person. Ready to keep on loving, growing and facing my shit...so I can keep loving others well. We feel ready. Ready for whatever comes. Ready to say yes to what is FOR us and ready to say NO to what is not. Ready to live more others-centered and Jesus-inspired than ever before.