Adjusting to Home

It's good to be home. I've said it countless times since Feb 23 when we arrived back in Grand Rapids. And I mean it. But that doesn't capture everything I'm feeling of course. It's also hard to be home because it means we've turned the page on some beauty and adventure that will slowly but certainly fade into distant memory, and on some precious time spent with inspiring people and cherished friends. This sabbatical was a gift we did not take for granted. We embraced it with a lot of hope and joy and thoughtfulness and the fruits of it were very good indeed, and will continue to provide fodder for reflection and encouragement for the ongoing ministry journey.

So, I guess what I want to say is that I am filled with gratitude for the tremendous blessing sabbatical was to us and now pray for God to give us glimpses of hope and glory that are around us here.

On Sunday the children at Neland Church will wave palm branches and sing "Hosannah" to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Quite sure I'll get a glimpse of glory there.

My prayer is that the reign of Christ and the love he demonstrated on the cross may be manifested in Christ's church, in us - so that the world will know that God, from whom all goodness flows, is full of grace and truth. Hosannah in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!