Great Day in Orlando and Sunday Night's "Last Supper"
Last Friday I so enjoyed my time
with about twenty worship/arts leaders at Discovery Church in Orlando. I
was delighted that the day included a wide age range of leaders and people from
several different kinds of churches. Together we talked about some of the
challenges we face as leaders, and exchanged creative ideas and lessons
learned. When we prayed together at the end of the day, I sensed that
some great connections had been made for all of us, and that we all left not
feeling quite as alone in ministry. I look forward to the same kind of
experience on Friday, October 3 in Summit, New Jersey at Renaissance
Church. If you live anywhere near the New York City metropolitan area (or
even if you don't!), please consider joining us.
Chicken tetrazzini...fruit salad...her favorite dessert
parfait. That was the menu last night for our "last supper"
with our daughter, Samantha, before she leaves today for a pre-college camping
trip that Northwestern offers for incoming freshman. Though we will see
her in a week when we bring all her stuff to school, this was our family's last
dinner at home with Sam for a long time. Starting tonight her bed will be
empty, and life in our home will fundamentally change. I realize millions
of people have been through this before, and now it's my turn. I also
know that we raise our children so that they can spread their wings, become
responsible adults, leave the nest, and all that wonderful stuff. But I
don't have to like it, do I? It feels like it snuck up on me way too
fast, and I'm just not ready.
A few years back, I think Maria Shriver wrote a little book
for graduates titled One More Thing. I'm planning to write Sam a
letter this week with that title because there are so many more things I forgot
to say! Meanwhile, she is SO READY to move on, and I'm absolutely certain
she thinks I've said quite enough. Every time I get one more hug, I hug a
little harder and choke back the tears. Chances are, she'll live back in
our house for periods of time, and I know our relationship can take on new
dimensions and even richer friendship. But for now, I just need to mourn
that my little girl is leaving home...