Six Years Down

Today I begin the 7th year of ministry at Harmony Christian Church. This is the longest I've ever served with any congregation and the longest Denise and I have ever lived in one place as adults. It's crazy to think about.

In many ways our time here has flown by. As school was starting this week I looked back at a picture that hangs on our refrigerator of Caleb and Em on the first day of school in August '05. Caleb was entering 9th grade, Emily 5th. Now Caleb is starting his sophomore year of college (after a year of serving in Bosnia) and Em is a junior @ Scott County. They have both grown up so much, and are becoming such interesting, fun people, it's weird that they were so young when we moved here.

We've certainly had some great times here in Georgetown and serving w/ Harmony - highlighted by mission trips, lots of time just hanging out with students, Denise starting her career as a therapist, taking some great vacations, making some good friends, running my first marathons, etc.

We've also had our share of 'down' times - my mom dying last year, kids we've given multiple hours to turning away from their faith, often feeling like square pegs in round holes living in a small town and serving with a church in which many people are far more 'conservative' than we and who I am sure think we're crazy for some of the lifestyle choices we make (trying to eat all organically, for instance).

But, all in all - I am grateful for how God has blessed these past six years. We've grown a lot through both the good experiences and the not so good. I am excited to see what the future holds for us!