Breathe In... Breathe Out

Well, after all the climatic events of this past week (particularly Pastor John's announcement to leave and Pastor Jeff's announcement to bring Jarred on board as the new youth pastor), it is time to breathe in... and breathe out. It's kind of like Jack said on the first season of LOST: "You let the feeling of being overwhelmed (or fear) in for 5 seconds and then you just breathe it out and get to action."
There has been a whole lot of changes this year in my life. I believe I have blogged about it before. With these changes come opportunities to grow. We can and should learn from each new season. I pray that we see through God's eyes. Through the good seasons and the bad seasons; through the awesome situations and the horrible situations; there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.
This is another opportunity for us to grow. It will be different for all of us. Some of us will grow in our ability to trust God. Others will grow in our church involvement. Just ask God in each new season: what do you want me to learn and where do you want me to grow?
I believe this new season for Journey Church and its staff is going to stretch us. And as we are willing to be stretch we will find God "enlarging our boundaries". As He sees our faithfulness in stewarding what He has already given us, He will provide the means of wisdom and abilities to be able to steward even larger boundaries.
Pastor Jeff taught me this analogy many years ago. He said we are like a rubberband. It isn't useful for anything if it is not being stretched. It is when it is being stretched that it is making a difference and fulfilling its purpose.
In every season, let God stretch you. Be willing to learn and grow where He directs. As you do so, watch and see the great things He has in store for you.