To quote Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” True enough. I have arrived home, cleaned up my office and have started to use my newly found energy to focus on three areas for this fall; a renewed commitment to teach the bible, to visit people in the church who would like a home visit and programs. The past three months have been everything a sabbatical should be. When I return to church on Sunday August 3rd, people will ask me “How was your time away?” My answer will be "wonderful". But to help you out and get more specific, I will give you list of the many different things which I did and experienced while away and you can ask me about any of these in particular at any time. So here goes:
I climbed a mountain in Washington State
I attended a bible study on the book of Isaiah
I worshipped at Peace Church in Duluth
I flew in seven different airplanes
I laughed at times until I cried
I cried once so hard I had to stop driving
I fished for grayling in the Northwest Territory
I fished for rainbow trout in Washington
I fished for walleyes in Ontario
I spent an entire day trying meditation.
I ate oysters on the half shell in New Orleans
I danced to great Cajun music
I listen to lecture series from John Marty on Minnesota health care
I wrote a book
I built a garage
I painted two airplane wings
I took a sauna at Camp Vermillion and jumped into the lake
I created a new model for marriage success
I taught Aborigine children how to play hook tag
I sang in a choir
I played with my kids
I drove over 5000 miles
I made friends with a pastor in the cities
I went to a Jimmy Buffet concert
I worked on Mike Cuzzo’s cabin
I read a book called "Eat,Pray,Love"
I smashed my car
I rediscovered my deep love for life and the power of transforming grace
All questions are fair game. Thank you to everyone who led the church in worship, preached and continued to make Family of God the great faith community that it is.
See you in Church - Pastor Gary
