A Chapter Ending...

Last night, Doug and I hosted and led our last small group. A group of men and women, many of whom have gathered in our home for over 5 years! The night was bittersweet in many ways. I thought I was so ready to move on, but seeing all their faces last night (everyone was here except 1!) and even thinking about it now makes me sad that we will no longer be a part of their lives and spiritual journeys on a regular basis. They were sweet, they surprised us w/ some yummy eats, drinks and a celebration. They even had someone come over to take a picture of us and gave us a frame that they had signed. That frame will be a treasured keepsake for Doug and I as we continue to pray for them and as we reflect on our own spiritual growth during that 5+ years. We gave them each a journal with a recommended biblical reading plan and a vision letter inside. We read the vision letters aloud, it was very special.

I can't help but wish I would have been more bold with them in the group settings, I often had expectations of growth for them that ended up disappointing me, but last night, it washed over me that irregardless of how I think each of them should have grown or moved or whatever, that they all had movement and that our humble little group provided them a safe place to explore and learn at their own pace and last night, that was enough. It was enough for me to know that our time w/ these folks served a purpose-God's purpose, to draw them just a little bit closer to Him. In reading and journaling this morning, I couldn't help but think about each of them when I read this:
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Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit-not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength-that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test it length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
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Thanks guys, for loving us, for supporting us, and for helping us grow! That journey of leadership inspired us to pursue Christ like we could have never imagined. We love you!!