The IronMan Wisconsin was this past weekend in Madison. We went as a family to watch the bike portion of the race pass through Verona and then Sam and I went to State Street to see the finish of the race. Our friends, Jon and Michelle were in town to cheer on Michelle's brother, Peter, who at 7:45p.m was declared "an IronMan!" That was fantastic!
I saw a man just before the finish line, spot his family on the sideline. He slowed down just enough to allow for his two small children to crawl through the gates to join him, one on each side. With their small hands in his, he continued his pursuit of the finish line. It can't be said enough, these are amazing people. Dedicated, disciplined, determined. They perservered through the cold rainy weather this year. Next race will be sweltering hot. Yet they keep moving toward that finish line.
This week church planting is feeling like the IronMan (if you will allow me that despite that I would actually have no idea what that feels like). There are moments of transition when you know one leg of the race is behind you, and it's on to the next. There is hope in the air. There are moments that the hill up ahead just seems to big to be possible.
We have now been in Madison for one year. We said before we arrived that we would take one year to get to know the community. We have met some fantastic people. We love Madison. We love the Northside of Madison. Our neighbors are great. We have made some good friends. We have found a food pantry to serve at regularly and are making new friends there. We have hopes of pulling off some sort of "preview service" but have not been able to find a place for this event, having to postpone once already. We'll keep taking steps forward. This mile is seeming very long. There are other church planters here that we see from time to time, we run along side one another, "keep it up, you're doing great!" Our friends and family are along the route in different places - markers along the way - those who we look for to be cheering "way to go, keep going!" Nothing is easy in this race, but it is a remarkable journey - and like the IronMan, we are in good company.
3 comments:
ditto...i feel ditto.
Psalms 30:6-12
6 When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." 7 O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 8 To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: 9 "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
hold on...you are a light in the darkness, you are the salt of the earth, and your taste has not been lost. you are where you are to win in christ...
love you guys
gregg
You are not in good company. You are in great company! :)
Can't wait to hear what God is doing and going to do through you two.
We are FOR YOU!
Kendal and Sherry
PS Enjoy the fall. I miss it. Orlando's trees don't know how to change colors. :(
Sherry
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