weekend away

So.... we just got back from speaking at the whitford youth leaders retreat over the australia day long weekend in club capricorn, yanchep (or as my son jackson calls "captain corn"). It was five years to the weekend that Allie and I made the move from a ministry position at whitties and to go back five years on was such an incredible privilege. A defining moment I would call it. Let me add that it wasn't just a move from a ministry position but a move from a spiritual home, a nest that had loved me, trained me and equipped me for life for 14 years. Some of my fondest memories come from that place and the past weekend brought them on like a flood.

Here I was, speaking to these beautiful young adults, some that were kids the last time I saw them, some had beards - it was freaking me out. We had a great time together and I can say that I think I left more blessed than anyone else. It was an honouring and humbling experience. I thought a lot about the power of relationship and the opportunity we all have to encourage each other in life.

To be told that you have left a great legacy, sounds nice and is honouring but it is also very humbling when you also remember your shortfalls and how you would have done certain things differently, given the chance. So it was also a time of grace.

I thought a lot about the next chapter, what does the future bring? What will I be looking back on in 20 years? can I say I gave it my all? can I say that I acted out of the conviction of my heart? or would I act more out of convenience?

I hope I chose conviction...