Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

For our family, the weekend began on Thursday. I left work around 1:30 to drive to the lower part of the state for my oldest son Micah’s high school graduation. My wife and the kids left home within a few hours of that. We had to drive separately because we were adding two kids to the trip, and our entire family can’t fit into one vehicle. Those are the woes of having of what feels like 100 kids😂. I arrived to our destination during the 6 o’clock hour. My wife and the kids arrived during the 9 o’clock hour (reasons that will be discussed later in this post).

Friday morning was the moment I have been emotionally preparing myself for since I can’t remember when. I knew I would cry quite a bit, and I did just that. We had a family reception that afternoon with both sides of the blended family together, making the most of the moment. Micah had to return home, as he now lives in North Carolina, to do what responsible people do – work. I see him less frequently now because of work, but I am thankful for what God is doing in his life.

The rest of Friday was spent relaxing. Some time during the day, my wife told me about van problems that delayed her arrival on Thursday. The problems subsided until around 6:00 Friday night. We knew we would have to find a mechanic before returning home (a 4-hour drive). I did a little research and found one I hoped would be good.

This morning (Saturday) was checkout at 11:00. Because of the van problem, they allowed us to extend checkout to 1:00. We discovered close to noon that we were in for a 4-hour repair that had to be done because to ignore the problem was no option. God clearly led us to the right mechanic. The owner came to pick us up from the hotel, drove us to Golden Corral where we ate lunch until the van was finished, and picked us up to get the van. The mechanic who did the repair stayed 2 hours after the shop closed to fix the problem. I discovered during the drive that the owner is a Christian man. We didn’t get to talk long, but I sensed he knew the same Lord I know. I’m forever grateful for God directing us to the right place, preventing my wife from experiencing the worst of the problem while alone on the interstate with the kids, and providing the means to make all this happen. God is good like that!

The weekend isn’t over yet, so who knows what Father’s Day has in store. I do know that I will get to do what I love most – preaching and shepherding the flock of believers to which God has entrusted me. Sunday is definitely my favorite day.

I could be lamenting this weekend, but I’ve learned something. Life is so much about perspective. I was reminded of that as I heard the story of a young lady on America’s Got Talent. If you haven’t heard her story and song, watch the video below. You’ll be glad you did.