An Open Email

Pastor Chris and Pastor Dan (please fwd to Pastor Doug as well),

Sunday, I felt terribly uncomfortable b/c though change basically doesn't bother me, (in fact I need it to thrive and feel alive); I have to make some serious adjustments in my life before God is going to reveal himself more fully. So I wept, no I really lost it - which is not cool for a fool with way too much pride!

The tears were reflections of pain, broken dreams, bruised ego, and signs of a child lost in the mall of life with dad and mom nowhere in sight. I know God expects from me far more than I have given b/c of the gifts, opportunities, education, ordination, blaa-blaa, and yet I have refused to accept the challenge to rise up.

Pastor Dan, thanks for being a man I can follow in this desert experience of vocational displacement. In the words of Bruce Springsteen, "Someday we will look back on this and it will all seem funny" (the song Rosalita circa 1972ish). Maybe not funny as in HA HA - but seeing this time as a fleeting and monumental moment in a life worth living. Dan, I'm gonna miss the crap out of you, especially our meals, talks, and missed appointments!

Pastor Chris, you are hilarious and our kids totally love your preaching which certainly makes it easier to get them to church on Sundays with minimal complaints. I am grateful you have taken an interest in Jon Mark with the whole Germany trip; I pray this will be a life-ruining journey for him (you know the kind of ruin that eats at your heart your whole life - hence you are scarred by God's grace and love). By the way, in two preseason games, he has pitched to 7 batters: 1 walk, 1 foul tip, 6 K's. And yet I told him yesterday that regardless of his wins and losses, I am most proud that he has chosen to go with the mission team to Germany this summer.

Pastor Doug, I have benefited from your encouragement - your words have gone a long way into my life and heart. Also, huge props (a lousy attempt in hip lingo) for creating a worshipping environment that our kids actually enjoy.

Roger


"Fatigue makes cowards of us all." - Vince Lombardi
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive." - Bruce Springsteen
"If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first." - Jesus of Nazareth