Leave

Today is a big day.

It’s the first day of school.

This morning, a wonderful member of SOTH told me what it was like to watch her “baby boy” go off to his first day of high school, strong and confident. “Blink your eyes,” she said, “and that second grader of yours will be doing the same.”

Throughout their home there is excitement for all the kids who are heading into new adventures. Of course we all know that there is also bittersweet relief for parents as the fluid schedules of summer settle back into more predictable routines.

What a wonderful feeling that first day of school really is. My oldest began a new leg in his academic journey today at the new Chapel Hill Elementary School and excitement is in the air there, as students fill that new facility for the very first time.

Our middle son started his year at SOTH’s preschool. Both were happy and excited to “leave home,” if just for a little while.

As time continues to march on by, we learn that part of living life is leaving home. But there’s another part, too. A balanced life is tough to achieve unless we stay grounded in “home,” even once we’re “gone.”

Leaving is hard, but it’s life. If we’re honest, we have to admit that there’s a lot of leaving we never want to do.

At the same time, there is nothing more exciting, and striking out into the world is the real path to growth.

Life, if you consider, is really just a series of departures and arrivals. In all our of comings and goings, we venture out into the experiences God holds for us, while staying connected to the tether of those we love.

I could do better at tether-maintenance. There’s always a phone in my pocket, e-mail on my desk (or phone, or pda, and I’m pretty sure you can get e-mail in some flavors of pop tarts now).

I’ve heard that now you can even write messages on paper and give them to some people who will deliver to other people who you choose. Truly, I don’t know that I’ve ever tried it, but it sounds fascinating.

Even with all the modern tools for communication, I let my tether get pretty threadbare.

We could all do better.

This morning, an e-mail I received made me remember what it felt like to leave. Alumni brothers from my old college fraternity had spent this past weekend getting together to help the current members clean and repair the old chapter house. It’s almost the first day of school there, time to recruit new members, and the old place needs to look good.

The attached pictures brought back memories of people and places that formed the core of who I am. Years ago, I stood in that empty house, the afternoon after my graduation. The excitement was bittersweet, as I wondered about all that life would hold. I knew that life was changing, because it was time to leave.

A wife, three sons, five houses and four pastoral appointments later, I’m so thankful for all that has been. I don’t know much, but I’ve learned enough to know that the future is better than I can possibly imagine it.

But none of it would have happened without all the people, wherever they are, who chose to be my home.

“Train children in the right way,” the Bible tells us, “and when old they will not stray.” Proverbs 22:6

As you make your departures on this day, remember that you don’t really leave the people and the places that matter most, no matter where you go. Remember your core identity, that you are worth so much that God would make a way for you to be redeemed and restored. Faith in Christ can’t be left behind.

So get going! Leave…but not altogether. Go! But always come back home.

Today is the first day --- for the students of Douglas County, and for all the rest of us, too.

Give thanks to God for all that is to come. And, go call your mama.

Grace and Peace,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Worship: This Sunday we’ll begin our August worship series, “Celebrating the Differences,” with a look at what God has to say about men, women and the ways we relate to one another. This series promises to speak to all of our relationships and bring understanding to us all. This Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m., “He Said: What Women Need to Know About Men.” Don’t worry – there will be equal time in August 19^th’s sermon, “She Said.” Come out this Sunday for a great time of singing, prayer, fellowship and scripture, two services – 9 and 11 a.m.

Scripture: Sunday School for all ages happens between SOTH worship services, 10:15 a.m. Following early worship, Adam will review this Sunday’s scripture in a session of small group discussion called, “Talkback.” Two other adult classes are meeting at “The Ranch,” and we offer a full compliment of Sunday school for children and youth.

Prayer: Thank you for all of your continuing prayers for God’s guidance in our land sale and building process! Last night, SOTH’s land use application was approved by the Douglas County Commissioner’s. This means that the property we are pursuing for our new church site is now certified by the county for use as the future location of SOTH UMC! Please continue to pray as we work through final details with DOT, our buyer and move toward the specifics with our architects and engineers. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Your prayers make a difference!

Relationships: Over 60 youth and parents were in attendance this past Sunday night as we gathered to discuss our vision for the future of youth ministry at SOTH. We will be going out for pizza and bowling this Sunday night, and then traveling to three other vibrant youth ministries to get ideas and insight for what God is calling us to with youth at SOTH. Thanks to all the parents who are bringing their excitement and energy into youth ministry!

Don’t forget our monthly fellowship meal! Wednesday night, August 15^th, we’ll gather for food, fellowship and music at SOTH. Sign up at church this Sunday.

Giving and Service: SOTH’s summer lunch partnership with MUST ministries wrapped up this week. Thanks to all who participated (see the wrap-up bulletin board posted in the hallway at SOTH). In total, 2,453 lunches were assembled and delivered to children in need this summer. What an incredible ministry! God is good and faithful when his people respond in faith! Additionally, nearly 50 book bags full of school supplies were distributed in a nearby neighborhood. Thanks to all of you for your hearts of service.