What a week....

Well....this has been an interesting week. A wave of emotions associated with big changes. My parents who have lived and pastored in Sparta TN for 16 years are moving. They are taking another church about an hour away in Chattanooga TN. This is so complex that it's been hard to wrap my mind around it all.
First, there is a personal level for my parents. They are about 6 years from retirement and already have bought a house in Sparta. So, they are moving back here in a few years. But, I am excited for them and this new change in their lives - they are such wonderful people and have so much love to give to people. They have built on a great foundation at this current church but I believe they have lots to offer in building on the foundation at their new church. I'm excited to see what God is going to do with them for His kingdom.
Second, there is a personal level for me and my family. My parents have never lived more than just five minutes away from me. This has meant so much as I got married, experienced job adjustments, gave birth to children, and now have kids starting school. They have been back up baby sitters when day care was closed or the kids were sick and couldn't go to day care. But even more then that is the ability to call them at the last minute to meet for dinner. Or to plan a spontaneous Saturday last summer for mom to go with me and the boys to Splash Country. Or for dad to call me at work and suggest eating lunch since he will be in Cookeville to pick up his suits from the cleaner. On a personal level....this is a HUGE loss.
Third, there is a level for us as church members. Our leadership will be changing. We have peace since we know that God is in control. And if He is leading mom and dad to a new place then we know that He has been working to bring the right person to our church. There is some fear associated with these changes.

So.....what does a person like me dealing with all of these changes do? Well, a person like me with a melacholy personality, an administrative spiritual gifting, and a little obsessive/compulsive disorder....I cry, I laugh, I remind myself constantly of the Word, I pray, I encourage myself, I surround myself with encouraging people AND I go to the book store yesterday. So, I went to the book store and bought three books. Two of the books I planned on purchasing and one was a spontaneous buy. First, I bought the book recommended by a friend called "Who Moved My Cheese". Now this is not a spiritual book. It was actually written by the same man who wrote "The One Minute Manager" and his books are read by many people in the business world. But it was given to them to read as church office staff when they experienced a pastoral change. I read it this morning and found it very insightful. I will probably re-read it again several times within the next few weeks and also give it to a few others to read. Short and easy but very insightful. The other book I purchased was "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day". Now that is a title that just jumps out at you. What? Well, it is written by Mark Batterson who pastors a church in Washington DC. I came across his blog (http://www.evotional.com/) while reading Beth Moore's blog (http://www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com/). I've been reading it for a couple of weeks and have really enjoyed his perspective. So, had to go get the book. He has another book called "Wild Goose Chase" but being a person with slight OCD (no comments!) I had to read the first book written first. I read the back cover and LOVED it. I've skimmed the first chapter and am ready to dive right in but this morning hasn't allowed for me to read two books and blog.
And the last book, the spontaneous one, is called "Velvet Elvis". It is by a man named Rob Bell who also pastors a church called Mars Hill. Don't know too much about him actually but I know my brother has read this book and watched some of his videos. I thought, why not?

So....here I am in the midst of big changes...and knowing that the process is not going to be over in a matter of a few days or even weeks. But, I'm prepared. I know the Lord is with us. And after reading "Who Moved My Cheese" this morning....I am reminded that change is constant and it's all about our perspective to change.