Butterflies and Balloons

Yesterday was my return to 'normal' life. I've been thinking hard about my return for the last couple of weeks.

Where is God leading me to pastor differently because of this sabbatical gift?
What about our church culture should I embrace?
Will students remember my name?
Will I remember their names?
Am I ready for this?

Those questions, and a million besides, were at the forefront of my mind as I took the oddly unfamiliar (but memorized) drive to work yesterday morning. I'll confess. Walking up the stairs to my office I had butterflies like it was the first day of school.

And then, when I get to my office, this is what greets me:



Wow! That's about all I can say about that... Wow!

I suppose I still have some of the butterflies and questions but that was an awesome welcome back! Thank you especially to Lisa, Rush, and the students who spent all kinds of lung power getting that office filled. It was great to be back with people I love, talking about common work that we love, and having a great dose of laughter in the middle of it.

I don't think I'm quite done with this blog yet, there might be more updates to come as the meaning of my sabbatical unfolds with more clarity in the weeks to come. But in the meantime, thank you to all who have gone out of your way to support us on our sabbatical journey... and on our return.

Peace,

Erik