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Have I mentioned lately how much I love and appreciate Summit Church — the pastors, their families, the elders, life group leaders (Kevin and Carolyn), etc.? Brian and I are very blessed to be a part of this church family. One blessing we’ve discovered since joining Summit is one we never expected to find and that is the ability to “do life” again with friends from a former church — but that’s exactly what’s happened — and continues to happen!
This particular blessing kicked into high gear Sunday morning when Sue Johnson and her husband, Paul, visited Summit for the first time. I’d not seen them since we left our former church in 2008. It was a sweet reunion on many levels.
As the service began, I smiled as I noticed Sue sitting next to Susan B. and waving at Jared G. in the sound booth. Both Susan and Jared were also members of our former church and are now current members at Summit.
Watching everyone wave and exchange hugs after a four year separation immediately transported me back to the time when the four of us (Sue, Susan, Jared, and myself) served together on the design team, alongside the teaching and worship pastors. For years, we gathered weekly in Steve’s office to pray, “design”, and execute upcoming teaching series in creative and meaningful ways. It was the highlight of my week.
So, yes, I smiled on the outside at the sight of my friends together again. On the inside, however, was a twinge of pain as I recalled “what used to be.”
But before the twinge had the opportunity to become a full-fledged ache, God reminded me of how He is using those past experiences to benefit His purposes in and through my life today.
Sadness turned into gratitude.
And gratitude melted into praise.
For everything there is a season.
and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ok Cathy, did you finally find your way into my brain? This is exactly what I needed to be reminded of today. This week has been really rough, but I needed this jolt. Love you!
God is so good, isn't He, Jamie? Praying for you!
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the great reminder–your words through this blog post and comment on my blog have greatly blessed me! Thank you so much!!
Thank you, Kim. Your post @ http://kim-living4today.blogspot.com/ was especially inspiring today. 🙂
Cathy,
This is so touching and it ministers to me personally esp. when I consider "what used to be" and to see how God has used pain to grow me in my faith. Bless you as you reunite with your friends – I think it's awesome! 🙂
Love, Hester 😉
Thank you, Hester! The common thread of Christ makes for a very uncommon (& wonderful) friendship — one that even spans the miles, like ours. 🙂
I have to remind myself that just because something good changes, that doesn't mean "good" is now "bad." 🙂
So true, Vonda! Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
I can only imagine the mixed bag of emotions you felt, Cathy. But what a great perspective shift: to everything there is a season, and God uses them all for our good and His glory. What a great promise!
🙂