Two weeks ago I celebrated a “Homecoming” of sorts. We didn't
have to worry about the weather,or if we would win or lose. I didn't need a homecoming dress or
do.
I had a date with 13 women, 11 of whom had been good friends and co-laborers with Christ when we were pastoring at Southridge Church in Portage, MI in the 1990's.
WOOHOO, JOY!!
17 years have passed, but it was one of those magical moments when all that time just evaporates away.
We were a gaggle of midlifing women, all searching for God's plans and purposes for our “Second Adulthood,” those years 50 and beyond. We laughed, shed a few tears, shared a few stories and listened for the Spirit to speak through God's Word, through one another and through our own lives.
It was a unique group in that we were simply 14 friends, gathered in a home. It wasn't an official church function, we were limited in size by the space in the living room. It was just right!
We didn't worry about who would be voted queen, however Shari did win the title of “Coffee Lady,” because of her job at BiggBy coffee near the campus of Western Michigan University. She works the 5am to 2pm shift, where she starts everyone's day off with a smile, a greeting and great cup of coffee. (Personally I'd pay for the coffee just so I could see Shari each day:) Everyone knows her, loves her and gets encouragement from her.
She told one story of a woman in line who was looking for something in her purse, and in frustration said, “Sweet Jesus!” to which Shari responded with a smile saying, “Yah, he really is, isn't he?” The woman looked up at her, laughed and said, “I need to go back to church!”
My goal in all the retreats I do is that we will be inspired, not only by each other's stories, but by our own story as we see how God's grace has been at work in the past, preparing us for all that God has in store for us in the future.
A couple of lessons from my homecoming:
Let's put it on the calendar. God will show up!
So think about it...who are the people in your life you would love to spend a day or weekend with, exploring what abundant living will look like today and tomorrow. (facebook me)
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I had a date with 13 women, 11 of whom had been good friends and co-laborers with Christ when we were pastoring at Southridge Church in Portage, MI in the 1990's.
WOOHOO, JOY!!
17 years have passed, but it was one of those magical moments when all that time just evaporates away.
We were a gaggle of midlifing women, all searching for God's plans and purposes for our “Second Adulthood,” those years 50 and beyond. We laughed, shed a few tears, shared a few stories and listened for the Spirit to speak through God's Word, through one another and through our own lives.
It was a unique group in that we were simply 14 friends, gathered in a home. It wasn't an official church function, we were limited in size by the space in the living room. It was just right!
We didn't worry about who would be voted queen, however Shari did win the title of “Coffee Lady,” because of her job at BiggBy coffee near the campus of Western Michigan University. She works the 5am to 2pm shift, where she starts everyone's day off with a smile, a greeting and great cup of coffee. (Personally I'd pay for the coffee just so I could see Shari each day:) Everyone knows her, loves her and gets encouragement from her.
She told one story of a woman in line who was looking for something in her purse, and in frustration said, “Sweet Jesus!” to which Shari responded with a smile saying, “Yah, he really is, isn't he?” The woman looked up at her, laughed and said, “I need to go back to church!”
My goal in all the retreats I do is that we will be inspired, not only by each other's stories, but by our own story as we see how God's grace has been at work in the past, preparing us for all that God has in store for us in the future.
A couple of lessons from my homecoming:
- I want to be a “Coffee Lady” like Shari; bringing the light, love and joy of Jesus into the ordinary places of life.
- Some of the best Midlife Momentum events happen when you
gather a few friends in your living room and invite Jesus to speak
into your life. I would love to do that with you!
Let's put it on the calendar. God will show up!
So think about it...who are the people in your life you would love to spend a day or weekend with, exploring what abundant living will look like today and tomorrow. (facebook me)
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
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