The little things aren't so little

Michelle and I began leading a small group of young singles this week. This is a group that has been meeting for years in various locations with several different leaders. Stephen Phalen who is now planting a new Harbor congregation in the City Heights community had been the most recent leader. He called me back in June and asked me if I would be willing to take over teaching this group. Most of the folks in this group live in Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach (just north of OB). Needless to say, I jumped all over this opportunity to connect with so many folks who live in this community.

So, Monday evening we had around twenty singles for our first time together. It was so amazing on many levels. First, this group has so many sharp young professionals that have a clear passion for Christ. They come from different theological backgrounds but their diversity makes for great exploration. Second, and what may seem little was huge for us, was the opportunity for Michelle and I to lead the group together. It has been over six years since my life and ministry partner and I have been able to minister officially side by side. Half way through our lesson while Michelle was sharing I became overwhelmed and quite emotional. I was flooded with all the memories of all the sick days Michelle suffered. It was so good to have her there sharing. In many ways she is more gifted than me and is a great ministry partner. Most of the singles did not give it a second thought about having this couple teaching their lesson on Monday night, but I am was so thankful for God’s graciousness and mercy to allow us this privilege of teaching together. It was a huge deal for us. Finally, it was so fun to see these singles wrestle with God’s word. We are beginning a series on Sonship for Singles. One young man named Andrew called me this morning to tell me that he has not been impacted by a bible study like this in a long time.

Final thought: Michelle’s health is great. I have not seen her this strong since she first got sick. She was a wild woman yesterday painting our dinning and living room. I thought for sure she would pay for it today, but as I type she is out grocery shopping. We live day by day but this is a very good trend. (Photo is the a typical scene of the surf line up from the OB pier).