My husband has an impeccable memory...sometimes. Once in a while he affectionately reminds me of something I said like 7 million years ago and in perfect detail. Most times its stuff I forgot for good reason. I said some pretty lame things at the ripe old age of 20 and forgetfulness helps me maintain some level of self respect. Ha! So we were talking the other day about the church plant and how he is beginning to realize his dream of being a pastor. And by dream I mean calling and by calling I mean that when we were kids he asked that God make him anything but a pastor and send him anywhere but Africa.
Turns out God called Chad to the pastorate after all, just not in Africa.
It IS, however, in Fair Oaks and we are really happy with that.
Anyway, his memory recalled a conversation from our early years that went something like, "Hey Min, I'd really love to serve God by being a pastor" to which I replied, "I did NOT sign up to be a pastor's wife!"
That's right. I was hugely encouraging and supportive of the notion.
By God's grace we've both grown up a bit since then. Chad remembers less (in the best ways) and I am happy to be a pastor's wife. Truly. I realize its not the same as well equipped, but I am happy. In fact, I can't imagine being anywhere but by his side no matter his calling or where it takes him.
This is a hugely exciting time in the Hertzell House though not without its challenges. What does uprooting for church planting look like for a family with teenagers who are very cozy in the community they grew up in? What about their friends, their routine, their fabulous school? What about my friends and my coffee shop (the one that is a lot like Cheers in that they greet me by name when I walk in)?? All these questions whiz around in my head at dizzying speed until I stop and recall the promises of the One who gave his life that I might have life abundantly. Jesus, my savior, my redeemer. Sometimes its a verse we've all heard reminding me His yoke is easy and His burden is light - Matthew 11:28-30. Other times its the one where I say with Jehoshaphat "I do not know what to do but my eyes are on You" - II Chronicles 20:12. But always the peace of God's is round and about me as he daily demonstrates His care over all of us with his tender ways, whether a text message from someone who is praying or a clear pointer in a new direction.
Chad and I were overjoyed to launch the church plant last night with a great group of people who came out to begin the book study about marriage, "What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage" by Paul Tripp. It was a great beginning and we look forward to building on what we pray will be many years serving God at Coram Deo Presbyterian Church.
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