Special Deliverly!
Don’t worry, my spell check isn’t broken! ‘Special Deliverly’ is a phrase used in my family ever since our little Evangeline couldn’t quite get that one out correctly. There are a host of those phrases that still float around our house as I’m sure there are in yours. They are adorable and worth repeating to remember ‘back when.’ It’s almost sad that as our kids get older they grow out of those cute little quirks and habits - but of course, we wouldn’t want them to not grow out of them! We realize that as they grow they change, and that change is as positive as it is inevitable.
Ladies Group caroling at a nursing home!
Miss Amanda leading preschool chapel!
The same is true for our church and preschool. We are growing and will soon take steps that include our building project and capital campaign that will result in our moving past that awkward adolescent stage into the maturity to which we are called. Will some things change? Of course! And thanks be to God for it! For sure there will be things we miss; just like I miss seeing little Isaac carry around the stool my dad made for him so he could reach things on the countertop. Similarly, I’m thankful and proud that he’s grown into a tall, young man - and we too will be thankful and proud when God blesses our congregation with change.
Finally, there’s an added benefit to embracing the blessings of change - invariably there’s something that stays the same. As much as my kids have changed as they’ve grown up over the years, Joni and I could easily identify something they’ve always been. Mattea has always been the sensitive one. Phoebe has always been the free spirit. No matter how much changes, these things stay the same.
Surprise in the Box!
Preschool class practicing ‘O What a Special Night’ for the Happy Birthday Jesus Party!
We have the advantage of having already set the always been of Living Faith and Little Friends. We have always been the church and preschool that so focuses on relationships that our campus ‘feels like home.’ We have always been the church and preschool that speaks the truth in love even when being honest is difficult. We have always been the church and preschool that values the faithful growth of individuals and families. And most importantly, we have always been the church and preschool that is boldly faithful to the scriptures and the Christian faith. Regardless of how much changes in the coming years, that’s the kind of church we will have always been. And one day, when we see God bringing people to salvation in our midst through the efforts beginning today and ask ‘where did this church that feels so welcoming come from? Who built this preschool that provides so much for young families in need?’ we’ll smile to ourselves, give credit to Jesus, and with a wink respond, ‘It was a special deliverly.’