I’ve been at Singing Oaks just a little over 4 years now, and it has been a wild ride. I have worked with a couple hundred different teens, gone to 8 camps, 2 backpacking trips, multiple retreats, service projects, had a son, preached 3 sermons and taught close to 400 Bible classes. If I were to pick two words to best describe my time here, I would choose blessed and transition.
Who likes transition? Well, everybody and nobody. It all depends on what or who is transitioning. For example, a move from one house to another can cause many mixed emotions. It can generate excitement for a fresh start, sadness at the loss of a childhood room, or great joy in that child who will finally get her own room (or frustration that I should have gotten a larger truck, because we have too much stuff!). Transitions can simply be transitions with no emotional response.
Blessed
WOW!!! When I think about it, WOW!!! That is the response I get over and over again. WOW!!! That was a great worship service. WOW!!! This building feels so much more welcoming. WOW!! Our new website is awesome. WOW!! God has been at work here at Singing Oaks in amazing ways. WOW!!! Look at all the new young families. WOW!!! Listen to that singing. WOW!!! Look at how God moved people to give so much during such hard times at our We Care Sunday. WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! God truly is blessing us and continuing to show in many ways how much He loves this group of disciples.
Transition
- 7 – The number of ministers that have transitioned at Singing Oaks
- 5 – The number of staff that have transitioned here
- 3 – The number of babies born this year in my home group
- 2 – The number of new parents in my house
- 12 – The number of new people in our home group
- 9 – The number of elders that have changed
- 3 – The number of building renovation phases that have been completed
- 1 – The list goes on an on
For me, these transitions have been difficult and frustrating to navigate; however, God has used these transitions to truly bless us all. For instance, this brand new website will be a much welcomed and exciting transition inspiring us to tell our friends and proudly show off a new face. The new foyer has become the new hub for conversation around a cup of coffee that has helped many new guests connect with our members. For others, the transition of our building has caused a spark of renewed excitement about our family life and this home away from home we all share.
Philippians 4:8-9 tells us that throughout life, if we dwell on the commendable, excellent, and anything worthy of praise, that the peace of God will be with us. No matter the transition that I am in, whether it is a mix of excitement and fear when I became a dad, or sadness and loss when I graduate a group of seniors, I reflect back on the transition and dwell on the good that has come from it and praise God.
Next time you’re in service, look around and find a new face – it shouldn’t be hard. There are new people coming in waves to celebrate with us the many blessings that God has given us. Take a moment and reflect on the many people that have blessed you over the years through this congregation and the many new ones that He is bringing here.
