I’m having a serious flashback.
I remember sitting at the very same table I am at right now at Central Coffee fifteen months ago. We had a blank slate in front of us and a paintbrush in hand. Center City Church was yet to open to the community and I was thinking about the future. I distinctly remember the thoughts racing in my head, “we only get one shot at our beginning of this church.” That’s when I came across this verse in Proverbs 4:25-27:
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
After reading that, I entered this into my journal on January 4, 2010:
“I have no idea what the turn of 2010 to 2011 will look like. But if I keep my eyes fixed on you I can be assured that it will look like the only thing that I have ever wanted for a church that you allow me to lead: it will look like You. Help me to never lose this most basic desire: that Center City looks like you.”
2010 has turned to 2011. What I did not know then is now history only to be seen in my rear view mirror. And what I see is beautiful. Our aim is to look like Jesus. To act like Jesus. We mis-step and fall along the way, but I believe that we are absolutely making strides to honor Jesus in all we do. And for that I am seriously grateful.
I have no idea what the turn of 2011 to 2012 will look like. But if it looks anything like what we’ve experienced in the past year, sign me up. I love what we are doing. I love the journey we are taking together. And I am so grateful for our loving God that has formed a beautiful reality in Uptown Charlotte that so many appreciate and enjoy.
