I remember when my youngest son, Jack, was only 6 weeks old. The memory is still fresh in my mind because I had to leave him for a two week road trip with our Master’s Commission group. The ministry trip was the highlight of the year for our team and no one else could drive the bus. I remember holding him and looking into his eyes. I couldn’t believe I was about to be away from my little boy for so long so early in his life. It was so incredibly hard to leave.
I felt similar emotions this weekend. Our church plant has been meeting for 5 weeks at the movie theater. We’re still so early in the process as we gear up for our September 14th launch. The wedding ceremony I performed this weekend was on Saturday night, leaving me no option but to miss Sunday morning at Hope. It was great to see my friends and family in Orlando, but it was SO hard to not be at Hope. All continued without me (thanks to an amazing team of pastors and volunteers) just fine, but it was just so strange to miss out on these early memories.
That being said, I had the privilege of leading worship at 360 Church in Winter Park, FL on Sunday morning. I absolutely love visiting here a couple of times a year. Chip and Bonnie Kelly are great friends and doing a great work in the Orlando community. I also got to sing/play with one of my favorite people in the world – Melissa Alcaidinho. She is a phenomenally talented young worship leader/songwriter. So much fun to be able to lead together.
All in all, a great weekend. A bit difficult to be away from home, but it was great to see everyone back in O-town. And the wedding went good. They both said yes, kissed, ate cake and took a bunch of pics.
Glad to be home 🙂
