"But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it."
Dustin and I moved to Portland 3 1/2 years ago for many reasons - so he could go to seminary, so we could live in a place that resonated with our interests, so we could be a part of a church that shared our philosophy of ministry. But the main reason is we felt God calling and we followed.
When we visited Portland for the first time, we immediately loved it. But what we loved most was Evergreen. Dustin's heart is church planting and through his experiences elsewhere he refined in his mind how he would plant a church if given the opportunity. Evergreen was almost exactly it. We were told if we wanted to be a part of leadership at Evergreen that we should move to Portland, attend Evergreen and see what happened, so that's what we did. And God, faithful as always, provided an opportunity for Dustin to join the leadership, start the first separate gathering, and provided a group of people that we call family.
It's been amazing to see over the last 3 1/2 years how God has brought each person to Evergreen for a reason, He has put all of us right where he wants us, atleast that's what I believe. I have said this before, but I feel very much like a mother hen when it comes to my Evergreen family. Every person that comes through the door I want to gather under my wing and make sure they are cared for. Dustin feels the same. He longs to see each person that comes through the door to know and be known by Jesus more and more, for their lives to be transformed by his message of hope and redemption.
But it's hard. It's hard to be a part of family. It's hard to not feel like a failure when things aren't going perfectly. It's hard to not take responsibility for others bad choices. Dustin carries that weight, as most pastors do. His heart hurts when people are hurting, his righteous anger flares at injustices, and his mind reels when things don't make sense. The life of a pastor. Trust in a God who's big enough to handle all of our imperfections and faith in a people who's hearts are searching for what is true and holy.
Whether we're pinky fingers or elbows, we wouldn't want to a part of any other body.
I appreciate your comments, Kelli. Eiley and I have been settling into a new ministry role (near Sacramento) over the last six months, and it's had all the requisite joys and challenges of ministry! The sense of God's calling has been a rock we've returned to often. Say hi to Dustin for me!