In another life (my typical justification for things I’m not real proud of), I often heard myself yelling out at others, “pull your head out” (my friends loved me). From the football field to the construction site, I was gifted at identifying things that many others did not. And I wanted them to. I expected them to. How could others not see what I saw? Funny how this has now come back to bite me in the butt this year.
This year, I didn’t expect to be sidelined with a debilitating bulging disc for 6 months. I didn’t expect some of my closest friends to move or move on. I didn’t expect to travel out of the country 7 times. I didn’t expect to find myself wondering if our church was going to make it. And I didn’t expect what all the unexpected would do in me.
Recently it hit me. I could hear my mentor, my church planting coach, conference speakers I’ve heard, authors I’ve read and even my wife screaming at me, “Pull your head out!” Okay, those are my words, but its what I “heard” and what I needed to hear.
And it is good.
I set out 5 years ago to start this church in downtown San Diego. I had a plan. A dream. Even a VISION. It was thought through. Prayed over. I was called to do it! Lots of good things have happened, I don’t want to discount any one of them. But I think this first 5 years have been about me (This sort of self focus usually results in a “pull your head out”). Seminary had not adequately prepared me. My previous ministry experience had not prepared. I needed these years to learn, grow and ultimately, allow God to plant a church in me. And He has.
And its ready to come out.
I don’t know what to expect. I’m not going to tell you what is going to happen. But I have never felt more alive. More in love with my wife and family. More committed to ministry. More in love with Jesus. More passionate for people. More focussed on the gospel.
Good things to come.
