Life is full of difficulties. Change is difficult and the impending move is going to be difficult. The physical task of lifting and moving boxes and items will be hard, but what I am actually referring to is the transition facing us September 2013 through, approximately, September 2014. A lack of communication cast doubts and increases insecurities (something I can be quite good at- sorry, I’m being honest and trying to change this bad habit. Please keep reading). The next several weeks is a monumental time in the history of our parish, a full disclosure of the task at hand, along with willing participants able to step forward to accomplish these tasks is crucial. Things are going to be different. The coming year will be much like a hike up a steep mountain.
Let’s take a hike . . .
We can stand at the bottom of the mountain considering the effort it will take to get to the top only to be subdued by the challenge. Sitting there we could begin to cast doubts saying, “Who’s idea was it to climb this mountain? We are better off just sitting here!” However, that is no longer an option. We have to get to the top. In order to get to the top successfully we have to do two things: 1.) take it one step at a time, and 2.) consider the view when we get there!
Time to generate momentum . . .
Upon my arrival on August 1, 2004, the parish was invested with the desire to begin a building project on the newly acquired land. Here we are; the mountain that once looked insurmountable is now partially cleared. Our journey enters a new chapter. The realization of our dreams is a few steps away.
Let’s go for a walk . . .
Achieving completion necessitates a slow and steady pace, fruitful steps, willfully taken by each of us. Creativity is key. This hike will not be like any other, there will be sights along the way that will astound us, and there will be obstacles that will once again cast doubts and tempt us to point fingers. As long as we remember the first key to our collective success is to take everything as it comes (one step at a time). Each new step will bring with it change. This adventure will be new to all of us. Staying focused on the imminent view this journey’s end will offer should be a source of great motivation.
Stay motivated . . .
Our temporary move, will offer several setbacks. Setbacks are not necessarily failures, they are opportunities for improvement. These errors will give us a chance to refine ourselves as a community. The coming move will change the way we do things; Sunday School, Bible Studies, baking, etc. How will these ministries be affected, we all must stay focused and find out. (An important footnote should be added here, as we imagine the view from the mountain top, it is vital that it be understood that the Agape Building’s chapel is set to be a temporary worship space. For the analogy being used, this is not the final view when it comes to what our community needs for a sanctuary. In fact, the dimensions of the chapel in the Agape Building may be a bit tighter than we are accustomed to. The reason for this is because this is a mere “vista point” on our trip. The next step will be construction of a large, spacious Church!)
Eye on the prize . . .
It is essential that while encountering the pitfalls set to harass us during this move, that we remind each other why we are doing this. At the end of this magnificent adventure a new building awaits us! We may not have adequate space for baking now, but a BRAND NEW KITCHEN is being prepared. We may find it noisy during services, but a NEW CHAPEL is being prepared. It may feel cramped, uncomfortable, unusable, insufficient, and unsatisfactory but a NEW STRUCTURE is being prepared.
The true purpose . . .
The most important circumstance in this entire exercise is to perfect our walk in Christ. The view will be much more appreciated, the Agape Building will be much more treasured, when we walk the path with Christ. The coming year will be difficult, but with faith in Christ and love for one another all things are possible.
