It seems like it was so much longer ago that we sat down together over lunch and shared our vision for Together Called 2013. So much has happened in hearts over the last several days that the clock itself seems to have been anointed by Him.
Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders spoke to us that morning as we prepared to receive 61 couples. The resort was quiet except for the buzz and laughter of the 8 of us over lunch. God unified us a team, together called, readied our hearts just as we knew He was readying the hearts of the 122 men and women, together called, on their way there.
It all was His work–every dollar brought in to offset costs, every t-shirt given away, every cupcake and biscotti and book and mug given away. It was His work–every prayer interceding for every single couple coming, every hour spent in preparation for a main session message or a smaller breakout, every decision for every song in the worship set. And, as He welcomed us into His work, the work He simply swept us up into along the way, we put a stake in the ground together as He had called us to. We made a commitment to not shrink from declaring anything that would be loving and serving and blessing and directing to the truth of the grace of our Father. Nate and Sara had a platform to teach publicly. And, Carl and Kim had a platform to bless publicly. But, we all committed to not shrink “from house to house” as well, praying that every conversation, every exchange of words and glances that weekend would be glorifying to Him and make us fade away and make Jesus more.
We’re tired tonight, physically exhausted. Yet, our spirits feel like they have just picked up more momentum. The experience of the Body truly working together using the gifts He gave us to use for His purposes–it’s a beautiful symphony written by the most talented composer of all time.
What a joy to hear testimonies of transformation last night and throughout the day today through notes and personal conversations and emails and online posts. We are full–not because of anything we did or will do but because we have seen the work of His hand up close. You can’t see Him up that close and not be changed. We were led by the master composer and got to play first string even though we’re out of tune and missing strings. And, the music was beautiful.