In two weeks I will be returning to the work of Converge Northwest.  If you didn't know, I have been granted and privileged to experience a sabbatical period after seven and one-half years of serving as the District Executive Minister.  Before I return to the saddle in my regular full-time capacity, I wanted to do a quick check- in with you   (Can you tell I am excited to get back to work?)

     I want to thank all of you who have made this sabbatical possible.  It felt a little risky to take time away from work.  After all, what if it was discovered I wasn't missed?   "What ifs" are common companions riding along in my mind. They are great friends when I need to find solutions and help others. However they can be quite annoying when they run around in circles.  When I am tired they can run in circles for days.  When my soul is tired they can run around, and get louder.  I admit I was soul tired when I started the sabbatical.  And now, I am feeling rested, and much healthier.

     While I have been out, Pastor Roy Peacock, our Board Chair, has done an outstanding job, meeting the needs of our pastors and churches.  Pastor Joe Donaldson has been engaged in helping our open churches with the pastoral placement process. He has learned our P3 system and has been working cooperatively with our P3 leaders out of Minnesota.  Neil Tibbott, has kept momentum going with our continual search for northwest church planters.

     And of course, Kim Anderson continues to lead effectively out of our office.  She put together our annual Administrative Assistants Retreat (our 4th in a row) and she has done all of the work for our Pastor and Wives retreat being held at Cannon Beach in two weeks with Stuart and Jill Briscoe.  (Call her to see if there is still room!)  And, she continuously pours out her heart of service, making this ministry valuable and effective.  I am really looking forward to re-engaging.  My "What ifs, " are not running around in circles like Despicable Me minions. They are rested and waiting to serve. Thank you again for the privilege of recuperative rest.