I am a planner. Sometimes I even dedicate time to planning out a planning process. I have multiple calendar templates, pens of every color, Post-it notes, apps, spreadsheets, and lists that help me manage everything from when to plant things in my garden to when we need to start working on the t-shirt design for VBC. When I look at a perfectly laid plan, I feel a deep sense of both satisfaction and completion. But what I see as a complete task, I think God sees as an opening negotiation.
Usually before I can record my newest color-coding system, something has already changed. A hospital visit isn’t scheduled 6 months in advance, and a really important question can’t wait until the designated block on Tuesday mornings; as Leo Tolstoy argued, “The most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important work is to do good to that person.” I try to live that practice, but my calendar sometimes trips me up. Let’s just say, while I don’t condone it, I can understand why the priest rushed past on the road to Jericho.
My summer shifted with a surprise trip with the youth to Montreat, NC. My carefully laid plans for August shifted; and yet, coming here was an invitation from God to be present and an unexpected surprise. Even now, five days in, sleep-deprived and a little bug-bitten, I have been surprised by all of the holy moments along the way. Moments from worship, from short conversations, from prayers spoken and practiced, from the giggles that filter out during late-night conversations down the hall, from the walks between buildings, from the care our adult team—Pastor Andy and Kathy Stevens—extend while keeping us on schedule. These are moments when God speaks in new ways, when I see grace extended to me again. I asked our youth last night to share a few of their favorite surprises from the trip. As you look at the pictures and read their words, I hope you see a God who shows up, weaving a timeline that no amount of planning could have created.
“I was surprised to see bears!”
“ I was surprised by the friends we’ve made who live near us.”
“I am surprised by how impactful the week has been.”
“I’m surprised to learn how many things go on behind the scenes. It’s pretty cool.”
“I’m surprised by how beautiful it is.”
“The activities (Rec) have been really great.”
“That most of the leadership are volunteers who give their time to make this conference happen.”
“Really great preaching.”
“How much free time we get.”
“Connecting with people in my small group.”
“Sometimes I feel like our at-home church community is really localized, but seeing all these people from nearby reminds me that there are more people than I knew.”
Thank you, BMPC, for making this week possible for all of our youth—and a few grown-ups, too!
