Do you minister to kids or do you baby sit them?
At one time, many churches saw ministry to children as strictly a "watch the kids so the adults can enjoy the service without interruption" element. Fortunately, an entire generation has begun to focus on the MINISTRY portion of "Children's Ministry". There is no end of resources, conferences, and networking opportunities that zero in on a kid focused model, in which discipleship and spiritual growth specifically for children is the goal.
Over the years, I have observed two main models or mind-sets in churches regarding their children's ministries. One is the Ministry Model and the other is the Child Care Model. The following are some contrasts (as I see them) between the two:
MINISTRY MODEL: Child (and by extension, family) focused
CHILD CARE MODEL: Grown up focused
MINISTRY MODEL: Primary motivation for kids church is to provide age appropriate opportunity for kids to worship and grow in their faith.
CHILD CARE MODEL: Primary motivation for kids church is to provide an outlet for kids so they don't get restless and distracting in the adult service
MINISTRY MODEL: Kids can and do make spiritual commitments
CHILD CARE MODEL: Kids don't really learn anything
MINISTRY MODEL: Having a lot of volunteers means being able to provide maximum relationship building
CHILD CARE MODEL: Having a lot of volunteers means not being stuck back there with the kids for too long.
MINISTRY MODEL: Even if the lesson is easy, it still takes time and discipline to prepare
CHILD CARE MODEL: Easy-prep lessons, baby!
MINISTRY MODEL: Scope and sequence is important for keeping curriculum balanced and on-track
CHILD CARE MODEL: What's "scope and sequence?"
MINISTRY MODEL: Long term growth of the children
CHILD CARE MODEL: Short term supervision of the children
The above is obviously a simplified list and does not mean there can't be some overlap. For example, even though our primary mind set for kids church is for kids to worship and grow, freeing the adults to worship without distractions is certainly a legitimate secondary benefit. And in this increasingly busy age, "low-prep" curriculums can serve an important purpose.
But the key element here is the mind-set or bent of those in leadership toward children's ministries. I once sat in a church service where a very nice lady was announcing the need for children's church volunteers. She said, "...and if we get enough people on the schedule, you'll only be stuck with the kids once or twice a year." I cringed. Later, as I made a commitment to full-time (albeit unpaid) children's ministry, I had more than one leader in the church shake their head with deep pity and say, "poor Tim...we need to get you some help so you aren't trapped back there week after week." Before long, I realized that it was a mind-set that regarded children's ministries as the "child care" arm of the church and not a full-fledged, legitimate ministry by iteself. I purposed to help change the mind-set.
Where is your mind-set? What model do you feel your church may embrace?
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, April 02, 2012
LEARNING FROM THE KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS
The Nickolodean Kid's Choice Awards have come and gone and I'm the better for it!
No, I'm not a big fan of the non-stop screaming from the audience. Nor am I always thrilled with the nominees and winners, many of whom I wouldn't allow my own kids to watch if they were still in the targeted age-group. And after a decade and a half of clearing and cleaning our own set in our children's program, all I think as I watch is, "somebody's gonna have to stay late and mop up all that slime! (and I'm pretty sure host Will Smith isn't going to do it)." So why do I watch?
1. Feeling the pulse. What are kids watching? What are they listening to? What's "hot" in the world of children? For a couple of hours at the KCA, I get a mini-seminar on trends, tastes, and likes of the elementary, pre-teen crowd. By "taking the pulse", I'm better able to apply the truth of the Word to the world of the kid.
2. Staying up to date. Several years ago, a mom walked in with her daughter. "Hey, cool lunchbox! It's got Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup," I said, pointing out each of the PowerPuff Girls. The daughter's eyes grew wide and she looked up at her mom and exclaimed, "He knows who they are!" The thing is, referencing the PowerPuff Girls will not work today (ummm, yeah, I tried). The Kid's Choice Awards helps me find out what's IN today and helps me gain a hearing (or at least the proverbial "foot in the door") when I teach spiritual things. If the only thing you have to share is, "Did you know Selena Gomez was named favorite tv actress at the Kid's Choice Awards?", you've made inroads into the child's world.
3. Transferable concepts. Kid's Choice Awards know how to put on a show. Yes, it's loud. It's active. Like it or not, it is a venue where kids can act like kids. Scores of books and articles have been written about Disneyland and how they are masters at creating kid-friendly, engaging environments. The point is not to emulate everything that secular parks and events have. For one thing, it's not always suitable for church, and for another thing, most churches don't have the budget or staff to pull it off. But creativity can go a long way. This year's KCA involved kids at the outset by having them wave glowsticks in the air. Right away, we have a low cost, low tech thing we can do! The show announced the winners with sword swallowers (not recommended), flying blimps, robots, and other creative ways. Imagine bringing out this week's memory verse on a flying hovercraft toy or an endlessly deep bag.
4. Encouraging service. Believe it or not, the Kid's Choice Awards isn't all lights, slime, and sound. They have a service award called "The Big Help," which is given to a celebrity who has given back by way of service to others. It is all part of a year long effort to encourage kids to get involved in their communities. We can do that too. We can make thank you cards for all the church leadership, or pack care baskets for the missionaries. Some churches even do short term missions trips to other countries or lead in clean up efforts around town. If a secular organization can model serving others, how much more should the church lead the way!
5. Keeping it real. "Model this." "Emulate that." "Apply the other." Before you think I am advocating "doing it like they do at the Kid's Choice Awards," let's wrap it up with a very important distinction: I don't know if Will Smith, or Katy Perry, or Justin Beiber stayed after the show to talk to a kid about the loss of a pet, or pray with a child whose parents are fighting, or comfort a child who is afraid of bullies at his or her school. And having established such a strong connection, did any of the producers take advantage of the high honor and privilege of sharing the gospel with a child, or even helping the kids' parents share the gospel? It's been said before by more knowledgeable people than me, but we can build relationships better than Disney, better than Chuck E Cheese, and better than the Kid's Choice Awards. And that reality trumps slime, flash, and effects every time.
No, I'm not a big fan of the non-stop screaming from the audience. Nor am I always thrilled with the nominees and winners, many of whom I wouldn't allow my own kids to watch if they were still in the targeted age-group. And after a decade and a half of clearing and cleaning our own set in our children's program, all I think as I watch is, "somebody's gonna have to stay late and mop up all that slime! (and I'm pretty sure host Will Smith isn't going to do it)." So why do I watch?
1. Feeling the pulse. What are kids watching? What are they listening to? What's "hot" in the world of children? For a couple of hours at the KCA, I get a mini-seminar on trends, tastes, and likes of the elementary, pre-teen crowd. By "taking the pulse", I'm better able to apply the truth of the Word to the world of the kid.
2. Staying up to date. Several years ago, a mom walked in with her daughter. "Hey, cool lunchbox! It's got Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup," I said, pointing out each of the PowerPuff Girls. The daughter's eyes grew wide and she looked up at her mom and exclaimed, "He knows who they are!" The thing is, referencing the PowerPuff Girls will not work today (ummm, yeah, I tried). The Kid's Choice Awards helps me find out what's IN today and helps me gain a hearing (or at least the proverbial "foot in the door") when I teach spiritual things. If the only thing you have to share is, "Did you know Selena Gomez was named favorite tv actress at the Kid's Choice Awards?", you've made inroads into the child's world.
3. Transferable concepts. Kid's Choice Awards know how to put on a show. Yes, it's loud. It's active. Like it or not, it is a venue where kids can act like kids. Scores of books and articles have been written about Disneyland and how they are masters at creating kid-friendly, engaging environments. The point is not to emulate everything that secular parks and events have. For one thing, it's not always suitable for church, and for another thing, most churches don't have the budget or staff to pull it off. But creativity can go a long way. This year's KCA involved kids at the outset by having them wave glowsticks in the air. Right away, we have a low cost, low tech thing we can do! The show announced the winners with sword swallowers (not recommended), flying blimps, robots, and other creative ways. Imagine bringing out this week's memory verse on a flying hovercraft toy or an endlessly deep bag.
4. Encouraging service. Believe it or not, the Kid's Choice Awards isn't all lights, slime, and sound. They have a service award called "The Big Help," which is given to a celebrity who has given back by way of service to others. It is all part of a year long effort to encourage kids to get involved in their communities. We can do that too. We can make thank you cards for all the church leadership, or pack care baskets for the missionaries. Some churches even do short term missions trips to other countries or lead in clean up efforts around town. If a secular organization can model serving others, how much more should the church lead the way!
5. Keeping it real. "Model this." "Emulate that." "Apply the other." Before you think I am advocating "doing it like they do at the Kid's Choice Awards," let's wrap it up with a very important distinction: I don't know if Will Smith, or Katy Perry, or Justin Beiber stayed after the show to talk to a kid about the loss of a pet, or pray with a child whose parents are fighting, or comfort a child who is afraid of bullies at his or her school. And having established such a strong connection, did any of the producers take advantage of the high honor and privilege of sharing the gospel with a child, or even helping the kids' parents share the gospel? It's been said before by more knowledgeable people than me, but we can build relationships better than Disney, better than Chuck E Cheese, and better than the Kid's Choice Awards. And that reality trumps slime, flash, and effects every time.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
CPC 12: POSTLUDE: THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
Here it is, almost a month out of the 2012 Children's Pastors' Conference in San Diego and I realize I never posted the highlight video on this blog. Enjoy!
CPC San Diego 2012 from Cross and Crown on Vimeo.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
CPC 12: PART 4: "FAREWELL TO THE FAREWELL TOUR"
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| Me and Red hangin' out at CPC |
The line was long at the continental breakfast table in one of the courtyards. But folks seemed in bright spirits as they got their muffins, bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee and headed for the final breakout of CPC 12.
I attended John Tietsort's presentation on applying the Bible to kids. Like all the other workshops, this was top-notch, practical, and motivating. Dr. Tietsort took the time to talk to me after the conference, inviting me to network with him regularly. That is what sets the presenters and "personalities" of CPC apart: they are fellow laborers, fellow servants, a band of brothers and sisters who are there for one another.
The closing session featured Craig Jutilla. What a testimony of a man who nearly lost his marriage and his life to doing too much and having the wrong priorities. Without losing his trademark humor, he stripped away the outer shell and showed his vulnerability.
It was when Michael Chanley took the stage that I began to choke up. The last session of CPC is always emotional for me, but seeing as this is my "Farewell Tour", this could have been my last CPC for awhile. The CPC staff came up. Earl Radcliff, a founding member of INCM, was recognized. Michael was presented with a special plaque from a pastor from Jordan.
And then it was over. Hugs, handshakes, high fives. Luggage carts, lines to get the final cd's and dvd's, and last minute farwells. Staff flew into motion, dismantling the stage set and clearing out rooms. Later in the afternoon, I walked to the front desk lobby and was amazed that every trace of the 2012 Children's Pastors' Conference was gone.
Well, not quite gone. Hundreds of children's ministers are making their way back to their homes, carrying with them the lessons learned. Networks and contacts have been established. Not to sound corny, but CPC will continue in the children's ministries across the country and in other lands.
For me, I've come away with a great deal more than I expected. I even learned a few things about myself. But that's another subject for another day. In the meantime, here's just a few folks I got to connect with:
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For a full week, from the church tour to the resource center, Carla and I kept crossing paths!
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| Sylvia Foth, director of Kidzana. |
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Rob Biagi...great music and ministry   |
CPC 12: Part 3: "LIVING ON LEAP DAY"
"Every kids pastor needs another kids pastor to talk him off the ledge." (Sam Luce).
As I began this blog, it is Wednesday, February 29. It is also leap day, which adds a little twist to the quote above. The speaker was Sam Luce, who, along with Matt McKee and Jonathan Cliff, appeared on a panel in our first general session of the morning. The topic was networking with a community of leaders. As one who has wanted to "leap" on more than one occasion (figuratively speaking, of course), I appreciated their wisdom.
Of course, the music was incredible, with Denver and the Mile-High Orchestra doing Solid Rock (a fave of the kids at VBS last year). The days' breakouts were also uplifting. Steve Adams (current CP at Saddleback) spoke about re-inventing your ministry, something that hit me squarely where I am at this season of life. Matt Barnes, who is on staff at Rock Harbor Church, challenged us to evaluate our programs with "why?"
The evening general session featured Beth Guckenberger. I've never heard her before, but her ability to tell a story and her emphasis that the Word of God is the MAIN CHARACTER of the story made for captivating listening. Larry Fowler from Awana was honored. And then, Michael Chanley pulled a surprise: a performance by up and coming singer Jamie Grace.
Later that evening was FX LIVE, a family oriented "crowd show" that involves music, stunts, and games. I have to confess to being exhausted from the last couple of days, so after a last stroll around the bustling resource center, I reluctantly headed to my room (sorry Roger!). But unlike my last post, I got some pictures that hopefully capture some of the atmosphere and rooms. Enjoy.
As I began this blog, it is Wednesday, February 29. It is also leap day, which adds a little twist to the quote above. The speaker was Sam Luce, who, along with Matt McKee and Jonathan Cliff, appeared on a panel in our first general session of the morning. The topic was networking with a community of leaders. As one who has wanted to "leap" on more than one occasion (figuratively speaking, of course), I appreciated their wisdom.
Of course, the music was incredible, with Denver and the Mile-High Orchestra doing Solid Rock (a fave of the kids at VBS last year). The days' breakouts were also uplifting. Steve Adams (current CP at Saddleback) spoke about re-inventing your ministry, something that hit me squarely where I am at this season of life. Matt Barnes, who is on staff at Rock Harbor Church, challenged us to evaluate our programs with "why?"
The evening general session featured Beth Guckenberger. I've never heard her before, but her ability to tell a story and her emphasis that the Word of God is the MAIN CHARACTER of the story made for captivating listening. Larry Fowler from Awana was honored. And then, Michael Chanley pulled a surprise: a performance by up and coming singer Jamie Grace.
Later that evening was FX LIVE, a family oriented "crowd show" that involves music, stunts, and games. I have to confess to being exhausted from the last couple of days, so after a last stroll around the bustling resource center, I reluctantly headed to my room (sorry Roger!). But unlike my last post, I got some pictures that hopefully capture some of the atmosphere and rooms. Enjoy.
My camera is woefully inadaqute to capture the stage. But I tried...
the famous Resource Center 
CPC Store
Believe it or not, this is the Internet Cafe Wednesday, February 29, 2012
CPC 12: PART 2: "A BUSY DAY"
I'm a bad blogger (sad face). Actually, I'm a tired blogger. But I'm also a blogger with no pictures of today's CPC adventures (Tuesday, February 28). I'll try harder for the next segment...honest!
But the "no pictures" and "no energy" feeling is offset by a very full and filling day. If there is one thing I've learned about CPC, it's that one goes away with far more than one had upon arrival. I'm going to (try to) break down Tuesday's events with just a few phrases:
General Session: great opening worship. Michael Chanley interviewed three children's pastors-- Mike Johnson, Brad Tate, and Mindy Spurrier--about providing a safe and relevant children's environment. M.C. was master ventriloquist Dennis Lee...never fails to have me doubled over in laughter.
Breakouts: "Ministry Seasons" and "Doing Good Leading to Bad" with Craig Jutilla and "Dealing With Difficult Parents" with Kurt Goble. All breakouts were good....I especially appreciated Craig's vulnerability and Kurt's down-to-earth approach.
Networking Lunch: boxed lunch containing something wrapped in a green stuff. Apple good. Meeting other warriors at one of the "leadership" tables better.
Afternoon general session: the legendary Jim Wideman received INCM award. His daughter Yancy sang (I'm one of only three people in the field of cm who hasn't actually never heard Yancy sing before). Keynote speaker was Reggie Joiner on working with families.
Dinner on the Town: Kelly's Steakhouse. At the table next to mine was a virtual Who's Who in the CM world.
Late Night With Lee: Dennis Lee showcasing great children's ministry talent: Rob Biagi, Miss Patty Cake, and Jana Alarya. Fun evening.
Kidology Gathering: laughing and sharing with Karl Bastian (the Kidologist). Received some great counsel regarding my "between ministry" situation. One of the greatest things about CPC is that I can open up and talk about what's going on in my life. Very refreshing.
And so, late at night, I finally arrived back in my room...physically and maybe a little mentally tired, but my spirit was full. No, I didn't get a lot of pictures, but I ended the day with far more.
But the "no pictures" and "no energy" feeling is offset by a very full and filling day. If there is one thing I've learned about CPC, it's that one goes away with far more than one had upon arrival. I'm going to (try to) break down Tuesday's events with just a few phrases:
General Session: great opening worship. Michael Chanley interviewed three children's pastors-- Mike Johnson, Brad Tate, and Mindy Spurrier--about providing a safe and relevant children's environment. M.C. was master ventriloquist Dennis Lee...never fails to have me doubled over in laughter.
Breakouts: "Ministry Seasons" and "Doing Good Leading to Bad" with Craig Jutilla and "Dealing With Difficult Parents" with Kurt Goble. All breakouts were good....I especially appreciated Craig's vulnerability and Kurt's down-to-earth approach.
Networking Lunch: boxed lunch containing something wrapped in a green stuff. Apple good. Meeting other warriors at one of the "leadership" tables better.
Afternoon general session: the legendary Jim Wideman received INCM award. His daughter Yancy sang (I'm one of only three people in the field of cm who hasn't actually never heard Yancy sing before). Keynote speaker was Reggie Joiner on working with families.
Dinner on the Town: Kelly's Steakhouse. At the table next to mine was a virtual Who's Who in the CM world.
Late Night With Lee: Dennis Lee showcasing great children's ministry talent: Rob Biagi, Miss Patty Cake, and Jana Alarya. Fun evening.
Kidology Gathering: laughing and sharing with Karl Bastian (the Kidologist). Received some great counsel regarding my "between ministry" situation. One of the greatest things about CPC is that I can open up and talk about what's going on in my life. Very refreshing.
And so, late at night, I finally arrived back in my room...physically and maybe a little mentally tired, but my spirit was full. No, I didn't get a lot of pictures, but I ended the day with far more.
Monday, February 27, 2012
CPC 12: PART 1: "THE SIGNS SAY...."
"I played my drums....for the One Who saved me!" And with the crashing sounds of the GoFish Guys and stage effects worthy of a rock concert, the 2012 Children's Pastors' Conference opened its first general session.
More on that in a moment, but first...
It rained today (Monday, February 27); which, as we all know, is perfect for driving the freeway system in southern California in a double decker tour bus. But that did not deter our hearty souls from starting our morning at 8 a.m. to visit three churches--two in Orange County and one in San Diego itself. Friends Church in Yorba Linda is a 100 year old church that looks like they have defined the word, "Innovative." Three stories and a basement through which run what appears to be endless hallways, but the attention to every detail can be seen in every room and station. Next came Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, a church which has adopted a warehouse with great effect, creating eye-popping rooms for the kids. Our last stop was College Avenue Baptist Church, a historic church in San Diego that does amazing things with their environment on a low budget. One thing I noticed as I was sifting through pictures is that all three churches were very good at signage, letting folks know where they were going. Very important for first time visitors.
Later that evening was general session one. Some of my colleagues from the Rogue Valley Children's Ministry Network were there and we were able to sit together at a group table. We ate, we laughed, we joked. And then the lights dimmed and BOOM! The GoFish Guys opened with "I Played My Drum" (which I first heard as part of their version of "Little Drummer Boy."). It was a powerful way of launching the session. We were treated to an overview of the vision of INCM by new Executive Director Michael Chanley. I have to confess being one of the few who has not heard the incredible vocal talents of Yancy, but her performance really showcased those talents.
In an unsusual twist this year, Michael Chanley sat on a couch (yes, you read that correctly...living room furniture!) and interviewed Phil Vischer, creator of Veggie Tales and What's In the Bible. And then, following some hard driving worship from the combined talents of the GoFish Guys and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, we were treated to a message by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship and speaker at the annual Harvest Crusades. He spoke on the prodigal son and how prodigals can return to the Lord.
Opening night at CPC sets the tone, and it would appear that the tone has been set well.
"Oh I like to ride in a double decker bus..."
Museum display? Nope...bulletin board display at Friends Church
Example of signage pointing to kids registration at Friends Church
Signs at Rock Harbor Church emphasize security
Lunch at Rock Harbor Church
Simple, yet creative stage design at College Avenue Baptist
What do you call the College Avenue Children's area? Follow the signs!
THIS is how you paint a kids area and label the office! (College Avenue)
This is OUR table! (another example of effective signage)
Rogue Valley Children's Ministry Network at CPC 12Sunday, February 26, 2012
CPC12: PRELUDE 3: "WHEN THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED"
I recently read that if you want to get something you’ve never had, you need to do something you’ve never done.
I don’t always do that deliberately, but sometimes I get dragged into it. And then I wonder, “What is God trying to teach me through this experience?” Well, maybe I don’t wonder that all the time. Indeed, at times I react with less than a Spirit-filled reaction. Thank the Lord for grace and mercy and lessons learned, even if I get taken out of the comfortable and predictable and I have no idea why.
I’m in San Diego waiting for the start of CPC12, the premiere conference dedicated to children’s ministries. Because I have no idea what the future holds (long-time blog readers know the story), I’ve jokingly referred to this as my “Farewell Tour.” Being as this is my seventh time at CPC, I know the routine of the conference, and I know my personal routine. I’m ready, I’m set, I’m pumped.
As often happens, I had a flight delay on my way. No problem. That, in itself, is part of the routine. I expect that. I plan a “travel day” just for that. That way, when I arrive at the hotel that evening, (hot, tired, sweaty, and hungry), I can just give my plastic to the front desk clerk and I’m soon in my room.
For the first time in seven years, my card was declined! I won’t bore you with all the details of the problem, but I spent a fairly good amount of time on the phone with the credit card company trying to get this fixed. The front desk clerk at the Town and Country was incredibly helpful and patient and understanding of the problems and figured out a way to keep me in my room until I could fix things (I always like to applaud great customer service!). Still working on details, but I thought at the time, “This is not part of the plan! What a way to start my ‘Farewell Tour!’”
As I went to bed, I knew I could at least look forward to the breakfast buffet in the morning. It has always been one of the highlights of my trip. I awoke with a headache, but even that did not deter me from doing what I have always done on my first morning in San Diego: get the buffet! As the hostess sat me at my table, I said in my cool, casual voice, “I’ll just have the breakfast buffet.” The hostess said, “I’m sorry, they did not put the buffet out this morning.” My cool, casual voice caught in my throat like a cat with its tail stepped on. No breakfast buffet? But…but….I’m Tim. This is my “Farewell Tour.” Oh, the humanity! For the record, what I did order was very good, but for the first time, I was unable to get the first morning buffet. Sad face.
Okay, nothing here is worthy of being called “dramatic life challenges,” but my routine has been disrupted! While I pride myself in thinking outside the proverbial box, my friends and family will tell you I will usually step out of that box when I’m good and ready. I don’t mind being unpredictable, as long as I can plan for it. But ever so often, it feels like God comes up behind me, places His loving hand on my shoulders….and shoves! And then I’m out of the box, outside the lines, out of my comfort zone, etc. I’m having to do what I’ve never done before, so that…hey, wait a minute! So that maybe I can have what I’ve never had. Hmmmmm.
I knew my “Farewell Tour” would be different this year, as I’m looking at things as one who is between ministries. Michael Chanley, the director of INCM, has said that there are new innovations this year in the conference. So the routine, which has already been different, will be even more so. And my “Farewell Tour” may just be the thing to force me to do what I’ve never done in order to get what I’ve never had.
Bring it!
I don’t always do that deliberately, but sometimes I get dragged into it. And then I wonder, “What is God trying to teach me through this experience?” Well, maybe I don’t wonder that all the time. Indeed, at times I react with less than a Spirit-filled reaction. Thank the Lord for grace and mercy and lessons learned, even if I get taken out of the comfortable and predictable and I have no idea why.
I’m in San Diego waiting for the start of CPC12, the premiere conference dedicated to children’s ministries. Because I have no idea what the future holds (long-time blog readers know the story), I’ve jokingly referred to this as my “Farewell Tour.” Being as this is my seventh time at CPC, I know the routine of the conference, and I know my personal routine. I’m ready, I’m set, I’m pumped.
As often happens, I had a flight delay on my way. No problem. That, in itself, is part of the routine. I expect that. I plan a “travel day” just for that. That way, when I arrive at the hotel that evening, (hot, tired, sweaty, and hungry), I can just give my plastic to the front desk clerk and I’m soon in my room.
For the first time in seven years, my card was declined! I won’t bore you with all the details of the problem, but I spent a fairly good amount of time on the phone with the credit card company trying to get this fixed. The front desk clerk at the Town and Country was incredibly helpful and patient and understanding of the problems and figured out a way to keep me in my room until I could fix things (I always like to applaud great customer service!). Still working on details, but I thought at the time, “This is not part of the plan! What a way to start my ‘Farewell Tour!’”
As I went to bed, I knew I could at least look forward to the breakfast buffet in the morning. It has always been one of the highlights of my trip. I awoke with a headache, but even that did not deter me from doing what I have always done on my first morning in San Diego: get the buffet! As the hostess sat me at my table, I said in my cool, casual voice, “I’ll just have the breakfast buffet.” The hostess said, “I’m sorry, they did not put the buffet out this morning.” My cool, casual voice caught in my throat like a cat with its tail stepped on. No breakfast buffet? But…but….I’m Tim. This is my “Farewell Tour.” Oh, the humanity! For the record, what I did order was very good, but for the first time, I was unable to get the first morning buffet. Sad face.
Okay, nothing here is worthy of being called “dramatic life challenges,” but my routine has been disrupted! While I pride myself in thinking outside the proverbial box, my friends and family will tell you I will usually step out of that box when I’m good and ready. I don’t mind being unpredictable, as long as I can plan for it. But ever so often, it feels like God comes up behind me, places His loving hand on my shoulders….and shoves! And then I’m out of the box, outside the lines, out of my comfort zone, etc. I’m having to do what I’ve never done before, so that…hey, wait a minute! So that maybe I can have what I’ve never had. Hmmmmm.
I knew my “Farewell Tour” would be different this year, as I’m looking at things as one who is between ministries. Michael Chanley, the director of INCM, has said that there are new innovations this year in the conference. So the routine, which has already been different, will be even more so. And my “Farewell Tour” may just be the thing to force me to do what I’ve never done in order to get what I’ve never had.
Bring it!
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