I Love Lake

Our church, The Journey, has been meeting at Brittingham Park in Madison for the last three months because the building we're usually in got remodeled over the summer. This was our last week in the park. We go back to the senior center next week.

As I walked around this morning, I got really sentimental. I started to cry like three times, even though I had plenty of sleep last night. I'd like to try and write why.

The park has become a part of who we are. It's become a part of our culture and now, a part of our history. Like the Cecils' living room, Regent and Monroe, and St. Francis, it will always be one of the places we met.

We'll always remember the summer of 2009, when we met in the park.

I'll remember that 11 of the 12 Sundays were gorgeous. Not too hot, usually breezy, sunny skies right on the lake... A couple were windy (ok, REALLY windy) and a couple times we met by the swingsets because the shelter was rented to somebody else, but overall, we couldn't have had better weather. Miraculous, really.

Everybody helped out. Whether it was bringing coffee and drinks, setting up the tables, setting up the sound stuff, setting up the kids' area, talking to passers-by, caring for each other...everybody was a part of it.

I can't count how many times I saw two people, arms around each other, staring out at the lake. True care and concern...true community.

We prayed for so many people who were doing amazing things! Scott and Kirsten shared about their adventures in Egypt. Amy about her trip to Japan. We prayed for BJ (who's still gone!) and Emily (who is starting a new adventure!). I'm sure I'm leaving people out...remind me!

Geoff and I got to practice our pre-service banter on numerous occasions.

Kickball. I had a legit homerun. Pretty good for an old man. And...two words: Sarah Zimmerman. Classic.

We witnessed TWO baptisms! What a thrill to be able to say, "After this song, let's walk over to the lake and baptize Katie/Jesse!"

I'll remember all the laughing! So many smiles. So many hugs.

I'll mostly remember just being outside. Initially I didn't like the idea, and now I want nothing more. To watch my friends enjoying each other and enjoying God outside, right on the lake...I'm going to miss it terribly, but will remember it fondly.

What will YOU remember?