the big three-five

This weekend, my home church, Willow Creek celebrates thirty-five years of ministry. If there was one thing I could fly home for it would be a close tie between the services this weekend and Jo's play in November. Oh and the Northwestern/U of I game at Wrigley Field. I'd really like to be there for that, too. Anyways, even across the ocean, I will celebrate and reflect on all that this church has meant to me.

I can remember the twenty-fifth anniversary at the United Center and how exciting it was to feel a part of something so momentous. I remember getting to stay up late that night and having a sleepover with Elisa. I remember the feeling of pride and anticipation for what was to come and the thrilled disbelief that I might have a place in it.

Ten years later, the anniversary passes with a twinge of longing and nostalgia in my heart. Of course, I can still give thanks for all that has happened in the last decade and smile at dreams of what the next ten might hold, but I do so knowing that my involvement and presence has inevitably lessened and will continue to do so as I grow up and away. It is difficult to loosen my grip on a place that was so instrumental in my early years. In fact, I'm embarrassed to admit what an emotional experience it is for me now to attend different churches. I have yet to find another sanctuary that feels like home, but I suppose I should surrender that label to Willow and start looking for a church that feels like now.

Today, my heart is full as I reflect on the tunnel and the in-between-times before the 11:15 and after the 9 and the atrium and Chapter 2 and the Saturday nights and Harvest's slow but steady progression towards a really decent slice of pizza and Jairus and the Santa Day rap and Camp Paradise with the dads and Camp Paradise with Elevate and my first communion and the Sam and Jo in the Know Show and the day I went to the 9:00 and had to be in the white small group and Mom's old office and the time I got lost and that nice man went and found dad for me and  Dudley DoRight and Let's Get it Started and my baptism with Kendra and that moment by myself in the balcony when I knew that it would be okay and He Reigns and He Lives and the many many memories that this church has given me over the years. I stand in awe of what God has done through a small group of high school students. I am so grateful to my parents for including me in this journey and I am proud of the roles they played. I can only hope that someday my own children will bear witness to kingdom work of that magnitude. What a privilege to have been a part of even a fraction of Willow's story! How right it is to celebrate. I wish I could be there.

But, I will be content for now to continue my days in Ghana, recognizing the role that Willow's compassion ministries and rice-and-beans-week played in spurring me to come here. I will prioritize community having learned it from the very best on the Promiseland Drama Team. I will continue pursuing my passion for the arts remembering the lakeside auditorium stage on which I first discovered that love.  And I will continue seeking after the Lord; grateful to have first encountered Him at Willow Creek Community Church.