The past six months have been challenging to say the least. I've finally come to the realization that I'm too burned out to provide the full time pastoral leadership that is required by Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tacoma, WA and have decided to retire from the ministry and move with my family to Texas.
I'm looking forward to a new life with more time for my wife, Diana, and the rest of my family. It'll be great to have both girls (Rebekah and MaryBeth) my son-in-law William and both grandsons all in the same state! Here's me with my new grandson, Seth.I'm sure God isn't finished with me in ministry yet, I just don't know what he has in store next. I'm excited to find out what it may be. I am also looking forward to riding the Texas Hill Country for the first time, and for many years to come. Maybe I'll even run into Lance Armstrong out there on the road someday.
God's ways are truly amazing. We never know what twists and turns he has planned for our road ahead. If someone would have told me five years ago that I would be retiring at age 60 and moving to San Antonio, Texas I would have said they are crazy. (Of couse, if someone would have told me last July that I'd be as fat and out of shape as I am now, I also would have thought they were nuts!) But one of the things I enjoyed most about my ride last June was to wake up every morning to a new ride in a new place, on a road where you didn't know what was coming next. Well, now I'm there again! I don't know what lies ahead on the road I'm on, but that makes it exciting.
One of my many favorites Scriptures is Proverbs3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths (NLT). I do believe God is directing my path and I can't wait to discover the sights, challengs, opportunities and blessings that he has in store.
I'm planning on blogging a little more once I'm in Texas and riding the Hill Country, so please check back this summer.
Pastor Bob+
