I have to laugh at myself as I type this, because this "ministry blog" has mainly become mainly a Ridgecrest journal, as that's about the only times that I have to really sit down and write, reflect, and so forth. It really reminds me that I SO miss writing.
Every Ridgecrest event I am privileged to attend, I am usually a different state of mind when entering the campus. Some years it's been jubilant expectation, sometimes it's been pure nostalgia, sometimes it's the depths of discouragement. This year is different for me. It's just simply exhaustion. It's not that good things are not happening, it's not that I feel like I'm in the pit of despair looking upwards...it's just pure unadulterated exhaustion with the fear of more responsibilities being heaped upon me to which I may bend or break under. But, there is a little spiritual déjà vu too, in that being in this place reminds me that the one that has called me will equip me to get through this transitional time and the realization that the same patterns of behavior, the same traps, the same thorns, the same discouragers, always come, and always go, but the Lord's provision endures forever.
Okay, now that I've suffered you all through that "cheery introduction" (which realistically only about three real people will actually read), I'll give you a quick update to this first day. Arriving on campus, we were happy to be staying in Rhododendron again this year, but this time, we actually had a real window, unlike last year where we had a sliver of light peering out from a roof with a lovely view of AC units. ;) Rhododendron is the most central place to stay on campus, in my opinion. For the first time ever, our window faces the mountain and the giant cross perched upon it, which is what most people consider the symbol of Ridgecrest. Below is our ACTUAL view. Pretty cool, huh?
Tonight's feature was Geron Davis and Kindred Souls. Geron Davis is the composer or "Holy Ground" and "Precious Lamb of Glory." I have a confession to make. I had always thought, or had been incorrectly told, that Geron Davis was, -ahem- African American, because of his very soulful style. So, imagine my surprise when a Caucasian man walked on stage. All these years and I had never see a picture of the guy! It's humorous how we all make assumptions like that from time to time. It was a very great start to the week. He did sing Holy Ground, which was a treat for everyone, and told the story behind writing it when he was 18 years old. When I was 18, the only thing I wrote was letters to my girlfriend and term papers.
Uncharacteristic for us, we went to the Nibble Nook on the first night, because we had free coupons as a bonus for our registration this year. That's when the storm hit. Fortunately we didn't get soaked, but nevertheless we had the whole Nibble Nook to ourselves just about.
Looking forward to a full day of classes tomorrow. But, looking more forward to some moments of rest (if I can). It's always a battle between wanting to soak in as much as I can, and making myself pause and refresh.
Wish I had the energy of this seven year old we've brought with us...
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