I Have Arrived IPod Nation!!!

I don't yet have the beautiful piece of art that is the IPod, but it should arrive in the mail on Friday. I'm so giddy with anticipation that I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. This past Sunday, our church took time to honor the pastoral staff and I have to say that it was very overwhelming. Prior to this, my week finished with Sunday being just as trying and difficult as the rest of the week. With each step, the day got harder and then one of our board members took the mike following the anouncements and began to honor the staff with words and gifts. The BM invited all the teens that were at the service to come to the front and share how God has been using me to impact their lives. I don't get emotional too often, but that really meant a lot to me. In one brief moment, all the junk that had been going on over the past week just seem to disappear. The BM presented me with a gift card for Best Buy, at which time everyone began laughing (for those of you who don't know me, I love technology and gadgets)(this is where the IPod comes in), as well as a gas card and certificate for a really nice restaurant so that Ang and I could have a nice date.

I know that I didn't become a pastor so that I could be showered with gifts and words of affirmation, but I have to admit that it sure was nice. Not only did God show me how much loves and cares for me but He also allowed me to see how He is using me. If you are anything like me, you are always asking if the time and effort you have put into the teens has had any impact. On Sunday, God gave me a glimpse into just that...and also an IPod.