Thanks for the memories!

"Thanks for the memories!" I remember this saying from somewhere in my childhood, whether it was a TV show or something my folks said, I don't know.  I do remember that it was said with a certain amount of sadness. It was almost like things would never be that good again.

 Well, not this time!  After leaving the Summit, when I say "Thanks for the memories", I say it with an attitude of gratefulness. Gratitude that stems from the belief that the memories made this past week were memories that will be talked about in our Eternal Home.

While sitting on the plane heading to our earthly home, I am reflecting on the relationships we made this week. Relationships that will strengthen us as we go out to all the different destinations our Father has placed us.

One of my first thoughts is, "Why can't we all just live a little closer together?" But it doesn't take me long to realize why. We are all on an eternal mission in our temporary homes. God, our Father, is sending us on a mission to change eternity.  He is counting on us to share with those He places in our paths, sharing with one more person the hope we've found in Jesus Christ.

He is counting on us to share with those He places in our paths.  Sharing with one person at a time that He has a plan for their lives too. A plan to deliver hope for those whose lives seem hopeless.  A plan to deliver relief to those who are in pain.  A plan to give strength to those who are burdened down by life.  And a plan to show others that they too can be part of the family that will live forever.

For some reason, at times, it seems comical or insane to me that He chose us to be His ambassadors! Broken vessels, that to most of the world, would've been branded useless and thrown out.  But not our Father!  He would not only accept us but clean us up and allow us to be part of a movement that would change the world and in doing so change eternity .

I am humbled as I realized I was in the presence of so much royalty this past week!  That's right, sons and daughters of the King!  And now as He sends us out, it is as though He is speaking  through us.  

"God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you."  II Corinthians 5:19-20 (MSG)

Let me know how you and your Celebrate Recovery groups are getting the word out and letting others know that they can have a fresh start and become friends with God too.

Your brother,

Mac