One of the things I enjoy the most about leading a new church is the very special joy that comes from sharing good times together with other church leaders. Last evening was one of those most enjoyable times. Steve and Cindy Thoman invited us all down to their summer place in Pleasant Valley. It is well named because it was both pleasant and, as evidenced by the terrible cell phone reception, in a valley.
Of course last night was not the night for cell phones anyway. We consumed an enormous meal complete with the sausages that the Thomans know I love so much. Afterward, Cindy brought out cake and ice cream and once again we consumed it all without a second thought.
We quite literally sat and talked in a circle for over three hours with no agenda and no business. It was strictly social, entirely fun. As the sun was setting someone suggested we "walk the circle" to work off some of those excess calories. Naively I thought walking the circle meant the road loop around the local block. Little did I know that our excursion would take us halfway to Montana. Well... that might be a slight exaggeration, but we did participate in a long walk seeing the sights, which included the lake, the woods, and the Orion Nebula.
The walk (hike?) did me a world of good as I slept well into this morning. As I type this I think of just how fortunate I am to have formed such close friendships with our board of directors. These wonderful people and their spouses stand by me through thick and thin. I love them, appreciate them, and long for their continued company. Thanks for a great evening.
