Perspective

The past couple of weeks have in some ways had their challenges but bright spots as well. I was reflecting yesterday at lunch with my friend Mike Chibbaro, a solid brother whom I love and just never get to spend enough time with, on some of the highlights related to opportunities I have had.

During this period, I had the blessing of Laura Story's cd release party and mini-concert at Christian Supply in Spartanburg (www.myspace.com/laurastory). It was such a blessing to me and my family to be there amoung friends and hear a precious sister lead us in Praise to the Lord and see Martin, her husband and cheerleader who is continuing to recover from a brain tumor, there as well.

I had a lunch meeting Tuesday sponsored by my friends William and Lisa Renfrow where Jim Dismore, a former Walmart exec. who has for many years consulted businesses who would like to know how to do business according to God's plan.

I had a conversation with my friend Richard Smith, a Spartanburg pastor at Hope Point Community Church (http://www.hopepoint.org/). As always I so enjoy being able to chat with Richard even though we really only see each other a few times per year.

At a recent wedding shower for Deb Mathis and Jason Read (Deb is one of my favorite people and Jason is a fine dude and very fortunate), I had the opportunity to talk with Caz McCaslin (http://www.upward.org/), Rick Mathis, one of my heros and dad of another hero David Mathis, main man to John Piper. Dave Edwards, the Toyota man not the comedian, was also there and such a blessing as always. (Deb, hope that was better!)

I also had communications with my friend Alexia Newman, a sister in Christ (http://www.carolinapregnancy.org/) regarding her upcoming banquet with Ken Davis (April 15th). As always it will be "The Event" of the year in Spartanburg. Always a blessing, the event and especially Alexia. She's also one of mine and my family's heroes.

Pat and I also had an incredible tour of Milliken & Co. Research in Spartanburg where so many friends work. Our friend Jeff Lane blew us away with all that we saw. Quite impressive and we saw Tom Hamilton while touring.

Crossfire on Wednesday nights in the Hangar (http://www.lifewaylink.com/templates/cusfbspartanburg/details.asp?id=21501&PID=119293) have been incredible worship services lead by Seth Buckley and the Hangar band in with help from the Media team. Wow! These guys do an awesome job!

As I said, I have just had an unusually blessed few weeks. Then I read a note from a friend who is away right now...way from friends and family being stretched in ways that are frightening to most of us. The note puts into perspective the "softness" of my life which leads to complacency. Bless you my friend for faithfuless, like Paul, and needed perspective. May your Easter be blessed.