Dear Grace family,
Greetings from the living room! Today is the mid-point of the sabbatical and I thought I would "poke my head in the door" to let you know I'm enjoying my time, I'm staying busy, and I'm very thankful for Grace. It has been different - but good - to step away from the rigors of pastoral duties to focus on something I've wanted to work on for some time. So there is a sense of refreshment and refocus, but there is also a different-sort-of-busy in the time I spend writing.
Several joys have characterized my time in the first half. First, the family time has been delightful; second, writing has been invigorating; third, the pastoral conferences were refreshing; fourth, visiting other churches has been insightful. But I love Grace! It has been a pleasure to attend a few times and just be a member of the family. We have been blessed to interact with many of you in casual get-togethers or digital connections. It has also been a joy - looking "from the outside" - to observe the church being the church. You are beautiful! With thanksgiving, Andrea and I are lifting you up before the Father's throne daily.
We had hoped to go to Ontario to visit Ben & Megan in their ministry environment, unfortunately Canada is not open to the idea yet. We will look for opportunity at another time. Meanwhile, through Memorial Day week, we will tour of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Kentucky visiting loved ones. I look forward to attending Grace again when the Gaddalas are in town. I feel I'm making good progress with writing - one more chapter to go on the first draft. At the end of June Andrea and I will travel to Amelia Island, Florida to celebrate our 35th anniversary, wrapping up the sabbatical with family in southern Florida on July 4th weekend.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayer. I thank God upon every remembrance of you, and look forward to getting back.
Rich
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