The journey continues

Tomorrow morning, I will catch an early flight to Asheville, North Carolina. It's not far from Montreat, one of the three national conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I've heard about this place for twenty-five years, and will see it for the first time.

For five days, I will take part in the Christian Education conference at the center. It will provide an opportunity to share some of my learnings about the psalms, and to sharpen some of my skills as a teacher of faith. I'm really looking forward to the conference!

Guy Griffith, one of my best friends in the world, will pick me up at the airport. He and his family were predestined to rent a Montreat cottage this week, and it will be a delight to catch up with all of them. Also, my musical colleague Warren Cooper will be leading music at another Montreat conference while I'm there. We laughed on the phone when we discovered that God was putting us in the same place at the same time - - so who are we to deny what God has done? (That's theological code-language for "There will be a lot of hootin' and hollerin' and lie-swapping over cigars.")

In any case, I am the kind of person who gets renewed through friendships -- and getting together with two of my dearest friends for a few days in the Carolina hills will be good for my soul. As Psalm 133 declares, "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!"

Word is that there's limited internet access at Montreat, so stay tuned for further updates when I can send them.

Peace and love to all!