A few years ago I was elected to the Alumni Board for my alma-mater, Central Bible College. I represent the decade of the 2000's. In other words, I represent the incomplete decade!
We gather as an alumni group at the school twice a year to dream about the future of the College and brainstorm opportunities to connect alumni and raise money. I flew into Springfield this morning for our fall meeting.
One side benefit is that I get to experience some of my roots at the same time. I spent four fantastic, formative years at CBC pursuing God's call on my life. Being back in town is a trip down memory lane.
This morning I flew into the Springfield Airport. During my senior year I got to know that airport well. I had been approved to start Church of the King the month before the school year began, and then given the challenge of raising the budget. I spent most of my weekends that year traveling in and out of Springfield to preach in churches and raise pledges. On Friday after classes I'd head to the airport, and on Monday morning before chapel I'd come back in. Meanwhile, somehow, the money came in! The Springfield airport represents the revelation that when God gives a dream, He provides for its fulfillment.
Phil Gocke, our former intern and Senior Class President, picked me up at the airport. We drove back to campus together and headed to the Dining Commons for our meeting. I've got alot of great memories from the Dining Commons. They are relationship memories. All you can eat + Cereal Bar + Waffles 3 Times a Day + Great Friends = Good Times!
Tomorrow morning I'll get to be back in chapel. According to my rough calculations, I experienced over 700 hours worth of worship, teaching and prayer in that chapel. I responded to God's voice in those services to repent of sin, surrender my future and begin dreams that are in the making right now. That chapel is one of my burning bushes. In other words, it is one of the places I go back to as a place where I met with God.
Why do we keep photo albums? Photo albums help us remember. They help us remember more than fun facts like having long hair or crazy clothes. They help us remember experiences and people that have shaped our lives. Some things are tragic to forget. Some things may even be irresponsible to forget.
I think that doubting is closely related to forgetting. In Psalm 77, Asaph moved from doubt to faith through a simple, underrated discipline called remembrance.
Forgetfullnes and Doubt (verses 7-9)
Has God forgotten his manners? Has he angrily stalked off and left us? “Just my luck,” I said. “The High God goes out of business just the moment I need him.
Remembrance and Faith (verses 10-12)
Once again I’ll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,and give a long, loving look at your acts.
Where is your memory lane? Can you get there? If not, can you let your thoughts go there?
The faith that comes by spiritual remembrance is worth the trip.
Brad - I really am enjoying your blog. So interesting and inspiring!!! Please keep up the great work. It I look forward to visiting your church the next time I am in your area.
Posted by: Dave Burton | October 21, 2005 at 05:12 AM