"Packing"

My dear husband and I often encouraged our three teens to consider long-term outcomes when making "immediate" decisions. As they entertained "post high school" options, we coached each of them with even more fervor. We reminded them that choices at that particular stage of life would drastically affect the remainder of their adult lives, as well as the lives of future spouses and children. While the “teen years” are indeed a critical stage of decision-making, all subsequent decisions have the potential to radically influence our remaining years.


I’ll explain:

During our short engagement, Bill and I agreed that as soon as feasible, we'd get plugged in to a local church. When we married, we had custody of the three small children between us. Within a few months of marrying, we moved to a neighborhood in a top school district and with enough bedrooms that our little girls no longer had to share living space.


It took no time at all to bond with a couple of the ladies in our new neighborhood. We were all "stay at home Moms" and often spent time together while the kids were in school. We'd even gather in the evenings while the neighborhood children gathered to play "flashlight tag" or "four square" in the street. It was really a wonderful place to raise a family.


My neighbor, "Cindy" and I walked many evenings. We’d chat about anything from marriage and children to books and beanie babies. One particular evening, she mentioned an invitation to attend a weekly "women's event" at a nearby church. Cindy shared what she knew about "Tuesday mornings" – they included various speakers, crafts, teaching, encouragement in the areas of motherhood/marriage, etc. Specifically, the upcoming speaker was scheduled to demonstrate "How to pack for a trip". My sweet friend wanted to go - and she asked me to join her. True confession: my immediate thoughts did not run to the prospect of great Bible teaching, nor encouragement in my roles as a mom and wife. Instead - I was EXCITED about learning how to better pack my travelpro roller board! (Priorities - right?)


Tuesday morning, we showed up at Fellowship and were greeted by a plethora of women...and fabulous baked goods too. We worshipped, participated in table discussion, and learned Biblical principles for living. As promised, we learned packing tips. Did you know that “rolling up your clothes like a tootsie roll, allows you to fit more in the suitcase and resists wrinkling??? It was a FABULOUS 2 1/2 hours! We couldn't wait for the following week - and the next, and the next. Cindy and I continued to go together for awhile, and at some point, I started going alone.


As God pre-ordained, I quickly became attached to a table of women who were Proverbs 31 "Powerhouses". As the youngest of these 8-10 women, both chronologically and spiritually, I quickly grew to love them and desperately desired to learn from them. Having been a Christian for several years, with no real discipleship, I was still very much a baby. It's no accident that my seat was among these very wise women: Dee, Annette, Emily, Judy, Julie, Karen T and Ronna. As I sit here many years later, there's no doubt that these wonderful women had no idea of how much they blessed, encouraged and inspired me to grow in my own walk with the Lord. (Now, I consider those special ladies - along with Suzanne, Gwen, Carol and Karen L to be some of the "Elizabeths" in my life.)


Meanwhile, because I enjoyed the worship and teaching on Tuesday mornings so much - my husband agreed to give FBC a try. (We were "looking" for a home church, so why not?) The five of us went to church one Sunday morning, early in 96 - and from that day on, FBC has been our "home." After our family settled into FBC for awhile, I noticed an available part time position in the church office. The hours were a great fit, still allowing me to be home before and after the kids were at school. After a couple of nerve-wracking interviews, I was offered the position. (That whole process was faith building in itself!) The staff became "family" - and my circle of mentors and close friends expanded greatly.

Over the last sixteen years, all three of my children have come into a saving relationship with Jesus; We have all come to know Him more intimately, while experiencing true, authentic community; We've had the incredible privilege of blessing others by praying for and serving them; Many of our closest friends are from church, and most of those that aren't, have visited church with us; Our kids have been plugged in to community groups through volatile seasons of their lives, which provided another level of support, beyond parental; We have tearfully hugged our daughters as they left on numerous Mission Trips and we've tearfully hugged them upon their return; When holidays are celebrated and milestones reached, we look around and see the faces of Fellowship in our kitchen and living room - celebrating with us; When we've dealt with challenges, it's often the faces of Fellowship who are here again, praying for and encouraging us.


In 2005, I was offered the opportunity to support our incoming Senior Pastor. It wasn't something I necessarily "pursued" – but, in retrospect, it's further evidence of the Divine Hand of God, orchestrating the details of life....and blessing the obedient choices. (Sometimes, I wonder what blessings have been missed because of failure to obey.) My role is still that of supporting Dr. Loritts. Through his expository preaching and through the Godly example he and his wonderful wife have been - my family has been profoundly blessed. My love of God's Word, and my own relationship with Jesus, has grown exponentially. A few months ago, I wrestled with the thought of leaving this position at FBC, for reasons most likely influenced by the Enemy. However, God has made it PERFECTLY clear that my calling at this point in life is to remain. He’s kept me here for many years – and apparently, He’s got more in store.

It’s poetic in a sense…. My body first darkened the door of FBC because of a silly desire to more efficiently pack a suitcase – instead, I am still learning how to “pack” for the lifelong journey. While I’ve not mastered the packing (or anything), there has been recognizable progress as evidenced by a recent discussion. Someone who knew me well before now, made a comment to a mutual friend, stating that “I’ve not always been so Holy acting.” Upon hearing this, my knee-jerk response was “how could he be so unkind???” Almost immediately, the Holy Spirit helped me realize that this person from my past, while being caddy, unintentionally affirmed God’s work in my life. I then responded to our mutual friend, “he’s right – I am a completely different person now.”

Quite honestly, I’ve never been more excited about what comes next - another opportunity to marvel at His workmanship, His attention to detail, His protection and love…and even His refining. My heart’s desire, more than ever, is to share with others – to encourage and serve those who have yet to know such Amazing Love. It’s time for me to be an “Elizabeth” to young, clueless girls – kind of like me on that first Tuesday. Perhaps I’ll host a “how to pack” event.


*Note: In addition to the many FBC women named, are so many others who have loved me dearly, who have laughed and cried with me – and hugged me and stood by me. I’m forever grateful for all of you.



*Cindy, you probably didn’t realize how much that invitation, seemingly inconsequential, would impact my walk with Christ and the growth of my family. I will be forever grateful that you asked me to join you. (If we ever remember the name of the lady who invited you, I would love to encourage her to keep extending invitations.)

*As an encouragement, seeds planted may grow – even if we don’t get to see the resulting flower.