("Self Portrait" in the Trossachs)
On my way over to the Philippines I scheduled a two-day layover in the UK (Scotland) where I am meeting with my doctoral supervisor, David Bebbington. David is a world-class historian who teaches at the University of Stirling (Scotland) and Baylor University (Texas). His area of expertise is the history of the Evangelical movement. After a lengthy application process that took most of 2007 (and really cut into my golf time) I was accepted into the program and allowed to work on my PhD as a part-time student. (I am scheduled to graduate in 2016 – and I’m not kidding!)
I meet with David Friday – and instead of doing some final cramming I spent Thursday enjoying some much-needed “Holy Leisure.” I rented a car for the day, drove up into the Scottish highlands, walked around Doune Castle, visited the Rob Roy monument, wound my way through the Trossachs National Park (check it out!) and hiked a mountain in the rain while listening to Fernando Ortega and Mat Redman. It was 60 and sunny when I started up the side of the mountain. 1 ½ hours later – I was at the top – and it was 40 and rainy. I loved every minute of it. Just me, God, breathtaking beauty (and Fernando). I prayed throughout the day – until the sun set on Gare Loch along the Western coast of Scotland where I ended my day walking on the beach. I prayed for my wife, “my guys,” our elders, our staff (especially pastor John), my congregation, and all the worries and cares of my soul. (Yes, ministers have burdens too.) It was good to be with God – I don’t remember the last time we spent all day together.
I meet with David Friday – and instead of doing some final cramming I spent Thursday enjoying some much-needed “Holy Leisure.” I rented a car for the day, drove up into the Scottish highlands, walked around Doune Castle, visited the Rob Roy monument, wound my way through the Trossachs National Park (check it out!) and hiked a mountain in the rain while listening to Fernando Ortega and Mat Redman. It was 60 and sunny when I started up the side of the mountain. 1 ½ hours later – I was at the top – and it was 40 and rainy. I loved every minute of it. Just me, God, breathtaking beauty (and Fernando). I prayed throughout the day – until the sun set on Gare Loch along the Western coast of Scotland where I ended my day walking on the beach. I prayed for my wife, “my guys,” our elders, our staff (especially pastor John), my congregation, and all the worries and cares of my soul. (Yes, ministers have burdens too.) It was good to be with God – I don’t remember the last time we spent all day together.
My wife and I had dinner at John and Cindy Tilford’s home last Saturday (John is an unbelievable chef by the way) along with another family from our congregation. Just as we were leaving, John looked at me and said (I’m paraphrasing): “While you were in Africa, God changed you. I’m looking forward to seeing how God will change you on this trip.” JT – thanks for the challenging reminder – I can tell you after spending a full day with Him that He’s already working.
1 comment:
Congratulation on the doctoral program. Glad to hear I am not the only student on an extended program.
We are praying for you and your family while you are gone.
Jeff Miller
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