Open Eyes

Over the last several years of preaching, one of my very favorite things is getting to see other people's notes. I don't know how else to describe it... it's like having your own sermon preached right back to you. It just hits different. With this weekend being my last in the foreseeable future, my wife, daughter, and sister all joined in.

And you have to know, when I say they "took notes," I'm not talking about a handful of bullet points. No, these are each works of art—something worth framing and hanging up!

Sometimes they capture a phrase that hits differently once I see it written out.

Sometimes they reflect something I didn’t even realize was landing so deeply in the room.

Every time, it's such a gift.

And this weekend carried even more weight being my last as a pastor at Heart of Life. I’m still processing all the emotions that came with that moment, and these three pieces have added something of beauty into it all.

Below are all three:

Aren't they all so beautiful?!

The last one (from Steph) reminds me of the great artwork BibleProject has done. I joked that I need a poster of it… and after showing a few people, they immediately asked how they could get one, too.

So Stephanie generously offered to do a limited print run. And here’s what's even more meaningful: instead of selling them outright, she said they can simply be a thank-you gift for anyone who donates toward helping me get started with United Adoration during this transition season. So for one week only, anyone who financially contributes toward my work with UA will receive a copy of Steph's print as a thank-you. Here's a direct link.

If you'd like to hear the full sermon these notes were taken from, here's a link to the audio (or here for Apple Podcasts) as well as the video from Sunday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0eKBJLJmAo

Lots going through my head and my heart—for now, color me grateful.

Grateful for family.

Grateful for people who listen deeply.

Grateful for art that helps us remember sacred moments.

And grateful for all God is writing next.