Living.Moving.Being.
Breathe. (Long pause)
I have been looking towards this specific morning for a while now. It seems a long time ago that I struck keys and added words here. I have missed the rhythm. These words have primarily been cultivated in a particular location for me each week over the last years. The
Translation Room at the Korean Church of Knoxville. On this BuyTheField morning, that location has changed. It's different. I sit in a new space for me at Signal Mountain Bible Church. On Monday morning, I began to unpack boxes in this new space for me. The very first thing that my eyes touched in the very first box that I opened was a paper sign that says, "Damon Kelly. English Ministry Pastor. Translation Room." I just sat still for a bit.
Lea and I have been declaring God's faithfulness to each other in these last days. How there's no way this has all happened apart from the strong, tender heart of Him. So this morning, for the health of my own soul, I am remembering, savoring and recounting these last days.
I'm remembering.....
a church that loved us well as they sent us to this next place to live, move and be.
sitting in a church for a Baccalaureate service that was such a formative place in the first quarter century of our lives together.
airhorns and screams at Bearden graduation as we celebrated Young T'ner closing out this part of his life.
two times of celebration at Ben and Amanda Scott's home to celebrate and grieve closing things.
reading the written words of friends who have loved us over 3 decades.
final early morning meetings with men that have shaped my heart for years.
final run and biathlon with Lea.
joy and celebration on the Farragut soccer field as the Bulldogs won their way to head to Murfreesboro for the state soccer tournament.
an intimate final weekend with our family at Story Cottage to say goodbye to the place where God planted us for the guts of our young family years.
friends who made such intentional decision to be on the sidelines of many of Trey's final Knoxville soccer games as well as traveling to Murfreesboro for 3 state tournament games.
a final small group night at story cottage filled with grateful hearts and wonder.
lots of chic fil a waffle fry boxes, lots. (hat tip to Amanda Scott)
friends who have helped us pack our house the last two times we have moved.
Connor and Ashley and that poor referee on our sideline of the Brentwood game:)
whispers of voices sharing how they noticed and are impacted by Trey's growing character.
watching God care for Trey's heart in the final days of high school and Bearden soccer.
totally savoring a 120 minute blazing hot, state championship game won in penalty kicks.
wondering about this state championship four years ago when Trey and his friends were freshmen.
walking to my car with Lea as Trey loaded onto the bus after the celebration, weeping and looking at the pillar of cloud in the sky.
three intense, challenging days of finishing the packing of Story Cottage.
a packing 29th anniversary day, time with Beauty and receiving a magnificent painting of Story Cottage painted by Amanda Scott.
praying over the new home owners at 1412 Farrington Dr. and sharing God's gifts with them.
being in the guts of how hard it is to live, move and be.
timely boxes, hands and hearts of special friends.
lost van keys and a life friend who crammed her car full and drove unexpectedly to Signal Mountain with us in our desperation.
our dear Ilsun and Inhye standing with us in grannie's apartment to pray blessing over us as the trucks were being packed.
the tender, quiet, intentional care of our SMBC family, profuse and abundant.
sleeping for the first night at Beacon Hall (more on that name at another time).
celebrating Trey's spirit and closure at the Bearden Soccer banquet with Lea and my big sister.
Lea's unfading beauty being poured out all over Beacon Hall.
old, new friends bringing lemon bars and toilet seats.
an extravagant meal from new friends.
enjoying every meal one day on the deck constructed by Andrew, Bill and friends.
our first official planting on the grounds of Beacon Hall.
first friends to visit and learn and grow together at Beacon Hall.
Trent and Meg's window washing and Saturday brunch and unhurried time together.
dutch blitz with life friends on the mountain.
Trey being invited by his older brother to watch basketball and enjoy proximity.
a first early morning walk with Lea and Lacy around the gorge.
my first staff meeting at SMBC spent studying God's Word together.
trusting God with Lea for 3 decades.
the first time to write BuyTheField on the mountain.
I'm remembering this morning. I'm quieted. I'm thankful.
Rich beyond any words I can form.
And....
There's more.