by Kimm Harvey
Every year I say the same thing, “How will they ever top that? It was the BEST conference--Ever!!!”
Returning from a conference like we’ve just had can be like returning to earth from orbit: You know home is where you’re meant to be, but the view and the quiet were so incredible up there, (not to mention the fellowship and the meals) that reentry can be rough. I’ve captured some of the common thoughts from the morning following conferences. I hope they encourage and edify…I hope you can identify.
Waking up: I guess I’ve grown accustomed to the pleasant voice of our hotel operator gently informing me that, “The time is now 7 a.m. It’s time to wake up.” This morning my wake up call came from my children flinging themselves at me out of delight that Mom and Dad are home. Delight…that’s funny.
Brushing my teeth: Who are we having breakfast with this morning? How about lunch? Oh, that’s right. I’m making breakfast…oh, and I’m making lunch, too. I haven’t gone shopping yet…my fridge is about as empty as my head feels this morning.
The shower: It’s beginning to hit me…the closest thing I’m going to get today to being led in worship by Bob is the Psalms CD. The clearest teaching voice I’m going to hear today is my own (and this thought begins to frighten me).
Getting dressed: It’s funny, isn’t it? How different life feels when you’re at a conference compared to what it feels like when you actually have to return to it and live it? Funny might not be the best word for it.
The walk downstairs: It seems so strange that just 24 hours earlier, I had unshakable faith for every issue in my life. Standing in Gaithersburg with my arms raised high in worship, I felt like, with God’s help, I could conquer the world. Now, I can’t seem to remember where I put my shoes and I am desperately trying to remember even the smallest application point.
The trip to the coffee pot: I left this house in great shape for the sitter. Now, I’ve got a stack of pizza boxes 3 feet high and a strange pile of wet towels in front of the fridge. Wait, what did Carolyn McCulley say, “Men aren’t the problem”? You got that right sister, a lack of coffee is the problem!
After the first sip of coffee: Wait…I remember now…we went to the conference to be equipped and encouraged for real life. Yes…that’s it…God has given the grace for this. He’ll join me in this work and do it in and through me. God has called me to this…and I have every reason to trust His faithfulness.
After first cup of coffee: Now…where are my shoes?!
