4 Years Later ...

It's been four years.  Four years ago, we made the biggest move of our lives.

On Sunday, July 27, I stood in the pulpit for the very last time as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma.  Just a couple of days later, we stood in a courtroom Newkirk, Oklahoma, and finalized the adoption of two of our children.  On Thursday, July 31, the 7 of us loaded into the biggest U-Haul they make (pulling our car) and our minivan, and drove everything we owned down to the countryside outside of Gonzales, Texas.  That Thursday night would be the first night in our new home: the RV Park we were purchasing.  (Those first few nights are a long story ... that I still don't even have the words for!)  On Friday, August 1, we signed the papers and officially became the owners of Hill Shade RV Park.

There are several aspects of this story I could talk about.  But here's what struck me this week:

As a Southern Baptist Minister for 20+ years ... I was never the most 'talented,' but I was always honest, sincere, and genuine.  I truly cared for the people I was lucky enough to work with, be around, and experience life with.

Now, 4 years later, I'm a school teacher.  Not the most talented one.  But, I'm always honest, sincere, and genuine.  I truly care for the students I have the privilege to teach, and the teachers I'm lucky enough to work with.  

My career path has changed.  But, in the ways I consider most important, I'm still the same guy I've always been.  That makes me happy.