Preparing for Conferences & Conventions

Over the next month I will be attending a Healthy Reproducing Churches Conference and the National Pastors Convention. These are both great opportunities and I am grateful to be able to attend (especially so since my wife can accompany me to both, as well as another couple to the HRC conference).

But... I'm a little nervous anxious about both. I used to love attending events like this - you get to go listen to some great speakers, interact with some like-minded people, meet old friends and make new ones. But it seemed to create a false sort of high - not unlike a chemical experience. I would come home all hopped up on passion only to soon and very-sooner come down into the ordinariness of reality. And roller coasters have never been my thing, you know. Like... was the high worth the coming low?

So, after slowing down on my conference/convention excursions, I am now faced with a double-whammy. But I changed my approach to the last couple I've attended. Instead of trying to soak in everything - with extensive notes and enthusiasm - I've tried to take them more in stride. Writing down less and less; simply hanging out more and more; and trying to appreciate the time more than "use" it as a means to something else.

The HRC conference was nice last year. Very low key. And I hope it is very relaxed again this year. I am looking forward to driving to Champaign, IL with our friends and trying to just enjoy the friendships and the experience as a whole.

The NPC will be a little different - since Jane and I will be flying to San Diego. That will be my longest flight, as well as my first time in California. I'm really excited about going to California, because I've always had a strange attraction to the place; sometimes felt that might be my ending-up point (someone suggested once I go there and pastor a church for burned out hippies); plus it's the middle of the winter and I'm hoping there is sunshine there. But... you know, there will be a TON of pastors and their spouses there also; I won't have a car; and it will be strange territory. So... a mixed bag.

I think if I can face both with a more positive attitude it should go okay. They are great opportunities - not so much for what I can "get" from them - but simply as they are. I will go; I will try to have fun; I will hope to learn "something"; but even if I don't learn anything... the experience will be worth the ride.

Peace, friends. Happy day.