Journey to the Summit - Part 2

Day One: Friday, April 27th, 2018

Part One: The Morning Of

It's early-ish Friday morning. I am looking forward to heading out to the summit this afternoon. But for now... I am enjoying the quiet of the morning. I have had my time with God and now I sit here and listen to the birds. To the sound of the children and buses gathering at the school across the street. Life is happening and it's beautiful. Today is the day the Lord has made.

It's in these moments when I remember, because I sometimes fall into the trap, that it is so

important to be still. To take the time to just stop and listen. Some people say they never see or hear God. I would ask them when the last time they put the phone down and looked and listed for him? One can not find what one does not seek.

At any rate. Bags are packed!

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Part Two: The Journey Begins

Making the drive has become in some ways to me a special part of the summit all on its own. The drive is usually about an hour for me and this year was no different. The only change was the location. Making my way out to the lake was a nice drive. Quite. No rush. The best part is when you start getting closer and get into the hill country. I love when you crest a hill and you look out over the valley and see all of Texas laid out before you. It reminds you just how small we are while showing the splendor of God's creation.

And then you get to the lake.

A new location meant finding where everything is. I arrived an hour early to allow for just this. Once I got checked in and my bed made up in the bunkhouse I went for a walk.

Dinner is the official kick off. Meeting up with familiar faces and finding some new ones. Communing over a meal, breaking bread as it were with fellow Christians is a wonderful way to get to know people. And one thing about these summits is they feed you! They feed you good!

Session One was great. Dale Beaver the speaker this year has a gift for connection. Talking with other Men they agreed that he has a great way of making it personal. By that I mean his stories are MY stories. I can relate to almost everything he said in session one. This kind of conversation causes you to take sharp focus and see how you can apply the lesson. Wrapping that up with time in a small group really helps you to since the "Me Too" around you. You realize what you have always known. You are not the only one going through insert your struggle here.

Day one down it's time to hit the rack. If you do decide to come next year... spring for the hotel room. Not a lot of people get good sleep in the bunkhouse. Although I think it's something everyone should experience once. Just for the stories.