Make it to the Top

My family and I are on vacation right now in the North Mountains of Georgia. It’s wonderful! The trees are tall, the landscape breathtaking, and everything is unbelievably green!

Earlier in the week a few of us went on a run on a trail near the house we’re staying in. It started out well, downhill through a lush meadow with forest all around. It was shady, pleasant, and you could hear a stream running through the trees next to the trail. Running bliss! After about a mile and a half, things started to get a little harder. Instead of a decline, we began to climb higher and higher. As we made our way up the hill, we lost the cool cover of the trees and there didn’t seem to be any relief sight. It wasn’t long before I decided that the hill was too steep, too hot, and too long and I needed to slow down and walk. As I hiked up to the crest of the hill I saw that on the other side was a beautiful steady, downhill stretch – just the respite I needed, if I had just pushed myself to finish the summit. I gave up too soon! I couldn’t help but draw a parallel with life. How often do I give up when things get hard and uncomfortable, just to realize that if I had persevered, there would have been reward on the other side?

In Galatians 6:9-10, Paul encourages us to persevere despite the way getting tough, “So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (MSG)

There’s a good ending to my running shortfall story…we tried the trail again yesterday, and this time all of us made it to the top of the hill!

See you all next week!

Announcements

• Families can pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! Look out for pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk in the coming weekends!
• During Radiant's new Fusion service Saturday nights at 6:15pm, 1st-5th graders will be teaming up for their own combined service in Elevate, called Jelevate! This special summer service will include new, fun elements along with our great weekend curriculum! All 1st-5th graders will check-in to Elevate at 6:15pm beginning June 6th.
• During the summer months kids in HD can now take a little of HD with them when they travel. We'll be providing HD logo signs, "Mr. HD," for kids to bring with them on their trips. As they venture out and take photos we're asking them to include their HD sign in the picture then email the photo to HD. You can participate too, be sure to pick up your own Mr. HD to take with you as you travel. We'll post the photos you email on our website and in our HD ministry areas. It's Roadtrippin' with HD!
• HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form!
• HD Children’s Ministry classroom promotions will take place August 1 & 2. On that weekend, we’ll be promoting rising 1st graders to Jungle, rising 3rd graders to Elevate and rising 6th graders to The Garage.
• We're beginning new teaching series! Starting June 13/14 in Kids Boost, preschoolers will learn about what it means to worship God in “Center Stage.” And in Jungle and Elevate this weekend our elementary kids will continue their journey through the Old Testament in “Now Boarding.”
• Mark your Calendars! Our next HD FIT will take place Thursday, August 20th at 6:15 p.m. in The Garage. The theme will be “Hillbilly Showdown!” Our next HD Team Time Out will be our “Annual Pie & Cider Night “Sunday, November 15th – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Surprise Park. There will also be an HD Jr. Crew Only event Sunday, September 20th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - details TBA.