Two Weeks of Whiplash

The title of this post doesn't come from physical whiplash (although it came close -- read my tentpegs blog for today to see what I mean) but from the metaphysical whiplash I get everytime I get into a marathon travel binge.

On Saturday I fly to Wichita. I'll get to speak to the church that morning as they raise their mission money for the year. That afternoon I am to speak with the elders about how Rochester Church is reaching the unreached and how we have navigated the changes in our culture and congregation. That evening I speak for all the Wichita Churches of Christ as they have their annual shared worship time. I fly back on Monday. On Thursday I speak at Rochester College on a panel with four clergypersons from other faiths. We're to do a short chapel service in the morning and then a two hour question and answer period that evening as we discuss the way women are treated in our various religious tribes. The following Sunday I preach the three morning services at Rochester and then drive to Beamsville, Ontario to speak at the Great Lakes Lectureships. I keynote that on Sunday night ("In the Name of Jesus -- and no other name") and give a class the next morning on the importance of church planting. Then... I drive back into the US, spend one day at home, and drive on to Indianapolis where I will speak to a Christian Church that Wednesday evening on the importance of knowing and living the Word of God. The next Saturday I fly out to Vero Beach, Florida to speak for three days at a congregation that helps us support the Manry family in Uganda.

So, to wrap up:
Wichita, Kansas
Rochester, Michigan
Beamsville, Ontario, Canada
Rochester, Michigan
Indianapolis, Indiana
Rochester, Michigan
Vero Beach, Florida
Shady Rest Semi-Retirement Community for the Religiously overactive and Slightly Pooped Out, Rochester, Michigan

My travel schedule for next year is severly curtailed by comparison as we keep most dates open so that if Duncan gets leave or has an important Marine Corps ceremony we can be with him. But for now.... zoom!

As I climb on the plane or point my car in various directions I often wonder, "How did this happen? How did an infamous loner who hates traveling and crowds get into this? How did Bill and Kitty's kid end up here? How much longer can this go on before somebody points at me and shouts out 'He's not qualified!' Did that last sign really say no rest area for the next 67 miles? I just drank a 7-11 Bladder Buster sized Diet Coke!"

Here's the deal: pray for me and I'll pray for you. I'll try to write some in between journeys, promise.