“40 Days”

*Family Reunion at the Airport (June 9, 2026)

 

“I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--

plans to take care of you, not abandon you, 

plans to give you the future you hope for.” 

(Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)

 

12

I didn't know.

 

Until I attended a Manna clergy renewal retreat, I didn't realize how much I needed it.

 

The theme was Flourish. I thought I was doing okay. I thought my ministry was going well. But as I reflected on that word, one question began to surface:

 

"Is it time to replace or renew?"

 

I was completing eleven years of ministry in Aroostook County. Overall, everything was going well. Yet it didn't feel like I was moving forward. It felt more like I was maintaining the status quo. Deep inside, I was thirsty for more. I needed renewal for a longer, more sustainable ministry. Or perhaps my time had come to move on.

 

I prayed alone. I prayed with Joyce. I prayed with our church leaders.

 

Together, we leaned toward the path of renewal rather than replacement. The three churches I was serving graciously granted me a three-month renewal leave as I was finishing my twelfth year of ministry there. I applied for a Lilly grant with the theme, Following the Steps of Methodism: From Jerusalem to England to Georgia to Korea. My proposal was not selected.

 

Plan B was to spend three months in Korea exploring the rich spiritual traditions of various monasteries and retreat centers.

 

But God had a different plan.

 

100

One phone call on a day in late February changed everything.

 

It was about a new appointment. Since then, it has been an emotional roller coaster of one hundred days. We packed. We moved. We unpacked. We cried. We laughed. We felt sadness, gratitude, excitement, uncertainty, and joy. All at the same time.

 

There were moments when it was hard to keep up with all the emotions, let alone process them. Through it all, so many people – church members from both our former and new congregations, along with dear friends – rode this roller coaster with us in love.

 

Two worship services stand out.

 

On May 31, the four churches – Hodgdon, Houlton, Mars Hill, and Stetson Memorial – gathered together one final time for a farewell celebration. Every part of the service – the hymns, the messages, the communion – felt like a panoramic picture of twelve years of ministry.

 

Then, on June 7, thanks to Pastor John, he and I shared the privilege of co-officiating communion at South Yarmouth UMC. After worship, Pastor John, Joyce, and I greeted the congregation. They welcomed us with warm smiles, but then they hugged John and wept.

 

I knew exactly how they felt.

 

In those moments, I learned again that loss and gratitude, sadness and joy, often coexist. One does not cancel out the other.

 

40

Now the time has come for Korea.

 

Scott and Jeanne, members of our new church family, kindly offered to drive us to the airport bus terminal. It was a welcome surprise, especially as we were still trying to work out the travel logistics.

 

But another surprise was waiting for us.

 

As soon as we arrived, Air Canada notified us that our flight had been canceled. Then, within thirty minutes, another message arrived with a revised itinerary: a direct Korean Air flight, meal vouchers at the airport, and seats arranged so our whole family could sit together. What a gift.

 

I just realized that the time I would spend in Korea would be about forty days. What timing. Immediately, I thought of Jesus spending forty days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. What grace. I receive this gift with a grateful heart and open hand.

 

Of course, I will enjoy visiting family and friends. But for these forty days, I also intend to pray. To run. To listen. To read. To journal. To repent. Every day.

 

I do not know exactly what God has planned for this next season. But I know this:

The God who led us through twelve years, carried us through one hundred days, and has now given us forty days, is faithful.

 

And by God's grace, I will be ready.