The Future is Almost Here

The Future is Almost Here
 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” -Isaiah 43:19a

 So, Thursday evening I walked into the church for handbell and choir practice, and even though there were only three or four people there at that particular moment, I felt the hum. You feel it too, don’t you? Every time you’re at the church, or even when you run into a fellow member at Walmart or somewhere, it’s there. It’s that weird, wired quiver. Come on, you know what I’m talking about. I’m pretty sure we are old-fashioned excited.

I find it fascinating that our new pastor and family are on the way just as spring is getting serious around here. (Side note: aren’t you glad spring starts here in late February? I know I am. Thank You, God.) Anyway, spring feels this way to me every year. Those first azaleas burst into bloom, and you know that everything else is just about to happen. Dogwoods will be next, for those of us who still have them. Crepe myrtles, those odd trees with the tiny white flowers that try to be dogwoods but just aren’t the same; lilies and Gerber daisies and all kinds of wildflowers. Not to mention trees that are just now budding, little critters of all kinds who are stirring in new ways, and all the people heading to Home Depot and Lowes and all the places because it’s time to start…well…everything.

That feeling of almost but not quite yet is happening at CPC right now, too. There has been painting going on in the new addition. Rumors of it being ready really soon are swirling. There are also plans in the works for a big welcome reception and helping our new little family get started setting up housekeeping. Meanwhile, it’s almost time for Walk for Life; we’re in the middle of Lent; and Easter is peeking over the horizon. Whew. No wonder we’re all a-quiver. I love this moment as much as anyone and possibly more than many. The last thing I want to do is dampen anyone’s spirits at such a glorious time of anticipation.

But, with apologies, I want to offer a small word of warning. We are likely, at some point, to be disappointed. Things are often better than we ever imagined, but sometimes reality is also a letdown. I say this, again, not to be a wet blanket. I say it to remind us that even with all that is new, there is sometimes a temptation to want things to go back to “normal,” or “the way they used to be.” And so, my advice is not to wish for that. Every pastor that CPC has ever had has been chosen by God for the time in which he served. Joshua Fried will be no different. This time at CPC is his time, the time he is ordained and appointed to be here. He will not be John Foster. He isn’t supposed to be. He will be himself, God’s man for 2026 and beyond.

So be excited. Rejoice and be glad! Spring is coming. And it will be new and fresh and unlike any other spring in years past. Love the men who have come before. Appreciate them and treasure the good memories. But look ahead, not back. A new thing is coming.

Thanks be to God!