What a blessing to be here this year.

What a privledge to be part of this General Synod!  While there wasn't much extended debate about anything, and there have been complaints that everything was decided before we got here, for me it was as Wes likes to say, "An experience of a lifetime."  After all, it has been 17 years since we have installed a General Secretary.  That doesn't happen every day.  And while I am sure all five top candidates, and especially the final two would have done an able job, I am happy that the Lord put Tom in this place and that he placed me here to be one of those to be able to be here live to share in his installation.  And it wasn't just Tom, Irving's preaching was a treat, the music was inspiring, and to be among our sisters and brothers from RCA and beyond is such a blessing.  It's at times like these that you can look around the room and realize that you know so many from so many places.  I look around and see Luis and Jhonny, Brigido and Greg, Doug and Tim, Terry and Steve, Rene and Anne, Earl and Harlan, ...and the list goes on and on.  Thank you, Lord, for your providence which brought me to this year's synod rather than last, for so many old and new friends you brought together, for Wes and Tom, Karin and Laura and their service, for the great musicians, worship leaders, and preachers, and for the blessing of being a part of your church which has deep roots that draw from the living water and bears fruit in your name and to your glory.