Phil rocking his guitar and a sparkly vest. I love this guy so much.
I was sitting in an office at Belmont church. I had been working there for six months and I stared at the computer screen with total amazement and confusion. It was an eye-opening experience to work inside the machine of a church. I remember getting the job, wide-eyed and bushy tailed, ready to go. I was ready to take on the world! Then I realized in six short months how difficult it is to work inside of an organization such as a church. All that said, this is not a post about my dissatisfaction with the local church. I'm a big fan of the local church. I see a lot of great things that happen because of it. But I also realize that in the midst of any organization there can be struggles. There was a knock at my door and my friend Phil Bennett walked in. You took one look at my face and said, "Are you OK?" I looked at him and said, "How long has it been this messed up?" He looked at me and he said, Wow, it only took you six months to figure that out!" Phil had been working for the church for many years. He had come to see and understand how difficult it was for a large group of people to make a decision on any number of things. He, like me, had been dissatisfied with some of those things. Not because he didn't like the church but because he LOVED the church and wanted to see her grow and blossom and do great things in that city. Today I give my crazy love you too Phil Bennett. Phil was an absolute friend and mentor for me while I worked there.
Phil gave me this bag about a year ago. He'd had it for decades. I get a compliment in it every single day I take it out of the house. I love it, it always allows me to tell about the friend who gave it to me.
Today he remains a great friend.
Our relationship has changed and we are now venturing out into another kind of adventure together. One that I can't wait to share with everyone I know. It's still early to tell but it looks to be a lot of fun. I know it will be because he will be involved.
Phil remains a pastor at Belmont and the work he does there to serve the people of that congregation astounds me. He is always at the ready to help anyone in need.
Today I give #thisiscrazylove2016 to a man who gives crazy love to countless people on a daily basis. I have learned so much from this friend and know that in the years to come I will learn so much more.