In my summer sabbatical’s search for joy, I decided to get personalized license plates. It was part of reaffirming my calling and vision in Ezekiel 47. The river burst beyond the walls has been a favorite and core passage since I started in ministry. Of course the worst drivers always seem to have a Jesus fish, so I did debate adding scripture… does my driving earn a missional thumbs ups or other hand signs?!

After paperwork and a small fee, I was left waiting weeks. Then the plates arrived, and I excitedly put them on. I made it home only to have Darcy came storming in, “I can’t believe you named your car after Ezekiel! He has always been your favorite!”

The following Sunday I preached on Romans 16 and Deacon Phoebe. It is part of a series on leadership — our calling is grace (not gender or education or talent). Of course Phoebe loved the message, but Darcy was again ranting, “next week’s sermon had better be on Pride and Prejudice!”

I love all my kids and honestly did not see this coming. Ezekiel got his name from this passage — not the other way around. But this logic reveals, after 20 years of parenting, I am still completely unprepared! Still I have learned a few things: pray! and buy ice cream — definitely for Darcy. Whether she is the favorite or not, she seems the most likely to off me in my sleep! 😳