So, today is the Saturday before the Super Bowl.  This will be the first Super Bowl since 1997 in which I am not the Youth Pastor at a church and therefore not watching the game with a youth group (not counting last year’s snow cancellation of our party).  It will be another surreal reminder that I have transitioned in my work life.  I have a feeling that this year will be full of these little reminders.  I still slip up from time to time and use the word “we” when I’m talking about the youth ministry.  And I have to sometimes make a conscious effort to not do something and let things go and trust that the youth ministry group leaders will do what needs to be done. It’s hard at times, but I still feel like my new position is where God is calling me to be right now.  Things have been busy so far this year – the new website design and launch took a lot of time (more than I thought it would).  I’m pleased with the results, and the church seems to be pleased, too.  I’m still getting used to the other duties of my new job and I’m feeling my way through to a new routine.  I’m looking forward to the time when Jim and I can sit down and formulate some new strategies regarding pastoral care and outreach and spiritual development.  I’m receiving some good ideas and feedback from some in the congregation who have a heart for the spiritual development area – that excites me!  So, as I watch the game tomorrow and root for the Packers to win, I’ll feel a little sad that I’m not with a bunch of rowdy teenagers, but I’ll also feel hopeful about the future path that God is laying before me.