I feel like Charles Dickens:  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

This morning I had a meeting with one of my favorite partners–Toni Branyon.  We’ve worked together for years and it’s been a real joy to see her grow in ministry.  She is now at Corporate HQ for Chic-fil-a–my favorite of all American corporations.  That is a Godly bunch over there that is not only talking the talk, but also walking the walk.  Today was Mr. Cathey’s 86 birthday!

Toni is leading a new part of the organization called Communities in Transformation.  I’m part of her board of directors.  The rest of the crew are real heavy hitters: work with the Governor, top CEO kind of guys.  At least I wore my black, shiny shoes and not flip flops!

They start talking about needing 4 hour meetings and I’m like “are you nuts?” As long as we get something done, I don’t mind the time.  But talking about getting something done and actually doing something is two different things–at least in my book.

I do think it’s important to give them perspective from the field.  I guess that’s what I provide.

Bottom line, I think that this Communities in Transformation could be a really big deal nation wide and can help millions of people if put together properly.  For me that’s worth the investment in time.

I left there and went to Lithonia where I met two of my new favorite partners from FBC Conyers.  I had one assignment when I was at that missions conference and that was to talk to one Sunday School class.  I had a great time with them and issued a challenge to get to work. They seemed up for it, so I immediately put a plan into action.

We went over to to Pinewood apartments in Lithonia to set up a Easter Hunt outreach.  I think the planning went great and that there will be a positive participation both from the FBC Conyers group as well as the apartment dwellers.

I left there feeling mighty fine.

Then back to Forest Park where I spoke to the youth group at First Baptist Church.  We had a great time together.  I did my “Take the Church to the People” presentation.  It went over well and the kids seemed excited about getting involved.

Again, fine feelings.

Then I get the messages left on my phone.  One is from Mark Lassiter who works at SpringChase and is my daughter Ashley’s partner.  He tells me that he’s been given a notice by the manager that we have 30 days to leave the premises.

I couldn’t believe it.  This was the same manager that BEGGED me to come work over there.  I dreaded coming home to see my sweet Ashley all sad.  She’d been crying, but fortunately I got home around 9pm and she had pretty much worked through her grief.

I put flashers on and ran 4 miles in the cool darkness.  I feel better.  But writing this blog has worked me up again.  Welcome to my world.  It’s the best of times, and the worst of times.

I really do live in Two Cities.

Peace.