Being away from my wife and family for these 3 weeks has been a blessing and a curse.

 I’ve been able to get quite a bit of reading done and accomplished a great deal of writing - some of which I hope to post here over the next few weeks.  I’ve also enjoyed being “free” to have theological discussions with professors and friends here without having to make sure everyone is included in the same way that I do at home.

 Nonetheless, 3 weeks is a long time for me to be apart from my son and daughter, as well as my wife.  In many ways, separation has been a blessing in disguise, though painful for the moment.

 What am I talking about?

Glad you asked.  As the saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”  Though I’m ashamed to admit it, I’ve been taking many things for granted in marriage instead of seeing them as an opportunity to give thanks for things I don’t deserve.  Believe it or not, I’ve done my own laundry for the first time in 4 years here - twice!  I don’t have anyone to keep me company in the morning while I’m shaving or brushing my teeth over here.  And, most importantly, while the academic discussions are very intellectually stimulating, I really miss talking to my wife about how the Lord is stirring my affections.  You know, the “emotional” side of the Christian life.

All in all, this trip has done me so much more good than I had anticipated.  Whereas I was planning on coming over here to learn about Reformation Theology and Baptist Heritage (which I have) along with some great pastoral wisdom and council regarding the Christian ministry, I got more than I barginned for.

I’ve fallen in love with my wife all over again.

Madison Grace and I spent some time last week walking around the city and discussing the importance of statistical data in understanding the health of our convention.  We publish our findings together, with hopes that the SBC would heed our exhortations, without question or reservation.  Those who don’t implement our methods immediately will be charged with perpetuating the same problems described below.

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There is just something about being over here that makes we want to learn - an environment that isn’t so anti-intellectual, but yet in such a way that I want to do this to the glory of God.  Perhaps it is the roots of the University, whose motto is still translated from the Latin, “God, enlighten us.”

Doctoral work in England is more and more appealing, especially given that I could finish so much sooner here than back home.  3 years sure beats 5-6.

 Sorry I have not posted in awhile.  More to come soon.  It’s difficult for me to upload the thigns I’ve written, as the English usually close their stores by about 5 or 6, and I attend lectures until at least 10 most nights.  We’ll see if I can get some things up soon.