Monday Musings by Pastor Ron - June 22, 2026

I was able to spend Father's Day with my family. My daughters and their families came for the day. I spent the day swimming and playing with my grandchildren. I was also able to observe my daughters and their interactions with their children. Two moments struck home with me. They were both instructional and maybe a little punitive. But they were valuable. The first came as one of my grandchildren was doing something that they probably should not have been doing, and their mother was trying to instruct them in the proper thing to do. As their mom spoke to them, they started to talk back a little and tried to turn away. I heard their mom say "Listen!" "Don't talk, listen".

That is instruction we need to hear as we begin our visioning initiative next week. Listen. We must be cognizant of the words that will be spoken by everyone as we voice our opinions and our thoughts of where we are called to go and who we are called to be. We must be willing to let everyone voice their thoughts before we begin to speak of our own. We will be stronger, our results will be clearer, if we hear everyone speak, discuss without judgement and then listen to the Holy Spirit guide us in the direction God intends for us to go.

Let's harken to the words of my daughter this week and throughout our journey. "Listen".

The second moment again involved a grandchild and their mother. I didn't see what happened but one of my grandchildren began to react to something that had occurred. The reaction was one of a little temper. When my daughter asked what had happened my grandson just became more agitated and didn't answer. My daughter looked at him and calmly said "Use your words".

We often react to what others say, or do, with immediate actions instead of talking them through. This is a very common occurrence during the types of exercises we are going to experience in the coming months. As we go through our visioning exercises there will be points where we may not agree. There will be points when the Visioning Team will make suggestions that just don't align with what we believe or think individually. When those times occur, I encourage us all to use our words. To discuss our position. To debate the facts. But not act out by walking away or clamming up or by talking outside the room. We will have a successful experience if we all remain in the room and use our words.

I am excited about what God is doing at Houston Trinity. I believe He has even greater plans for us in the future. I am looking forward to walking with you through this visioning exercise as we discern what those plans are. My challenge to us all as we begin this important exercise is twofold: "Listen" and "Use Your Words". When we do, the Holy Spirit is going to lead us on a wonderful journey that will bring lasting impact upon the lives of everyone we touch.

God bless you. See you Sunday