24th January 2026
Today has been a good day, stressful in its own way but still good. Yesterday was a bit more stressful.
I was once again reminded of the changing nature of my career, from day to day, from moment to moment. While I do enjoy the immense variety that comes with being a pastor, it’s always preferred to have pleasant surprises that unpleasant ones.
The day began with a little extra sleep, but the first phone call came just after I had decided to start my day. The plan was to pack and finish preparing for my upcoming trip. And then a phone call followed by a hospital visit. Plans change and that’s ok. I’m glad I could take that call and make that visit even though we all would prefer not to receive such calls.
Packing was delayed and so was a package delivery that Lena and I were really hoping would arrive. The extra unplanned time waiting for the undelivered package did give me a chance to pick up some groceries so Lena could once again wow everyone with her baking skills. More phone calls came in, and there was definitely a part of the day when all I did was pace around waiting, but it did give me a chance to check in with a few people.
On top of everything else, there is supposed to be a very large winter storm making its way across the country. This could mean cancelled or delayed flights. Fortunately the snow isn’t supposed to arrive here in NYC until very early Sunday morning.
… 6:00am …
Today Lena and I got up early. We picked up some fresh NYC bagels for a friend. It was absolutely freezing outside! Lena frosted her cakes, finalized her main dish, threw the last few items into her suitcase, and we loaded up the car.
… 10:30am …
Although several families couldn’t make it to services because of illness and the extreme cold, we had a pleasant service with our NYC brethren. Afterwards we ate and fellowshipped, and then jumped in the car headed for NJ.
… 1:00pm …
Traffic in the city is always unpredictable. Initially the GPS said we’d be on time. Then 15 minutes late. Then on time. In the time we’ve been running the circuit between the two congregations God has always blessed the traffic so we haven’t yet been late. Today was not exceptional. We had a full house despite the cold, including a few regular guests who we soon might not consider guests since we see them often. Services went smoothly and so did the food and fellowship afterwards.
… 5:00pm …
Then the third portion of the day began. It was my next task to drop Lena off at the Newark airport in NJ. While her flight didn’t leave for a while, I had to get home in time to catch an Uber to JFK to catch my flight to London. I pulled up to her gate, gave Lena a hug and kiss, and we parted ways for the next couple of weeks. I was off to Brooklyn.
… 6:15pm …
Traffic was almost like usual, although it was moving slightly more smooth. I arrived in plenty of time to change, pace a little around the apartment, and schedule a ride … and notice that my flight had been delayed by nearly 3 hours. Thankfully I built enough time into my schedule between meeting brethren and catching flights so this delay won’t have any real impact except that I would have more time to pace around the apartment and repack a bag.
I did just that: I changed, I paced, I checked my flight info a bunch of times, I ate a snack, I chatted with friends. I also checked the updates on some situations needing prayer including the upcoming birth of another great niece to add to our family (very exciting). With the delay verified, I scheduled my Uber ride, finished my snack … and now to put on my shoes.
… 9:00pm …
I’m in the Uber. My driver is friendly. We’ve definitely talked about how cold it is here and in other places. He lived in Montreal for a few years. He’s not originally from NYC and he definitely can see a difference in how people treat one another. The polite greetings he described seeing in Montreal remind me of the Midwest.
… 10:00pm …
I just made it through the security line. I think many of the people here might also be on my delayed flight to London. Security moved quickly even though it’s late at night and I’m sure the staff have already been at this for some hours. There’s nothing left for me to do except pace through the airport, use my snack voucher from the airline (an apology for the delay not related to weather), find my headphones, and wait for my flight to board. God willing my flight, rescheduled for 1:10am, will leave on time. See you in the morning!
-Lewis VanAusdle
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