caffeine, please.: Returned from a refreshing retreat

Gil and I just returned from the annual New Life pastors family retreat in Gull Lake, Michigan. All about recharging, reconnecting, resting and making fun memories together, this retreat serves like a "stone of remembrance" every year for our team. There were a bunch of highlights:

Bumping into two Gull Lake summer staff members (Jeff and Gabe) who are part of New Life back in Chicago--thanks Rammin' Noodles and Rock Chalk for all your servant-hearted work with us and with all our kids.
Watching my kids fearlessly take on the zip line, screamer swing, pamper pole and climbing wall repeatedly. My favorite moment was when I was sitting on top of the zip line tower, quietly quaking in my boots while waiting to zip to certain death with Olivia and Tyce on the other two zip lines next to me. As we sat there, Olivia was being dangled over the edge of the platform by the tower guide, giggling all the while. Then, on the other side of the platform, Lena pokes her head over the top of the 40' climbing wall smiles at us as only she can and says, "hey guys, how ya doin'". I guess there's not a lot of fear of heights in our clan.
Playing beach volleyball. Every year we play and the games are usually about 9 on 9 with a gallery of non-players who laugh hysterically at our antics on the court. And as usual, the "under 40" crowd lost to the "over 40" crowd in our annual friendly grudge match game.
Hearing from Pastor Mark and dialogging together as a team about the central importance of being healthy people, body, soul and spirit. The emphasis was refreshing and Gil and I had some valuable practical takeaways that we talked through on our drive back to Chicago.
Hearing the stories of our newest team members, Bobby and Jeannette Moss and Danny and Serena Lopez. People's stories are fascinating and so often they move my heart with emotion toward the goodness of God. I'm grateful for the way God sovereignly and uniquely blends new people dimensions into our leadership core at New Life.
Staying up late, having lots of laughs and engaging in unhurried and meaningful conversations with men and women who are in this for the long haul and who understand and know our life and work without having to explain anything. That's just irreplaceable.
Watching the joy and expectancy of my kids as they head into each new kid session or free time or trip to "Noah's Ark" or meal eating next to their friends or new camp activity. Every year they look forward to these three days almost as much as Christmas--maybe more.