March Update
What I’m learning
This month I turned 30. I really don’t like my birthday.
I don’t like when people ask me, “What do you want?” over and over, especially when it comes to food choices. Three hundred and sixty-four days a year, I have Sadie for that. We go to a restaurant for dinner, she decides from the menu the two most appealing items, and we split them both (unless she doesn’t like one of them, then I eat that one). I love it. It works.
I also don’t like being the target of people’s directed attention or praise. I can handle it when it’s about a worship service I just led, or sermon I just preached. In those cases, I can shrug off the attention with a, “Praise God!” which I think is true and appropriate—it just so happens to also be a good way to redirect.
This stuff happens every year for my birthday. But in turning thirty, it was—let’s just say—extra. Sadie organized a dinner with some of my closest friends, one of which was a surprise—waking up to my friend Caleb from CO in my kitchen making coffee for me. We had another celebration with family, and our Pastor Ryan told the whole congregation on Sunday to come up to me and tell me how much they loved me while placing their hand gently on my face. A couple of people even tried it!
The most overwhelming bit of this birthday came, however, when no one was around, no one was looking, no one was “partying.” Sadie got 31 people to write and send letters, all people who are close to me or who I look up to and respect as mentors. Letter after letter, I was overwhelmed with words. Words that named who I have been to people. Words that named the qualities people see in me. Words that revealed that, despite my anxieties and some of the voices in my head, there really are people in this world who see me—the real me—know me, and love me.
On my thirtieth birthday I experienced gospel. Many thanks to those who decided to go out of their way to celebrate me. Especially to Sadie, I love you.
Prayer Request
We are still praying this month for sabbatical details to unfold. I am exploring the possibility of studying at Oxford, but nothing is set. I have registered for an online summer class at Gordon Conwell as a back up. We have desires and longings, but ultimately want a sabbatical—with all the whens, wheres, and whats—that honors what God may want for us.
In addition, most likely the baby will come before I can write another monthly update. Please pray for a healthy delivery. Specifically, we are praying that God will allow for a VBAC for Sadie.
Financial Update
I am currently fully funded for seminary and the Partnership Program! There is always room for additional Direct Monthly Donors to help with seminary fees and expenses not covered by the Partnership Program Scholarship. Learn more at davidtanner.co/give
In addition, if you would like to contribute to my upcoming sabbatical, you can make a one-time donation here. Note: those funds run through and are managed by Refuge Church.
Book Club Round 2!
Book Club Round 2 is underway! We are reading Working the Angles by Eugene Peterson and have added one new member to the club. We are running from February 12 through April 2, with a gathering on Sunday, April 2nd from 3-4:30pm. At this point it’s probably too late to join, but you can still click below to check out the book we’re reading!
