Sitting here in the Atlanta airport, I just told Glenn that I’m excited to be doing PTP with him. I believe it is our 25th year to do this together. If I’m right about that, it means the women’s program at Polishing the Pulpit is 25 years old, as well. Attending the first year of the women’s program, there were 12 of us and Hannah, at 14, was the sole worker in the “children’s program”. But it encouraged me, phenomenally. I am encouraged that much, times about 300, this year, since that’s the amazing growth the women’s program has experienced. I don’t know exactly how many of the 7000 or so people who will attend this year are women, but it’s a bunch of them. Digging Deep has been a big part of the program, for me, now for 16 years. I can’t even, in reflection, wrap my mind around how much PTP, through Digging Deep, has changed the landscape of my life. Life without the dig would not be the same. I’d have a lot more leisure time (or, more likely, I’d fill it with something else…likely something not as useful.)…I’d have real relationships with fewer sisters. I might not throw my back out every August (ha.) And, although, I’d probably be doing something I love, I would not know as much of the Word (though what I know is still a relatively piddling knowledge. “But then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13: 12). I am sure Digging Deep will help me get there.
I think my marriage is better because of PTP. I think my children are stronger because of PTP. I think my grandchildren are more excited about being Christians one day because of PTP. I think I’m more connected to my extended family because of PTP. (It’s a physical family reunion within a spiritual one.) I think I meditate/strategize about souls more because of PTP. I believe I love God more deeply because of PTP. I know I have more laugh lines because of PTP.
If you haven’t yet been able to go and it is possible for you, make it happen. You can read about the upcoming events here: https://polishingthepulpit.com/
And, if I can help you, let me know. Once you experience it, the importance of that week in your year will be obvious to you. Its positive ramifications are immediate and eternal, all at once. I hope I see you in some future PTP session.
