Off to the SD Synod Assembly

I love road trips. There's something freeing about packing up a car and driving. Our modern journeys typically have less uncertainty than journeys or treks of the past; the excitement, freedom and adventure can certainly still be present though.

Today, along with another member of First Lutheran, I made the trek from Brookings to Rapid City. During our 390 mile drive we conversed about politics, the church, family and music. We listened to a few NPR podcasts, the Stuff You Should Know podcast, the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast and a little O.A.R. (the live album Rain or Shine).

However the time in the car during a road trip is spent, the relationship that results is what makes the journey worthwhile. Near strangers lay the groundwork for a new relationship, acquaintances form the bonds of friendship and friends make memories that can become epic stories indicative more of the strength and affection of the relationship than the actual events.

My fellow First Lutheran delegate was my English teacher when I was a junior in high school. By making the journey across the state our relationship changed from student and teacher to one of peers (at least in the sense that we're both voting delegates for our church at the Assembly - She's certainly much wiser than I; there is a lot she could still teach me about life).

Tomorrow at the Synod Assembly a bunch of Lutherans will gather at the destination of their road trips. I'm not certain what the plenary sessions will bring; many people want to address the Sexuality Statement that was passed at the 2009 Church Wide Assembly. What is certain is that the conclusion of the Assembly will be the beginning of another road trip.