I am conference tired.

I have spent the last two days at my alma mater for their annual Preaching and Teaching Convention. It is two days of worship, preaching, workshops, and networking. I have been talking to people about ministry while learning about all things Biblical. It has been a wonderfully full 48 hours, and I am the type of tired that one can only be after a good conference.

Every time I go to one of these, I am reminded of how much bigger the Church community is than I remember. I tend to live with a focus on the Christians that I lead and serve. Then I went to something like this and spent time with a much broader range of people.

Over the last couple of days, I have spoken to old friends from college, colleagues in ministry, professors with former professors, current students, and total strangers who only have Jesus in common. Every time I turned around, someone new wanted to talk to me about the things I care about the most.

As an introvert, I find it exhausting, but this morning, I also find it exhilarating. It makes me long for heaven and endless years to not only worship our Lord but also spend time with other people who also value worshipping the Lord.