Goodness Weekly 9.29.25
“The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.”
—Thomas Merton
WHAT’S GOOD
After the devastating July 4th floods in Kerr County, Arcadia Recovery Collaboration (ARC)—an initiative of The Impact Guild—was launched to help families not only rebuild houses, but truly return home. Through community partnerships, volunteer teams, and generous donations, ARC is working to transform empty spaces into warm, fully furnished homes where healing can begin. You can be part of this hope-filled work: join an Install Day, use your professional skills, donate furnishings, or give financially to support families on their journey home. Learn more and sign up at The Impact Guild.
Saying “Yes”
Hunter Bates, Worship Leader & Administrator, Sunset Ridge Church
Have you ever had a moment when one small yes changed everything?
Five years ago, Taylor shared her desire to return to Sunset Ridge — the church she grew up in — and for us to join a team discerning its future. In our relationship, this kind of decision required both of us to be all in. She was really asking if I would commit too.
I’ll be honest, my expectations weren’t high. We had left behind a gem of a church in Austin that had been foundational for our spiritual life, and every church we visited in San Antonio seemed to fall short. Eventually we gave up searching and settled for online services. For an introvert like me — one who often preferred private faith over community life — that wasn’t the worst fate. But over time, my faith began to stagnate. And while Sunset Ridge held deep roots for Taylor, I had none.
And yet, when she asked, something in me shifted. To my surprise, I felt a quiet resolve — a clarity I can’t fully explain — and I said yes.
Now, I should probably pause here, because I know how it sounds: the husband gave his blessing. In truth, I wasn’t the decision-maker. If anything, I was the reluctant tag-along. But somehow, despite myself, I felt a nudge I couldn’t ignore.
That yes has changed so much for me. It’s rooted me in a community where I’ve found real belonging. It’s nudged me into new roles — like leading our community in worship and writing songs that reflect our shared life together. None of that was part of my plan. But saying yes opened doors I couldn’t have imagined at the time.
What I’ve learned is that our yeses don’t have to come with certainty or a five-step plan. Sometimes the most life-giving ones arrive with mystery attached — an unexpected clarity, a courage that doesn’t feel like it belongs to us. And still, they shape everything.
So I wonder: is there a place in your life where you may be settling for too little? What goodness might be waiting on the other side of your yes?
Coming Up…
Daily, NYX Yoga & Fitness
Daily, One Another Coffee
Wednesdays, 11 AM - 1:30 PM, Open Studio Painting, The Art Room
Wednesdays, Mission Compost Pick Up
Thursdays-Sundays, Scott’s Pizza, Charis Park
1st Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM, All Are Welcome @ Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM, Sunset Ridge Church
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: Open to life
Exhale: I will say yes
