One year ago yesterday, I was walking onto the stage in Century Link Field to receive my college diploma. Four years of academic endeavors, challenges, plenty of tests, and achievement led to this exciting hallmark of life. The "rest of life" at my fingertips, I was excited for what life held next. It is amazing how quickly a year flies by, and it is an interesting feeling to think back to a time filled with so much reflection, reminiscing and thanksgiving. That being said, this past year has exceeded my expectations and leaves me once again with so much to be thankful for.
One day ago last year
Upon moving to Jackson, Wyoming, I expected to have a great year working in a church and with the people here in the community of Jackson. I also thought that there was no way I would be staying here longer than right now. Wow, was I wrong. The beautiful and picturesque scenery of Jackson is absolutely breathtaking, but it does not even compare to the friendships that I have developed this past year, the learning that I have experienced, and God's daily provision in my life. Numerous people have come into my life at exactly the right time that support me, challenge me, and teach me valuable lessons about life. As expected, these relationships have resulted in a large amount of joy and memorable times. To think that a community of people would welcome me as I have been welcomed is very humbling, and prompts me to do the same for others.
About a month ago I had an internal crisis. It was centered around the question: Have I learned anything of value this year??? A year removed from college graduation, I wanted to check myself to make sure I was still being proactive about learning in my daily life. After much thought and reflection, I came to a conclusion. While I haven't been in a classroom this year, I have learned many lessons and skills that I would not have learned anywhere else. I am so thankful for these lessons, and am confident that they will continue to serve me for the rest of this life here on earth and life into eternity.
Perhaps the largest lesson that I have learned this year is that GOD is in control, is always working whether or not we choose to acknowledge it, and works in ways that we do not always understand. While this thought might be somewhat unnerving and belittling, it provides much comfort at the same time. Knowing that we can truly "not be afraid; [do] not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" according to Joshua 1:9 allows us to be comforted at all times that God is on our side.
I am not sure where God will call me to after another year here in Jackson. While this uncertainty is not always easy to live with, I think that God calls us to live with a little uncertainty in our lives. Uncertainty gives God room to work, and provides Him with room to lead us where He has for us to go. Beyond this, all we must do is this:
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1: 6-9
Stay tuned for a post in the next couple of weeks about my summer gig leading our new "Middle School Explorers" program through my church's JOY (Jesus Oriented Youth) Summer Camp. Preview picture is above. Also, pray for us as we leave for our High School Mission Trip to New Jersey tomorrow morning to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
And the road of life keeps rolling on. Take a minute and count your blessings today. You might be surprised at how many you come up with...
No comments:
Post a Comment