As my birthday comes to a close, I’m a pretty content man. The day was filled with lots of reminders of the good things in my life, and the year has been one of some great/difficult/wonderful moments.
Over the past 9 months I’ve moved back into youth ministry. The change has been filled with lots of opportunities for me to grow, to learn some valuable leadership lessons, and to put into practice some of the things I’ve gleaned over the past 24 years in ministry. The transition has been more difficult than I imagined. Slower, filled with more conflict and leadership snags…but at the same time it’s been a year of getting back to what I believe I’m called to do, re-kindling a fire and passion for ministry, building a team, finding people who want to do life together, rediscovering what our call truly looks like in this town at this time. One of my new/good friends took me out for lunch today and reminded me that we’re in this for the long haul, and that we’re headed in the right direction. Our youth team/lifegroup time tonight affirmed that. Difficult but good.
And my family loved on me today. It was a normal chaotic day that included a 2+ hour trip to the eye doctor with Sadie and Annabelle. I got my eyes checked for the first time in about 10 years (no glasses yet!) while the girls got contacts. Naturally, Sadie lost one of the contacts way up inside her eyeball tonight! We had to double-team her to squiggle it out. But along the way today there were lots of good 1 on 1 conversations, plenty of hugs, and lots of love. I’m not ready to reveal what they’re giving me for my birthday just yet!
I am a man most blessed. And grateful. And changed.
0 Comments