The rest of my life???

So, I imagine that many of you are wondering, "Hmm... now that you have spent all this time in CA doing ministry for the summer, what are you going to do with the rest of your life??" To which I would reply, good question.

It has been a very interesting summer with some unexpected and even tragic twists and turns along the way. As far as a calling is concerned, I feel that I am called to love people where they are at. I am passionate about living life with those around me and helping them through their struggles and rejoicing and partying with them in the good times. I know that God will continue to open and close doors vocationally as he has planned for me. If that takes a little trial and error, which it may, I have to accept that. You see, I don't feel as though God can open or close a door until I take a step or maybe even a leap in one direction. I am confident that he has a plan for me and he will use us for his good and we will be completely satisfied chasing after his will for us, but this is also a journey. I would love to say that after this summer I have everything figured out-- that God slapped me accross the face with his will for me and I know what to do for the rest of my life, but that would be a lie, and who am I to tell God what to do?

I do know that I am open and willing to go where He leads be that into a marketplace filled with hurting people or into a full time role as a pastor. No matter where I am, I know I will be involved in the church. Likely in youth, outreach, and worship...I just don't know if I'll be the one preaching the word via the pulpit.

Please continue to pray for discernment for me, but for all of us as well. Pray that God would show us needs in our own neighborhoods and communities. Pray that he would bring a neighbor to us who need the hope of the living gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that he would act through us, even though we feel so small and powerless when we start to compare ourselves. (Just a quick note on this-- as hard as it is-myself included-, don't compare yourself to others because it only belittles who God made you to be and gives you less confidence in the gifts and abilities he has given us.) Pray that we would all understand our place in the body of Christ, and come to love that role as we bless the rest of the body and touch the lives of those outside the church.

Thank you for being you. You rock, have a fantastic day.