Journey

So I was thinking about the difference between teens and adults the other day and I came to a revelation about them that I believe has to do with the experience of their lives. I think we have to meet adults on their journey of life but I think teens need to be challenged to begin theirs. Life is not cyclical, it moves from one point to another. When I was in High School I could not wait to "grow up" so my life could start. It did not cross my mind that I was already fully engaged in life at the start of my journey. I believe that realization would have allowed me to make wiser decisions regarding experiences that I chose to have before I was ready. By so badly wanting my journey to begin I lost sight of where I was already at. And that was sin because I stole that time from God and was not bringing Him the glory He deserved while I was in High School. The journey that we are on is one of redemption and relationship, redeeming a sinful nature to the holiness of Jesus and nurturing an intimate loving relationship with a Father in heaven who loves us unconditionally. You are on this journey right now, no matter your age

The Puddle

So last week on Tuesday morning I woke up in a puddle. It was supposed to be sunny and blue skies on Tuesday and I was expecting to make my way up to a nearby peak and view the Cascades in all their splendor. We had hiked in the night before and the weather seemed to be turning in our favor but the night time was not a nice time. I woke up early and very wet in a four man tent that we had managed to fit four men into. I am sure that tent companies find the smallest men in the world when they designate how many people should fit in their product. I wonder how Paul handled the issue? Anyway, I climbed out of the tent and there was not a dry spot for miles. Sitting there wet, miserable and cold I could not help but reflect on the craziness of ministry. Serving God will place you in situations that seem unbelievable.
As the boys emerged from their tent they were still laughing and being boys despite the weather. I thought the trip was in danger of being a complete disaster and the boys not getting anything out of it. But I realized as I watched them that the Holy Spirit is so much more in control than I am. I was concerned about the weather and the uncomfortableness of the situation, but I know that He was concerned with the hearts of those boys and they were kept joyful and content during this time. I found peace in the wisdom that once we are in God's will what needs to happen will happen. God continues to be good, have faith in that.