I am 23 years old, and a year out of college. To be honest it is a hard place to be. (I hate to admit that something has been hard on me.) I'm at a transition stage in my life even though I am surrounded by most of the same people and have the same day-to-day occurences. I think as a 23 year old I have subconciously put pressure on myself to do something great right now. I want to feel accomplished in what I do. I want my career to take off. I want to have success in whatever I do. I think I am learning my family and American influences and tendencies. Things like the greater the title of what I do, the more accomplished I feel about what I do. I want to be the best at whatever I do.
All of these things are tendencies and influences which are clearly apart of my logic, thinking, and decisions. I am not proud of these lines of thought. I am proud to have a God who continually transforms my body, mind and spirit. I pray that God will continue to give me the mind of Christ as it pertains to my future, my current work, and the fruit I bear.
A friend of mine, Scott Latham, asked God during is quiet time, "What are we to be?"
God's response,"Scott you are to be a tree: a shelter for those passing through who need shade and rest, a place for them to climb up and see a vision of who they are to become. But Scott, you are to be immovable none the less."
As Scott was sharing this with me, I realized how once again God was longing to redefine what my ministry looked like. I am gladly becoming the director of mission/campus life at the Wesley Foundation. It is a role which has more definition than I have had as an intern this past year. However, the vision Scott recieved helped me have more vision and definition about who I am to be as a minister than any title of pastor could ever have.
Freshman in college, 8th graders at Irons Junior high, 45 year old pastors, school teacher's, how is God longing to redefine what your ministry looks like in your world?
Are the words you speak life giving? Are they a catalyst towards people relizing God's purpose, vision, and plans for their life?
Are you an immovable tree? Do you have deep roots and a firm foundation of who God has called you to be?
Does the prescense of the Lord in your life offer peace to others?
I love unpacking this picture, love to hear how God speaks to you through this!
