Great Things: Moments and Memories

Moments and Memories.

This year was the one with the wow moments, the I can't believe this is happening moments and there was the moments that I wished weren't happening. All through it all God was more then faithful.

1. New Job. Just a few days into the year and on the very first day of my last semester at college, my heart nearly stopped beating in the president's office. Did I have plans for after grad he asked and I told him nothing had been set. I was asked to stay and work for the school and also minister there. I was astounded and knew the only reason I had been asked was because of God's grace. Really I was the most unlikely person in the world to do what I'm doing now. Several months later I found myself continuing my education, by finding out what ministry was really like. Some things I wish I didn't have to learn, but those are the things God is using the most.

2. That day. The one where into my nervous sweaty palms was placed a certificate of completion of school. We stood in a straight line across the stage, and we sang "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow". I could hardly sing at all. I was in awe of the glorious grace that had graduated us all from school. When I look back on that day though it sometimes makes me want to cry. Oh it was a wonderful day, but it was the day where the precious season of me being student came to a close. I did not fathom then how much life would change and how I would sometimes long for the old days back.

3. Opened Eyes. The boarder guard handing us back our passports and we were officially in Canada land. Two weeks later we crossed back into the USA. I was exhausted physically and mentally, but encouraged spiritually. The eyes of the children we interacted with are seared into my memory. My eyes were opened to a mission field I knew little of before. I had new compassion for the missionaries there and understanding of the stamina it takes to work there.

4. Family. From around the world my big happy and ice cream loving family gathered for a few days. Cousins played together and the aunts and uncles shared stories and even though many of us hardly see each other we fellowshiped over the common bond of simply being family. Looking at our family I am so humble of what I can call me heritage. It seems rare to say you come from a family who has always sought after the Truth. A family who when together who will always get along with the help of lots of ice cream and cookie.

Those are just a few of the memories. Some of the moments happened deep in my heart where no one could see, but God alone as He taught me His faithfulness. Each day God gave this year has been a beautiful one...some of them have no been pretty at first sight, but more of pain. Looking back though I can now see "the pretty and the pain".

Written for Great Things 2012