So I realized that it has been a month since I last wrote an entry. As I sit here watching the Penguins play the Lightning, I figure now is as good a time to blog as any. The title to this entry really says it all; it has been a long month. During that time I had Gary's funeral, reunions with people from my high school years at church, massive changes with UpperRoom (the ministry I have been president and worship leader of for 2-3 years at Geneva College), and time to consider what my future is going to look like. If I can reflect on the last four weeks, one word comes to mind: change. I would also like some of your thoughts. Am I crazy? Do you relate? Give me your input...
After Gary's funeral, the youth ministry just has not been the same. I can tell the huge hole that is left now that he is gone. His joy, his faith, and his serivce all played such an enormous part in our community, youth ministry, and his family and has been missed more than words can express. The ministry, and my life, is different because he is no longer with us. I can't say that I have cried much, but then again, it is hard to even believe that it has been real. But I guess this is what happens during a grieving process. Do you all agree? Have you found this process to be different for you in your life from person to person?
I also think about ending my years in college and looking at the process of moving on and into my future. Geneva has been a major part of my life, changing me and transforming me into the young man I am now. I find that I am beginning to see the impact of the people and places that I have been around for the last four years, and as I prepare to leave, I am experiencing a bit of grief. For those of you graduating, are you going through something similar? Are you finding that you will miss where ever you are, or is this a time of transition that you are handling well? I know that as I leave UpperRoom in the hands and care of the next generation, I am both encouraged and sad. Encouraged that God is going to do even greater things on campus through these men and women. Sad that I will not be there to be a part of it. But I guess this is life, and what it means to be a leader.
Either way, change is all around in my life, from the people to the places and events. I am strengthened because I know God remains the same and is my rock whom I can cling to. If you feel like your life is out of control, know that the Lord of all creation has a plan and path for you to take that will lead you to become the best man or woman you can be. I feel that even if life doesn't give us wealth and comfort, knowing that we are exactly who we were made to be is a great enough blessing. So let's allow Christ to be Lord over our lives, trusting that as things change all around us, he never will.
God bless you guys!
