Things to Think About

I took this picture today while I was at the zoo. It sums up how my life has been since being here. I call it God's Light. (should it shock you, the reference to light???) Maybe it should be called new beginnings - with the light through the clouds. I don't know. But read on to understand.

It was a year ago this weekend that I graduated from seminary. This past week, I have been able to reflect and really think about what life has been for me in the past year. The first thing I have to say is, I am happy. I am so happy. It has been such a long time. There are so many good things happening to me. Man o man has God been there in the process. I can't even begin to tell you all that God has done for me. I don't even know how to explain it. I am left speechless.

I am in such a good place. Many of you know what "church" was like for me back in Richmond. Pretty ugly in some places. I use the word in quotes because I don't think I was really in a church. It wasn't church to me. I am in a different world here. Now I know what church is all about. FBC Newton has been a real church to me. They take care of me. They take care of me and allow me to take care of them. Before, I wasn't sure what church was supposed to be. I was just going to work. Now, it's different. I am coming to a place of worship that I get to be a part of and minister to. I know a lot of that has to do with who I work with.

I work with a Senior Minister who allows me to be the person that God wants me to be. Charley is great. We work so well together. He has this gift of knowing who God wants me to be, even before I do. The great part is he makes me want to be a better minister...and a better person. My dear friend Steve approves of him. So you know he must be ok. ;-)

My health is improving too. I am walking almost every day and I am taking care of my life. I have lost almost 60 pounds and it has been such a wonderful feeling and a wonderful release. I am learning so much about myself and about how God has been molding me. No matter how many times I fell off the potters wheel - God got me back up and started again. This time I think, something is beginning to form.

Now, I say all of this with two disclaimers in mind: 1. For my support group back in Richmond, Midlothian and Kilmarnock, I miss you terribly. I sure could use you. But know that I am doing ok. 2. My post sounds like my world is perfect. It is not. There are definite challenges and issues that I am facing but God is with me, along with other people. I am dealing with those challenges in ways I have not before and it's good.

I said that Charley knows who I am capable of being. Here is the big difference.... I am starting to see that too. I am starting to realize and feel the person that God wants me to be too. And that has made all the difference. Thank you Charley.

God picks me up when I fall and carries me when I can't.
God walks behind me and allows me to lead. God pushes me when I am hesitant.
God walks in front of me when I need a leader and beside me when I need a friend.
God loves me. And God gives me what I need to love myself. Thank you God.