Closure...it's such a weird thing!

Well, tonight has been a weird night. I was showing one of my friends at BTSR the video I made for the students at Holland Road before I left. While I was watching it, there were parts that made me emotional as the memories flooded my mind, but at the same time, there was not a longing to go back to that time and be with "my" students. It's not that I don't miss them because I do. It's more of a knowing that I am where I need to be. While I was at Holland Road, I learned a lot and was able to serve and be served by a plethora of great people. For that, I am forever thankful, but everything has a time and it s my time to be at seminary.

Through this experience, I have learned that there are many stages to closure. For me, I went through a period of no contact whatsoever which was an adjustment period for me and the students and volunteers. Then there was a stage that was strange and uncomfortable at times where everyone was trying to define what the new normal looked like and setting new boundaries. This was followed by a stage of trying to live up to the new standards and staying within the new boundary system. Throughout these stages, for me, there was a longing to be back doing what I had always done. Now, I have reached a new stage in which I can watch and talk about the student ministry and that time in my ministry without a strong longing to be back in that place. For me this is coming to an understanding that God is still at work in my life and the student ministry at HRBC, but us doing a new thing in each of us that is different but great. There may be many more stages that follow this, but ths is the breakthrough that I have come to tonight.

As I think over this situation, I can't help but wonder what else am I holding onto that I need to let go of? What is it that I am not letting go of and thus hindering the work of the Lord both in that area and in me? Where do I need to let go and let God? I challenge each of you to enter this discussion and ask yourself these questions as well.

Self-made

I was reading through my devotion this evening and it was discussing this idea of the self-made man. It pointed out that this concept is a part of the American dream, but in reality it is just that, a dream. So many people have helped to shape us into the people we are today.

As I think back on my life, I realize that God has placed many people in my life to help shape me into who I am today. This list includes my parents, extended family, Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth pastors/workers, bosses, coworkers, volunteers, mentors, etc. this list could go on and on. Words cannot express my gratitude to each of the people who have impacted my life. Without each of you, I would not be where I am today.

I have also come to realize that what may seem like little things can make make a huge difference in the lives of others. Many of the people who have impacted my life were "just doing their jobs", but the reality of it is, it didn't seem like they were just doing their jobs to me. Many times they cared enough for me to let me know I was headed down the wrong path or I was in a state of depression or to simply pray with me for God's guidance.

I leave you with this what have you done to thank those people who have helped shape you into who you are today? How can you be that person for someone else? What are the "little things" that can have a huge impact on the lives of others? What's stopping you?