Half a Century plus 1

On Saturday I will begin my 51st year sojourning on this earth. Thirty or so of those years I have spent following the Lord, some times closely and other times not. I have spent time reflecting on the past and pondering the future. I have begun to look at choices made - both good and bad. At time I wonder how things may have been different with different choices - not better or worse, just different. I have enjoyed seeing how God has used me in a variety of situations to impact the lives of others and thus transforming my own life.

Looking forward it is with a sense of anticipation of how I am going to minister in the next season of my life. As I an finishing up work on my doctorate I anticipate a new chapter of ministry in my life. I think I am beginning to clarify what that my look like.

I am looking for a way to focus my next season of ministry helping people to discover who it is God has created them to be and to help them understand what this means in their life. I am interested in coming along side people, listening to their story, and helping them discover how they can be God's hands and feet and minister to the people around them.

I have some ideas of what this may look like, teaching, spiritual direction, writing, and preaching. I don't know if these things are lay ministries while I continue doing what I am doing now or if there is a ministry setting where I can do these things or perhaps it is starting a ministry of my own. If anyone is in need of a speaker for a retreat, conference or class where I might be able to minister I would love to talk with you.

This has been a fun exercise for me, reflecting on where I have been and how God has been a part of it and then ponder the future and what God may have in store for you. There is a spiritual formation exercise called "The Grand Examen" that takes you though four questions that help you ponder these things. This exercise is a great faith builder and helps give definition to how you are wired and what God may be calling you to do.

It's What Happens In The Middle

I have a rather simplistic educational philosophy: I know where we're starting, I know where I would like to end, and what happens in the middle is where the learning happens. This is the philosophy I think about when I'm a teacher, when I'm a learner, when I'm a sojourner in life. It goes from a single class period, to an entire course, through a degree program, and then spills over into life.

You see it is in the middle between the start point and the end point where transformation can happen. This is where we can journey together,to come along side each other and edit each other stories.

One thing about the journey, we have to be willing to follow it, flex with it, and at time endure the hardship of it for change to happen. We might have one idea of where a particular journey is taking us, but God may have another plan in mind. We need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we travel through life.

As a teacher I read the students, as a learner I listen for God's promptings, and as a sojourner I wonder what's around the next corner as I travel the path I call life.

The question I leave with you is "What's happening in the middle to you?"