Beginnings and Endings Aren't Really So Different

(I can't imagine there are too many of you out there who actually frequent this blog on a regular basis, but if there are, I should begin by apologizing to you. It's been far too long since I've taken the time to sit down and share my thoughts and life with you, and as that is the main purpose of this blog, you have my apologies. Now, to the main event...)

Have you ever come to a point in your life where you've stepped into a new adventure? Maybe it's a new job, moving houses, moving states or even countries, advancing your education, or pursuing that dream that you set on the shelf years ago. Do you remember what it feels like? The whirlwind of emotions, both good and bad. Do you remember the confusion you felt? Asking if it was the right choice.

Well, I took the first step into a new adventure today. For the first time, I moved away from home for the summer, nine and half hours from home to be exact. This summer I've been given the immense opportunity to intern at Hephzibah Children's Home in Macon, Georgia and experience a glimpse of the future I feel the Lord calling me into. Words can't describe how grateful I am that I was chosen to partner with the individuals here at Hephzibah this summer and see the work the Lord is doing through them in the lives of teenagers in the heart of Macon. But like all new adventures, I've got some worries eating away at me as well.

I'm here, in my apartment for the summer, waiting. Waiting for a roommate to come home for the night. Waiting to meet my other roommate tomorrow. Waiting to find out what exactly I'll be doing this summer. Waiting to meet the residents I'll be working with. Waiting to see how the Lord is going to challenge me. Waiting to see if I'll be strong enough to take on the challenges He throws my way. Waiting.

I hate waiting.

Yet I am reminded in the Word that patience is valued by the Lord. Paul tells the church in Colossae in the third chapter of his letter to, "[p]ut on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12).

Right now, I am called to wait. As I put behind a school year that tested me in many ways and grew me in areas I was unaware I needed to grow in, I look ahead to a summer that I imagine will do the very same thing. The end to a hard year, though it was filled with beautiful friendships and the Father's great Love, brings me to the beginning of an unknown summer where friendships can carry over and the Father's Love is everlasting.

My prayer for this summer comes from the lyrics of Steve Fee:
"Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory.
  Take my life and let it be Yours."

If you think about me this summer, I ask you to pray those words alongside me. I think the Lord has great plans in store for me and for you as you read this. Let us allow ourselves to be used by Him for His Kingdom, for we serve a very great God!