New Beginnings

My first post of 2013 is somewhat nostalgic. But it also looks forward to what may come. Such is the path of all humans in a time of transition. 2013 is certainly that year for me. After 4 1/2 years (5 1/2 if you count the time at Rosedale Bible College), I finally completed my undergraduate work at Millersville University and graduated on December 16, 2012. So 2013 will prove to be my first year without any college courses to occupy the majority of my time and energy. Instead I can concentrate on finally accumulating some net worth by working regularly. Ideally I will also have time for other pursuits (hence my New Year's Resolutions involving blogging, writing, and piano). However, as I look back on my college years, I remember with fondness the many things I learned, the experiences I had, and the people I met and grew to love. I will cherish those memories, but I do not want to go back. It is time to move on with "real life," time to grow up and begin to fulfill God's plan for my life.

Part of God's plan for my life at this time seems to be fulfilling the role of Youth Pastor at my church. Such a role is one I have often envisioned myself in, but I must confess that taking such a responsibility at the age of 24 (almost) is somewhat daunting. I am excited to see what God will do through me, but I am also aware of the great responsibility and accountability that goes along with the role. I am reminded constantly that I am no longer just "one of the guys" in youth group but that I must set an example in faith and maturity for the younger generation. It is time for me to help the current youth group to be a place of growth, learning, and community that I experienced. Part of the role involves working with other Ministry Leaders in the congregation (my father included) to provide vision and leadership in the church as a whole. That group should prove to help guide me along the way, and I'm excited to see where God takes Millport under this new structure.

2013 is certainly a year of transition. I look back with fondness on the past, and I eagerly await the changes in the future. But I must remember that the present is all that I have control over. In the words of C. S. Lewis, the present is where the eternal "now" touches time; the present is where we experience God and where we connect with other people. The past is important as a memorial, and the future is important as a hope, but the present is where my efforts must lie. Day by day, I deepen my walk with God, strive for personal growth, and find ways to change the world one life at a time. Each day is all we have until God provides another. May we all make the best use of the precious gift of the present.