We are half-way into July, folks. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time seems to fly.
This summer has been NOTHING like I expected, and that is a great thing. I have realized something very important: attitude is everything.
I had in my head that after last summer, I was ready to just embark on the next part of my journey right after I graduated. It was time to jump full force into the ministry that I feel so called to go into (or so I thought). After God told me no about Memphis, I felt so lost and confused. I had never in my wildest dreams thought I would come back to Wichita, but let me just say how thankful I am for the time I have had here.
This summer has been a summer of restoration, healing, essential time, and rest. I had no idea what amazing things the Lord had in store for me, and there is still some time left to enjoy why He had me come home.
It has been absolutely wonderful to spend this time with my family. I have learned how precious and sacred that is, and I never wish to take advantage of that again. I have also gotten to spend time with a friend I have known for many, many years. She has always held a special place in my heart (as has her entire family), but I never fully appreciated our friendship until this summer. She is one of those people that will be a part of my life for the rest of it, and I am very thankful for that. It is amazing how God knows what we need way better than we know ourselves.
I needed this summer, and I didn't even know it.
My heart always aches for the friends that are far away. My friend from Romania told me today that she is getting ready to have a baby!!! I could not be more excited for her. It has been almost four months since I last hugged Roxana, and I do not know when I will get a chance to see her again or that beautiful child she is going to bring into the world. However, I could not be more thankful to have gotten the chance to meet her. Whenever I think of Romania, I also think back to the wonderful friendship I found in a team member from Valley Forge that was with us that week. She and I still get to talk often, and I am thankful for great connections even after only spending a week together. God is good.
And as always, I often think back fondly on Evangel. Even though it was only a couple months ago that I walked that line and received my degree, it feels like ages ago. I miss my friends from there terribly. However, it's amazing how much God has blessed and grown these friendships in spite of the distance and time apart. I could not feel more blessed or more thankful.
I just received news that I PASSED MY CREDENTIALING EXAM!!!! Wahoo!!! The next (and I do believe final) step is the interview. I cannot believe that this process in my life is finally happening. I have dreamed of being a pastor for so long that this feels almost surreal. This is a calling I take with the highest respect and responsibility and feel so unworthy of this great honor.
I also get to go to Bartlesville, OK this weekend to meet the church and staff of Abundant Life Church and discuss their children's pastor position! I am anxiously awaiting the Lord's direction and cannot wait to see where He leads.
So, in a nutshell, life is nothing like I expected it to be, but I am so thankful that I have a God who knows better than I what I need. I feel refreshed and charged after a very emotional last few months before school ended. Evangel and my friends are very much in my heart, and I cannot wait to see where God leads us all. I am thankful that distance does not have to determine the closeness and strength of a relationship. In fact, I am happy that it has made them stronger.
So here I am...blessed and thankful and continually reveling in the greatness of God's plan.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
