The Journey

In yesterday’s post, I mentioned how I have been one of those to struggle with the journey part of the sweet spot.  I can think of about a hundred quotes and lines from songs to insert here.  “Life’s a journey, not a destination.”  “Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.”  “It’s my life, it’s now or never.  I ain’t gonna live forever.”  Well, maybe not the Bon Jovi one, but you get the picture.  I thought I’d share a wee bit of my journey  – or some sweet spot moments.

I used to think that the call of God on my life would be some sort of promotion.  A final destination where I stepped into His ultimate plan and walked out my dreams and passion for Him.  I have felt a call into ministry since I was a youngin’.  For a long time, I waited for that glorious day of graduation into “the ministry.”   I’m glad I’m not waiting for that day anymore.  I’m not ready to reach some self-created destination.  Once I get to the end, it’s over.  It really is about the journey.

After I finished college (Go Panthers!), I began teaching school.  For four years, God allowed me to pour into young minds.  Scary, I know.   I could not begin to count the multiple opportunities I had to minister to some pretty amazing kids during this time. 

I soon felt God leading me to go work for my dad full-time, and I left the educational field.  I was in a wonderful position to really see how each ministry operated, and I fell in love with every part – from the local missions to the Sunday morning worship.  Before I knew it, dad’s notes were on the screen for all to follow.  But, I certainly learned much more than I gave.

By the end of 2002, I gave birth to my firstborn.  And, he became my most important mission field.  In 2003, I married Kris and moved to Oklahoma.  And in 2004, Anna Banana made her debut.  Talk about a mission field!

Thanks to the conveniences and luxuries of the internet, continuing to help dad and the ministry of Eagles Way Church has been possible.  Each week, he sends me his notes.  I edit and add to them.  He scratches off my insertions, and still does it his way.  But, on the rare occasion, he lets my thoughts ride.  On occasion. 

I started this blogging thing.  It’s a ministry of some sort – minus the spider stories, road trip adventure recaps, and C.I.A. radar fears.  I hope that I am able to show a little bit of a big Jesus from time to time. 

My greatest ministry is to my husband and children.  Jesus knows that there is no greater call than being a momma.  My ministry to and with Kris is always an adventure.  You should have seen his face when he realized that Samson and Delilah were not from Kentucky.  And, the story of Jonah was not a Disney movie.  Of course, he still denies the authenticity of Jonah.  “No way a man can live in a big fish”, he says.  It’s the only Bible story he refutes, so I just leave it with the Holy Spirit.  Good luck, Holy Spirit.

That’s about it for now.  Am I doing what I thought I would be doing ten years ago?  Not exactly.  And, am I living where I thought I would be living?  Heck no.  But, it’s my journey.  And, as along as He remains at the center of it, I’m okay.