Sometimes the memories bring up things that make me smile. Most of the time this is true. Sometimes the memories are bittersweet. Other times I am simply in amazement that "that was then, this is now".
Today is one of those days.
The first memory up in the feed is from February 9, 2015. On this day last year I was starting my final required semester in seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary. It also happened to be the day that I had my interview in Alcoa, TN for the BOM. That meant going before a group of people who had read all my paperwork, seen my preaching video, and answering questions-- all for the purpose to see if I was ready or not to become a Provisional Elder.
This is what I wrote last year: "Today is a big day for me. My final seminary semester for the M.Div. begins. I am taking 9 credits. Today is also my interview for Provisional Elder in the UMC with BOM in Alcoa. Thoughts and prayers are welcome and appreciated."
Oh, yes.... for the first semester in my seminary career I finished out with a full load. And part of that load was a course in exegetical Hebrew. I went out in style. Woo hoo! (I made it by the way. I graduated in May. ☺)
I posted this picture as a reminder to myself to focus that day:
Whatever happened on that day, I was going to praise God and make a joyful noise. This picture above is taken at the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge where I like to go for hiking, walking, or just sitting on the rocks by the water. It is one of those places to connect with the Creator.
A year ago today I didn't know how that interview would go nor did I know how that semester with 9 credits would go either. All I knew to do then was to take it moment by moment and step by step. That is how I attempt to live-- each next clear step that I have, I take it. If there isn't a clear step, I will stand still and wait. In fact, I've learned to stand still in the chaos. You know, when things begin to swirl so crazy around you that you can do nothing else? Stand still. I've learned that by standing still in the chaos, things will calm down eventually and then I will see the next step. It's a paradoxical way to live. It's a both/and way of living. Yet, it's how I've come to live into following Christ, the leader of paradoxical and both/and living.
Today as I reflected back upon a year ago today, I wrote this: "A year ago today I began my final required semester in seminary and had my BOM interview. It is amazing that I am 8 months into the journey of being a pastor."
Yes, it really is amazing to me that I am 8 months into the journey of being a pastor. I think back to so many conversations along the way, so many questions, so much doubt, so many affirmations, so many confirmations. It still amazes me. God amazes me with grace shown to me, with experiences allowed me, with love showered upon me, and with healing along the journey.
It has been quite a year from this date last year and an incredible 8 months so far. I can't wait to reflect on my first full year as a pastor.
Meanwhile, I will sing to the Lord; I will make a joyful noise to the rock of my salvation.
What about you? Where do you find yourself today? Where were you a year ago today? What has transpired in your life in that year? Take it day by day, moment by moment. Just take the next visible step.
May you be able to sing to the Lord and make a joyful noise to the rock of your salvation!
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
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