"If my life is broken for Jesus, it is because the pieces will feed a multitude while a loaf will satisfy only a small lad"- Elisabeth Elliot
"Every act of our lives strikes some chord that will vibrate into eternity"- Rick Warren
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Tuesday, February 20, 2007
TwentyFive
I'm going to let everybody in on a little secret. I'll take my "retirement"-like sabbaticals for months - almost year(s) from blogging and then I'll sit here in front of my computer, listen to some fantastic Christian music, and be inspired to scribble down some thoughts.
I title this entry "TwentyFive" because of course in 2006 I turned 25 and it turned out to be another year of great change and blessing. I remember waking up on the 5th of September and thinking to myself "I hope I feel this way when I turn 50". A feeling that I could only explain as "truthfully content" or "incredibly blessed" rippled through my entire being. In the last quarter century I reflect on all the trials, the sorrows, taste of tears, defeats, harsh lessons, fears, time that'll never be regained, times my head hung low, the shame, the bitterness, the regrets, the smiles, the laughs, the victories, the encouragements, scents of memories long gone but not forgotten, the foreign lands, the achievements, the accomplishments, the friends, the family, the loves, the accolades, the beauty, the music, the miracles, the gift of LIFE ... and at the end of day I continue to be in awe of bewilderment to why things have worked out the way they have in such unexpected but amazing ways.
Here's another truth, at the end of every day I remember God's conversation with the devil regarding Job. Specifically Job 1:10-11. And I wonder if that is state of my faith. I would like to say with every fibre of my being that that's not the case ... but how can I ever be sure unless all that I was given was taken away from me? How can anybody for that matter? I see the poverty (in materials and in spirit) around me and pray that I can be there during those moments to make a difference with everything that I've been given. I see sickness, specifically cancer all around me and can only hope that we will understand that God knows best.
I love working with my teens at my youth group. I'm always excited at the prospect of where they will be when they reach my age. I'm excited alone on just the thought of what they will do on their future campuses. Although Kyrios has been a blessing to me, I find myself missing a fellowship with people my own age. I need somebody to butt theological conversations with (modernist vs emerging church aka post-modernist debates anyone?). Hopefully I'll find a group soon.
Oddly enough there's a small growing collection DVDs on my shelf of past Christmas and Easter Friday Productions that I've directed and/or acted in. I chuckle to myself at how they're so professionally done with their own DVD case and printing and all - I'm quite impressed. Have I the courage to pop one of these in and see myself be someone else (eg: Jesus from 2006 Easter?) ABSOLUTELY not. In terms of that drama ministry I talked about ways back? It's coming to fruition and I'm happy to announce that there's a Creative Ministry Team at TCCC. Our next current project? Easter 2007 Production :)
I've finally learned the pains and joys of being a homeowner and recently, a landlord. In October 2006 I'm the proud owner of (coincidentally) 25 Prince Charles Way, Markham, ON. 2007 I've rented my place out (as painful as it was to let go of a fresh brand new home) to my tenants. I have to say, I learned many valuble lessons when it comes to preparing/maintening a brand new home. *sigh* Until the tenant agreement is up in 2008, I'll just have to pretend that I never owned 25 Prince Charles Way.
2006 I also become the proud owner of a '06 Acura TSX. Beyond my wildest dreams I didn't think it was possible. I prayed and prayed and prayed about this decision for as long as I've been saving for one and after God gave me His stipulations, I walked into Acura Markham and put my 4 years of negotiation skills from Laurier to the test. I'm thankful that after getting $2000 under MSRP, a handshake, and 3 days later, I picked up my first brand new car. I guess it's never been a secret that driving has always been my passion. I've always wanted to own a manual transmission car and now that I do it's such a joy to drive.
Although I'm sure I can write a novel, I think I've demonstrated enough that 2006 has been a big year. I give God all credit to which he is undeniably due. Not to mention only He knows when's the next time I'm going to write another post ;)
posted by Clint at 8:53:00 PM
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