Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Seizing the Moment

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's! Now it's time to get down to 2008 and the business at hand.

This time of year I am reminded so many times over of how fortunate I am. I think back to 3 years ago, when Beverly and I walked through a pretty dark valley. Feelings of total rejection -- happening right at Christmas time. Actually, it brought to an end a two-year season of frustration, causing me to lose confidence in myself due to a desert -- a vacuum -- of affirmation for my ministry. I began to wonder if I needed to change professions. I looked into a number of possibilities -- about convinced that I had "lost it."

But God has a way, doesn't He? Through that humbling experience, He has rewarded me with something much better. And I don't think I would have appreciated it nearly as much if I had not experienced the valley of Lake Cities. Where I am now is like a 180 degree difference. After 2-1/2 years, it is still so rewarding each Sunday to be told how much the words I have shared from God mean to people.

So as I find myself 3 years removed now from the pit, I find my heart is healed. Oh, I still remember the dishonesty and the rejection -- but the pain is nearly gone. And I thank God every day for my Decatur church family. I am so excited about journeying with this church for many years to come. And I enter a new year with great anticipation and enthusiasm.

Let's seize the moment!

4 comments:

Josh Ross said...

That season birthed doubts within me as well. Praise God that He was present. I love that Decatur church because of the love they lavish on you and momma!

Melissa Taylor said...

We are thankful that you have come to Decatur as well. I think that God works in wonderful ways - even when we aren't aware of his plan, it all seems to work out!

Anonymous said...

That periord was pretty dark for many of us. However, regardless our personal hills and valleys, God is in control, not us.

Jeff said...

I hadn't seen this when we talked last night. I am excited about what this year will bring to our family on 51. You and Beverly are such a wonderful part of the fabric God is weaving together.