Still Needed Forward
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“Looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on…through Christ Jesus, who is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (LB)
I crossed the county line and took a deep breath and sighed. I felt lighter as I released the past thirty years of ministry. I was driving into a new season of life. I prayed, “Thank you, God, for using me to share Jesus and to walk the journey of life for a period of time with those you placed in front of me.”
Seasons of life. We all experience them. Some are short. Some are adventurous. Some are tragic. Some are learning times. Some seem never to end. Through all the seasons, God walks with us and many times carries us through them. I have been in a variety of ministries for the past thirty-five years but lived in the same area of the city. I have officiated at baptisms, weddings, funerals, made thousands of visits, counseled hundreds of people, and enjoyed meals with friends and extended family and people who became family. Life has been good, challenging, sad, amazing, overwhelming, active, and everything in between.
God used me as His servant. I had a purpose and followed God’s plan. Life did not always turn out as I had hoped or planned. But I knew God was still with me. No matter what season of life we are in or going through, God is with us and still uses us and needs us for His Kingdom work. Change is difficult but that is how God created us – to change with the seasons.
I am slowing down the pace of my life while still remaining active in the ministry God calls me. I am tired of traffic, the city life, and the busyness that is praised by society. I want to still serve God and enjoy God’s creation and the people around me. We never retire from God or being used by God.
Life can become overwhelming and busy without meaning and purpose. You follow what others expect and what society deems as important while missing out on the enjoyment and blessings God has for us. Life will always involve hard stuff and seasons of hurt, pain, and loss. Healing and hope usually comes in the quiet and peaceful moments that the fast pace of life denies us. There is still good in this world that comes gently if we slow down and breath in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
I just moved into a small area of town and live on a cul-de-sac. There are currently eight houses on my street. I have already met four of my neighbors on the street and the two that live directly behind me. Everyone has been friendly. We do not have any appliances yet, so I am using a cooler as my refrigerator. One neighbor whom I have known for twenty-four hours is giving me ice each day and letting me keep food in her garage freezer. We just met but already they are helping us. We are sharing God’s love and compassion with each other.
I am grateful God has called me to step closer to my biological family and enjoy this season of life with them. I tried this move a few years ago, but I was not ready to let go and release the busy lifestyle of the city and the memories associated with it. Now I am ready for the quiet and peaceful life while still serving God. I will continue my counseling ministry but mainly virtually. I will enjoy moments with nieces and nephews and siblings and explore parts of the state I have not experienced.
No matter the season of life, you and I are still needed and have a daily purpose in life. It may look different than the last season which is good. It was meant to be different. It is releasing control to God and letting God lead. God wants you and me to enjoy the beauty of nature He created and slow down. Get off the merry-go-round of expectations of society and others and find the peace that only God can give. As I was writing these words, I looked out the window and eight squirrels were racing around the trees in my backyard. What a joy to watch!
I am looking forward to walking with Jesus in this season of life. I look forward to being with those God places on my path. I cherish the memories that will always be a within me and that are a permanent part of my foundation.
I hope you look forward. Be thankful and grateful for what God has brought you through and how God has worked through you. God still needs you in this current season of life. Trust Him. Slow down and enjoy the life around you.
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