It is one of my last dates with myself today. It has felt as if I’ve been suspended between what happened and what is going to happen for the past two months, as I have thought, prayed, and considered what the Lord is asking of me. Today, I accepted a job to work as a server at my grandparents’ assisted living home — thus the reason this is one of my last dates with myself. While thrilled to work there, this is my “temporary next.”
I have so cherished and enjoyed this past season of rest. It has felt analogous to a sailor walking on land for the first time in a few months, or that stumble/walk sensation that can describe those first steps out of bed in the morning. It has been slightly unnatural, while seemingly familiar. It has been an adjustment and daily transition to practice what was learned on the field in American life. A perfectionist to my very core, I have been challenged with extending grace in moments I feel utterly unchanged and stagnant, recognizing the ultimate falsity that lies in such thought. Nevertheless, in self-awareness rather than self-deprecation, I must continue to examine myself and invite Jesus to allow me to reflect Him more clearly. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy that renews with every wobbly-stepped morning.
The past two months have been filled with many moments alone (as my mom works). Many dates between God and I. Partial to sun and solitude, I have found activities that incorporate both to occupy my mind and time. If someone read my typical daily agenda, some days it might read as an elderly, retired old man’s calendar rather than my own. Today is one of those days.
So, as I am sitting on a bench in front of a pristinely blue lake, surrounded by fallen orange and red leaves, amidst a gentle yet chilly breeze, under a warm, Olympian (Olympia, WA) sun, I feel it necessary to give one final update and of course, endless gratitude to everyone who ever read this and continues to read, even skim, when the email drops in your inbox.
Feeling called to study God’s Word in closer intimacy and in a formal setting, I am absolutely overjoyed to say I will be attending seminary in the spring. I have applied to two schools — Fuller and Talbot — and I have heard back from one that I have been accepted. I am waiting for the Lord to make it clear which school to attend if accepted to the other seminary. I will be working towards a Master’s degree but ultimately towards a deeper understanding of God. Future plans beyond that remain concealed, so I have to pray that trust in the Lord is amble.
Thank you all so incredibly much for your prayers and your time. I genuinely felt supported. I want to invite anyone who would like to email me with how I could be praying for you ([email protected])!
And one final thing…
In Rwanda I worked with a man named January who so desires to attend college. I have created a GoFundMe that shares more of his story with the intent of helping him achieve a dream, and I would love for you all to read, pray, and if called, donate to him.
https://www.gofundme.com/donate-to-help-january-educate
THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT
