Goodbye 25...

Today, I say goodbye to 25 and hello to 26. A friend asked me during lunch today, how I would sum up my 25th year. I answered and decided it would be a good thing to reflect more deeply here. 

This past 25th year has been one of acceptance. Accepting who I am, where I am, where I'm going. I entered seminary (23) kicking and screaming. I started my first ministry job, terrified and unsure of what I was doing. It's taken 2 years to adjust and accept joyfully that my lots have fallen in beautiful places (Psalm 16:5-6). 

I've learned to accept where I am. I was so insecure about being in ministry, about who I was and what I was called to do. But I'm certain of this road. I can't see myself doing something else. I love ministry and school. I love serving and walking with the people of God, seeing them grow and mature in the grace and love of Christ. I regret the 2 years that I took for granted, but I know that this tension was one that I need to work through. 

I look back on my life and see evidences of God's faithfulness, goodness, mercy, wisdom, sovereignty, and patience displayed all throughout. I see why God chose to close specific doors and open others. Though I question certain things now, I know that He holds my lot and that He will allow them to fall in pleasant places. This post has been particularly encouraging as I reflect on God's character and the grace He bestows for sinners like me. 

I pray for this next 26th year, Lord willing, that it would be filled with even more revelations of Christ and his Word. I pray that He would fill me with wisdom and love that I might outpour onto others. I pray that He would be my joy and delight, that "when all around my soul gives way, He then will be my hope and stay."

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; 

you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; 

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; 

in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me;

because he is at my right hand, 

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, 

and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

-Psalm 16:5-11

The best cake ever!!! A taco cake! c/o Quiz