My Lifesong

What an amazing week!  The HS ministry took it’s yearly Spring Break trip to Panama City Beach, FL, to the Laguna Beach Christian Resort, and I was able to go this year after missing out last year.  We took 50+ students down for a week of fun and worship, and it was a great week, despite all the rain we received while there (and a leaky bus). 

The theme for the week was Identity – who we are in Christ.  The identities we dealt with were I am: An Alien, A Bride, A Child of God & Royalty, Salt and Light, and Conquerors.  I was privileged to kick off the series on Monday by talking about how we are aliens in this world, and I taught with a heaviness on my heart that I had never felt before.  I needed to say what God wanted said, and after I was done with the lesson, the students trekked to the beach on a prayer walk and then had a 30 minute focus time.  As I stood on the beach and looked at the waves coming in, I cried. 

I don’t know why I did.  It wasn’t sadness, but it wasn’t really elation either.  I guess it was the weight of being used by God and the feeling of unworthiness coming out, but at the same time, it was a spirit of thankfulness that welled up. 

Afterwards, I had a few students come up to me and thanked me for the lesson, for speaking to what they were dealing with.  A leader even said that I spoke at a good pace – that I didn’t rush it (I have a tendency to be a fast speaker).  I received more positive feedback at the end of the week when I read the encouragement notes on the way home. 

All in all, God spoke clearly to me.  I’m on the right path, and I am doing the best I can.  I am not perfect, but then again, no one is.  I can only do the best I can for Him.  And on this trip, He made it clear that I am doing what He wants me to do.

We had five baptisms on the trip this year, and I was asked to perform two of them.  These are the first two I have ever done, and I was humbled at the opportunity.  Both students remarked that I was a factor in their decision, and I was moved.  To be asked is an honor, and it was another way that God affirmed that I am doing what He wants.  The other students who got baptized are students who I didn’t know very well before the trip, but I feel that we bonded during the week.  I look forward to seeing them grow in their faith. 

A long, tiring, refreshing, amazing week.  God showed up, God was worshipped and praised, and He was glorified. 

Thank You God for everything You do.