The lessons of life would revolve around being a wife, a mom, an employee, a sister in Christ... letting things go, loving more, digging deeper, but no matter what the lesson - it always came back to the main thing - The Word and Prayer.
In several weeks - my beloved Pastor together with Diane will be retiring and moving on to a new chapter - ughhhh - even though we've known this has been happening for quite some time - reality is now starting to settle into my heart and each day that passes by I find it harder to deal with... but I am blessed that I have so many lessons stored in my heart to share with others - so I've asked her to write a little something for my blog and here it is... I pray you are blessed by it... because I certainly was!!!
The last year of my life has been a series of preparing for changes. We are about to retire from working at our church where we have been for almost 25 years and from being in full-time ministry where we have been for the better part of 40 years. We are moving to an entirely different state, with a completely different culture. At least three of my children have changed their jobs this year and my youngest daughter, Lord willing, will become a first-time mother next month.
Most of us DON'T like change. We learn to accept the familiar as a comfortable part of life. Oh sure, we might complain about the weather, or politics, or our job, or even the "drama" at home, but we really draw comfort in things remaining the same.
For the Christian, however, in order to activate our faith we have to leave our comfort zone (the boat) and step out ON the water to learn what Jesus can really do in our lives. My husband and I have moved 16, soon to be 17 times, in our 48 years of marriage. We have experienced God and His faithfulness in so many unbelievable ways. I have watched so many Christians miss out on God's blessings because they were contented with staying "in the boat". All the disciples went on to serve Christ in great ways, but only Peter had experienced what it was like to walk on water. Facing new changes and challenges can be frightening, but God has told us that HE did NOT give us the "spirit of fear".
Since I don't want to hinder God working in my life, or the life of my family, once again I will leave the comfort of the boat, so I can walk on water. Change may not be comfortable, but it IS necessary if we are going to walk by faith. In fact, I kind of feel sorry for those who stay in the boat, because there is a whole other world out there just waiting to show you God's blessings, His miracles, and His faithfulness. Is it more comfortable in the boat? Yep, but it isn't nearly as exciting and fulfilling.
Come on!
Get out of the boat and be amazed at how great it is to walk on water.
In fact, I have to "walk" on the water, because I can't swim.
