'Me' to 'He'

Almost a month ago, I challenged the youth at my church to do something they were afraid to do. I gave them a personal example where I wanted to write an old friend and reconnect with her. Up until tonight, I was still afraid to do that - and admittedly, I am still afraid - even after sending the e-mail. Within the e-mail, I wrote about some concerns I have about how she has been living her life since our friendship ended. My comment came from an idea I heard this past weekend at Acquire the Fire in Hamilton - where the concept of changing your mindset from a "me" focus to a "He" focus. This idea resonated with me as I reflect on how my life has changed over the past few years after I made that decision to stop thinking about myself first and focusing on God and what He wants for my life.

How do you write to a friend who you have barely talked to for 3 years? I think I spent almost an hour on the e-mail, and re-read it about 20 times before sending it. Even still, it's not perfect - but I know I have to be careful with my wording. I'm also nervous about sending it to her over e-mail, as it would be quite simple for her to press 'forward' and show others what I have to say. But, I guess that's a risk I have to take for the potential of rekindling an old friendship.

Lord, I give you this friendship. I pray that you will be with AW as she reads what I have to say and help her to understand where I am coming from. Be with me as I await whatever response she may have and calm my anxieties. I know that you are in control of this relationship and I am comforted by that. Thank you for all that you have blessed me with in my life and I pray that I continue to look to you for guidance and wisdom as I pursue this friendship further. In your holy and precious name I pray, Amen.

As I reflect on the weekend at ATF - my fondest memory of the weekend was seeing my 'youth' self within the youth from my church that were in attendance. Of course, my hope is that they will not take the weekend as a 'spiritual high' in which they will come crashing down when they come home - but that they will take the fire that has been fanned this weekend and spread it in their home and school life. It was an exhausting weekend, but also a really good time spent with the youth. I continue to enjoy my time serving as a youth leader and have also gotten some experience with leading as my youth pastor has asked me to 'cover' the weekends that she is missing - so it's been fun!

God is good - All the time...all the time - God is GOOD!