But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Branching Out
When I graduated college, I was so excited to
finally
be able to live my life homework-free! It was exciting to know that my evenings and weekends were all mine - to use as I pleased - and I declared to myself that I was done with schooling for good! Through the years I poured myself into a variety of roles - teacher, wife, mother, church and community volunteer, and much more. While these things kept me quite busy and provided many opportunities to serve the church and others, there was always that yearning for something more, until, thirty-five years after my adamant declaration of “never again!” I found myself enrolled in the Brethren Academy’s TRIM program. Today? Many of my friends are talking about retirement, but not me! I am excited about new beginnings and the wide-open possibilities God has in store for me as I serve my first congregation and anticipate ordination.
On this journey toward set-apart ministry, I have been especially thankful for the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) for providing face-to-face learning opportunities and the personal attention and guidance its staff has offered. Thru SVMC courses I met people whose stories paralleled my own and shared support and friendship as each of us navigated toward new lives in ministry.
A seed grows into a productive tree over time. We cannot see it change moment-to-moment or even day-to-day, yet we nurture and care for it so it will be fruitful. In the same way we care for and nurture our human bodies as we grow, but what about our spiritual growth? As the Second Letter of Peter draws to a close, we are reminded not to allow ourselves to stray, but to intentionally make an effort to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Looking back, I have come to realize how every experience I’ve had along the way has played a part in my preparation for set-apart ministry. Being attentive to my daily spiritual life has led me in new directions as my roots have grown deeper, the fibers of my commitment have been strengthened, and various opportunities have encouraged me to branch out over the years.
How has God been present in your everyday life? How can your experiences be used to the glory of God? Take time to nurture your roots in Christ. Be ready to branch out in new directions to glorify God. And embrace the possibilities.
