After a summer of trips, youth camps, and other outdoor adventures, I am struggling to adjust to working in the office. My crazy travel schedule has finally come to an end and I am in the office all week – trying to remember what it is like to work this normal, yet odd schedule. Last night, I even went to deacon’s meeting thirty minutes early because I had forgotten the time – it had been so long since I’ve been able to attend this monthly meeting. One of the things I miss about teaching is the fresh beginning you have each fall. In youth ministry, everything has to keep running. I survived summer but no rest for the weary. Back to school retreats and the big fall programs are just a couple weeks away. It’s not a bad thing – it just takes some adjusting and the older I get, the longer the adjustment seems to take!!!
Here’s a great little gem from the end of Hebrews 4. Read this: We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He [Jesus] has been through weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:15-16
Take the mercy, accept the help. Wow – that is such a powerful and direct statement. It is very difficult for me to do these things. I don’t like to need help or feel indepted to others. It is a real challenge for me to admit I need help. I feel incredibly vulnerable and out-of-control in those situations. Thankfully, God has allowed me to see this in my life and personality – making me very aware of these flaws. It is something I will always be challenged by in life. But Heb.4:16 serves as a great encouragement. Walk right up to Jesus and get what he is so ready and willing to give – mercy and help. I may wrestle for control for awhile, but I’ll admit that it is so liberating and healing to lay it down at His feet and let Christ help me. I am learning over time that this surrending doesn’t make me a weaker person. It makes me a stronger person – a person strengthened by Christ.
In His strength – Melissa
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