9 years ago today was the beginning of a new adventure in my life. It was a day of great celebration as I embarked on the road of ordained ministry and received the title Reverend!But, the road getting to that point was not an easy one and it is a journey that I often look back upon with gratitude because it truly helped me to be confident in the call God has placed on my life.
When I started Seminary, I was a shy and timid 23 year old, full of more questions then answers about the future and really unsure about what God was calling me to be...was I really being called to be a Minister? I had a fear of public speaking and didn't consider myself smart enough and there I was in Grad School! But, my higher education journey was a fabulous one, I finally felt that I belonged and I was smart! You see, school was never easy for me. All through Jr. High, High School and even in College I struggled sometimes just to get a "C" but at last, this time, I was in a place where I loved learning and I was even excelling academically (much to my surprise!)
After a semester of Seminary under my belt I embarked on my journey to Ordination. As I began this journey I felt confident that God was leading me in this direction. I wasn't sure exactly what the end result would be for I was still filled with lots of questions and lots of doubt but still confident that this was God's path for my life.
So began the heartbreaking journey! The process was really filled with my struggle to walk in the confidence of God's call upon my life to ministry and then to demonstrate that sense of call to others. Needless to say it was a difficult 3 years as I continued to fight with the "powers that be" every step of the way. It often felt as though I was taking one baby step forward and two giant steps back, continually running it the brick wall that was shifting and changing to block my every move.
Finally, as an almost 29 year old confident Seminary graduate, on November 18, 2000, I finally reached the other side of the wall and was able to look back upon that journey as one of growth, confidence and clarity of my call. Of course I was still filled with lots of questions and few more answers but I knew without a doubt on that day God had called and God had Ordained me...with my family and friends present to confirm it!
So now ... 9 years later, I have served 4 very different congregations in 2 different states. I am almost 38 years old and I think I still have more questions then answers! My life is once again in transition as I seek to be faithful to God's call.
As I enter into this next year of ordained ministry I am looking forward to a new adventure as God continues to direct my path. I am unsure at this moment where that road leads but confident in my call...
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,
serving as overseers—not because you must,
but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;
1 Peter 5:2
